WFIS Board and Staff
2024-2025 Board of Directors
Aimee Allen, Board Chair
Head of School, Harbor Montessori School (WFIS Board Chair)
Region: Statewide
Term Expires: 2025
Patrick Carruth
President & Headmaster, The Bear Creek School
Region: Statewide
2nd Term Expires: 2026
Kathleen Conklin
Principal, Assumption-St. Bridget School
Region: Western WA
Term Expires: 2028
Jeff Droog
Superintendent, Mount Vernon Christian School
Region: Statewide
Term Expires: 2026
Angela Flores
Principal, Evergreen Christian School
Region: Statewide
2nd Term Expires: 2026
Stephanie Gates
Principal, Cascade Christian Academy
Region: Upper Columbia
Term Expires: 2026
Connor Geraghty
Assistant Superintendent for Mission & Catholic Identity, Seattle Archdiocese
Region: Western WA
2nd Term Expires: 2025
Roger Gerstenberger
Northwest Christian Schools, Head of Schools
Region: Statewide
Term Expires: 2027
Anjanette Gonzales
Head of School, Seattle Area German American School (SAGA)
Region: Statewide
Term Expires: 2027
Erin Hart
Superintendent, Three Rivers Christian Schools
Region: Statewide
2nd Term Expires: 2025
OPEN
Constituency: LUTH
Region: Statewide
Term Expires:
Craig Matson
Principal at Northwest Christian School, WA Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
Region: Western WA
Term Expires: 2026
Chad McNatt
Superintendent, , Seattle Christian School
Region: Statewide
Term Expires: 2027
Ray Wilson
Head of School, The Northwest School
Region: Statewide
Term Expires: 2027
David Zimand
Head of School, Seattle Jewish Community School
Region: Western WA
Term Expires: 2025
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
Mike Patello
Facilities and Maintenance Manager, Christ the King School
Jen Sandvig
Childcare Director at Sagebrush Montessori
Early Learning Advisory Council – DCYF
David Mayer
Director of Early Childhood Education, Office of Catholic Schools, Seattle Archdiocese
Fair Start for Children Subcommittee
Dee Hirsch
Head of School, Discovery Montessori School
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.