Ava Swanson

MS Spanish
Education Assistant

AVA SWANSON earned her B.A. in Spanish and Latin American Studies and her M.A. in Language Teaching Specialization from the University of Oregon. Her terminal project focused on using children’s literature with adult language learners to foster individual and family literacy. She has worked with youth and adults in several capacities, including as an educational assistant, recreation leader, and language tutor. At Northwest Academy, she works as an Educational Assistant and teaches middle school Spanish. When not in the classroom, she enjoys crocheting, camping, and taking road trips. Ava has been with Northwest Academy since 2017.

Cristiana Gilman

Director of Development

CRISTIANA (CRIS) GILMAN received her B.A. in Fine and Performing Arts from Portland State University.  In addition to her experience in theater, she has a background in fundraising in both the academic and healthcare fields.  For the past decade, she has been managing community and fundraising events, as well as annual giving programs. She is excited to be back in an educational environment and to be part of the Northwest Academy team.  Cris has been with Northwest Academy since 2017.

cgilman@nwacademy.org

Erin Blenkiron

HS Activities Director
MS Math
HS Math

ERIN BLENKIRON has a B.A. in Public Health and a M.A.T. in Secondary Mathematics, both from Johns Hopkins University in Maryland. She taught Middle School Math in Baltimore City Schools for 6 years before moving to Portland in search of fresh air and easy to access biking and running paths. After a short stint leading the education program at Good Neighbor Center, a family homeless shelter in Tigard, Erin was happy to join the team at Northwest Academy in 2013. In her classroom Erin values teaching the why behind mathematical concepts, having students explain their thought processes, and making connections to real-world situations. Outside of school she enjoys running, cycling, cooking, and enjoying delicious culinary creations around Portland.

eblenkiron@nwacademy.org

John Storhm

Director of Systems & Technology

JOHN STORHM has a B.S. in physics from George Washington University. He joins Northwest Academy after a 25-year career working in information technology for private industry, government agencies, and non-profit institutions. John has a passion for books and publishes his own e-book reprints of older out-of-print books. He serves as the volunteer webmaster for the Portland Area Used Booksellers Association and as Vice-Chair of the Tigard Library Board. In his spare time, John enjoys exploring the Western states with his family and riding his motorcycle. John has been with Northwest Academy since 2012.

jstorhm@nwacademy.org

Kathy Veenhuizen

Accountant & HR Generalist

KATHY VEENHUIZEN has over 25 years’ experience in Human Resources and accounting across a variety of industries.  She loves to travel, and has done volunteer work all over the world, including Germany, Hungary, Poland, Mexico, and most recently in Kenya.  Kathy loves spending time with her husband, four adult children and her three grandbabies!  She has been with Northwest Academy since 2016.

kveenhuizen@nwacademy.org

Lon Nowak

Education Assistant

LON NOWAK graduated from the University of Oregon with a B.A. in English and has been working as an independent writer since then. He’s had the opportunity to work with the incredibly talented Jack Ciolli who made it possible for them to publish two webcomics together and spend several years on the convention circuit. He works with high school and middle school students as an Educational Assistant and runs a tabletop gaming club for middle schoolers. Lon has been with Northwest Academy since 2012.

lnowak@nwacademy.org

Nia Johnson

Education Assistant

NIA JOHNSON has been with Northwest Academy since 2017.

Sara Tam

Development Associate

SARA TAM earned her B.A. in Art History from the University of Washington and her M.Ed. at Portland State. Her educational experience has ranged from being a multi-age classroom teacher for the Vancouver School District to board president for her sons’ school program. After years of working as a volunteer for various fundraisers, she is happy to find a home at Northwest Academy in the Development Office. Sara has been with the school since 2016.

stam@nwacademy.org

Wade Willis

Arts Coordinator
HS Vocal Music
HS Theatre
Project Theatre

WADE WILLIS has been a professional actor, singer, director, and educator for over 25 years. He has an M.A. in teaching from Pacific University and a B.S. in music from University of Oregon.  The city of Beaverton honored Wade with two awards: the Outstanding Educator in the Arts Award and the Individual Diversity Award. Wade received a Drammy Award and an OTAS Award for Best Direction for Into the Woods. Wade has been with Northwest Academy since 2010.

wwillis@nwacademy.org