COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Site Coordinator at Pope Elementary
Hello, I am Andrea Seachord, the dedicated Site Coordinator at Pope Elementary School. Bringing a wealth of experience in elementary education, I have returned to actively contribute after a hiatus from the classroom. My primary focus is on providing unwavering support to our exceptional students and their families. Pope Elementary holds a special place in my heart, serving as a hub where I encourage students to overcome social, mental, and academic hurdles. Witnessing their smiles and hearing their cheerful greetings of "Hi Mrs. S" truly brightens my day and reinforces my commitment to my role. I eagerly anticipate the opportunity to engage with more remarkable students and families within the Pope community and beyond.
Job Titles:
- Development and Communications Director
- Development and Communications Director / Development and Communications Director
Job Titles:
- Site Coordinator at Stewart Elementary
Before joining CIS in 2022, Carrie worked and volunteered for many years in the Puyallup District. Her passion is surrounding children with love and support to keep them successful in school.
She enjoys spending time with her husband and four boys in her free time, camping, reading, and playing with her bulldog, Willoughby, and her two cats, Zeus and Raven.
Job Titles:
- Site Coordinator
- Site Coordinator at Sunrise Elementary
Grace is the Site Coordinator at Sunrise Elementary. Before working for Communities in Schools, she helped facilitate environmental programs for families within Pierce County.
Her vocation is to help children thrive in their education. She creates a safe space for them to feel like they belong and have equal access to all opportunities.
She enjoys taking her dog Macaroni on adventures as they explore the beach, fish on the boat, and find new hiking places.
Job Titles:
- Member of the Board
- Chairman / Retired
Greg is a long-time Puyallup resident and even graduated from Puyallup High School. He served on the Puyallup School District's Board of Directors for three terms. He's been married to his wife, Robbi, for 40 years and has four kids who also graduated from PHS. Greg has absolutely loved CIS of Puyallup for many years and has watched the organization provide major support for our schools.
Job Titles:
- Director
- Member of the Board
Karissa believes CIS of Puyallup has been a solid support for students who need it most. Through her time serving on the board and volunteering with CIS of Puyallup, she has seen countless stories and experienced my fair share of support for not only the students but their families. She believes it truly takes a village.
Job Titles:
- Executive Director
- CIS of Puyallup 's Executive Director
Kay Tremper is CIS of Puyallup's Executive Director. Kay was born and raised in Puyallup and is now raising her family in her hometown. She graduated from PLU with a degree in elementary education and has been working with students, schools, and the Puyallup community for many years. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, camping with her husband and two kids, and renovating their home together.
I am a mom to three girls. I have been working with children for over 20 years. Working with children is my passion. I want to make our community the best that it can be. Working with the youth of this community is a wonderful place to start. Seeing a child's light bulb go off is one of the best feelings in the world. Every child should be able to be heard, understood, and felt loved. I will keep working hard for this community and our youth.
Job Titles:
- Treasurer / Absher Construction
Job Titles:
- Site Coordinator at Woodland Elementary
Nurturing a sense of belonging, safety, and connection by hearing and seeing a child are some ways Woodland students are supported by their site coordinator. Mary brings additional social-emotional learning and neuroeducation training to meet students where they are and help them grow. Mary has been a Puyallup resident for over 30 years and is privileged to serve her community.
Job Titles:
- Secretary / Northwest Seaport Alliance
Melanie's background includes running her own business focused on leadership and professional development. She also served two terms in the WA state legislature as a Puyallup area representative. Her diverse experiences landed her the position working in communications with the Tacoma ports
She fully supports the students in PSD and loves the CIS mission of connecting outside resources to our schools through dedicated staff who help students in various areas of need. Melanie believes schools can't do it alone and CIS of Puyallup is here to help.
Job Titles:
- Site Coordinator at Dessie Evans Elementary
Job Titles:
- Director
- Small Business Owner
Patty is a small business owner, owning local espresso stands for 15 years. She served as the marketing director at South Hill Mall for six years and currently directs St. Francis House's development and marketing efforts. She loves her grandchildren, Brayden, Landon, Fynnlee, and Elliot. Patty served on the board because it's important to her that all kids have as level a playing field as possible.
Job Titles:
- Site Coordinator at Karshner Elementary
Sara is a wife and mother of four amazing kiddos, a few of whom you will see running around the halls here at Karshner! The family also has a short, beefy dog named Ruby. Stop by and ask to see pictures anytime! Sara was born and raised in Wisconsin, where she earned her accent and her bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Sara has also recently been working on a Yoga certification to increase her understanding and ability to support kids in building mind-body awareness.
Sara and her husband moved to Washington to be closer to family and have raised all their children in Puyallup. Sara has spent the last ten years in human services, including program coordination for afterschool programs and family preservation services in a non-profit serving birth and foster families. She is thrilled to be serving in her own Karshner community. Sara feels strongly about seeing the local needs and finding creative and compassionate responses for kids and families to connect to resources.
Job Titles:
- Vice Chair / Puyallup School
Tina has worked in education since 1999. She started as a para-educator and found her love in HR at Auburn School District. In 2008, she started at PSD as the director of HR. She has a wonderful husband and three amazing grown kids who work for the district.
She serves on the board because she loves the kids of PSD and wants to support through in any way she can. Tina believes CIS reaches the kids and families in ways that the district cannot, and it's another way to support education and provide services that come alongside.