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3 New SRTS Coordinators!

Mar 20, 2025 | News

Join us in welcoming 3 new SRTS coordinators!

Lara McCormick – Rogue Valley SRTS Coordinator 

-What made you want to become an SRTS practitioner?
As an avid cyclist, I am passionate about getting kids on bikes and outdoors in general.  I’m excited to be in a position to help more kids experience the joys of biking and walking to school.
– What are you most excited about for the upcoming school year?
In addition to fun events, I’m looking forward to getting a Walking School Bus or Bike Train organized and going on a regular basis.
– Do you have any favorite memories of walking or rolling to school?  
I personally rode the bus for elementary school, but I remember one day my sister and I decided to walk to school instead of riding the bus.  We stopped by our friends’ houses on the way and four of us walked together.  This was of course a naughty thing to do, since my parents had not given us permission, but I remember how great it was to walk in the fresh air, be with my friend, and not have to be on the bus.  We still got to school in plenty of time and I don’t recall if I’ve ever fessed up to my mom.  In junior high I lived right across the street from my school so I had the shortest commute.  I just had to walk across the street.  This time it was allowed!

Ian Rees – Centennial School District SRTS Coordinator

– What made you want to become an SRTS practitioner?
I have an extensive background in educational instruction, but fell in love with transportation while pursuing my Master’s degree in Public Administration
– What are you most excited about for the upcoming school year?
I am helping build this program from the ground up, and I am most excited to see how it takes shape as we engage each individual school and strategize a unique implementation plan to meet their needs.
– Do you have any favorite memories of walking or rolling to school?  
In 5th grade, I was riding my bike home from school and was knocked right off the seat by a very close lightning strike. A local law enforcement officer saw it happen and put me and my bike in the back of the squad car and gave me a lift home.

Michelle Rhoads – Bend-La Pine Schools Active Transportation Coordinator

– What made you want to become an SRTS practitioner?

I’ve been a life-long practitioner and believer in walking, biking and really, any safe and active way to get around.  My new role is a natural fit with my personal and professional passions, values and experiences.

– What are you most excited about for the upcoming school year?

It will be exciting to see positive outcomes over time, as students and families explore and embrace walking and rolling to school.  Bonus points when walking and rolling are incorporated into their family lifestyles in addition to their school commutes!

– Do you have any favorite memories of walking or rolling to school? 

I was fortunate that I walked and biked to school most of my school years.  My friends and I would meet up along the way, thereby creating our own active school bus even before it was “a thing!”  Even as an adult, I walked or rolled to my university classes almost every day.  Being active consistently prepares me to greet each day with enthusiasm.