New Teachers at Riverside Schools

Suzie Casad 

What subject and/or grade are you teaching?

Pre-K

What is your background?

I was born and raised just down the road in Lovell, and I lived there for most of my life. Life brought us to Basin about 3 years ago. Because I was raised in the area, I know the value of our natural resources and take advantage regularly of our amazing Big Horn Mountains and surrounding areas to go camping, fishing, and exploring with my family. You will also find me in the bleachers cheering on my sons, who are my favorite athletes.

My education background began with a degree in Music

Education K-12 which led me to teach band and choir for 5 years. I took a break from teaching to raise my young family. When my boys were a little older, I re-entered the teaching force in an early childhood classroom as a teacher’s assistant. I decided that I loved teaching the littles, so I pursued an early childhood endorsement. I then taught preschool with Head Start for 11 years. I was ready for a change of pace, so I became a SPED para at LIE for a year and a half. During that time, I earned a Teaching Elementary certificate which allows me to teach grades K-6.

What inspired you to become an educator?

I love to learn, and being a teacher gives me the chance to be a lifelong learner as well as hopefully instilling that love to learn in the children I teach. My favorite thing is to see the students’ eyes light up when they are able to grasp a new concept and then use it in their daily activities.

Why did you want to teach in BHCSD #4:

When I started working in the district as a paraeducator, I could tell immediately that this is somewhere I wanted to stay. The staff is friendly and so helpful. They have fun together and brought me right in to that fun. They are a family that has welcomed me in with open arms, and I love that about this district. I can tell they value the education of their students, and I am proud to be a part of that. The opportunity to teach Pre-K here at LIE came up, and I jumped on the chance to use all of my training and skills to help these kiddos build the foundation they will need throughout their schooling.

Jay Montanez 

What subject and/or grade are you teaching? 

I will be the Middle School Special Education teacher at RMHS. 

What is your background? 

I grew up in Lovell and graduated from Lovell High School. For the last 6 years I worked as a paraprofessional in the Lovell school district (3 years at the high school as a special education para, and 3 years at the elementary school as a Behavior intervention Para). 

I recently finished my degree in Special Education through Western Governors University. 

What inspired you to become an educator? 

I have had multiple teachers throughout my educational career that were very inspiring and made a huge impact on my life. 

Why did you want to teach in BHCSD #4: 

I know multiple teachers in this district and have heard the best things about BHCSD#4. It is such an awesome opportunity to be a part of such a strong and close-knit community.

Nikonia Nabozney

What subject and/or grade are you teaching?

I am teaching Middle/High school English.

What is your background?

I was born and raised in rural western Montana. I received my bachelors in English and History from the University of Montana in Missoula, and my masters in History from Eastern Washington University.

I moved to Bozeman in December 2021 and began teaching in September 2022 at LaMotte School, where I taught middle school English and Social Studies for three years. Then, in July 2025 I moved down from Bozeman, MT to Cody, WY. I took a year off from teaching, got married, then found this gem of a school here in Basin, WY.

What inspired you to become an educator?

My grandfather is truly the one that inspired me to become a teacher. He grew up in Depression Era Philadelphia, PA, and he did not have access to the resources or education that I had growing up, and by being a teacher, I feel that I honor his memory in the best way possible, giving students the education they deserve, no matter their circumstances. He had a passion for many things, reading and history, and I shared that passion with him, and I hope to foster that same enthusiasm and creativity in my own students going forward.

Why did you want to teach in BHCSD #4:

I wanted to teach in BHCSD #4 because when I moved to Wyoming, I felt as if I was starting over, and when I found Riverside Middle High School, it felt like coming home again. The size and sense of community that I have already found here feel welcoming and supportive in ways that I never could have imagined, and I cannot wait to be a part of it.

Matthew Schlichting 

What subject and/or grade are you teaching?

I am teaching CTE for grades 6-12. The specific classes I am teaching are Woods, Computer Science, Drafting, and Drones.

What is your background?

I was born and raised just over the mountain in Buffalo. After graduating high school there I completed an Associates degree in Software Development through Sheridan College. From there I went to U.W. and completed my bachelors in Career and Technical Education. 

In my free time, I enjoy woodworking, and fixing things, riding my motorcycle, and heading to the mountains. 

What inspired you to become an educator?

Leaving Sheridan College I had a conversation with a former teacher, and through that conversation I decided to go down the road of teaching Computer Science. I am very lucky that I also get to teach woods in conjunction with bringing two hobbies into the classroom. 

Why did you want to teach in BHCSD #4:

During my interview I was amazed at how kind all the staff I met was. It was very clear to me that this school puts students first, and that is the kind of school I wanted to work for.