Toni Esparza, Executive Director

Toni originally hails from the exciting state of Kansas. She has worked with at-risk youth in children's homes, maternity homes, youth groups, and schools, but absolutely loves the approach at Eastside Academy. She has previously served as a teacher and a principal but cannot imagine ever returning to a "traditional" school as she would miss the holistic way that Eastside Academy serves their students. In her spare time, Toni works on her doctorate, plays with her two daughters (Alaethia-Greek for truth; Zoe-Greek for life), and spends time with her husband Juan.

Juan Esparza, Chaplain & Director of Student Services

Juan Esparza is a Native Texan with 15 years of experience working with a diverse range of students in various settings. He has worked with troubled youth and their families in Texas at a children's home (www.pchas.org), served expectant young mothers facing an unplanned pregnancy in a maternity home setting in Missouri (www.agfamilyservices.org), and helped provide intensive individualized treatment to young men ages 12-18 as a residential counselor in New England (www.nafi.com). Juan has also amassed 10 years of experience serving as a youth pastor in Texas, Kansas, and Washington. He has also lead groups on humanitarian efforts to different parts of Mexico and remote parts of Siberia (www.etobolsk.ru). Along the way he has been ordained as a minister and has earned his Masters in Theology and is currently continuing graduate work at Gonzaga University(www.gonzaga.edu).

Jen Reinhardt, Director of Counseling & Recovery Services

Jennifer moved to Washington in 1997 from Salem Oregon to attend the University of Washington and earned dual undergraduate degrees in Psychology and Neurobiology. She spent 3 years doing laboratory research, some of which looked at how the human brain forms addictions. She went on to receive her Masters in Counseling from Northwest University and spent a year doing her internship here at Eastside. After graduation, she went on to work as an Intervention Specialist where she counseled students with drug and alcohol issues, ran recovery groups, and taught Neurobiology and Addiction in the classrooms. Her heart has always been with Eastside Academy and its students so she feels incredibly blessed to be able to join them again as full-time staff. In her spare time Jennifer works on her School Psychology degree and spends time with her wonderful husband James and her two teenage boys Gage and Taylor.

Janese Mott, Director of Education

While Janese was originally born in Germany, she spent most of her childhood in the South.  After obtaining a degree in Pre-Med and a Masters degree in Christian Education Janese co-founded a private school dedicated to serving students with learning differences.  Janese is thrilled to be part of the EA community where hope is fostering change in the lives of teens. She spends most of her free time traveling and photographing.

Elyse Nicholson, Director of Development

Elyse is originally from California, but calls the “Eastside” her home after living here many years and raising a family in Bellevue.  She originally graduated from USC, and worked for Rockwell International in Public and Community Relations.  Since then, she has volunteered extensively with organizations serving and advocating for children.  She lives with her husband of over 20 years, two children, and a Portuguese Waterdog that can’t swim.  She feels blessed to be involved in Eastside Academy, and the important work they are doing for youth in our community.

Tyler Emler, Assistant Director of Development

Tyler spent his whole life in Texas before moving to the Evergreen State with his wife in 2008. After majoring in journalism at Baylor University, he worked as a news reporter, woodworker, and PR writer, before finally finding his way to non-profit development. He has spent the last few years helping great organizations develop their message and build relationships with donors. Tyler is continually in search for epic novels, antique tools, vintage t-shirts, honest friends, and reason to cheer for the Dallas Cowboys. He is honored to work among the dedicated and resilient men and women at EA, and finds immense hope that where the Spirit of the Lord is there is freedom.

Michelle Scott, Administrative Coordinator & Registrar

Michelle is a native of the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She has a degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Seattle and in Ministry Leadership from Northwest University in Kirkland. She has been involved in teaching, leading and mentoring children and teens for several years, from volunteering in youth outreach programs to teaching English as a Second Language overseas. She is married with one daughter and loves to spend time at home with them. She also enjoys reading biographies, learning how to cook new food and catching up with friends.

Dan Hedman, Alumni and Mentor Coordinator

Dan has over 15 years experience as a Student Ministry Pastor. He began working with youth in 1991 in Westminster, CA, then after a ski bum stint at Big Sky, Montana (lots of freshies), he served as a High School Pastor at Eastside Foursquare Church in Kirkland, WA where he met his wife Penny. Dan has also served as a Middle School Pastor in Colorado Springs, CO and in Woodinville, WA. When Dan is not at work, he loves spending time with Penny and their 3 kids, playing and building guitars, reading theology and playing golf. He has a B.A. from Northwest University and is currently finishing up a Master’s in Theology degree from Trinity Seminary in Indiana.

Chris Overland, Science Teacher

Chris recently graduated from Trinity Western University in British Columbia with a BSc in Environmental Studies, though he has spent the rest of his life in the Puget Sound area. During his time in BC, Chris was involved in coordinating an inner city youth program and also worked as an ecological researcher. In his spare time, Chris loves to hike, go to the beach, and do pretty much anything else adventurous outside.

Christina Anderberg, English & History Teacher

Christina was born and raised in Spokane, WA.  She earned her undergraduate degree in history, English and secondary education from Whitworth College.  She has worked as a middle school and high school English and/ or social studies teacher for several years.  She has also served in various youth ministries.  She spent three years in the Republic of Panama serving as a missionary teacher and served in both the youth and young adult ministries there.  Christina is currently working on her Masters in Counseling with an emphasis in Community Development from Northwest University.  When she is not busy with teaching or her own homework, she enjoys a plethora of extracurricular activities, such as enjoying the beautiful outdoors, making jewelry or scrapbooks, cooking, reading, watching movies and she especially loves cheering on the Seahawks!

Eric Dill, Math Teacher

Eric is a recent transplant from the state of Virginia with more than 18 years teaching, counseling and coaching at–risk youth across a wide curriculum. His experiences range from teaching in preparatory schools, in foster care programs, adventure-based programs, community colleges, TESL programs in refugee camps overseas as well as in traditional classrooms. Eric attended two Torchbearer Bible Schools, International—Bodenseehof (Germany) and Holsby Brunn (Sweden). He earned his BS in Mathematics/Education from Bryan College and plans to finish his Masters at Seattle University. Eric has a heart for people who have experienced loss in life and exhibit need on any level. He enjoys teaching, travel, guitar, photography and adventure. Eric is extremely excited about getting to know everyone at Eastside Academy and being a part of a wonderful year!

Gabe Davis, Drug & Alcohol Counselor

Gabe recently graduated from Seattle Pacific University with a Master's degree in marriage and family therapy. He is passionate about working with youth and their families, and he is excited to see the work God will do this year at Eastside Academy. He is married to a wonderful, creative, quirky, Christian woman; Taren, who he lives with in the heart of Seattle. Gabe loves "Would you Rather..." questions, video games, movies, and the television show "Lost."

Kathy Barker, Art Teacher

Kathy spent 20 years teaching various forms of art at the University of Washington. She also taught in several private schools and for the parks department for the last five years prior to coming to Eastside Academy. Kathy is proficient in scientific illustration, calligraphy, black and white renderings, color theory and technique, as well as art history. One of Kathy's greatest strengths is her ability to work with individual students, assessing and working with their unique talents, encouraging exploration of different media and emphasizing the enjoyment and pleasure of artistic expression.