We are WASA

We are WASA is a portion of our weekly Turn2 message, designed to help us stay connected and focused. Each edition features a We Are WASA member spotlight, where we ask a different member each week about what is motivating them at this time. The aim of We are WASA is to keep us all connected, keep us motivated, and reflect on our reason for doing this work. Take some time to explore some of our highlighted members below!

Meet Erin Prince
Superintendent, Central Kitsap School District

How do you build trust and engage your community?
"One of the most important lessons I’ve learned as a leader is that trust grows through understanding and authentic relationships. That belief led us to create our District Ambassadors program in 2022–23, following a time of deep division and strained trust in public education.

We are in year four and our fourth cohort of community members who experience the real work of our schools and district for themselves, not just through headlines, social media, or second-hand conversations. This means stepping inside our schools, learning about district operations, exploring funding realities, and hearing directly from students and staff. When people feel connected to our district and our employees, they are more likely to ask thoughtful questions, share accurate information, and help strengthen trust across the broader community. Ultimately, our goal is to create a large network of informed and engaged community ambassadors who are willing and able to share their knowledge with their networks and continue to advocate and support our public schools.

We’ve recently developed proposals to present this program at upcoming conferences, including WSSDA, AASA, and NSBA, and I look forward to continuing the conversation with educational leaders and board members across the country.

(If you’d like to learn more about the CK Schools District Ambassadors program, please reach out to Dr. Prince directly at erinp@ckschools.org.)"


Director Denise Tracy presents during the first CK Schools District Ambassadors meeting.

District ambassadors on an electric school bus as part of an Operations Service Center tour.

Read the rest here. May 26, 2026

Meet Betty Lopez
Executive Director of Special Services, Selah Schools

What Gives You Hope?
"Providing meaningful, high-quality educational opportunities for every student is the driving force behind my work. I believe individuals thrive when they feel a sense of belonging and purpose. Throughout my years in special education, I have collaborated with dedicated staff and families to support students with disabilities in discovering and expressing their unique strengths.

While challenges such as funding limitations, staffing shortages, and conflict are part of the system, they are balanced by powerful moments of growth and joy that reaffirm the importance of this work. Whether it’s a student sharing a joke with a peer through assistive technology or celebrating the confidence that comes with achieving a personal goal, these moments highlight the impact of collective effort.

It is through consistent, intentional actions—often small and daily—that we create lasting change and empower students to truly thrive."

Read the rest here. May 5, 2026

Meet Barb Casey
Director of Special Education, Walla Walla Public Schools

Why do you do this work?
"I do this work because I believe deeply that every student deserves to be seen, understood, and supported for who they are, not just measured by how they perform. Special education sits in a unique space at the heart of equity, access, and opportunity, and I’ve seen firsthand how the right support can completely transform a student’s trajectory. What grounds me and keeps me in this work is the dual honor of creating systems that truly see and support every child, particularly those the world has too often overlooked.

When I have seen public education live up to its promise: 
I see public education live up to its promise in moments when teams come together around a student and refuse to give up. So many moments that happen in our schools do just this: a teacher who adjusts their practice to meet the needs of a student, a paraeducator building trust with a student who has struggled to feel safe and connected, or a family who finally feels heard at a meeting. It’s in those collaborative, student-centered moments where barriers start to come down and access becomes real and tangible. These are moments that don’t often make headlines, but they are happening daily and they are the promise of public education in action. 

What gives me hope about the future of our schools:
What gives me hope is the people! We have so many educators who continue to show up with commitment and creativity, even in the face of real challenges. I’m also encouraged by the growing understanding that inclusion is essential, not optional. We are having more honest conversations about what students need to succeed, and we are starting to design systems to reflect that in Walla Walla. There is still a lot of work to do, but I see momentum and that gives me hope that we can build schools that truly work for all students."

Read the rest here. April 21, 2026

Meet Dr. Greg Schwab and Dr. Helen Joung
Assistant Superintendents, Edmonds School District

Stronger Together
"In Edmonds, we have the privilege of working side by side to support 34 schools and their principals. Early on, we jokingly combined our names, Greg and Helen, and “Grelen” was born. The name stuck because it reflects the way we approach the work, intentionally aligned in how we support principals and the schools they serve.

We both see our role as providing strong instructional leadership for the principals we supervise. That means staying connected, comparing notes, and ensuring the guidance we provide is consistent and focused on what matters most to students.

At the same time, we bring complementary strengths to the work. Helen is skillful at school improvement planning and helping principals focus on the instructional strategies that move student learning forward. Greg brings a strong operational lens, working closely with departments like facilities, maintenance, operations, and technology so schools have the systems and supports they need to function well."

Read the rest here. April 7, 2026

Meet Linda McKay
Deputy Superintendent and Tribal Liaison, NCESD

What gives you hope about the future of our schools?
"I am hopeful because I see what’s possible every day in our schools. I am blessed to witness the care, compassion, rigor, and opportunity educators provide students and families. Schools are creating environments where every student feels safe, seen, and heard—surrounded by caring adults and wraparound supports. They partner with families, elevate student voice, and prepare learners for careers we have yet to imagine. Public education remains our greatest equalizer, developing the next generation of leaders for our communities, state, nation, and world."

Read the rest here. March 24, 2026

Meet Katie Virga
Executive Director of Student Learning, Highline Public Schools

What gives you hope?
"I believe public education can—and should—be a welcoming community of learning that prepares every student for the future. We know there are real barriers to making that vision a reality, and we also show up every day ready to do the hard work. I serve in this role because I believe that when we create the right conditions, we can support and inspire educators to work together with shared purpose—building systemwide collective efficacy with a clear focus on our most vulnerable students.

One of the reasons I love working in Highline is that our promise — every student is known by name, strength, and need, and graduates prepared for the future they choose — is not just a statement on paper. It’s a commitment we actively pursue in our decisions, our systems, and our daily work. I’m inspired every day by the dedication I see in our schools, and I can’t imagine doing anything else."

Read the rest here. March 10, 2026

Meet Randy L. Russell
Superintendent, Freeman School District

What gives you hope?
"What gives me hope about the future of our schools is the people who continue to choose this profession and this calling. Every day, I see educators who are thoughtful, resilient, and deeply committed to students, even in the face of increasing complexity and expectation. Our leaders are willing to reflect, adapt, and learn, understanding that growth—both personal and organizational—is essential to meeting the needs of today’s students. Our students give me hope. They are empathetic, capable, and eager to contribute to their communities in meaningful ways."

Read the rest here. February 24, 2026

Meet Ralph Watkins
Superintendent, Wahkiakum School District

How do you celebrate success?
"I celebrate student and educator success stories by creating opportunities for them to share their achievements with the whole community. I believe this has to be done intentionally and should be built into how we operate as a school to ensure there is a process for celebrating our success and telling our story. I personally make it a point to acknowledge individual accomplishments publicly, whether through community events, special announcements, or personal notes of appreciation, so everyone feels valued and inspired."

Read the rest here. February 3, 2026

Meet Sonia Nicholson
Executive Director of Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Multilingual Services, Federal Way Public Schools

What Gives You Hope?
"What gives me hope is watching students light up when they feel seen, valued, and supported for who they are. When systems are built with students’ strengths at the center, real possibilities open up. FWPS launching Washington State’s first Korean two-way dual language program is one example of this work in action, where students grow in biliteracy and families feel welcomed as true partners. These moments remind us that hope is not abstract, it is built through intentional systems, strong relationships, and a shared belief in what students can become."

Read the rest here. January 20, 2026

Meet Michelle Kuss-Cybula
Superintendent, Oak Harbor Public Schools

What Gives You Hope?
"When things get difficult—unfunded mandates, appeal hearings, funding uncertainty—it’s easy to lose sight of my why. But hope shows up in the moments that matter: a student in a Life Skills classroom cracking a joke with a communication device, a struggling freshman passing all their classes, a transitional kindergartner beaming because they can read my badge. These small victories remind me that I do this work for our students. And when our staff and community lean into hard things together, we grow stronger. That shared purpose is my why and my hope."

Read the rest here. January 6, 2026

Meet William Jackson, Ed. D.
Executive Director of Teaching and Learning, Bellevue School District

What Gives You Hope?
"Our Bellevue School District educators and support staff! All roles involved in ensuring students are loved, cared for, and encouraged to succeed. From our transit operators, custodial staff, classroom teachers, instructional assistants to school and district leaders. It truly gives me hope observing how everyone is working tirelessly to create the conditions for engagement, learning, and student success!"

Read the rest here. December 9, 2025

Meet Janell Ephraim
Assistant Superintendent, Vancouver Public Schools

What Gives You Hope?
"What gives me hope is seeing our VPS community grow stronger through every challenge by living our core values of safety, community, integrity, equity, love of learning, and belonging. I see it in so many places. I see it in the way educators collaborate with our Family-Community Resource Centers to ensure families’ basic needs are met, and in the way our administrators lead with intentionality, compassion, and love. Every day, students, staff, families, and community partners choose to learn, adapt, and lift one another up. This collective resilience affirms that we are, and will continue to be, a compassionate and courageous community that prioritizes the student experience. My hope for our students and the community we serve is truly deep and unwavering." 

Read the rest here. November 25, 2025

Meet Alexa Allman
Superintendent, Deer Park School District

What Gives You Hope?
"Our students give me hope. They are actively involved, engaged, and care deeply for community and each other; they’re driven to try new things and want to make our schools and communities better." 

Read the rest here. November 12, 2025

Meet Mira Gobel
Assistant Superintendent of Schools & Student Supports, Pasco School District

What Gives You Hope?
"What gives me hope right now is witnessing school principals lean into the complexity of leadership, choosing to focus on the right work when the world around us feels consumed by being right. Their courage, resilience, and clarity fuel the teacher agency, which in turn ignites student agency. That ripple effect is powerful and deeply human." 

Read the rest here. October 28, 2025

Meet John Sander
Executive Director Teaching and Learning Services, Franklin Pierce School District

What Gives You Hope?
"What gives me hope about the future of our schools is the belief in every student’s potential and the dedication of educators who nurture it. I see hope in our focus on inclusion and collaboration, and most of all in our students and their resilience, creativity, and capacity to build a more just, compassionate, and innovative world."

Read the rest here. October 14, 2025

Meet Dana Geaslen
Superintendent, Granite Falls School District

"'We have hopes and dreams for our students far beyond their current circumstances.'~ Mike Scott

When schools and communities work together in shared commitment to children, public education remains one of the most powerful forces for opportunity, connection, and hope in our society. I have hope about the future of our schools because I see extraordinary educators and staff who remain deeply committed to children and fully engaged in the work of helping students grow, connect, and succeed. Public education lives up to its promise when students feel safe, connected, challenged, and known.

In Granite Falls, we believe student voice matters deeply in classrooms, as we all know those doing the talking are often doing the learning. Students thrive when they are engaged in authentic discussion, collaboration, questioning, and meaningful learning experiences. We also intentionally create opportunities to hear directly from our students — our most valued customers. Through our Tiger Cabinet (student reps grades 3-12) and our Student Representatives to the Board, students engage in meaningful conversations with peers, district leadership, and community leaders about learning, belonging, and the future of our schools."

Read the rest here. January 27, 2026

Meet Clinton Endicott
Superintendent, Tenino School District

What gives you hope about the future of our schools?
"Last week, during our district-wide staff meeting, a student speaker had the opportunity to share with our staff the impact our educators' work had on helping her navigate obstacles she has faced. Her heart-felt message left few dry eyes in the audience, and her final reminder was simple but powerful:

'I know there are days when you go home and doubt your impact. When you ask yourself, is this really worth it? I can tell you, there are students who need you more than you could ever know— and I say this because I am one of them. Please don’t underestimate the power your work has.'

What gives me hope about the future of our schools? It’s the students we impact every day. It’s knowing that our kids rely on us to give them our best, even if they aren’t always able to give us theirs."

Read the rest here. June 2, 2026

Meet Concie Pedroza
Superintendent, Tukwila School District

What Gives You Hope?
"Concie was recently featured in the award winning podcast, Latino Leaders in episode 110 — Centering Humanity with Concie Pedroza.

Host Pablo Muñoz interviews Concie about her leadership journey through more than 30 years of service to public education in Washington.

Enjoy listening to Concie share advice, resources, and insightful stories to help you grow as a leader.
Apple Podcasts
Spotify Podcasts
Buzzsprout Podcasts
Amazon Podcasts"

Read the rest here. May 19, 2026

Meet Laura Staley
Director of Special Services and Assessment, Rochester School District

Why do you do this work?
"My work is driven by a deep belief system that each student deserves every possible opportunity to succeed regardless of the obstacles they face. I enjoy the daily puzzle of unique student situations and the profound joy found in both the small victories and the monumental ones. Whether it’s seeing a smile during a Unified Sports match, watching a student who was previously self contained thrive alongside their general education peers, or celebrating a student who has overcome the barriers of trauma to graduate with honors. I also find great hope in the dedicated Rochester staff I have the privilege of working with who pour their hearts and souls into their roles. I am inspired daily by the opportunity to support their work, walk alongside them, and see our collective impact on student success."

Read the rest here. April 28, 2026

Meet Lynnette Blackburn
Superintendent, Brewster School District

Why do you do this work?
"I do this work as a superintendent because students deserve the very best from us every single day. They rely on adults to build systems that challenge, support, and prepare them not only academically, but as responsible, capable human beings. That responsibility has guided me throughout my career.

I have seen public education live up to its promise in the moments that matter most—when I meet graduates in the community who thank me for holding them accountable, for expecting more, and for ensuring they followed through on their commitments. After 31 years in education, it has been especially meaningful to watch so many former students realize their dreams. Seeing them now as adults, raising families of their own, and sending their children to school is deeply rewarding and full circle.

What gives me hope is each new child who walks through our doors in the fall. Their excitement and belief in what school can be remind me that the future is always full of possibility—and that our work truly matters."

Read the rest here. April 14, 2026

Meet Alyssa St. Hilaire
Assistant Superintendent Teaching & Learning, Kennewick School District

What gives you hope about the future of our schools?
"What gives me hope is seeing what happens when we remove barriers so students can succeed. Every student comes to us with a different story, and I believe those stories should lead to opportunity. In Kennewick, we believe every student should be known well, feel safe, and reach their full potential, and I see that happening more each day. That kind of progress takes effort. It means having honest conversations, looking at what is not working, and staying focused on what students need. When we keep students at the center, I believe we can build the kind of future they deserve. That is what keeps me going."

Read the rest here. March 31, 2026

Meet Elyse Mengarelli
Superintendent, Mabton School District

What gives you hope?
"The answer is simple: I believe with all my heart in our students and the life-changing power of education. Having served PreK-12 students in rural and remote school districts where opportunity gaps run deep, I want to make sure we are opening up the world for students who, without our influence, might not get the opportunity to shine.

During a trying time in my leadership career when I was working tirelessly to improve instruction, a trusted mentor told me, "Just love your people." That advice became my compass. Every child, regardless of their background, is deserving of love and capable of learning. When we love our people first, the work of systemic improvement suddenly doesn’t feel so heavy. I absolutely believe that belonging precedes achievement. When staff and students feel valued, seen, and heard in a culture honoring dignity, incredible things happen.

Hearing stories of impact from former students and staff is the greatest joy and reward of this work. As leaders in education, we change lives."

Read the rest here. March 17, 2026

Meet Shawnta DiFalco
Executive Director of Special Programs, Grandview School District

Why do you do this work?
"I am proud to champion equity and to ensure that students receive the support, dignity and opportunities that they deserve!
 
I became a special education director because raising my own daughter with significant disabilities showed me that parents can't do the work alone. I want every family in our district to experience the same level of partnership, advocacy and care we received as they navigate their child’s educational path."

Read the rest here. March 3, 2026


Photos of Shawnta with her daughter.

Meet Jay Brower
Superintendent, Eatonville School District

About Jay Brower
"I serve in public education because, as a student, I watched classmates struggle and realized how much children and youth need unwavering support during their formative years. That experience guided me to choose a career in education and commit to being at the crossroads of as many students’ lives as possible. Now in my 41st year, that purpose has never changed. Regardless of my role, I have remained focused on putting students first. Supporting their growth, opportunity, and success is my “why,” and it always will be. It is an honor to serve with and learn from fellow WASA members!"

Read the rest here. February 17, 2026

Meet Eric Sobotta
Superintendent, Rearden School District

How do you celebrate success?
"Celebrating students and educators is one of the BEST parts of being a superintendent. In addition to regular academic/athletic/activity awards for students, our school board has implemented "Reardan Rising" awards for students who increase their grades in at least two of their classes between quarter and semester. Also, we have "Reardan Promise" awards for staff every semester. These awards are really special because you are nominated by peers for different categories: Elementary Teacher, Secondary Teacher, Para, District Support, and Administration. Recognized staff exemplify our Reardan Promise: 'We promise to be ALL IN on ensuring that every student is Known, Loved, and Learning.'"

Read the rest here. February 10, 2026

Meet Kris Hagel
Chief Information Officer, Peninsula School District

How do you celebrate success?
"We get a lot of recognition for our work around AI, but what's easy for me is that I'm really just the messenger. The real work happens in classrooms and offices across our district every day. Our staff and students have done such amazing things over the past couple of years that we built a dedicated website—psd401.ai—just to share their stories. I've become the storyteller, and honestly, it's one of the most rewarding parts of my job. These hardworking educators deserve the recognition."

Read the rest here. January 27, 2026

Meet Andra Maughan
Director of Student Services & Special Education, Tukwila School District

What Gives You Hope?
"This can honestly feel hard to see at times because this work is challenging and the impact isn’t always immediate. But staying the course matters, and the small moments of progress, the little bits of sunshine we see, reminds me that meaningful change is happening."

Read the rest here. January 13, 2026

Meet Kevin Alfano
Superintendent, Fife Public Schools

What Gives You Hope?
"I'm committed to serving the Fife/Milton communities as I've done for over 28 years now. What gives me hope right now is seeing educators and students lean into collective work, especially our growing PLC practices and watching teams use data not as a judgment, but as a tool for improvement." 

Read the rest here. December 16, 2025

Meet Jacob Kuper
Assistant Superintendent of Finance, Yakima School District

What Gives You Hope?
"I have been a school district CFO and financial consultant for schools for nearly 25 years, and though the financial situation for many school districts is the most challenging it has ever been, there is still room for optimism. Currently, across the state of Washington I am seeing a renewed sense of urgency and action from our district leaders as it relates to finances and student achievement. District administrators and Boards are “walking towards the danger,” and making difficult decisions every day that better their organizations and improve student achievement." 

Read the rest here. December 2, 2025

Meet Dr. Tracey L. Edou
Superintendent, Cascade School District

What Gives You Hope?
"Students always give me hope. It’s a joy to witness their growth both academically and personally. For example, every time I see one of our students, he radiates kindness and confidence. It’s moments like these that remind me how fortunate I am to live and serve in a community that nurtures childhoods while also preparing students for the future." 

Read the rest here. November 18, 2025

Meet Alicen Gaytley
Director of Teaching & Learning, Quincy School District

What Gives You Hope?
"I find hope in how we are tackling complex strategic priorities, from improving math instruction to refining standards-based grading practices. With AI as a planning partner, we are connecting our systems and streamlining processes so we can move faster and more collaboratively. This allows our staff to focus on building meaningful relationships with students and delivering higher-quality instruction." 

Read the rest here. November 4, 2025

Meet Beth Porter
Assistant Superintendent, Human Resources, Snoqualmie Valley School District

What Gives You Hope?
"What gives me hope right now is seeing our creative, innovative, and curious staff supporting students in meaningful ways every day. Their dedication and willingness to try new ideas remind me how strong our learning community is. We love celebrating success — for students, that means sharing their stories through videos, podcasts, and social media. For staff, we highlight their great work on our website, in our weekly newsletter, and in an annual mailer that showcases the incredible things happening across the district. It’s inspiring to see our community lift one another up."

Read the rest here. October 21, 2025