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AIER Board Members
Mike Poutiatine
Mike has taught and administered schools in the Spokane region since 1991. Mike currently teaches for both Gonzaga University and Whitworth University. In addition, Mike runs a small consulting firm that specializes in school design and development. Mike also serves on the Board of Northwest xTalks, the organization that brings TEDx Spokane to the stage every year.
Deborah Tully
Dr. Debbie Tully has experience as a classroom teacher, special educator, diagnostician, administrator and professor. Currently she serves as associate professor in the Whitworth School of Education, teaching courses in teacher preparation and directing the Masters in Teaching & Learning program. Her academic areas of specialization include special education, co-teaching, elementary education, social emotional learning, character education and student voice.
Cleve Penberthy
Cleve ended his 40 year, cross-country career in educational leadership, serving as a high school Principal in the West Valley School District for his last 18 years. For the past decade Cleve has consulted, volunteered and served on Leadership teams of both School Districts and educational non-profits . Cleve has held adjunct teaching positions in Educational Leadership at both Washington State and Gonzaga University. He is the Founder of Clarifying Conversations-a safe, non-clinical space for adolescents and young adults to explore the futures they deserve.
Charlie Wolff
Charlie Wolff, is COO of Uptic Studios, Inc. Uptic Studios is a leading full-service, Commercial and Residential Architecture and Interior Design Studio. Charlie oversees operations, strategy and new market opportunities.
Charlie also serves on the boards of NWX Talks (TEDxSpokane) and The HUB Sports Center. He lives in the Spokane County with his wife and four children.
Sarah Pooler
Since starting her education career in 2002, Sarah has continually advocated for meaningful learning for students. Whether she was re-designing curriculum, leading professional development, or as a founding teacher at Riverpoint Academy. Sarah is currently an administrator at Lewis & Clark High School leading a team of teachers exploring project based learning. She is also completed her PhD from WSU centered on a project based program within a comprehensive high school.
Matt Miller
Matt has been an educator since 1982. After teaching English in the Northshore School District and at the University of Washington’s Early Entrance Program, he taught Digital Design and Cisco Networking at Mt. Spokane High School. Later, he became the Technology and CTE Director for the Mead District. Matt served on the initial Design Team for Riverpoint Academy and currently is an Interaction Strategist with PRIDE Schools in Spokane. Matt formerly directed the YMCA Camp Reed and served as Board President of the Spokane Civic Theatre.
Eric Jurasin
Eric has spent the majority of his years teaching since 1996 in innovative situations and schools including West Valley City School and Spokane Valley High. He is passionate about helping kids do things that matter and use their minds well. Initially inspired by Deborah Meier's book "The Power of Their Ideas," Eric continues his work as a principal to change systems in order to bring out each student's (and staff's) passion and potential.
Eric Sanchez
Eric Sanchez has worked in K-12 education since 2007. He teaches in the West Valley School District at Spokane Valley High School. He has a passion and commitment to project based instruction with goals to strengthen the schools community ties and deepens students' understanding of their civic duty as an informed and engaged citizen.
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