We ARE Mill Valley
Administration
Dr. Gail Holder
Principal
Gail Holder serves as the Principal of Mill Valley High School. Gail started her teaching career in Coffeyville, Kansas at Field Kindley High School. From Coffeyville, Gail taught at Shawnee Mission West for a year before returning to her alma mater, Olathe South High School, where she taught English and coached dance for 25 years. After Olathe South, Gail served the Olathe District as the ELA Coordinator and Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning for two years. In 2018, Gail began her time as an Assistant Principal at Olathe East High School where she was the Curriculum and Instruction and Assessment Assistant Principal. After serving the Olathe East community for two years, Gail was afforded the opportunity to serve Mill Valley as the building principal. Gail received her Undergraduate and Masters degree from the University of Kansas, her Ed Specialist Degree from Pittsburg State University, and her Doctorate degree from Baker University. Gail is a strong believer in the power of education and all it offers students both now and in the future. Additionally, she strongly believes that all students can learn, and she will work with students to provide them with the very best that Mill Valley can offer.
Ms. Deb Jaeger
Associate Principal, Curriculum & Assessments
Deb Jaeger serves as an Assistant Principal and Assessment Coordinator. She also works closely with the Special Education department. Deb attended Emporia State University where she earned her Undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and a Masters degree in Special Education and School Leadership. She went on to earn her National Board Certification in Literacy. Deb began her teaching career as a special education teacher at Emporia Middle School. She relocated to the Olathe area where she taught at Prairie Trail Middle School as an English teacher for 18 years. Most recently, Deb served as the Assistant Principal at Mill Creek Campus and the Director of the Summer Academy program in the Olathe School District. Deb is passionate about education and the endless opportunities it provides for students.
Mr. Brent Bechard
Associate Principal & Athletic Director
Brent Bechard is in his fourth year at Mill Valley High School, serving as the Associate Principal and Athletic Director. Previously, he spent four years as the Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Holton High School. Brent began his education career in the Olathe School District as an elementary physical education teacher and basketball coach. A Holton native, Brent graduated from Holton High School in 2006. He earned his bachelor's degree in physical education and health, from Baker University in 2010, where he was also a member of the men's golf team. In 2016, he received his master's degree in school leadership from Emporia State University. Brent has been married to his wife, Beth, for eight years, and they have a four-year-old son named Bruin. When he isn’t on the golf course or hunting, Brent enjoys spending time with his family. They are all big supporters of Kansas Athletics and enjoy attending KU volleyball, football, and basketball games. Brent is extremely excited to be a part of the Jaguar community and looks forward to adding to the successful tradition of Mill Valley Athletics and Academics.
Ms. Erin Kessler, J.D.
Associate Principal & Activities Director
Erin Kessler began her career in education at the Auburn Washburn School District in Topeka, Kansas, where she served as a special education teacher at Washburn Rural High School. After Washburn Rural, Erin moved on to serve as a consulting teacher for special education at Topeka Public Schools. In addition to her experience in the classroom, Erin has served as the head swim coach at Washburn Rural High School for the boys and girls swim teams. She is particularly passionate about empowering students to become all they can be.
Erin is excited to join the Mill Valley High School community and looks forward to supporting students, staff, and families. She is committed to student success and fostering a welcoming learning environment.
Erin received undergraduate degrees from the University of Kansas and Chadron State College, her master's degree from Emporia State University, and her Juris Doctor from Southwestern College. Outside work, she enjoys walks with her dogs, listening to audiobooks, and Pilates.