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!

Brooke Arudda, Residential Faculty
After earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and Information Science from Keene State College in Keene, New Hampshire, Brooke joined AmeriCorps National Civilian Community Corps. Through this program, she had the opportunity to work in various states across the country, focusing on environmental stewardship and disaster relief. Her experience spans early childhood, elementary, and high school settings, and includes the rewarding work of supporting foster youth throughout Arizona. Most recently, Brooke worked at a boarding school, where she developed a deep appreciation for residential life. Passionate about the outdoors—especially fishing, volunteering, and all sports—Brooke is thrilled to be part of the Annie Wright Schools community.

Will Bentley, Lead Coach Varsity Arts Music
Will joined Annie Wright Schools in 2025. After earning his bachelor's degree in Music Composition from Pacific Lutheran University in 2021, he joined up with Q’s recording studios as the lead writer and continues his work there, writing with musicians from all over the country. He also teaches private songwriting lessons and was an adjunct choir teacher at Tacoma School of the Arts. Will believes in student passion and curiosity being the driving force in his classes, encouraging experimentation while also providing structure and support when they need it. Outside of his work at Annie Wright and the studio, you can find Will gigging around Washington, and you can stream his music online.

Alana Bree Nast, Kindergarten Faculty

Alana Bree Nast joined Annie Wright Schools in 2025. She holds a Master of Education from UNC-Chapel Hill and a BA from UNC-Charlotte, bringing more than a decade of teaching experience to her role. A strong advocate for early intervention, Alana is passionate about supporting children in developing a healthy sense of self during their formative years. She holds professional educator licenses in both Washington and North Carolina and is working toward National Board Certification.

Chris Feliciano, Assistant Director of College Counseling
Chris joined Annie Wright Schools in 2025. After earning his bachelor's degree in Chemistry from UC San Diego and a master's degree in Higher Education from the University of Michigan, Chris brings seven years of experience as a previous Undergraduate Admissions Officer and Non-Profit Director. Chris believes in a student-centered approach that empowers strategic agency, meaningful dialogue, and personal reflection in college preparation and application processes. A former competitive hip-hop dancer and proud first-generation college graduate, Chris brings a creative and passionate flair with him to Annie Wright's College Counseling team.

Bianca Flynn, Upper School Learning Support Assistant
Bianca Flynn joined Annie Wright in 2025 as the Upper School Learning Support Assistant. For the last five years, Bianca has been teaching with the Auburn School District and has a background teaching and tutoring ESL, Spanish, Language Arts, and Social Studies. Bianca says her favorite part about working in the field of education is building valuable relationships with students, staff, and faculty.

Salvador Garcia, Dorm Parent

Salvador Garcia graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in Digital Communications. He brings two years of experience working at boarding schools in New York, where he supported residential life and helped plan engaging student events. Salvador is passionate about building community, creating fun and meaningful experiences, and helping students feel supported and connected. In his free time, he enjoys playing tennis and brainstorming new ideas for events that bring people together.

Yolanda Garitano, Payroll
Yolanda Garitano is a seasoned payroll professional with over 25 years of combined experience in payroll processing, benefits administration, human resources, and accounting. She joined Annie Wright Schools in May 2025, bringing deep expertise in payroll compliance, multi-state processing, and system implementation. Yolanda began her career in accounting and transitioned to payroll and human resources in 2012. Since then, she has specialized in managing end-to-end payroll operations across a variety of industries, with a consistent focus on accuracy, timeliness, and regulatory compliance. She earned a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from The Evergreen State College in 2008 and has continued to grow her technical skills and leadership within the payroll field. Yolanda is known for her attention to detail, commitment to process improvement, and dedication to supporting both employees and broader organizational goals.

Kelly Glossop, Lower School Math Specialist

Kelly Glossop joined Annie Wright Schools in 2025. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of Oregon and two master’s degrees in Education. With more than 20 years of experience in both elementary and middle school classrooms, Kelly brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep commitment to student learning. She also spent five years as an Instructional Coach, working closely with teachers and students to support instructional growth. Passionate about helping every student succeed, Kelly is dedicated to fostering individual growth and guiding each child to develop into their unique self. Outside the classroom, she enjoys listening to music, getting lost in a good book, and exploring the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest.

Tharen Inverson, Grade 1 Faculty

Tharen Inverson joined Annie Wright Schools in 2025. She earned a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Pacific Lutheran University, with a major in sociology and a minor in reading. With endorsements in Elementary Education, Reading, and Sociology, Tharen has spent the past 15 years fostering curiosity, creativity, and exploration in young learners. Throughout her career, she has supported students’ academic, social, and emotional development by creating engaging and inclusive learning environments. Known for bringing both joy and purpose to the classroom, Tharen is passionate about nurturing lifelong learners and global citizens, helping each student build strong conceptual understanding and essential skills for success.

Angela Larsen, Varsity Visual Arts Coach
Angela joined Annie Wright Schools in 2025. Angela has worked in art education in schools since 2008 after graduating from NYU with a master's in teaching art. She teaches art at Seabury School in Tacoma, as well as running her own small business where she sells her art at markets, in stores, and licenses her work to other brands. Angela believes that art is essential to life and focuses on finding ways for art to be meaningful to each individual student, and works to help them grow to find their artistic voice.

Paloma Martínez Carbajo, Upper School Spanish Faculty

Paloma Martínez Carbajo, Upper Schools Spanish teacher, is excited to join Annie Wright Schools in August after twelve years of teaching internationally. After earning her PhD from the University of Washington, she spent several years teaching at Pacific Lutheran University. Paloma is passionate about providing students with authentic, meaningful experiences both inside and outside the language classroom. She is committed to helping learners become globally minded contributors to society. A lifelong soccer enthusiast, Paloma has also had the opportunity to coach at various schools.

Camille McCoy, Grade 3 Faculty

Camille McCoy joined Annie Wright Schools in 2025. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Kean University and a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from The College of New Jersey. Camille taught for eight years in New Jersey public schools before coming to Annie Wright. She is passionate about building strong, student-led classroom communities that celebrate diversity and foster a sense of belonging for all learners.

Leah Perry, Lower School Learning Support

Leah Perry joined Annie Wright Schools in 2025. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Washington and spent 10 years teaching at an independent school. For the past two and a half years, Leah has focused on early childhood education in public schools throughout the Tacoma area. Most recently, she has served as a substitute in a variety of roles within Annie Wright’s Lower School. Leah finds joy in building connections with students and partnering with families to support meaningful, engaging learning experiences.

Jasmine Raiford, Residential Program School Nurse
Jasmine joined Annie Wright Schools in August 2025. After earning her Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Washington State University, she became a Registered Nurse in 2020 and later completed her Master of Health Administration at New York University. Before joining AWS, she worked in community-based care and child services, where she supported families through a holistic, trauma-informed approach. She is passionate about student wellness and is known for her calm, compassionate demeanor and dedicated advocacy for health and safety.

Emily Schroeder, Upper Schools Counselor

Emily Schroeder will join Annie Wright Schools in August 2025. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Master of Arts in School Counseling from Gonzaga University. As a school counselor intern at Franklin Elementary in Spokane, she supported students' social-emotional growth and even started a jump rope club! Emily led high school students at a local youth group and worked with college students in recovery at Gonzaga. Emily believes each student is unique, deserves love, and thrives through connection. She often incorporates movement and fun into her counseling practice.

Jessie Simanton, Preschool 3-4 Long Term Substitute Teacher
Jessie joined Annie Wright Schools in 2025. After earning her bachelor’s degree from Santa Clara University, Jessie taught kindergarten in California. She later earned a law degree from Seattle University before returning to education and teaching, where she has worked in a variety of roles for over a decade. Jessie is passionate about creating classroom environments that spark curiosity and foster joy in learning. She loves early education because she gets to work with young learners at such an incredible time of development and self-discovery.

Andréa Sticht, Grade 5 Teacher
Andréa joined Annie Wright Schools in 2025. After earning her bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Brigham Young University, she taught Grades 6 through 8 in a rural public K-8 school. She then attended the University of Washington for a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership. Andréa believes in fostering strong relationships with students and families, finding joy in the learning process, and engaging students to explore their curiosities and wonderings.

Kendall Tacon, Upper Schools Math Faculty

Kendall Tacon joined Annie Wright Schools in 2025. After earning his bachelor's degree in Mathematics from the University of Washington and his master's in Mathematics Curriculum Studies from the University of Hawai'i, he taught Upper School math as well as served as Director of Student Activities at 'Iolani School in Honolulu, Hawai'i, for four years. Kendall believes in making math exciting and engaging by making it relevant to students' interests and identities.

Diamond Tayloe, Upper School Social Studies
Diamond joined Annie Wright Schools’ Upper School Social Studies faculty in 2025. She holds a master’s in Secondary Education from the University of New South Wales and will be entering her fifth year of teaching, having previously taught at both boarding and parochial schools. Diamond is especially passionate about teaching World and Modern History, and she enjoys engaging students in lively debates and discussions as they explore the origins and significance of historical events.

Keegan Vance, Upper Schools Math Faculty

Keegan Vance joined Annie Wright Schools in 2025. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Southern California and a master’s degree in Teaching Mathematics from the Lewis and Clark Graduate School of Education. Keegan brings extensive experience teaching mathematics in International Baccalaureate schools across Qatar, Tanzania, Singapore, and Cambodia. He is passionate about fostering a positive growth mindset and offers students “challenge by choice” opportunities when solving problems. Keegan advocates for educating the whole individual and encourages students to explore patterns in nature and mathematical relationships beyond the classroom.