DeeDee Hanes comes from a family of five girls- born within seven years of each other!! Born in Idaho, the youngest of the five daughters, DeeDee's family moved to Alaska when she was just three years old. She well remembers being stuck in a major snowstorm and having the Alaskan Highway Patrol come and rescue them! When DeeDee was in the fourth grade, her family moved to Seattle as a result of her dad's job transfer. Her father has passed now, but was in pharmaceutical sales. When in the 8th grade, DeeDee moved once again with her family, this time to the Portland area. Graduating in 1980 from Aloha High School, she then went on to Oregon State for five years, taking time to participate in an exchange program with the Univ. of Delaware. DeeDee met her husband Rick while in college. Rick was two years older and from New Jersey. Graduating in 1985, DeeDee earned her Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Reading. She started her first job in 1986 in the Gresham/Barlow District and then married her college sweetheart. Rick and DeeDee welcomed their son Andrew into the world in 1988. As a soon to be family, they moved to Corbett just two weeks before Andrew was born. DeeDee said she would not recommend moving just prior to giving birth, to anyone! Her and Rick have loved the rural lifestyle Corbett offers. Originally, they moved in right across the road from her sister, but have since moved to another home in Corbett. Before daughter Krissy came into their family, DeeDee and her family of origin purchased and ran the Royal Tea Garden in Gresham. For three years the family operated the Tea Room before closing the chapter on that adventure. DeeDee then went back to teaching and daughter Krissy was born in 1993. She began teaching in private schools and also became a breast cancer survivor in 1996. It was in 1998 that her neighbor, Michelle Dawkins mentioned that a part time position was opening up at the Corbett Middle School for a Reading Specialist. DeeDee was hired, and then moved to the Corbett Grade School the following year. After holding many positions at the grade school and having many years of experience, in 2012 she became "just" the Corbett Grade School Principal. For years she juggled many roles, simultaneously! In 2006, DeeDee was an assistant administrator and a teacher. In 2009, she was a full-time administrator, special education director and the grade school principal! During these years she also helped raise two children who both graduated from Corbett High, and she earned her Master's of Science degree in Education Administration with a special endorsement in Special Education.
DeeDee loves to cook and entertain, mostly for her extended family of almost 30! Her mom is still living locally and is very connected with their large, extended family. Rick has been the Supervisor of Horticulture at the Portland Zoo for the past 28 years and is continuing to coach the Corbett High School softball team. Andrew is living in LA and working, while Krissy is finishing up her college degree. DeeDee says she loves being an empty nester with Rick, as they enjoy exploring local attractions. Corbett is blessed to have such a warm and welcoming principal who is also an amazing role model for her staff as well as students!
