Bighorn Bulletin

Oasis Academy Welcomes Experienced Educators to New Leadership Roles

As Oasis Academy begins a new school year, two familiar faces are stepping into new leadership roles, bringing decades of combined experience, a deep commitment to students, and a strong understanding of the Oasis community. Mrs. Racquel Feest will serve as Dean of Behavior, while Mrs. Jami Rowlett begins her new role as K-4 Vice Principal.

Both educators have spent 11 years at Oasis Academy and have grown alongside the school, taking on a variety of roles and responsibilities along the way.

For Feest, her connection to Oasis began even before she became an employee. In 2011, she was determined to get her own children into the school and even “camped out” to secure their spots.

She soon became involved as a volunteer, serving as a “Math Fact” mom for students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Her volunteer experience eventually led to a position as a part-time special education aide, which became a full-time role.

From there, Feest moved into the classroom, teaching fourth grade and third-grade math. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she transitioned to teaching fifth and sixth-grade writing before eventually returning to fourth grade and third-grade math. Over the years, she has also served as a National Junior Honor Society advisor and participated in school committees and interview teams.

Now, Feest is taking on a new challenge as Dean of Behavior, where she will work closely with administrators, teachers, counselors, students, and families to promote positive behavior and strengthen relationships throughout the school.

“I believe every child deserves an adult in their life who believes in them,” Feest said. “Over the past few years of teaching, I have realized that many students couldn't access learning until they felt safe, supported, and loved in the classroom. I have learned that behavior is communication.”

In her new position, Feest will support the school’s positive behavior systems, student discipline, restorative practices, and behavioral interventions. She will also help coordinate Child Success Teams (CST), collaborate with the counseling department, support behavior and attendance plans, provide staff training, and organize student awards and assemblies.

Her first year will focus heavily on relationships, consistency, and understanding the systems already in place.

“I’m going into this new position with eyes wide open, and I know we can’t implement everything overnight,” Feest said. “My goal is to listen, collaborate, and build systems that are both effective and sustainable for teachers, staff, and students.”

That focus on collaboration is something she shares with Rowlett, who is also stepping into a new administrative role after years of serving Oasis students and teachers.

Rowlett is beginning her 25th year in education and her 11th year at Oasis Academy. She started at Oasis as a first and second grade reading teacher, helping young students build confidence and strong literacy skills.

She later became an instructional coach, working alongside teachers, providing classroom support, mentoring staff, and helping strengthen instructional practices and student achievement. Last year, she was promoted to Director of Academics.

This year, Rowlett begins a new chapter as K-4 Vice Principal.

“I look forward to continuing to work alongside our teachers to support high-quality instruction, foster professional growth, and ensure that students remain at the center of every decision we make,” Rowlett said. “As a school community, we must never lose sight of our mission: improving lives through opportunity.”

Rowlett’s commitment to that mission is rooted in her belief that education is about more than academics.

“One of the greatest joys of my career is supporting students throughout their educational journey and celebrating the progress they make along the way,” Rowlett said. “It is an honor to be part of a school community that is so deeply committed to improving lives through opportunity.”

While their new positions have different areas of focus, both Feest and Rowlett share a common goal: creating an environment where students can thrive.

For Feest, that means helping students feel a sense of belonging and understanding that education extends beyond academics.

“Education isn’t just about teaching content,” Feest said. “It’s also about teaching children to develop the skills that are essential to be successful in life—communication skills, empathy, responsibility, resilience, and problem-solving.”

Rowlett’s focus will be on supporting teachers and students in the elementary grades while continuing to strengthen the collaborative culture that makes Oasis special.

“Oasis Academy is truly my home away from home,” Rowlett said. “Our dedicated teachers consistently go above and beyond to ensure the success of every student and the continued excellence of our school.”

Both educators also point to relationships as one of their favorite parts of being part of the Oasis community. Feest treasures the opportunity to connect with students through humor, compassion, and genuine care. Having had her own children attend Oasis, she has seen firsthand the impact that a caring teacher can have on a child.

“I really feel like I’m with my family all day long, and I’m so grateful to work with an amazing staff every day,” Feest said.

Rowlett similarly describes Oasis as a place where staff work together to meet the individual needs of students.

“Most importantly, Oasis would not be what it is today without our students,” Rowlett said. “They take great pride in our school, work hard each day, and continually inspire those around them with their determination and growth.”

For both, the goal remains the same: supporting a school community where students feel valued, teachers feel supported, and every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Outside of school, both educators enjoy spending time with their families and pursuing activities that help them recharge. Feest enjoys traveling with her husband, spending time with her children, reading, and baking. Rowlett enjoys time at the lake, making memories with her family, tending to her garden, and reading.