Artesha (Tess) Ballard has lived in Central Oregon since 2012. She grew up in Bonanza Oregon and graduated from Klamath Union High School before moving north. Artesha earned a bachelor's degree in Human Development and Family Sciences in 2018 and a Master of Arts in Teaching with an added English to Speakers of Other Languages endorsement (ESOL) in 2019 all from Oregon State University. Since then, she has been teaching third grade at Culver Elementary.  

In her free time, Artesha is found enjoying all Central Oregon has to offer. She and her family can be found riding the slopes at the mountains, hiking the trails, or swimming in local rivers and lakes. 

Artesha is a lifelong learner dedicated to personal and community growth. The library is the hub for this learning. Since 2012 she has been interacting with the library as a parent taking part in events and as an educator working towards a partnership to enhance student learning.