School Programs

Susan Byers
Chief Academic Officer
Susan came to the Foundation in December, 2004. Sue joins us with extensive experience working in schools, as a school administrator and with programs aimed at keeping students in middle and high school, preparing them for high school graduation and then to enroll in college. She leads the School Programs Team. Email Sue with ideas or information you might have about students being served by the Achievers Scholarship program and about providing hometown mentor support to the Achiever Scholars, including names of potential mentors at sbyers@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Randy Riley
Director, Pre-College Accelerated Services
Randy Riley joined the Foundation in October of 2005 after thirteen years with Seattle Public Schools most recently as a Gear Up Coordinator. Randy has over twenty five years of experience in the fields of counseling, secondary education, juvenile justice and college readiness. He will lead the Higher Education Readiness (HERO) team in ten of the Achiever High Schools and ten feeder middle schools. The HERO Initiative will serve students who were previously underrepresented in our Achiever's Program by offering academic support, mentoring, WASL prep and parent workshops. For questions or comments regarding the HERO Initiative email Randy at rriley@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Val Rie Smith
Director, Pre-College Services
Val Rie joined the Foundation in March 2002 as our High School Relations Officer. Val Rie comes to us from the Office of Admissions at the University of Washington where she began working following the completion of a Master's Degree in Education at the UW in the spring of 2000. Val Rie is a certificated school counselor in Washington State. She has also worked in varying capacities with at-risk youth in residential settings throughout King County. Val Rie's focus is on helping Achievers Scholars succeed in high school and to prepare for admission to Washington colleges. She works closely with the College Preparatory Advisors and Hometown Mentors to attain this goal. She is responsible for planning our Achievers College Experience Program for newly selected Achievers Scholars. Email Val Rie at vsmith@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Kimi Rabun
School Programs Officer
Kimi comes to CSF with a passion for proactive and creative strategies to ensure greater numbers of students will be academically prepared and financially assisted to pursue college goals and career dreams. She holds a BA in Elementary Education and has completed graduate study in the fields of educational leadership and diversity program development. She leaves a successful diversity services consulting business where for over 15 years she has presented diversity workshops, conducted student leadership seminars and developed curriculum development. She is also an acclaimed international African American Storyteller. Her motto is "it is better to build a child rather than mend an adult". Email Kimi at krabun@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Sequoya Lazo
Assistant Officer, National Replications & School Programs
Sequoya joined the Foundation in September of 2006. She is a graduate of the University of Washington with a BA in Spanish. Sequoya comes to us from the Consulate of Mexico in Seattle where she promoted Education and Health programs for Mexican citizens in Washington and Alaska. She believes strongly in providing students with the tools, encouragement, and support they need to succeed in their educational goals. Sequoya is fluent in Spanish. Email Sequoya with questions regarding school programs at slazo@collegesuccessfoundation.org

Yeri Yun
School Programs Assistant
Yeri joined the Foundation in August 2007 as the School Programs Assistant. She graduated from the University of Washington in 2004 with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Visual Arts. Prior to working at the Foundation she worked as a Staff Assistant at a software company. She has a wide variety of job experiences ranging from a Certified Nursing Assistant to an Advertising Designer. The Foundation's strong vision and mission is what attracted her to this line of work. Email Yeri with questions regarding School Programs at yyun@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Jordan Svien
HERO Program Associate
Jordan joined the foundation in January of 2008. He is a graduate of University of the Pacific with a BA in International Studies and Russian. Before joining CSF, he was a teacher in the JET Program in Tokushima, Japan, where he taught English to children and adults. He also worked in a cultural exchange program, arranging events such as poetry nights, orphanage visits, and musicals. In 2006, Jordan was selected to represent his local prefecture in Japan to receive an award from the Ministry of Education and meet the Crown Prince of Japan. Email Jordan at jsvien@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

College Preparatory Advisors

Ay Saechao, College Prep Advisor
Cleveland High School, Seattle
Ay joined the Foundation in May of 2007. He graduated from Oregon State University with a B.A. in Cultural Anthropology, where he co-founded the student outreach organization, Southeast Asian Youth Outreach (SAYO). Ay is well aware of the challenges of underrepresented and underserved students, and has devoted the past seven years of his professional career to empowering them through mentorship, college prep, and literacy programs. He plans to continue this mission as the College Preparatory Advisor at Cleveland High School and as a graduate student working toward his Masters degree in Multicultural Education at the University of Washington. Email Ay at AySaechao@collegesuccessfoundation.org

Filma Fontanilla, College Prep Advisor
Clover Park High School, Everett
Filma recently attended University of WA-Tacoma and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a minor in Education and Non-Profit Management. Filma has worked with the Foundation since 2003 and has worked with the American Red Cross as a volunteer instructor, Center for Human Services in Shoreline, WA, serving families living in public housing and with the Ready to Learn Program with the WA Alliance for Better Schools. Filma is committed to the mission of the Foundation and strongly believes every child has the right to an education regardless of race and/or class. Email Filma with questions at ffontanilla@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Open, College Prep Advisor
Davis High School, Yakima

Donna Mattison, College Prep Advisor
Truman High School, Federal Way
Foster High School, Tukwila
Donna joined the Foundation in September of 2005. She brings with her experience as a high school health and psychology teacher, a sales/marketing/recruiting manager, and a paralegal. She earned her BA in Secondary Education at Pacific Lutheran University while raising her family. Donna attributes much of her knowledge about adolescents to living with two teenage boys. She encourages all students to focus on the possibilities and to dream big for a full life. If you are interested in learning more about Hometown Mentor volunteering please email Donna at dmattison@collegesuccessfoundation.org,

Rene Jones , College Prep Advisor
Henery Foss High School, Tacoma
Email Rene at rjones@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Randy Nuñez, College Prep Advisor
Kent Meridian High School, Kent
Of farm worker upbringing, Randy was fortunate to overcome socio-economic challenges to be the first in his family to graduate high school and college. Randy is a recent graduate from the University of Washington and joined the Foundation in March of 2003. As a student, he was involved in increasing the number of underrepresented students of color to UW. Serving as ASUW La Raza Commission Director and Recruiter/Retention Specialist for CWU's High School Equivalency Program, Randy has embraced opportunities to work with programs providing services to underrepresented groups such as farm worker and migrant students. Overcoming his own personal adversity, Randy has committed himself to working with students with similar challenges. If you are interested in learning more about Hometown Mentor volunteering please email Randy at rnunez@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Evelyn Heflen, College Prep Advisor
Kittitas High School, Kittitas
Evelyn joined the Foundation in 2003 with a background in teaching, public relations, and human resources. In addition to serving as CIO for Kittitas High School, she is Coordinator for the Victim-Offender Meeting Program in Kittitas County, a program that serves victims of juvenile crime and the juvenile offenders. Evelyn is a volunteer with Allied People Offering Year-Round Outreach (APOYO), a local organization dedicated to serving the needs of and celebrating the presence of Hispanic people in the Kittitas valley. She is a member of the board of directors of the Kittitas County Coalition for Human Rights. For more information about the Hometown Mentor program at Kittitas, Evelyn can be reached at eheflen@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Robert Jones, College Prep Advisor
Lincoln High School, Tacoma
Robert graduated from Eastern Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communications and a Master's Degree in Communication Studies/Public Relations. He joined the Foundation in the fall of 2004. While at EWU, Robert served as Mentor Director for the African-American Education Department and assisted the Vice President of Enrollment Services with a marketing strategy for the retention of students of color and developed a marketing proposal for additional on campus living. Robert enjoyed his time away from school with public speaking engagements to high schools and college classes on diversity issues and the importance of goal-setting and attending college. Robert grew up in Tacoma and graduated from Spanaway High School. If you are interested in learning more about Hometown Mentor volunteering please email Robert at rejones@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

April Bowman, College Prep Advisor
Mariner High School, Everett
April joined the Foundation in March of 2008 as our College Preparatory Advisor at Mariner High School. April previously served as the Child Care Programs Director working at Garfield Community Center for over three years. She also works as a School-aged Youth Program Trainer at three elementary schools across Seattle. April attended the University of Washington and graduated in 2005 with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Geography. She is a cohort one Achievers scholarship recipient and serves on the Achievers Alumni Board. April absolutely loves working at her alma mater Mariner High School and helping students plan their college careers and beyond. April feels privileged to simultaneously provide direct support to students and contribute to their success, as well as work for the Foundation that afforded her the opportunity to go to college. Email April at abowman@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Roberto Lopez, College Prep Advisor
Mount Tahoma High School, Tacoma
Prior to joining the Foundation in November of 2006, Roberto served as the Education Coordinator for Centro Latino in Tacoma, WA. In this capacity, Roberto managed the Latino Student Support Program and case management for the agency's Workforce Investment Act program. Roberto has several years experience with the Achievers Scholarship Program having engaged in many collaborations and programs at Achievers High Schools in the Tacoma area. He has also served as a Hometown Mentor for many Achievers Scholars Candidates. Roberto earned his B. A. in Accounting from the University of Oregon. Roberto works with many community-based organizations to ensure that there is equity and accessibility to education for all students. If you are interested in learning more about Hometown Mentor volunteering please email Roberto at rlopez@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Lucy Nichols, College Prep Advisor
Stevenson High School, Stevenson
Lucy graduated from Washington State University - Vancouver with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Human Development and a minor in Woman Studies. She joined the Foundation in September of 2005 after working in a temporary capacity since May 2005. As a graduate of Stevenson High School, Lucy brings knowledge of her local community and compassion for youth to the position. As a cohort one Achiever Scholar, Lucy also brings knowledge of the program and expectations placed on the students. Lucy is also employed by ESD 112 where she coordinates the Skamania County Youth Workforce Program. You can contact Lucy at lnichols@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Ken Ormsby, College Prep Advisor
West Valley High School, Spokane
Prior to joining the Foundation, Ken had been involved in a variety of community and neighborhood programs to include Big Brothers, the Antonian School, Centennial Trail Committee, Boy Scout Master, Business to school partnerships and the local Rotary Club. Ken received his Baccalaureate degree from Eastern Washington University. If you are interested in learning more about Hometown Mentor volunteering please email Ken at kormsby@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Rebecca Hightower , College Prep Advisor
Tonasket High School, Tonasket
Rebecca holds a Bachelor's degree from The Evergreen State College and a Master's from Heritage University. She began working for the Foundation in August 2007 and comes to us with an extensive background in community work and education. She has served as a GED Examiner and adjunct faculty member at Wenatchee Valley College, Omak and with WSU's Upward Bound Program in the Okanogan. If you are interested in learning more about the Achievers Scholarship Program and/or the Hometown Mentor Program at Tonasket HS, please email Rebecca at rhightower@collegesuccessfoundation.org

Diane Jelle, College Prep Advisor
Yelm High School, Yelm
Diane joined the Foundation in November 2006. Diane has spent the past six years working in public schools both in Yelm and in Alaska. As a public school employee, she has extensive positive interactions with young people in her official capacity, as well as, through numerous school-based volunteer activities. Diane is very familiar with the Foundation's work and in particular, the Achievers Scholarship program having served as a Hometown Mentor at Yelm High School and as a participant in Hometown Mentor events. An avid advocate for higher education, Diane immerses herself in activities that serve youth and support their educational aspirations such as the Yelm Dollars for Scholars program and the P.T.A. She brings strong community building skills through her volunteer recruitment and training background. Diane holds a B.S. in Business Management from the University of Colorado. If you are interested in learning more about Hometown Mentor volunteering please email Diane at djelle@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

College Preparatory Associates

Kelsey Dawson, College Prep Associate
Clover Park High School, Lakewood
Mount Tahoma High School, Tacoma
Email Kelsy at kbowman@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Lakesha Gates, College Prep Associate
Foster High School, Tukwila
Kent Meridian High School, Kent
Lakesha joined the foundation in September 2007 as the College Preparatory Associate for Cleveland and Mariner high schools. She graduated from Washington State University (WSU) with a Bachelor's in Sociology. As a student at WSU she volunteered with the Preparing Aspiring Cougs of Color for Educational Excellence (PACE) program, which emphasized recruiting students of color. Lakesha has dedicated her time with non-profit organizations geared towards mentoring and encouraging youth to pursue their personal and educational goals. The College Success Foundation will further her pursuit in working with youth to maximize their potential. Email Lakesha at lgates@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Nancy Sprick, College Prep Associate
Henry Foss High School, Tacoma
Lincoln High School, Tacoma
Nancy has worked in educational services as an employee or volunteer for nearly twenty years. Before joining the Foundation in October 2005, she worked in the Tacoma School District's Head Start program, both in the classroom and in family services. Previously, she directed programs at Washington Literacy that promoted literacy development in young children. She earned a bachelor's degree in social sciences from the University of Chicago and a master's degree in Chinese literature from the University of Washington. Her areas of responsibility with the Achievers program include middle school outreach and college preparatory support. Email Nancy at nsprick@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Riley Haggard, College Prep Associate
Cleveland High School, Seattle
Mariner High School, Everett|
rhaggard@collegesuccessfoundation.org

Maria Mendoza, College Prep Associate
A.C. Davis High School, Yakima
Mabton Jr/Sr High School, Mabton
Maria joined the Foundation in December of 2007. She is a graduate from Portland State University and earned a bachelor's degree in Arts and Letters and a certificate in Teaching English as Second Language (TESOL). Maria most recently worked at Aloha Huber Park Elementary in Aloha OR as an Instructional/ESL Administrative Support staff. She was a mentor for The Oregon Leadership Institute (OLI), a program developed by the Oregon Council for Hispanic Advancement (OCHA) for Latino high school students and was part of the Asian Pacific Islander (API) support group at Maclaren Youth Correctional Facility in Woodburn OR. To see students progress in learning and achieving their goals is a huge ambition for her. If you are interested in learning more about the Hometown Mentor program please email Maria at mmendoza@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

HERO Advisors

Noah Prince
Clover Park High School, Tacoma
Mount Tahoma High School, Tacoma
Noah was born in Iran in the late 1970's to an American couple committed to world peace. Noah attended the Evergreen State College-Tacoma Campus and graduated with a BA in multicultural education. In 2000, Noah moved to Philadelphia to expand his awareness and to attend Temple University. During his 5 years in Philadelphia, Noah obtained his Masters in Education and teaching certification. He has mentored many young people and taught many other youth as a teacher and Hip-Hop activist in the Philadelphia School District. Returning back to the Northwest in 2006 Noah is proud to work for the College Success Foundation with the HERO program. Email Noah at nprince@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Jamila Jones
Lincoln High School, Tacoma
Foss High School, Tacoma
Jamila grew up in Tacoma, WA and is a graduate of Lincoln High School. He received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Social Work from Texas Lutheran University in 2001. At both schools, Jamila was an avid football player. He went on to complete his Masters in Education in 2006 at Antioch University. Jamila understands first hand the struggles of growing up in underrepresented community and has a life-long commitment to help those that come across his path. He is a proud member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity where he serves diligently in the community. Email Jamila at jjones@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Vicente Sanchez
Davis High School, Yakima
Mabton High School, Mabton
Vicente joined the Foundation in November 2005. Vicente graduated from the University of Washington in 2002 with a B.A. in Sociology and a Minor in Society & Justice. In the winter of 2002, Vicente moved to Portland, OR where he established himself as a youth guidance professional with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland Metropolitan Area. For the past 3 years with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Portland, Vicente served as an Athletic Director, Teen Director and Program Director. The opportunity to work with youth of all ages inspired Vicente to pursue a field that would have a positive impact in their lives. In addition, he takes pride in the fact that he is able to connect with students of all ages, backgrounds and cultures. Vicente brings a strong passion for success and youth guidance to the Foundation and believes that every person has the ability to exceed their potential. Email Vicente at vsanchez@collegesuccessfoundation.org.

Open
Foster High School, Tukwila
Kent-Meridian High School, Kent

Leanard Haynes
MarinerHigh School, Everett
Cleveland High School, Seattle
Leanard Emperado Haynes joined HERO Field Staff January 1st , 2008 and facilitates the programs at Mariner HS, Everett/ Cleveland HS, Seattle/ African American Academy, Seattle. Born and raised in Sunny San Diego, CA he attended the University of Washington on a football Scholarship. With great passion for the Arts and culture he received his B.A. in Drama. His previous work experience comes from DSHS, Echo Glen Juvenile Rehabilitation Center. DSHS, Juvenile Parole. Lenny believes "Excuses build monuments of nothing and bridges to nowhere". His main goal for is for the youth to learn how to manipulate their environment and create success. "Most of us were born into circumstances of failure. I would like to provide my students with tools to build a new future through the College Success Foundation"! Email Lenny at lhaynes@collegesuccessfoundation.org