Our Staff

Dr. Michael R. Hanson, Principal & English Language Arts Teacher

Dr. Hanson graduated from a very small high school in southwestern Minnesota and attended his first couple of years of college at South Dakota State University before transferring to Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis (IUPUI) where he earned his BA in English. He spent time as a bicycle guide in Alaska and a US Park Ranger/EMT in Colorado before coming to Wyoming to teach English in 2005. Dr. Hanson has a master's degree in Education from Montana State University and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership from the University of the Cumberlands in Kentucky. He taught in both Baggs and Lander, Wyoming as well as Plymouth, Minnesota before arriving at Buffalo High School in 2011. He co-founded New West High School with Tara Hall in 2019. In his free time, Dr. Hanson enjoys playing guitar, running, and reading. He lives in Buffalo with his wife, Kari, who teaches kindergarten at Meadowlark, and his two girls, Horizon and Auggy.

Tara Hall, Math & Science Teacher

Mrs. Hall grew up in Iowa and graduated from the University of Wyoming with a degree in Secondary Science Education. After graduation, she spent many years teaching science in Texas and Colorado and received her Master’s degree from Montana State University – Bozeman. In 2010, Mrs. Hall and her husband, Joe, decided to return to Joe’s hometown of Buffalo to raise their family. She taught both math and science at Buffalo High School from 2011-2019. She is excited about continuing to work with students in a more collaborative, project-based, and personalized learning environment at New West High School. Mrs. Hall enjoys traveling and spending time with her husband and three children – Gabi, Maya, and Jacob. She also heads outdoors as much as possible to run, ski, or hike.

Sacha Gossard, Social Studies Teacher

Mrs. Gossard graduated from high school in a small town in Idaho, earned her associate’s degree from NWCCD in Wyoming and her bachelors degree from Regis University in Colorado, with her degree in Secondary Social Studies.  Mrs. Gossard has worked with students in Buffalo since 2004 as a substitute teacher, paraprofessional, and teacher.  She and her family enjoy skiing in the winter and being outdoors year round.

Julie Heil, Counselor & Special Education Teacher

Mrs. Heil grew up in Colorado and Wyoming and graduated from the University of Wyoming and Texas Tech University with degrees in Elementary and Special Education. Mrs. Heil then spent several years teaching very young children with emotional struggles. After completing an MA in Clinical Psychology from UI&U-Vermont, she worked in New York State as a clinician at a large foster care agency and as an assault victim advocate. In 2006, Julie and her family returned home to Wyoming where she taught at the Wyoming Girls School and then Buffalo High School. Mrs. Heil is thrilled to be a part of New West High School, combining two of her professional interests:  specialized & inclusive education and positive mental health practices. Julie and her husband Steve, who teaches art at Buffalo High School, love to travel, explore the outdoors, kayak small and big bodies of water, and are constantly trying to keep up with their adult children, Evan and Rowan.

Sam Bayliss, Culinary Arts Teacher

Chef Sam Bayliss has been teaching culinary classes for New West High School since we opened our doors in 2019.

Eric Anson, Paraprofessional

Mr. Anson grew up in Southern California and graduated from California State University Sacramento with a degree in Communication Studies. He then earned a Multiple Subject teaching credential From Chapman University in Orange, California. Mr. Anson taught 2nd, 4th, 5th and middle school students during his teaching career in California. Mr. Anson and his wife, Linda decided to move to Wyoming in 2016 to be closer to her family. Mr. Anson is enjoying interacting and helping with the academic progress of the students at New West High School in a unique personalized learning environment. In his free time, Mr. Anson enjoys fishing, hiking, and home improvement projects.

Anna Burbank, Student Success Coordinator/Homeless Liaison

Ms. Burbank was born and raised in Gillette, Wyoming. She graduated from Black Hills State University with a bachelors in K-12 Art Education. She also received a Masters in Instruction and Curriculum from Lesley University. Ms. Burbank spent 7 years teaching elementary art in Gillette before moving to Buffalo and joining the New West High School crew. She spends her free time creating, reading, and traveling.