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 wholistic 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 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.

Michelle was born in Oxnard, CA. She moved from Southern California to the Great Northwest in 1990, settling in the south Puget Sound city of Belfair, WA. After graduating from high school, Michelle felt God lead her to Northwest University, where she majored in Youth Ministry and also received a minor in Business Administration. After college, Michelle stayed on the “Eastside” and worked as a Children’s Pastor for a church in Sammamish.  Michelle has several years of experiences working with youth of all ages, and is excited about this new opportunity with Eastside Academy. Michelle hopes to contribute in the mission of inspiring change with the lives of EA students, and also build on the relationship that EA has with the community. Another perk of working at EA is that she works with her husband, Tony Martin!

Tony is from Seattle, WA and currently lives in Issaquah, WA. Tony's life is very full and adventurous, especially because he's now married to his gorgeous wife Michelle! One of five children, Tony has two brothers (Andrew and Andre), two beautiful sisters (Angelina and Alissa) and spunky parents (Roxy and Henry). He is a graduate of Kentridge High School and Seattle Pacific University, majoring in Communication, with a minor is Sociology. He loves the Pacific Northwest, particularly all of the outdoor activities to enjoy. Biking, swimming, wakeboarding, hiking, and snowboarding are some of his favorites. Along with these outdoor activities he loves basketball, baseball, football, golf and tennis. Are you seeing a theme here? Tony looks forward to joining, in any way, what God is already doing with the community of Eastside Academy.

Charlotte was born and raised in Zimbabwe, Africa. She attended Trinity Western University in Canada where she studied Psychology and Sociology. During college she did social service work with orphans, at-risk teenage girls, and new immigrants. After graduating last year, Charlotte went to Belgrade, Serbia for a year as a volunteer Kindergarten teacher. Right now she's enjoying her new city of Seattle, enjoying Eastside Academy, and contemplating grad school.

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.

Sam was born and raised in Los Angeles, CA. He earned his BA degree in Communications from the University of California at San Diego. He has worked in the social services field for over five years. He formally worked at a non-profit youth center in Los Angeles, California where he serviced and counseled at-risk youth as the coordinator of academic programming. He also has served in youth ministry for over five years.

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.

Krista was born and raised in Tri-Cities WA.  A recent marriage to a wonderful Christian man is what brought her over to the Seattle area.  While growing up, Krista and her older sister shared a love for horses, resulting in the whole family being very involved with multiple equine activities.  In 2003, Krista won the title of Miss Rodeo Washington and traveled for a year as a representative for the State of Washington and the sport of rodeo. Shortly after, Krista began her education as a Chemical Dependency Counselor.  She completed her internship and worked for a year in an adult intensive outpatient facility.  After working with chemical dependent adults, Krista strongly felt a calling to work with youth to combat the generational struggle of addiction.  Krista feels blessed, and excited to be part of such a God centered organization.

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!