About
For Angela (Byrd) Johnstone, Carroll College was more than a place to earn a degree—it was a foundation for a life centered on service, community, and resilience.
A 1984 graduate with a degree in Special Education and concentrations in Fine Arts and History, Angela was deeply involved in campus life. She served as a Resident Assistant on 3rd Main for over two years, contributed to the yearbook, and embraced the full Carroll experience. Coming from a strong
Carroll legacy family—both of her parents and several relatives also attended—Angela valued the close-knit campus community and the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with classmates and professors.
After graduating, Angela built a remarkable 35-year career in special education. She held a wide range of roles—from direct classroom instruction and group home work to program coordination and district-level leadership. She ultimately served as a Special Education Program Administrator for Spokane Public Schools. Throughout her career, Angela was especially passionate about supporting students with disabilities as they transitioned into adulthood, helping connect them to meaningful work and community life.
“The most rewarding part of my career was working alongside dedicated professionals and families to build programs that truly serve individuals with disabilities,” she reflects.
Angela’s commitment extended beyond her professional role. She served on several community boards, including Vanessa Behan, The Arc of Spokane, and NW Autism, contributing to initiatives focused on advocacy and support for individuals and families in need. Her service has been recognized with multiple honors, including the Joya Service Award, Vanessa Behan Service Award, Arc of Spokane Service Award, and the Michael Murphy Award.
Angela married her husband, Ian, in 1985, and together they built a life filled with adventure, raising their two children, Chancellor and Olivia—whom she calls their greatest accomplishments. After more than 30 years of marriage, Ian passed away unexpectedly in 2015, a loss that brought profound change and challenge.
Through it all, Angela leaned on the strength of her community and family. Today, both of her children are married and thriving, and Angela has embraced new chapters with grace. After retiring in 2019, she launched her own business to stay connected to her community in a more flexible and fulfilling way. She has also found love again with her partner, Joseph Cielak, and continues to seek out life’s adventures.
Reflecting on her time at Carroll, Angela credits the school’s rigorous academics and engaged faculty for preparing her well: “Carroll provided an incredibly rich and well-rounded education. It challenged me to think, engage, and apply what I learned in meaningful ways.”
Some of her favorite memories include early mornings at Saga, biking around Helena, time spent at Charlie’s and Guad, and the everyday moments that made campus life so special.
Today, Angela remains grounded in gratitude. “I have found people to be incredibly generous with their time, support, and love. It is amazing how the community surrounds you in times of tragedy and celebration.”
Her journey is a testament to a life lived in service, strengthened by community, and guided by resilience.
