WFIS Board and Staff
2025-2026 Board of Directors
Aimee Allen, Past Chair
Head of School, Harbor Montessori School
Constituency: MONT
Region: Statewide
Term Expires: 2028
Patrick Carruth, Finance Chair
Headmaster, The Bear Creek School
Constituency: NWAIS
Region: Statewide
2nd Term Expires: 2026
Kathleen Conklin
Principal, Assumption-St. Bridget School
Constituency: CATH
Region: Western WA
Term Expires: 2028
Michael Dougherty
President, Gonzaga Preparatory School
Constituency: CATH
Region: Eastern WA
Term Expires: 2028
Jeffrey Droog
Superintendent, Lynden Christian School
Constituency: CSI
Region: Statewide
Term Expires: 2026
Angela Flores, Board Chair
Principal, Evergreen Christian School
Constituency: ACSI
Region: Statewide
2nd Term Expires: 2026
Nicholas Ford
Superintendent, Office of Catholic Schools, Seattle Archdiocese
Constituency: CATH
Region: Western WA
Term Expires: 2028
Stephanie Gates
Principal, Cascade Christian Academy
Constituency: SDA
Region: Upper Columbia
Term Expires: 2026
Roger Gerstenberger
Head of School, Northwest Christian Schools
Constituency: CSI
Region: Statewide
Term Expires: 2027
Anjanette Gonzales
Head of School, Seattle Area German American School (SAGA)
Constituency: NWAIS
Region: Statewide
Term Expires: 2027
Peter Martin
Principal, Zion Lutheran School
Constituency: LUTH
Region: Statewide
Term Expires: 2028
Randy McMillan
Head of School, Redeemer Christian School
Constituency: ACSI
Region: WA State
Term Expires: 2028
Chad McNatt
Superintendent, Seattle Christian School
Constituency: ACSI
Region: Statewide
Term Expires: 2027
Michelle Wachter
Vice President for Education, SDA WA Conference
Constituency: SDA
Region: Western WA
Term Expires: 2026
Ray Wilson
Head of School, The Northwest School
Constituency: NWAIS
Region: Statewide
Term Expires: 2027
David Zimand, Secretary
Head of School, Seattle Jewish Community School
Constituency: Jewish
Region: Western WA
2nd Term Expires: 2028
Private School Reps
Jan Brown
State Board of Education
Washington State Board of Education
Debbie Schindler
Superintendent, Pacific Christian Academy
Mark DeJonge
Director of Athletics, Bellevue Christian School
Washington Interscholastic Activities Association
(OPEN)
(school safety/health & wellness/facilities management)
OSPI School Safety and Student Well-Being Advisory Committee
Jen Sandvig
Assistant Head of School & Childcare Director at Sagebrush Montessori
Private Schools Representative
Early Learning Advisory Council – DCYF
David Mayer
Director of Early Childhood Education, Office of Catholic Schools, Seattle Archdiocese
Private Schools Representative and
Chair of the Providers Subcommittee of DCYF
Dee Hirsch
Head of School, Discovery Montessori School
PNMA Chair, Private Schools Representative on
Provider Supports Subcommittee – DCYF
WFIS Staff
Suzie Hanson
Executive Director
Suzie Hanson has been the Executive Director of WFIS since 2010, where she is a tireless advocate for the interests of Washington’s private schools. Suzie works closely with the State Board of Education (SBE), Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), and state legislators to ensure that private schools’ perspectives are included in policy-making processes that impact independent education.
Her deep understanding of private education, gained from over sixteen years as a teacher, administrator, and outreach coordinator, informs her leadership and advocacy efforts. Suzie is passionate about safeguarding the independence of private schools and promoting diversity in education, believing it is essential for the well-being of students, families, and educators. She engages with education leaders statewide and in Olympia to protect independent school autonomy and enhance educational opportunities for all children.
Sharon Ricci
Community Relations Director
Sharon Ricci advances Washington State’s diverse educational landscape by serving as a key liaison between private K-12 schools, state agencies, sponsors, and the public. As Community Relations Director for WFIS, she leads efforts to strengthen communication and collaboration between private schools and external stakeholders, aligning shared priorities to ensure student success across the state.
Sharon manages relationships with the nine regional ESDs and is a central point of contact for local health jurisdictions, addressing health-related matters for private schools. Additionally, she coordinates private school representation on Professional Educator Advisory Boards, ensuring private school educators are actively involved in state education policy discussions. Through her role, Sharon cultivates partnerships, promotes private education, and advocates for the needs of Washington’s diverse student population.