Amy Berner-Hays. Dean of Residential Life.
Human Biology Studies, University of Washington School of Medicine; A.B. (Values, Technology, Science and Society), Stanford University. As Dean of Residential Life, Amy is responsible for the day-to-day life at The Northwest School dormitory. She is also involved with the peer mentors, environment program, and is an 11th Grade Coordinator. Amy enjoys outdoor activities and playing with her family. At NWS since 1996.
Brandi Sperry. Residential Life Manager.
B.A. (English Literature and Creative Writing), Macalester College in St. Paul, MN. Before coming to The Northwest School, she worked at the Kirkland Boys and Girls Club. At NWS since 2006.
Champagne Lewis. Resident Life Coordinator.
B.A. (Sociology; minor in Political Science), University of Washington. Champagne's hobby is fashion and she recently served as an intern at Sustalux, a local designer vintage warehouse closet. At NWS since 2007.
Justin Peters. Resident Life Assistant Coordinator.
B.A. (English Literature; minors in Creative Writing and History), Seattle Pacific University; Visiting Student, University of Oxford. Justin reads, walks, and enjoys basketball. At Northwest since 2007.
Maryanna Brown. Residential Life Advisor.
B.A. (History), Dartmouth College, NH. Before coming to Seattle and the Northwest School, she taught English in Beijing, China and Busan, South Korea. Presently, she's pursuing a degree in public health. In her spare time, Mary can usually be found in the woods backpacking or climbing. At NWS since 2010.
Leah Gustitus. Residential Life Advisor.
B.S. (Family Community Services), Michigan State University. Leah moved to Seattle from Chicago where she had worked with under-resourced high school youth in a College Preparation Scholarship program for a number of years. Since coming to Seattle Leah has been involved in supporting foster youth and alumni of foster care in their post secondary planning. Leah has been with the NWS since 2011.
Theron Guzato. Residential Life Advisor.
B.A. (Politics/Philosophy/Economics; minor in Spanish), Western Washington University. While at Western, Theron volunteered with several social justice organizations. After coming to Seattle, he continued that work by volunteering with the ACLU. When he is not working or volunteering he enjoys dancing, tennis, travel, cooking and karaoke. At Northwest since 2009.
Jono Hanks. Residential Life Advisor.
Currently enrolled at the University of Washington, majoring in Political Science. Jono grew up in the Seattle area and has spent the past few years working with student governments, activists, and leaders. Joined the NWS in 2011.
Kristina Hjertberg. Residential Life Advisor.
B.A. (Cinema Studies), University of Washington. Kristina's hobbies include traveling internationally, adventuring locally and exploring anything creative. Before coming to the Northwest School, she worked at the Robinson Center for Young Scholars at UW. At NWS since 2011.
Ish Ishmael. Residential Life Advisor, Photo Lab Technician.
B.F.A, Seattle University. An avid photographer and traveler, Ish teaches photo classes to youth and adults in the Seattle area along with her work at The Northwest School. In her spare time, Ish likes to work on her photography, read, cook, and find ways to practice Spanish. She has a hard time picking favorite things, and loves interacting with different people. At Northwest since 2010.
Paul Johnson. Residential Life Advisor.
B.A. (Psychology; minor in English), University of New Hampshire. Paul recently moved to Seattle after working as a Family Outreach Specialist for two years in NH. Paul enjoys movies, frisbee, and exploring his new home in the northwest. At NWS since 2012.
Duron Jones. Residential Life Advisor.
In the process of getting a bachelor’s degree in Business Management, Seattle University in Seattle, WA. Works with Seattle Public Schools on college and career readiness for underrepresented youth. Has worked with the NWS in a variety of positions since 2007.
Kayla Kitamorn. Residential Life Advisor.
B.A. (English; minor in Education), The University of Texas at Austin. Kayla is a certified teacher and served with AmeriCorps at a homeless youth center before coming to The Northwest School. She has recently become passionate about international education and hopes to teach English abroad in the future. At NWS since 2010.
Alex Lee. Residential Life Advisor, JV Basketball coach.
M.U.P (Urban Planning), University of Michigan. Alex grew up in Sao Paulo, Brazil and speaks 4 languages. He currently works at Microsoft and is also part of the Summer faculty at NWS. His hobbies include playing soccer, basketball and baseball. At NWS since 2010.
Coral Nafziger. Residential Life Advisor.
Coral was born and raised in her favorite city, Seattle. Coral holds Bachelor's degrees in Elementary Education and Visual Arts Teaching as well as a Master of Arts in Teaching. She has worked in a variety of educational contexts including outdoor education, museum education, as a high school art teacher, and in school-aged child care. In her free time she enjoys reading, art, crafts, and spending time with her family and friends. At NWS since 2012.
Darja Zubenkova. Residential Life Advisor.
M.S.W. (Master of Social Work), University of Washington in Seattle, WA. Darja was born in Ukraine. Before coming to the Northwest School, she lived in the Czech Republic and Ireland. Living in different countries, learning new languages, and experiencing different cultures has inspired Darja to become a social worker. Her passion is to empower individuals to succeed and accomplish their goals by breaking down the barriers. At NWS since 2008.