MARY FOLBERG (Head of School)
Recognized for her belief in the importance of arts education and her dedication to young people, Mary Folberg is the recipient of the Kennedy Center Award for Excellence in Arts Education 1981, and the Metropolitan Arts Commission Award in 1982, 1988, and 1989. She has been featured in several publications including Images of Oregon Women and Lears magazines. She holds degrees in Literature and Dance and has taught in California public schools and Portland public schools. Founder and long time director of the Jefferson High School Dance Department, she also created the school's company of dancers, The Jefferson Dancers, and was its director for 17 years. In 1993 she created The Northwest Academy, designed to educate the area's most creative and intellectual young people.

LAINIE ETTINGER (Director of Admissions)

MICHAEL DOBSON (Business Manager/CFO)
Michael has an extensive background in business, having worked in managerial positions in transportation, forest products, and publishing. For sixteen years, Michael was CEO of a non-profit publishing house and served as treasurer of its board of trustees. He received his B.S. from the University of Maryland, College of Business, with a major in Journalism. For five years he was the Director of Admissions and Registrar for the Waldorf Institute of Mercy College in Detroit. Michael has served as a member of the board at Sunbridge College in New York State and at a private school in Massachusetts. He was licensed by the National Association of Securities Dealers as well as state-securities and insurance departments in Oregon and Washington and was a licensed tax-preparer in Oregon.

JULIA CAIN (Student Services Coordinator, Registrar, and College Counselor)
A graduate from the School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, Julia Cain works closely with students at The Northwest Academy assisting with schedules, PSAT and SAT testing and student activities. As NWA College Counselor, she is dedicated to providing guidance through all phases of the college application process.

APRIL HADDOCK (Administrative Assistant)