Staff
Melanie Pitka
TC Learning Coordinator/Teacher of Record
mpitka@hydaburg.k12.ak.us
907-401-3414
Melanie was born and raised in Minnesota, and came to Alaska in 2004 to teach. She has her Bachelor’s of Science in Communication Arts & Literature for Secondary Education, her Master’s in Education for Curriculum & Instruction, and holds her teaching certificate in English and Communication.
Melanie taught mainly Language Arts and Social Studies in rural Alaska. In 2012 she moved with her family to Anchorage where she taught at UAA. She has lived in Wasilla since 2015, which is when she began homeschooling her own children. Melanie has been working with Totem Correspondence since 2020.
Melanie loves and supports anything connected to learning. She is trained in traditional academics, but also practices life-schooling approaches. Her favorite go-tos are: place-based education, play-based education, interest-led learning, makerspace, art therapy, and reading. Her personal hobbies are: traveling, camping, puzzles, reading, board games, outside and in-home projects, and simply spending time with her kids.
Contact Melanie for:
- Program & Enrollment
- Individual Learning Plans, Curriculum and Resources
- Progress Reports, Grades, Samples, Transcripts
- Educational Approvals: Allotment Reimbursement, Vendors, Trips, etc.
Brian Krosschell
Grants Manager
Brian handles most Grants for Hydaburg City School District. He is the one that got our Totem students $150 in books at the end of the 23/24 school year!
Brian received his BA from the University of Hawaii, and his MS from Mississippi State University. He has a wealth of experience: 8 years in grant administration/development/evaluation , 7 years in curriculum and assessment as Director/Coordinator, 8 years in technology as Director/Site Tech, 4 years in staff development, and 7 years as a high school teacher.
Brian’s hobbies are kayaking, sailing, scuba, hiking.
Priscilla Goulding
Federal Programs Manager
Priscilla handles the Federal programs for Hydaburg City School District. She is the one who helps out with Totem’s Migrant Education services!
Priscilla received her BA from the University of Vermont and her MA in Education from Oregon State University. She has 13 years in Adult Education, 7 years in Special Education, and 7 years Federal Programs Manager.
Priscilla’s hobbies include gardening, cross country skiing, and hiking.
Amber Lumetta
TC Learning Accounts Payable
Amber was born and raised in Missouri, but came to Alaska in 2021 with her husband to work in rural Alaska. She has her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and has handled most functions of the business office throughout her career.
Amber lives to help others, is constantly learning and enjoys training others to ensure their success.
Amber enjoys traveling, especially anywhere with a body of water and sunshine. She is an avid reader, loves cake decorating and planning events for special celebrations.
Totem Office
totem@hydaburg.k12.ak.us
- Registration
- Record Transfers
- Vender Application and Documents
- Reimbursement/Payment Processing - Vendors & Families