Samantha (Sam) Pike is a Truancy Project Specialist with Prevention Services.

How long have you worked for ESD 112 and what does your job entail?

I have worked at ESD 112 since June 2016. I’m a Truancy Project Specialist and work with youth involved in the truancy process in the Evergreen and Camas school districts.

What do you like best about your job?

I love working within several schools and with a diverse group of adults and kids. And home visits all over the county—we will find D.B. Cooper yet.

What do you find most challenging about your job?

Trying to remember bell schedules and early releases for a dozen schools.

Single? Married? Kids? Pets?

I’m the single mom of one awesome 4 year old boy. We’re debating pets currently, so far they are all imaginary.

What do you enjoy doing with your free time?

My very favorite activities are dancing ballet and trying new restaurants (get the tvorog vareniki at Kachka in Portland, you’ll thank me later). This spring and summer I’ll add home projects to the list as I’m a newly minted homeowner.

If you could live in a book, TV show or movie, what would it be?

I’m a big fan of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy universe. They have daily struggles and sometimes oppressive conditions, but they also have a knife that toasts bread while it slices and I want to be a part of that.

If you could master one skill you don’t have right now, what would it be?

Men’s suit making. I’ve been an amateur sewer for years and I really admire good tailoring and garment making but it is incredibly challenging.

If you could play one instrument you aren’t able to now, what would it be and why?

The fiddle. I grew up playing many instruments but never mastered the violin, and fiddle players always seem like they’re having so much fun.

Which instruments do you play?

I learned/played piano, cello, guitar, saxophone, bells, and percussion growing up. I still play piano and guitar, but just for fun.

What is the meaning/story behind your name?

My mom really liked the show Bewitched.

What is your spirit animal?

Blanche Devereaux from the Golden Girls.

What’s the song you can’t resist singing along to?

The entire Hamilton soundtrack. And many many others.