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.
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.
Deborah Tully (Emeritus Member)
Cleve Penberthy (Emeritus Member)
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, 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.
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Charlie Wolff
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.
Darcelina Soloria
Darcelina is the Regional Advocacy and Organizing Manager for Eastern WA with the Washington State Charter Schools Association. Darcelina began organizing families to advocate for K-12 education options in 2015. Since that time, she has continued to support families in leaning about advocacy and developing workshops to help navigate K-12 and post-secondary education opportunities. When she’s not working in advocacy, Darcelina enjoys spending time with her husband and two middle school boys.
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Kelly Niccolls
New Member! - Coming soon...
Tammie Schrader
Tammie Schrader, with over 25 years in education, is a passionate advocate for innovative teaching and educational equity. She began her career teaching math, science, and STEM to middle school students and later became the Regional Science and Computer Science Coordinator at Northeast Washington ESD. In this role, she delivered professional development across 59 districts and championed racial equity in STEM. An adjunct professor, Tammie has developed training on UDL, AI, and game-based learning. Currently, she serves as an AI Guideline Specialist, advancing AI education statewide. She has spoken at national conferences and earned awards recognizing her commitment to STEM and equitable
education. Tammie continues her PhD in Educational Leadership, focusing on creating inclusive, engaging learning environments for all.
Kathryn Picanco
New Member! - Coming soon...
