UPDATED: Former Staff at North Middle School in Great Falls Charged with Abuse

UPDATED: Former Staff at North Middle School in Great Falls Charged with Abuse

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By KFBB News Team

Five Great Falls families say their worst nightmare has come true. They believe their special needs children suffering from autism, cerebral palsy and down syndrome were abused while in school and their conditions prevented them from speaking out. Two teachers aides are now facing felony charges accused of severely abusing the children.

Last year Julie Parish and Kristina Marie Kallies were a teacher's aides in the special needs 7th and 8th grade classroom at North Middle School. Now both face charges of assault on a minor and endangering the welfare of children. There's a warrant out for Kallies arrest but so far police haven't been able to find her. Parish was arrested this weekend and in court this afternoon (10/19).

Parents of the children say today's charges are just the beginning of the story.

"We trusted these people,” said a tearful Tiffonie Schilling, mother of 14-year Garret Schilling who suffers from autism.

Her son is the victim named in court papers charging the two teachers aides.

"He was having water boarding like torture done to him on a frequent basis,” Schilling said.

According to witness accounts during the last school year Garrett was subjected to much more than water torture. Another student says he saw, "the teachers make G.S. [Garrett] eat his own vomit" while a substitute teacher claims Garrett was "left sitting in his own feces for approximately half a day." Garrett is non-verbal, so his mom can't ask him about the allegations.

"A child who can’t defend himself, it’s a huge violation,” she said.

Schilling says the experience is her worst nightmare come to life.

“It’s very hard to think about,” she said.

Today Julie Parish was in Cascade County Court facing felony child abuse charges. The courtroom was full of parents who say their children were also abused.

“I am more than sure he was locked in a closet,” says Trinette Pepos about her son.

Mark and Rikki Saali say their daughter was, “hit with pens…she had a welt on her neck from that and she also told us she got hit with a pan in the head.”

Molly Gillis says her daughter, “came home on numerous occasions with bruises, bit marks, burnt fingertips, missing hair.“

So far five families are pursuing charges but 12 students were in class.

“There’s probably more out there and all of the kids need counseling- every last one of them,” said Mark Saali.

The school district says the women resigned after the charges were made and they are cooperating fully with the police investigation.

Tom Moore, Assistant Superintendent of the Great Falls School District says, “The district is saddened by this. We don’t condone mistreatment of students that’s not what were about in Great Falls Public Schools at all and as soon as we get reports or information about these kinds of things we investigate them thoroughly and if need be turn over information to the authorities.”

Parish has posted a $5,000 bond and is back in the community. If convicted the teacher’s aides face a maximum of five and half years in prison. Parish is expected to answer to the charges in two weeks.

The Cascade County Attorney's Office adds the investigation remains ongoing and more charges could follow.

Download the court documents here.

Stay with kfbb.com and NewsChannel 5 at 5, 6, and 10 for the latest on this developing story.

Friday, Oct 23 at 10:06 PM Concerned wrote ...

I'm with Mr.Wilson,this matter needs investigating. Superintendent Crawley's statement about Budeau not being in the district,that's typical,move people or let them go. Make it somebody elses problem. Maybe Crawley should tend to business here instead of going to Seattle. Your Job Is Here!!!

Friday, Oct 23 at 8:57 AM NOGF wrote ...

I can attest to the vindictiveness of another sped teacher, this one in Bozeman who not only abused children in a previous position, but actively and successfully destroyed the lives of paraprofessionals who called her on it so that if they blew the whistle they were the ones who were made to look vindictive. It's an atrocity. There should be cameras in sped classrooms because these children cannot speak up for themselves.

Friday, Oct 23 at 1:21 AM LAURIE wrote ...

BECAUSE I WAS TO SLOW OF DOING MY WORK IN HER ROOM

Friday, Oct 23 at 1:19 AM LAURIE wrote ...

I HAND A SPECAIL ED TEACHER FROM JUCTION ELMAINTRY SCHOOL NOT THE AID THE TEACHER WOULD MAKE ME PUT MY HANDS IN A FIST AND POP MY NUKLES WITH A RULLER AND TAKE THE KIDS THAT COULDNT TALK INTO THE BATROOM AND BEAT THEM WITH A PADDLE ABOUT 4 INCHES THICK YALL SHE WAS GOING TO PADDLE ME

Thursday, Oct 22 at 8:42 PM concerned tax payer wrote ...

what else is the district hiding, they better look real hard at the administation , if she in town and not Seattle

Thursday, Oct 22 at 2:15 PM Mom of two wrote ...

The special ed room at NMS always has more than one teacher in there and volunteer students. Teachers and students passing in the hall can look in... if this was happening it was happening in front of alot of people and more than these two women should be convicted... Also the parents of the children should have come forward a long time ago if they suspected anything, that is your JOB as a parent!! The whole thing makes me SICK!

Thursday, Oct 22 at 2:02 PM Kayla wrote ...

Don't believe everything that you are told to believe, it is all hearsay. People are to quick to point the finger at someone they dont know.... I know Julie personally and she is a truely great person and she loved those kids and her job dearly. Im a parent and if my child were coming home with possible abuse signs I know I would have said something to the school right away not 6 months later

Wednesday, Oct 21 at 5:57 PM Christian wrote ...

Thats Horrible

Wednesday, Oct 21 at 2:15 PM jim schoenmaker wrote ...

Is babtizing also waterboarding ?????

Wednesday, Oct 21 at 12:29 PM Virginia wrote ...

I worked as a teacher assitant in special needs. The clients that I worked with were the most loving and caring people I ever knew. They were adults. One of the aids was fired because the clients didn't lke him. The special ed teachers never came into the classroom, but the manager did make muptiple improptue visits. It sickens me to think that any of the children would be abused. I have seen abuse in hospitals,which I worked at, and every nursing home that my sister has been in.

Wednesday, Oct 21 at 11:39 AM Phillip wrote ...

This goes on more than we know...not just in Montana. It happens in Oregon too. My autistic son was locked in closets, came home with bruises, and hated going to school. Another autistic boy in the next town had his head held underwater repeatedly. It is rare that a witness will come forward. I admire the ones who have in this case.

Wednesday, Oct 21 at 8:49 AM Ed Andrews wrote ...

Basic English mistake in first sentence; "Great Falls families say they're worst nightmare ...", "they're" should be "their".

Wednesday, Oct 21 at 7:52 AM D wrote ...

A disgusting commentary on the state of our world. I have a brother with Asperger's Syndrome.

Wednesday, Oct 21 at 6:49 AM duh_swami wrote ...

'Innocent until proven guilty', is only good in court. Out of court the public is permitted to form an opinion...It's best to see what the evidence is before forming one...unless you are an eye witness, in which case you already know who is guilty...Question...If the children's injuries were not done by these women, who did do them?? The allegations against these women will all come out in the wash...

Wednesday, Oct 21 at 3:56 AM Chaz wrote ...

Innocent until proven guilty. So far it seems like accusations and hearsay. Don't forget the day care center witch hunts back in the '80s.

Wednesday, Oct 21 at 3:02 AM A Mother wrote ...

What type of parent would allow their child to come home more then one time with a burn, bite etc. on them--I don't get it-wouldn't happen to one of mine-- and this went on how long! HUMMM very interesting!

Wednesday, Oct 21 at 2:16 AM Ceecee wrote ...

My big question is where were the teachers while all this was going on? In the 1990's I worked as a substitute teacher's aide with special needs kids in Washington state. As I remember it, the teachers were always around. What did those teachers do? Did they just sit passively by and do nothing? Did they go on six hour coffee breaks? When I worked in this job, there were teachers around constantly, so all the aides were well supervised. Not so in this school obviously.

Tuesday, Oct 20 at 7:23 PM Shelley wrote ...

This story literally makes me sick. Why the hell is there all the abuse on Special Ed kids? Are these people predators or are we pushing them so hard they snap? Each special ed classroom needs to be video and audio taped so that parents can feel secure. This is just sick. I hope they throw the book at those so called "women".

Tuesday, Oct 20 at 7:21 PM GF mom wrote ...

Trying to turn this around on the parents...and arguing over words...when none of us knows the whole story...what?? One person comes forward that's one thing...but when several people come forward...sure makes me wonder about it!! I agree put cameras in all the rooms with special needs kids who can't explain what is happening to them!!

Tuesday, Oct 20 at 7:04 PM Cameras wrote ...

Bring on the cameras. It was a video camera tape that saved me from a false accusation from a student. The tape gave the proof that the student was "lying"--(oh no). The tape also resulted in the parent having to pay a court fine for the physical and verbal threats made to me. Yes, I understand the fear..I fear parents who believe their children without getting both sides of the story before storming in and threatening a teacher life. Cameras yes, but will parents give permission for filming?

Tuesday, Oct 20 at 6:54 PM mother wrote ...

comment on Parent's comment: Do you have a child with special needs? Obviously your child is able to communicate otherwise you would not have made this remark. If your child had limited speech abilities. I am sure you would feel differently about trusting these women with your child. The only lives destroyed are those of innocent children, not Julie's, Heidi's, or Kristie's. Were you present at all times to see them care for these kids?

Tuesday, Oct 20 at 6:44 PM mother wrote ...

Commenting on Friends comment: Do you know any of these parents personally? You cannot make a comparison on the kind of care provided by Julie Parish vs. the care these children receive at home. Unless you know these families and how they treat their children at home, you cannot speculate that Julie's treatment of these kids were better than at their homes. Obviously, these kids have parents that care and are stepping up to the plate to do whats right for their child.

Tuesday, Oct 20 at 5:47 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Let's not forget that these para's are innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Are the families being investigated?Let us be careful b4 we accuse people of waterboard torture.This is waterboard torchure from ABC News and CIA-- The prisoner is bound to an inclined board, feet raised and head slightly below the feet. Cellophane is wrapped over the prisoner's face and water is poured over him. Unavoidably, the gag reflex kicks in and a terrifying fear of drowning.

Tuesday, Oct 20 at 3:54 PM anonymous wrote ...

one of the parents that interviewed on KRTV looked like she was high on something her eys was rolling toward the back of her head. she was also trying to hard to shed tears. they are holding their childrens pictures up like their childrens are missing or deceased. this seems like a very dramatic case

Tuesday, Oct 20 at 3:35 PM anonymous wrote ...

I think the family history of these abused children should be investigated aswell.

Tuesday, Oct 20 at 2:20 PM Jim wrote ...

Where to begin. I first heard light of this situation in May, when a para said she seen Julie do this crime five months before. The crime water boarding. My first question was how can someone wait 5 months to turn in this crime, second question was with four people in the classroom wouldn't someone else seen the waterboarding. Maybe a family member called the shillings are looking for a little $$$$. If someone seen these crimes five months ago are they quilty for not turning these people in

Tuesday, Oct 20 at 1:55 PM sick to my stomach wrote ...

they need to look into all the schools. I know that CMR puts the kids in closets for punishment.

Tuesday, Oct 20 at 10:35 AM K & A wrote ...

Bring on the cameras! The majority of teachers are hard working, devoted individuals who are taking the rap for a handful of others. I am sure those who are doing their professions wouldn't care a bit if they are being watched! Also, DJ is another child, not an adult! Take it easy!

Tuesday, Oct 20 at 10:30 AM not surprised wrote ...

it does not surprise me that this happened in the great falls school district. the administration does not care about our children they only care about the bottom dollar. I have had many talks with the administration with my children and their mistreatment in the schools and they do not care.

Tuesday, Oct 20 at 8:53 AM GF Mom wrote ...

Some of these comments make me sick to my stomach!! I am pretty sure if anything happened to your kids your opinions would be totally different! And thank you to the whistle blowers...better late than never...it's not like the school district supports the people that come forward to defend our children!! And if I was an innocent person I wouldn't resign or run?!

Monday, Oct 19 at 11:24 PM anon wrote ...

Ya.... DJ if that happen so long ago and you did not say anything does that not make you guilty also....

Monday, Oct 19 at 11:19 PM Granny wrote ...

I think it time to put camera's in the all the classrooms. The kids will never be the same no matter how this turns out and they are the importing ones in all this mess. If they are innocent, why did one teacher run for?

Monday, Oct 19 at 11:14 PM Just the facts Jack wrote ...

Whoa! Who put the cart before the horse on this one. Rein in a bit folks. Last I heard an individual is innocent until proven guilty still stands as the the law of the land. TV hype, raw news coverage, fake tears and pictures of children always brings ratings---did you hear the one about the kid in the run-a-way UFO balloon? Turns out it was a scam. Lets wait until all the facts are in-----then opine to your heart's content. Until then Shhhhh!

Monday, Oct 19 at 10:55 PM K & A wrote ...

People, forget the news! Read the court affidavit so generously provided by our news stations. This is where all the proof comes from. Media is media (we all lived through O.J.), pay attention to the cold, hard facts! Innocents are the children! Blessed be the ones who can't be heard! I hear the truth coming through adults trying to absolve themselves from their responsibility by shirking their actions with lame defenses! Read the court pages!

Monday, Oct 19 at 10:55 PM friend to friend wrote ...

this whole thing is just not cool at all I have been through all these comments and some of them are harsh and cruel you have no business saying things like you do so look in the mirror before you speak about others like you do kids are more important and they deserve better than that have a nice day who likes to criticize others not cool at all.

Monday, Oct 19 at 10:10 PM Anon wrote ...

I have worked in the field of caring for disabled, If this allegations are true then I feel for the children but if not well then.......wow, shame on the parents....

Monday, Oct 19 at 10:10 PM MEL wrote ...

DJ-- Why didn't you say anything? You contributed to the problem by allowing this to happen for so many years.

Monday, Oct 19 at 9:52 PM anna wrote ...

All of this arguing is just great,,, Has anyone just stopped to think of the children involved they are the true victims regardless of what happens to these women the children involved lose either way and really what parent would ever want to suffer through this unless they believed it to be true? What about the children ?? Think about them My prayers go out to them and their families

Monday, Oct 19 at 9:39 PM anon wrote ...

This is so unbelieveable. Don't jump to any conclusions until there is some kind of evidence. This woman is not a very good character witness especially after her 5 minutes of fame today.

Monday, Oct 19 at 9:39 PM other parent wrote ...

Hmmmm - tom - you are the Tom C mentioned in the court papers. Kind of obvious.

Monday, Oct 19 at 9:18 PM Concerned Citizen wrote ...

Good point GHS how come the other parents did not come forward tell now....

Monday, Oct 19 at 9:16 PM Elizabeth wrote ...

I was mortified when i watched the news tonight. Julie doesn't deserve to have such slander put upon her and she should not be shamed. I read the court papers and it's full of holes and hear-say. Julie, keep your chin up. We all know you're innocent and we support you 100%

Monday, Oct 19 at 9:14 PM Anon wrote ...

Sounds like some lawyers trying to make a name for them self, sure is a long time frame before actually conviction and with no real evidence....

Monday, Oct 19 at 9:08 PM Concerned wrote ...

This is only one of many things that the district has covered up over the years. Maybe its time to clean house

Monday, Oct 19 at 9:07 PM K & A wrote ...

To the friend who replied to "Court Papers" claiming it hear say. Hear say is what someone else tells you NOT what you confess yourself. Budeau confessed that vomit may have been left on G.S.'s tray and that is how he ate it. My point is, wouldn't an advocate for ANY child replace his tray with a clean tray with new food? HELLO! It doesn't take a rocket scientist to figure this out. Also, witness depositions are not considered hear say! Kudos to the witnesses and their bravery!

Monday, Oct 19 at 9:04 PM GHS wrote ...

They jump the gun all the time and if there is solid evidence were is it .... and with the negative media to back them and work on the emotions of the public why not take a high profile media case....

Monday, Oct 19 at 9:00 PM mother wrote ...

GHS, do you honestly think that the county attorneys office would bring charges against these women if they had no evidence?

Monday, Oct 19 at 8:58 PM Anon wrote ...

Destroying peoples lives over hear say....shame on all of you money hungry people....

Monday, Oct 19 at 8:55 PM GHS wrote ...

Had a thought.... what ever happen to innocent until proven guilty? And sense when is hear say evidence. And true how can this be a fair trial with all the negative news media. Sounds to me like money is powering this....It really is to bad and why did all those parents wait tell now to bring to light what has happen to there children. I am losing faith in the Great Falls School system....due to how they throw employees under the bus, are they not suppose to be there for there employees.

Monday, Oct 19 at 8:55 PM Amanda wrote ...

So sad that these woman are being crucified without any evidence. Big mistake going on the news telling your "so called" story lady and your fake crying and no tears. Let's check into this mother's history before we go after innocent people.

Monday, Oct 19 at 8:54 PM mother wrote ...

I think you all should be ashamed of yourselves for making these remarks. First of all if your child had suffered any abuse you would do the same thing these parents are doing. Secondly, you do not have all of the facts, and thirdly, the lives that were destroyed were not theirs, but rather the lives of children who have to live with the aftermath of this abuse. As far as looking at evidence, it will more than show how awful these teachers were and how wrong it was to abuse these kids.

Monday, Oct 19 at 8:44 PM Parent wrote ...

As a witness to how the classroom was run and a parent, I would have absolutely no problem of any of the women accused of looking after my child. I completely trust Julie, Kristie, and Hiedi. I know they care about the children they cared for and I agree with a previous comment that the people accusing them should be ashamed for trying to destroy their lives.

Monday, Oct 19 at 8:12 PM joe wrote ...

one of the ladys us to be my teacher fore 3 years. i do not believe she abused the children. i believe the parents and studies are lying to get famous.

Monday, Oct 19 at 6:52 PM Laura wrote ...

What the hell happened to innocent until proven guilty?

Monday, Oct 19 at 6:49 PM One who knows wrote ...

I had a similar problem with a school (unnamed)and my disable son. My son was terribly abused more so than the cases that aired on todays news. And I wittnessed abuse being done to other disabled children.

Monday, Oct 19 at 6:41 PM Friend wrote ...

While you're looking at the court papers, why don't you have a look for any evidence and not just hear say. I hope Rosie and jennifer like their 5 mins of fame, because it'll come back at them.

Monday, Oct 19 at 6:36 PM K & A wrote ...

Accidentally eating vomit because it might have been on his food? Too convenient! I can understand an accident happening, but G.S. didn't deserve a clean tray? Would this Budeau eat her lunch with vomit anywhere on her tray? Doubt it! And as far as her being a great woman, let's remember her own words from the court documents. Rosie Combs is a true advocate for children with disabilities and was presented with a horrible job. The truth is out. Prayers to all hurt.

Monday, Oct 19 at 6:04 PM Friend wrote ...

To the people railroading an innocent woman, you should be ashamed of yourselves. Julie Parish cared for and loved the children she worked for, sometimes better than the care they recieved at home. You're buying into a personal vandetta that Rosa Combs has against female paraprofessionals. There is no evidence, and this is ridiculous.

Monday, Oct 19 at 5:19 PM friend wrote ...

Dear John, might want learn how to spell "trial" der!

Monday, Oct 19 at 5:16 PM ann wrote ...

Do you all really think the district attorney would take on a case like this without a solid undeniable case? You are all sitting here defending these people without even a second thought.

Monday, Oct 19 at 5:11 PM Sandy wrote ...

There is way more to this than some of you know about. Trust me if a child is abused it is bad as a mother it is something that one never gets over. My son was abused by a daycare provider when he was 3. It's awful- trust me.

Monday, Oct 19 at 5:08 PM anon wrote ...

there can be no fair trial now with all the press coverage

Monday, Oct 19 at 4:39 PM Tom wrote ...

I worked with these women, and I can tell you this is not true.

Monday, Oct 19 at 4:34 PM John wrote ...

mother of disabled child1, you can call them the worst of the worst but give them a fair trail first. THey will be found innocent in the court of law because they did nothing wrong. These women were fasley accused. This will be brought out in trail.

Monday, Oct 19 at 3:50 PM charity wrote ...

let's remember (whether these allegations are true or false) that children are a gift from God and should never be treated as animals!!! if this is true, I am disgusted as a mother

Monday, Oct 19 at 3:41 PM mother of a disabled child1 wrote ...

Lets also remember dean that there has been a six month investigation into all the the allegations and many people have been interviewed and have all said Julie and Kristie are not these wonderful citizens you are painting them out to be. All of the allegations have been checked and re-checked. Julie and Kristie as well as two others in the classroom are the worst of the worst!!!!!

Monday, Oct 19 at 3:24 PM dean wrote ...

Lets remember that Julie was a para of the year canadate this year. She has a seven year excellent record and these allegations have only been since April. Rossie Combs did made a complete mess of something that none of these teachers did. Ask for the real truth before blaming three truely great women of wrong.

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