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.

Jeremy Echols , Chaplain & Director of Student Services

Don't let the "edgy appearance" or Apple products confuse you, Jeremy originally hails from Augusta, GA, and is Southern at heart. After graduating from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in Family and Consumer Sciences, Jeremy worked at the UGA Wesley Foundation where he met and married his adorable wife Abigail. Jeremy then got his Master of Divinity with a concentration in Theology from Truett Seminary at Baylor University in Texas before the couple made their way up to the Pacific Northwest in 2008. Jeremy loves Jesus, preaching, counseling, and talking with people - which means he is very excited to be a part of the EA staff and help accomplish the mission and vision of the school. Jeremy also loves his daughter Eliana (especially trying to make her laugh), watching Georgia football and mixed martial arts, drinking sweet tea, and staring at his book collection. He pretends to fit into the coffee culture of Seattle by hiding hot chocolate in his cup.

Jen Meabon, 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, two teenage boys Gage and Taylor, and daughter Phoenix.

Sam Myung, Director of Education

Sam is a former teacher here at EA and couldn't get enough of the little rascals! He is originally from Los Angeles and has lived in Seattle for the past four years. He majored in communications at the University of San Diego and has worked with youth in various capacities over the years. He is a certified math teacher and has earned his Masters Degree in Teaching. He is a big sports fan and is excited to witness how God is going to work at EA this second time around.

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.

Emma Gross, Administrative Coordinator & Registrar

Emma was raised in Alaska and Eastern Washington, but considers Seattle's Eastside to be home. She and her husband, Matt, live in Bellevue, where they plan to raise a family. Emma has an Associate's in Business Administration from UW and hopes to complete her degree in education to continue serving at-risk youth for the long-term future. Prior to working at EA, Emma led youth groups, worked in finance, and volunteered at EA as a math tutor. Emma loves Jesus, books, ice hockey, going to concerts, spending time outdoors, and cooking for her family and 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.

Kimbra Baker, English & History Teacher

Kimbra hails from the Golden State of California, originally, and has spent the second half of her life in the Seattle area. While she misses the sandy beaches and hot summers, she loves the Emerald City, and there is a special place in her heart for the area. She just recently completed her Master’s in Education at Seattle Pacific University, and studied history and music at both SPU and Biola Universities prior to that. Kimbra was involved at the Seattle Urban Academy in the Rainier Valley, where she tutored and completed her student teaching internship. God has truly inspired her to serve at Eastside Academy teaching English and Social Studies; she is touched and motivated by the students here and hopes to shepherd them in the direction the Lord has them going. On her spare time, Kimbra loves spending time with her husband and her one year old tank, Eli. They like travelling to new places (especially if it is Boston), all kinds of music, and she loves running at the Greenlake when she gets the opportunity.

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."

Zulma Camara, Computer Teacher and IT Specialist

Zulma is originally from Mexico. She's married and has lived in the area since 2008. Prior to coming to the US, she had been a University Computer Science professor for 10 years. Zulma holds a degree in computer software engineering and a master's in information technology from Mexico. In her spare time she leads a weekly Christian youth group. She also enjoys spending time with her family, running, praying, and reading God's Word. Zulma is delighted to be on staff at EA because she gets to live what she is passionate about - teaching technology, helping people in need, and working in a Christian environment. She believes strongly that you "reap what you sow."

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.

Carolyn Peterson, Counselor

Carolyn originally hails from the Seattle area, and after finishing her undergraduate work in eastern Washington she moved back to Seattle to continue her education. She graduated from Whitworth University in Spokane with a BA in Psychology and is currently pursuing a masters degree in Counseling Psychology at Northwest University. She is passionate about working with high school students and has several years experience volunteering with Young Life (a Christian outreach ministry to high schoolers). When not working or in school Carolyn enjoys being outdoors, hiking and running. She also likes cinnamon dulce lattes, the TV show NCIS, and spending quality times with friends and family.

Yecenia Giron, Counselor

Rose Joiner, Counselor

Rose is originally from Los Angeles. She moved to Seattle to attend Trinity Lutheran College, from which she graduated in 2006 with a BA in Youth and Family Ministry. She was a youth director at a church for three years, and then decided to pursue a graduate degree. She is currently at Seattle Pacific University, where she is working toward a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. She loves working with youth, meeting new people, playing games, going to movies, chocolate, candy, and especially Starbucks. She has been married to her husband Patrick for three years and loves it.