Teachers & Staff

Mr. Chris palmer

Principal

Mr. Palmer has been an educator since 2005. He began teaching at PCMS in 2011 as a science and math teacher, he taught for one year at Royal Oaks Elementary School and 5 years at Chico Christian School.

He earned his Multiple Subject Credentials at Concordia University Irvine and Mathematics Single Subject Credential at the National University.

His hobbies include exploring the outdoors and rock climbing but especially spending time with his wife Ashley and their two sons. However, one of his greatest passions is to work with young people and help them excel in and out of the classroom.

MRS. amy behlke

6th English & history 

Mrs. Behlke has been an educator since 2000 after receiving her degree at CSU Chico. She has had various teaching positions and began her career at Paradise Unified. She was in Magalia for 2 years and Paradise Intermediate School for 11 years & has been at PCMS ever since. She enjoys reading, hiking, and teaching. Amy was recognized at the 2020 CUE North State Outstanding Teacher of the Year.

Mrs. Behlke and her husband and two sons live in Chico, but enjoy visiting their hometowns of Sierra City and Downieville, nestled in the mountains.

MS. CHLOE PATTON

7th & 8th SCIENCE

Ms. Patton has been an educator since 2017. She received her Science and Health Science degree and teaching credentials at Chico State. At PCMS, Ms. Patton teaches 7th and 8th grade Science. She is all about sharing her passion for science with her students through interactive learning materials and hands-on lessons. Ms. Patton encourages her students to think like scientists. “Be curious, patient, persistent, and open-minded to the world around you.” 

Beyond working at PCMS, Ms. Patton loves to spend time gardening, painting, trying out new recipes, and hiking around in Upper Bidwell Park in Chico. 

MR. Brian Faith

7th history & 8th history

Mr. Faith earned a BA in History from CSU, Chico in 1995, and his Teaching Credential in 1996.

He earned a Master’s Degree in History from CSU, Chico in 2016. He began his teaching career in 1996, all of them at PCMS.

He enjoys music, bicycling, motorcycling, and spending time with his family.

Mr. Todd Lanam

7th & 8th MATH

Mr. Lanam has been teaching at PCMS since its inception in the fall of 1995. In addition to teaching  7th grade Mathematics, 8th grade Science, and Physical Education, Mr. Lanam is the Athletic Director and has coached all the sports offered at PCMS at one time or another. 

Currently the 8th grade Boys Basketball Coach. He received his degree from CSU Chico and his teaching credential from Chapman University. Mr. Lanam enjoys numerous hobbies including competitive softball, fishing, biking, kayaking, cooking, fitness, and DIY projects.

MRS. Yvette Kolstad

7th & 8th English

Mrs. Kolstad has been a teacher at this amazing school since 1999! She received her degree at CSU Chico in 1998 and her Master’s degree in Education in 2013. She participated in the Northern California Writing Project in 2009.

In 2018, her friend and colleague Mrs. Amy Behlke and herself attended The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) held in Chicago IL.  They were able to bring back lots of innovative ideas relating to incorporating technology in the classrooms.  She will treasure this amazing experience always!

Mrs. Kolstad’s hobbies include traveling, learning new things, and playing with her grandbabies!! 

MR. Dustin Miller

6th, 7th, & 8th PE

Mr. Miller received a bachelors degree in Kinesiology PETE (Physical Education Teacher Education) from Chico State in 2022. He is currently in the credential program to get his single-subject credential and is teaching as an Intern here at PCMS. He has taught in education for 2 years but is now in his first role as a teacher with his own classes.

His hobbies include swimming, playing pickleball, fishing & hunting,  and spending time with his friends. He is always interested in spending time outside and getting moving. However, his passion is to teach the students why physical activity is important to help their physical, mental, and emotional health. His goal is to get every student to find activities they find enjoyable and would want to continue to do outside of school.

MS. Hovey

6th Math & Science

Miss. Taylor Hovey

REsource Teacher

Ms. Hovey has been an educator since 2019, receiving her Multiple Subject and Education Specialist credentials from CSU Chico. She spent 3 years teaching at Capay School in Orland, with job descriptions ranging from 7th grade (all subjects) on Zoom to 6th-8th grade math in a brand new middle school program. She was born and raised in Paradise (even having Mrs. Behlke as her 6th grade teacher!), so joining the PCMS team feels like coming home. In addition to teaching, Ms. Hovey coaches Volleyball and Girls Basketball. 

Outside of school she can be found spending time with her family, attending local music events, reading, running at the gym, and finding new activities to compete in. Her goal is to set a positive example for her students to always strive to be their best selves and leave all places better than they found them. 

Jennifer Duran

office manager

Jennifer joined PCMS staff as the part-time Assistant Office Manager in January 2022. In August 2022, she became the School Office Manager.

She has previously served as Chair of PCMS’s Governing Board from 2017-2020, and then again in 2021.  She has many years of experience in Paradise Schools volunteering and leading other volunteers in many programs for the last 11 years. Her love for children has kept her active in many youth related programs throughout those years. 

Jennifer enjoys spending time with her 4 children and husband. She loves to travel, outdoor activities, and especially anything Disney.