Scholarship Programs

Steve Thorndill
Executive Director, Scholarship Programs

Steve joined the Foundation in 2000 after having spent more than twenty years at the University of Puget Sound as director of financial aid and scholarships. Before that he held similar posts at Saint Xavier University (Chicago) and at Ohio University. Steve has been involved in numerous state, regional and national financial aid association positions and task forces, including having served as President of the Washington Financial Aid Association.
Having grown up in Michigan, Steve attended Oakland University where he earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics. He then completed his Master's degree in Education from Ohio University in the field of college student personnel administration. Since then, Steve has spent his entire career working with and on behalf of students helping to assure that they get the resources they need to successfully complete their degrees.

He and his wife live near Tacoma and have five adult children. Email Steve with collaborative and strategic ideas about the overall administration of the Foundation's scholarship programs at sthorndill@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Tara Rockey
Executive Assistant Scholarship Programs
Tara joined the Foundation in July of 2007. Tara earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Washington University. She has several years of office management experience, most recently working as a Branch Office Administrator for Edward Jones Investments. In addition, she enjoyed spending seven years working as a Paraeducator for the Kent School District. Tara's main role includes assisting two executive directors in completing their work as efficiently as possible. She has a strong belief in the power of education and is thrilled to be working for CSF to help students meet their educational goals. Email Tara at trockey@collegesuccessfoundation.org

Alumni Programs

Sarah Graham
Senior Alumni Programs Officer
Sarah joined the Foundation in January of 2006. She is a graduate of the University of Puget Sound where she received a B.A. in Comparative Sociology. She also earned a certificate from the University of Washington in Non-Profit Management. Sarah's work experience includes working with a family foundation and non-profit organizations focusing on aid to children and teens. Most recently, she was the Assistant Director of Annual Giving at Seattle University. In this role, Sarah focused on raising money for student scholarships and stewarding donors. She was also the Costco Scholarship student liaison at SU, linking scholars to Costco Wholesale. As the Achievers Alumni Program Officer, Sarah will manage the alumni program for the Washington State Achievers Scholars. The Achievers Alumni Program includes leadership and program opportunities for alumni and opportunities for alumni to be mentors to other "Achievers" type students in their local communities. Email Sarah if you have thoughts to share on the Achievers Alumni Program at sgraham@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Ann Tran
Alumni Assistant Programs Officer
Ann Tran has served in a variety of capacities since joining the Foundation in 2002. She was involved in early development and management of the Governors and Leadership 1000 scholarship programs, as well as management of the Achievers Scholarship selection process. As part of the Achievers Alumni program team, Ann helps develop programming for the Achievers Alumni Association, particularly outreach to college juniors, and seniors. Ann is an alumna of the Graduate Program in Higher Education at the University of Washington, where she co-taught a class of freshmen Achievers Scholars and earned her M.Ed. in Organizations and Policy. She is also an alumna of Pepperdine University (Calif.), where she earned her B.A. in Advertising with an emphasis in Sociology. Share your programming ideas for the Achievers Alumni Association with Ann at atran@collegesuccessfoundation.org

Lakeisha Jackson
Alumni Programs Assistant
Lakeisha joined the Foundation in April 2007, after earning her B.A. in Sociology and Communication from Western Washington University. She is an Alumna of the Achievers Scholarship program (from Lincoln High School). While at WWU, Lakeisha was very active as a student employee in the Student Outreach Services and disability Resources for Students offices. She also contributed starting the first Achievers and Governor's Scholars Club at a 4-year institution. Lakeisha served as secretary for the black Student Union (2005-2006), where she helped to organize the 14th Annual Black History Month Dinner. Lakeisha traveled on a study abroad program with the Sociology Department to Ghana, West Africa. She also completed an intensive 11-week Human Resources summer internship program with Fred Meyer Stores Corporate office in Portland, OR. With a broad base in business organization, event planning and professional resource development, Lakeisha will bring a variety of new skills and fresh perspectives to the Achievers Alumni Team. Please contact Lakeisha If you have any questions, or to get involved at ljackson@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

College Programs

Jesse Welch
Director, College Programs
Jesse R. Welch joined the Foundation as Director of College Programs in November, 2005. Prior to coming to us, he was an early college awareness consultant for the College Board and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Jesse has served as Director or Dean of Enrollment Services at a number of public and private colleges throughout the Pacific Northwest including the Evergreen State College. During his time at Washington State University, Jesse acted as the transfer articulation specialist. In addition to serving on numerous state, regional, and national committees, for many years Jesse was a member of the Washington Council on High School College Relations. He has also worked with national diversity and affirmative action efforts. A major goal of the College Programs staff is to increase the number of Achiever Scholars transferring from two year colleges and continuing to baccalaureate degree attainment. Email Jesse with comments or suggestions at jwelch@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Open
College Relations Officer

Peter Ruelas
Community College Officer
After working in Washington community colleges for over 8 years, Peter joined the Foundation in February 2006. Much of his education and work has been at the community colleges where he developed a passion for the mission of and for the students who attend community colleges. Peter completed his A.A. degree at Highline Community College before transferring to Central Washington University to complete his B.S. degree in Sociology/Ethnic Studies. Then Peter enrolled at Western Washington University where he completed his Master of Education in Student Personnel Administration. Since that time, Peter has worked at Highline Community College and most recently at Everett Community College. While at Everett Community College, Peter worked in the admission and advising offices where he focused on working with diverse student populations, including first generation college students. He has also advised Everett's MECHA/Latino club and has served on many local and state diversity committees. Peter's focus at the Foundation is to help Achievers Scholars succeed in their community colleges and then transfer to baccalaureate college. Email Peter at pruelas@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Kathy Battraw
Assistant College Relations Officer
Kathy joined the Foundation in April 2003. Kathy comes to the Foundation from Antioch University Seattle. During her thirteen years at Antioch Kathy held various positions in the financial aid office. Kathy received the greatest satisfaction during her last four years at Antioch University as the Financial Aid Officer. In this capacity she was able to more directly help students meet their educational goals. Kathy was one of the original organizers of the Homeless Women's Educational Project. The project welcomes homeless and transitional women to campus every Thursday morning for a continental breakfast and educational opportunities at Antioch University. Computer training is also offered to help women improve their skills, open an email account and surf the net. Kathy's focus at the Foundation will be to assist the College Relations Officer in helping Achiever Scholars persist in college and earn their bachelors degrees. Email Kathy at kbattraw@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Terry Paull
Assistant College Relations Officer
Terry Paull joined the Foundation in February 2005. Terry has recently completed his Master's of Education Degree in Student Personnel Administration from Western Washington University. While at Western Washington University, Terry interned in the Office of Student Life and the Ethnic Student Center. He also served as the coordinator for the Scholars Academy. As a student, Terry was a peer mentor for the first cohort of Achievers Scholars, the Ethnic Student Center and the Scholars Academy. A Free Mason, Terry brings a wealth of experience and compassion to his work. In his role as the College Relations Assistant, Terry's focus at the Foundation will be to assist the College Relations Officer in helping Achiever Scholars persist in college and earn their bachelors degrees. Email Terry at tpaull@collegesuccessfoundation.org

Moira Maclean
College Relations Program Associate
Moira MacLean joined the Foundation in May of 2006. She brings fifteen years of program operations experience in the nonprofit arena. Her professional journey began in the 80s with law practice, first in labor arbitration and then as a general practitioner in a legal services clinic in Boston, where many clients were recent arrivals to the U.S. Since that time she has held positions in several human service agencies, including the Vision House transitional housing program in Renton and Compass community mental health in Everett. She also has been part of the professional staff of two colleges, Trinity Episcopal School for Ministry in Pennsylvania, and Trinity Lutheran College in Issaquah. In her role as the College Relations Program Assistant, Moira will add her talents to the scholarship disbursement, data management, and tracking efforts of the office. E-mail Moira at mmaclean@collegesuccessfoundation.org

Jennifer Tell
College Relations Assistant
Jennifer officially joined the Foundation in March 2005 after working in a temporary capacity since November 2004, first assisting in Scholarships and moving into a School Programs Assistant position. Jennifer is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University with a BA in Business Administration. Prior to joining the Foundation she worked in Human Resources industry for Providence Everett Medical Center. E-mail Jennifer with questions regarding School Programs at jtell@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Foster Care Programs

Mary Anne Herrick
Manager, Foster Care Programs
Mary came to the College Success Foundation in 2003. As Manager of Foster Care Programs, Mary is responsible for developing and supervising statewide programs to assist foster youth to graduate from high school, enroll in college, and graduate from college. In this role, she supports implementation, monitors program outcomes and financial accountability for the Foster Care to College Partnership, a collaborative effort with WA State DSHS Children's Administration. She spearheads the new Educational Policy program, an effort to streamline foster care education related initiatives in WA State. Additionally, she provides oversight to Governor's Scholarship for Foster Youth and Make it Happen, the college experience summer program for foster youth. Mary received her master of social work degree in 2002. She has a deep interest in the well-being of children around the globe, and to that end, she provides volunteer consultation to non-profit organizations in Peru and Chile. Additionally, Mary brings with her the personal experience of having spent over seven years in the foster care system as a young adult. Email Mary at mherrick@collegesuccessfoundation.org

Lisa Predovich
Foster Care Programs Officer
Lisa joined the Foundation in February of 2006. Lisa earned her Associate’s degree at Peninsula College, holds a Bachelor’s degree from The Evergreen State College, and completed her Master’s degree in Student Affairs Administration at Western Washington University in August 2005. Lisa is dedicated to integrating student development theory in practice and working with students in achieving education goals. She has significant experience in financial aid, student advising, and computer applications instruction at Peninsula College and Western Washington University. Email Lisa at  lpredovich@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Abigail Taitano
Foster Care Programs Assistant
Abigail was born in Los Angeles and moved to the Seattle area in 1996. She is a graduate of Evergreen State College Tacoma. Abigail is very active in her community and is passionate about helping those who are in need. In 1998, Abigail traveled to Nicaragua to help victims of hurricane Mitch. She has spent time volunteering with the YMCA homeless youth center, Literacy Source teaching inmates at King County Jail, Union Mission Gospel’s Women and Children’s shelter, as well as many other local philanthropic and charitable groups. Abigail has also raced with Team in Training, helping to raise thousands of dollars to support the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. Last year she successfully completed the King’s Trail Olympic Triathlon in Maui. While at Evergreen State College, Abigail was chosen to participate in the Washington State Legislative Internship program. She worked closely with Seattle based Senator Adam Kline and participated in many important projects; including a bill to promote education within the Department of Corrections. After many years managing in the private sector, Abigail has come to the College Success Foundation to return to her life long passion of helping youth. Abigail is the Foster Care Program Assistant and will support The Governors Scholarship program, Make It Happen Summer Program, College Bound activities and Alumni activities as well as the Foster Care Program Officer. Email Abigail at ataitano@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Lori Parrish
Foster Care Programs, Event Coordinator
Lori joined the foundation in March 2008 after earning a B.A. in Sociology and Criminal Justice from Washington State University in May 2007. While in college, she was heavily involved in multicultural student affairs; from chairing the Native American Women's Association, mentoring students through Multicultural student services (MSS), serving as secretary for Ku ah Mah (the Native American student organization on campus), to active roles as a member of multiple other student organizations and committees. She also served on the police advisory board and as a senator for the Coalition of Women Students. Lori has assisted in the planning large events such as the Pah loots Pu pow wow, Women of Color luncheon, VIBES conference, and MSS benefit dinner at the EMP. She was given Washington State University's President's award for student excellence in 2007. After college, Lori began working for DSHS as a financial intake worker and community outreach coordinator in the Alderwood office. Her focus was enabling low income families to acquire medical coverage for their children. Lori is an Achievers Scholarship Alumna and excited for the opportunity to give back to the foundation. Email Lori at lparrish@collegsuccessfoundation.org

Scholarship Selection & Evaluation

Lorraine Solaegui
Director, Scholarship Selection & Evaluation
Lorraine joined the Foundation in March 2001 after having worked in college admission, financial aid and scholarship administration for nine years. Most recently, she managed the Hispanic/Latino segment of the Gates Millennium Scholars program for the Hispanic Scholarship Fund in San Francisco. Prior to this, Lorraine held scholarship positions at the University of California, Berkeley and at the University of Nevada, Reno. She speaks Spanish. Lorraine manages the Achievers Scholarship selection process and facilitates program evaluation activities with the Gates Foundation, the National Opinion Research Center, and the Achievers Scholarship Research Advisory committee. Email her at  lsolaequi@collegesuccessfoundation.org.