Meet Our Administrators
Allison Hillstrom - Principal
Hello CMS Tigers!
I am thrilled to be part of Team Centralia. I am starting my 14th year in education. I taught middle school and high school math for 8 years, and am now entering my 6th year as a school administrator. Prior to being hired as the new CMS Principal, I served as the administrator for CSD's alternative high school, Futurus, and the 7-12 STEM/AVID Director. If I'm being completely honest, middle school was my first love as an educator and I'm excited to be part of a vibrant and highly skilled team at Centralia Middle School. Middle school is a crazy, complex, and incredible time for students to develop and prepare for high school and beyond and I'm here for it! We have amazing students who all deserve to feel belonging, believe they can achieve their dreams, and are supported to be and do their best.
My husband of 33 years and I are empty nesters except for our two adorable Westies and my elderly mom who lives with us. We have two amazing boys and daughters-in-law. I hold a BA in Sociology with an emphasis in education, an MEd in Curriculum and Instruction, as well as an MEd in Instructional Leadership. My favorite things are hanging out with my dogs, camping, walks on the beach, and hanging out with family.
Please reach out to me anytime with questions, comments, or concerns. I enjoy connecting with families and am happy to have a phone call or meet in person. I'm excited to partner with you and make CMS the best possible middle school experience as we work together to prioritize all students, uphold high expectations, cultivate collaboration, and champion hope.
Email: [email protected]
Work cell: 360.506.4202
Scott Gagnon - Assistant Principal
It's a great day to be a Tiger!
I am starting my 3rd year as the Assistant Principal at CMS. I know I may look young but, with 12 years in the field of education along with coming from a family of teachers, I bring a wealth of knowledge and ideas to help the CMS “community”. I say community because at CMS we are our own community within the greater Centralia and Lewis County areas. From my very short time in this position I know Centralian’s all have pride in this town and likewise, should have pride in the place where our children spend a third of our childhood and young adult life. I strive to make CMS a fun, exciting yet safe and nurturing where learning is capable of great lengths. In that, part of my philosophy as an administrator is, you have to enjoy where you “work” to really perform to your highest potential. In that theory, I believe school is the primary “job” of our students. Without enjoying your place of work it will be much more difficult to learn and create a strong, positive environment where ALL students are capable of learning.
I am always willing to meet with parents and students that have concerns and welcome any opportunity for feedback. Please feel free to reach out to make an appointment to discuss concerns and/or offer help!
I look forward to continue building and growing with each of you throughout this year and for many years to come.