Faculty & Staff Updates

Annie Wright Schools' faculty and staff commit themselves to students and their families, providing and supporting our exceptional programs and inspiring a lifelong love of learning.

WELCOME TO THE ANNIE WRIGHT SCHOOLS COMMUNITY!

Olivia Del Carmen Acosta Cárdenas, Upper Schools Spanish Teacher
Olivia joined Annie Wright in 2023. She earned a bachelor's degree in Communications from Universidad Autónoma de Sinaloa, and a Master of Education from Universidad Autónoma de Guadalajara, both in México. She taught at Preparatoría México for 14 years in Tepic, Nayarit, and at the University of Nayarit also in Tepic, México for 7 years. Olivia especially loved teaching media history as she taught the students how the media has evolved through the years. Olivia has taught all levels of Spanish at both high school and college and enjoys the growth she sees in her students. The past 9 years, Olivia has taught in a Juvenile Detention Center in Fife, WA.
Monique Anduze, Residential Faculty
Monique joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024, bringing a wealth of international experience and a passion for education. She earned her bachelor's degree in Political Science and Educational Studies from Emory University and began her teaching career at Beauvoir National Cathedral School. Monique furthered her education with a Master's degree in Teaching English as a Second Language from the University of Delaware, where she also served as a resident hall director, mentoring 600 students. Her teaching career has taken her across the globe, with impactful stints in Dubai, UAE; Istanbul, Turkey; Kingston, Jamaica; and Amsterdam, Netherlands, predominantly in International Baccalaureate (IB) schools at the PYP, MYP, and DP levels. Monique is dedicated to creating a supportive residential environment, encouraging students to reach their full potential. She also loves drama and theater, often integrating her acting hobby into dorm life to enhance the student experience.
Devan Bickham, Assistant Director of the Upper School for Boys
Devan joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024. After earning his bachelor’s degree in math and computer science from Seattle University, he ventured through various professional tech roles. Through his experience, he found a deeper passion and connection to helping educate the future generations to help them become their best selves. He firmly believes that giving back to community and practicing balance can make the world a better place.
Lucia Cordero Saborio, Kindergarten Classroom Teacher
Lucia joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Costa Rica and her master’s degree in Educational Business Administration from the American College of Education, she has been teaching Lower School in different countries like Costa Rica, Mexico and United States for more than 10 years. Lucia believes in a student-centered education process, in which students are given the opportunity to explore, inquire and learn according to their needs and interests. She prioritizes socio-emotional learning as a key component of comprehensive student development.
Leah Crowley, Upper Schools IB Biology Teacher
Leah joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024. After earning her bachelor's degree in wildlife health from the University of Tennessee, she earned her master's degree in biology from Austin Peay State University, where she developed a passion for science education and biological research. Leah is excited to contribute to the hands-on, collaborative, and high-quality STEM education provided at AWS and can't wait to bring her love of the outdoors into the biology classroom.
Henry DeMarais, Grade 8 Language & Literature/Individuals & Societies Teacher
Henry joined Annie Wright Schools in 2023. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in History and a Master of Arts in Teaching, he taught high school in China for two years and elementary school in Germany for two more. Henry especially values using literature to encourage self-reflection.
Jalen Haynes, Grade 9 English and Social Studies Teacher
Jalen joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024. After earning his bachelor's degree in Integrated Social Studies from Capital University in Ohio, Jalen taught at Jackson Middle School as an English teacher. Jalen believes in allowing kids to show their creativity through open writing prompts and engaging in readings they can enjoy. Jalen started a Middle School Table-Top Club at his former school which helped students push their creativity outside of the classroom, and he looks forward to encourage AWS students to do the same.
Gabriel Hernandez,  MS, ATC, CSCS, Athletic Trainer & Sports Medicine Teacher
Gabe joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024. After receiving his bachelor’s in kinesiology from California State University, San Marcos Gabe obtained his master’s in Athletic Training from California State University, Long Beach. He has professional experience in a variety of sports settings including youth sports, High School, NCAA Division I, NFL, combat sports, and, most recently, with the armed forces at JBLM. His mission as a clinician and teacher is to support AWS students from a holistic perspective to help them perform at their best in the classroom and on the field. 
Victoria Kelly, Grade 6 Humanities Teacher
Victoria joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024. She earned her bachelor’s degree from Texas State University and her master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University, where she specialized in the neuroscience of learning. Victoria taught Humanities and independent studies at the middle and high school level for over 20 years. She has also served as a Humanities instructional coach and IB Coordinator. Victoria believes in the power of curiosity and joy to drive inquiry and learning and she is passionate about exploring the world and how we relate to each other in it.
Jade Knapp, Data Analyst & Systems Coordinator
Jade joined Annie Wright in 2024. She has served in various data analytics and business intelligence roles over the last 23 years. She excels in translating complex data sets into strategic insights and is known for developing innovate data models that drive business success. Passionate about leveraging data for strategic advantage, she continually seeks to enhance decision-making processes and operational efficiency.
Jacob Konstant, Upper Schools Social Studies
Jacob joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024. After earning a Bachelor’s degree in History Education and a Master’s degree in Curriculum Design from Southern New Hampshire University, he taught for four years at Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH and two years at City on a Hill in Boston, MA. Jacob is committed to building 21st century skills through student-centered lessons that extend beyond social studies content. Outside of education, Jacob participates in a number of outdoor endeavors including rock climbing, hiking, and running.
Cassandra Kopriva, Domestic Boarding Admissions Director
Cassandra joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024. After earning a bachelor's degree in Communication from Eastern Washington University in 2014 and a master's in Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran University in 2020, she spent 10 years in college admissions before joining our community. Cassandra believes in building strong relationships and a personal approach to education and admissions work.
Feliz Landes, Grade 3 Classroom Teacher
Feliz joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024. After earning her Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, she taught at international schools in South Korea, Myanmar and Pakistan for the past 15 years. Feliz is passionate about bringing diversity, inclusion, and DEIJ into the classroom.
Jarrod Larse, Assistant Director of College Counseling
Jarrod joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024. After earning his bachelor's degree in humanities from Washington State University, he worked in the Office of Admissions at Oregon State University for ten years. Jarrod enjoys helping students navigate the college search and application process, and believes that a student's overall feeling of fitting in on a college or university campus is the biggest key to their success.
Genevieve Mathurin, Grade 2 Classroom Teacher
After earning a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Washington, Genevieve taught preschool and kindergarten for the last 5 years. She joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024. As a student of master's of Elementary School Education program, Genevieve values access to quality education and find joy in being an essential part of growing future leaders.
Rama Ndiaye, Grade 4 Classroom Teacher
Rama joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024. After earning her Master's of Education in Cultural Foundation and Leadership at The Ohio State University, she decided to teach internationally for a few years. Rama highly values education as she believes that, when done authentically, it allows learners to embrace, center and honor the interconnectedness of our shared humanity. As an avid dancer and an emerging thespian, Rama finds joy through teaching Zumba and bringing her theater skills to the classroom.
Ian Neil, Upper Schools Science Teacher
Ian joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024. After earning his bachelor's degree in chemistry from Northwest Nazarene University and his master's degree in analytical chemistry from Washington State University, he worked in an environmental lab for two years. Ian then changed careers and earned his master's degree in secondary science education from Northwest Nazarene University. He taught College Chemistry at Renaissance High School in Meridian, ID for two years before coming to Annie Wright. Ian's career passion is teaching in the physical sciences; he enjoys capturing and reflecting student thought on relating scientific theory to each student's authentic personal interests.
Charlene Parrales, Upper Schools Math Teacher
Charlene joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024. After earning her bachelor’s degree in Mathematics from California State University Northridge, she taught high school for 3 years and has worked in education for a total of 9 years ranging from middle school students to college students. Charlene is passionate about creating a positive and inclusive environment where students can thrive in their mathematical journey.
Jose Reyes, Grade 3 Assistant Teacher
Jose joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024. He attended Pierce College earning the Paraeducator State Certificate; while completing his program, he worked as a paraeducator at a local Elementary school, in a self-contained classroom, dedicating his time to teaching children with disabilities. Jose values students’ individuality and believes that accessing that uniqueness unlocks their learning potential. He’s a mountain biker aficionado and a sea kayak instructor who loves teaching rescue and safety skills.
Mary-lynn Roppo-Goodwin, Grade 2 Classroom Teacher
Mary-lynn will join Annie Wright Schools this fall, 2024. After earning her bachelor's degree in elementary education from Central Washington University, she taught 3rd Grade at Bellevue Children's Academy for 3 years. Mary-lynn strives to foster an inclusive classroom environment, where all students feel appreciated and understood. In addition, Mary-lynn has a student-centered approach to teaching, where students can lead their own learning and have the opportunity to be critical thinkers and risk-takers.
Katherine Stewart, Upper Schools School Counselor (Long-term Substitute)
Katherine originally joined Annie Wright in 2018 and is excited to return in 2024. After earning her bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Developmental Psychology, she was a Preschool educational assistant at Annie Wright for four years before leaving to pursue a Master's of Education in Counseling degree from the University of Puget Sound. Katie is passionate about supporting students' social-emotional growth and believes in lifting up those around her.
Gonzalo Vega, Grade 2 Assistant Teacher
Gonzalo joined Annie Wright Schools in 2023. After earning his bachelor's degree in Music from Universidad de las Américas, he taught English and Music in Quito, Ecuador. He has taught Spanish after moving to the USA in 2019. Gonzalo is excited to continue supporting Annie Wright students this school year.
Kelly Ward, Middle Years Programme Coordinator
Kelly joined Annie Wright Schools in 2024. She holds a a BA from Bennington College and a M.Ed from the American College of Education. After beginning her career teaching ELL in China, Kelly spent eight years at the Nueva School in California, first as a Writing and Humanities teacher and then as the Middle School Assistant Division Head. Kelly is passionate about supporting teachers in the creation of innovative and engaging classroom spaces where students feel comfortable being their full selves and taking risks to try new things.

Returning Faculty in New Positions

We are thrilled to fill several positions with returning faculty members.

Administrators
  • Carie Ward - Director of Student Experience and Global Initiatives
Staff
  • Abby Drivdahl - Upper Schools Admissions Director, International Boarding
Upper Schools
  • Monica Huggins - Director of College Counseling
    • #1 Boarding School in WA State

    • #1 Private K-12 School in WA State