Bighorn Bulletin

Gertsma Joins First and Second Grade Team

Trish Gertsma is joining the Oasis Academy first and second grade teaching team for the 2026-27 school year. Gertsma will be an English Language Arts teacher, bringing several years of experience and a passion for helping young learners discover a love of reading and learning.

Gertsma’s vast experience comes from previously working in both support and classroom roles in education. 

"I started my career in education as an aide, and later worked as a substitute teacher," Gertsma said. "For the past six years, I have taught at The Honors Academy of Literature in Reno, NV. I have taught Kindergarten through second grade combination classes. I also taught elective courses to grades 3-8th."

Her decision to become a teacher was inspired by the educators who made a lasting impact on her own life.

"I chose a career in education because I wanted to be just like the teachers who made me love going to school every day," she said. "They made learning meaningful and enjoyable. My goal is to be a positive role model and help my students develop a genuine love of learning."

As she prepares for her first year at Oasis Academy, Gertsma says she is excited to join a school with a strong reputation for student success and community involvement.

"I have heard many wonderful things about Oasis Academy and have met several students who speak highly of their experiences," she said. "I am eager to see the school community in action and become a part of it."

Outside the classroom, Gertsma stays active through martial arts. She has trained in jiu jitsu and muay thai for the past 10 years and recently celebrated another milestone by opening Greenwave Fight Sports here in Fallon, Nevada with her fiancé.

"I am a brown belt in jiu jitsu and have been training for 10 years," she said. "My fiancé and I opened our gym a year and a half ago. I have enjoyed becoming a part of the Fallon community."

She also enjoys giving back by volunteering with the nonprofit organizations Girls in Gis and 3 Eye Blind Animal Rescue. When she's not teaching or training, Gertsma enjoys spending time with her family and caring for her animals.

"I look forward to meeting everyone at Oasis Academy," she said. "If you see me around campus, please feel free to say hello. I am pretty new to the area, and I would love to hear about your favorite things to do in the area."

Special Education Team Welcomes Kayla Muller

Special education teacher Kayla Muller will be joining the Oasis Academy Bighorn Herd for the 2026-27 school year.

The upcoming school year marks Muller’s ninth year in education. 

"I am starting my 9th year in education," she said. "All nine years have been working in special education."

As she prepares for the new school year, Muller is eager to become part of the Oasis Academy community and work alongside fellow educators while building strong connections with students and their families.

"I am looking forward to becoming part of such a supportive school community and building meaningful relationships with my students, their families, and my colleagues," she said. "I am excited to help every student grow while continuing to learn alongside an amazing team."

Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending quality time with her family. She and her husband have two young children, ages 2 and 5, along with their family dog. In her free time, she also enjoys reading and spending time outdoors.

Oasis Academy Prepares Class of 2028 for Success During Junior Night

Oasis Academy juniors got a head start on preparing for a successful school year during Junior Success Night. On Thursday, Aug. 6, members of the Class of 2028 and their families gathered to explore valuable resources, learn what to expect during junior year, and gain practical tools to help them succeed both this year and be ahead for their senior year. 

The evening focused on the academic, organizational, and college-readiness skills. Throughout the presentation, students learned how to stay on track during their junior year while building a strong foundation for college admissions and scholarship opportunities.

A major emphasis of the event was creating and maintaining digital portfolios. Students were encouraged to begin organizing important documents, including letters of recommendation, transcripts, and building a strong resume, records that will be valuable throughout the college application process. They also participated in scholarship brainstorming activities, learned about scholarship opportunities, and received guidance on writing powerful personal statements.

Families were also introduced to the college admissions process, with a brief overview of what students should expect during their junior year as they prepare to apply for college during their senior year.

The evening concluded with a presentation by Kathryn Whitaker from Western Nevada College, who shared information about the junior-year dual enrollment program. Whitaker explained what the juniors can expect from their college courses and the resources available to them through Western Nevada College.

“The class of 2028 is fully prepared for their first semester in full-time college course work,” said Andy Lenon, Lead School Counselor. “They are such a fun class with great attitudes and work ethic. Junior Night draws back on skills they learned in educational psychology, and I have full confidence they are ready to go; they are an absolutely amazing class.”