Our Team

Ashley Hobbs

Head of School

As I embark on this new journey to lead Academy Schools, I am committed to embracing the history and mission of the school, while also helping the school to grow and innovate.

As I embark on this new journey to lead Academy Schools, I am committed to embracing the history and mission of the school, while also helping the school to grow and innovate. I believe that each child should be known and loved, recognized for their unique gifts, and celebrated for who they are. I love clear communication, community events, and collaboration among teachers and with our parent community. I believe in strong professional development for educators and working in partnership with parents to support them as they work with their children at home. With a positive, collaborative community, anything is possible.

Ms. Hobbs is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with a BA double major in Sociology and American Studies. She earned a Masters degree in Elementary Education at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, and a second Masters in Educational Leadership at Notre Dame. Ms. Hobbs has a wealth of experience as the principal for five years of a TK-8 private school in Los Angeles. She also has experience as a Middle School director and teacher for six years as well as a 6th grade teacher for five years.

Ms. Hobbs has earned both the CLEAR California Teaching Credential and the Washington State Teaching Certification.

Nicole Erickson

Assistant Head of School

Meg Gallagher

Office Manager

Griffin Bakken

Upper School

Madison Miller

Lower School/Language

Pat O’Neill

Upper School/Science

Ms. Pat became a valued member of the Academy Schools team in 2021.

Ms. Pat became a valued member of the Academy Schools team in 2021. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a Master of Arts in Secondary Science Education from Western Governors University. Driven by a deep curiosity about the world, Ms. Pat is passionate about expanding her knowledge and sharing it with her students. She resides in Burien with her husband and two children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and gardening.

Emily Paul

Arts and Specialist

Ms. Paul grew up in Chicago, Illinois and got BAs in Theatre and Dance from Loyola University Chicago.

Ms. Paul grew up in Chicago, Illinois and got BAs in Theatre and Dance from Loyola University Chicago. After moving to Seattle right as the Cubs won the World Series, Ms. Paul taught theater camps and dance classes in the north King County area, as well as getting her Washington K-8 teachers license with an English Language Learner endorsement from Seattle University.

She came to Academy Schools in 2017 to teach once a week drama classes and moved into the classroom full time the following year. She’s been with AS ever since! She strongly believes in leaning into humor in the classroom and following where the students’ imaginations take them. In her spare time, Ms. Paul loves to spend time with her dog Lenny and cat Stinky (a favorite of her students), painting, and reminding everyone she’s from Chicago.

Heather Wheeler

Student Support

I am Ms. Heather and I am at Academy Schools as the Student Support Specialist for the Upper School Program.

I am Ms. Heather and I am at Academy Schools as the Student Support Specialist for the Upper School Program. I have been working in education for 13 years and I have experience working with children from Preschool through 12th grade. My background is in academic support, special education and emotional regulation. Other strengths of mine are sensory regulations, child development, identifying learning challenges and navigating systems within or outside of school. When I am not at school I am usually hiking or out practicing my photography skills. I am excited to be a part of this amazing community.