Welcome our New Hires

Emma Ross, US Science

Ross is an example of how Arts and Science mix. After earning her degree in Piano Education at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts, she attended and earned a degree in Biology from Oberlin College. Ross has worked in schools in California and joins us after spending last year at Glacier Peak High School in Snohomish. She's a strong supporter of students being able to revise their projects and assessments until they achieve proficiency.

Nancy Iff, US English

If you ever have a question about your favorite superhero, Nancy Iff is the person you’ll want to ask. She comes to Overlake from the University of Washington where she taught a number of courses in Literature, Cinema, and Media. That included being honored with an Interdisciplinary Educator Award in 2011 for her course A History of Superheroes that focused on the medium of comics. Only seeing her college students once or twice a week, she’s looking forward to building relationships with our students on a daily basis where she can see them progress. Working with students in outlining and writing, she’ll prepare them for the rigors of college. Outside the classroom, Iff is an Ultimate Frisbee player and plans to help coach some of our Owl players.

Tanya Cummings, College Counseling

Coming to Overlake from deep in the heart of Texas, Tanya Cummings is embracing life here in the Pacific Northwest. As the Vice President of Compliance at Dallas’ Vista College, Cummings has comprehensive knowledge of what it takes to succeed in college. Now, she’s bringing that knowledge to Overlake. Whether it’s working with students to find the right fit or answering concerns from parents, Cummings looks forward to working with students to make their college planning experience joyful and memorable.

Kevin McKenna, MS/US Social Studies

Teaching Social Studies is one thing, but living it takes it to another level. For new Social Studies teacher Kevin McKenna, a life of activism in LGBTQ issues is included in his curriculum. Most recently an instructor at Lewis and Clark College, McKenna taught History course while obtaining his PhD from the University of Washington. He continues his teaching even when he is not in the classroom. Working actively in the Seattle Project, McKenna has been documenting the city’s civil rights and labor history.  

Jose Simonet, MS Spanish

It's highly likely that you'll see Jose Simonet carrying his guitar case along with his lesson plans across our campus. A band leader for more than two decades, Simonet's love of music is reflected in his teaching. Also, a published poet, his language classes are full of spirit and emotions. Simonet joins us from Yale University where he was a lead instructor in their language department.

Dana Len, MS Arts

Dana Len returns to the classroom after spending almost two decades as an Art teacher and administrator at Punahou High School in Hawaii. In 2014, she returned to Washington and has volunteered for art organizations. In addition, you'll notice Len working with prospective families as she'll also be working in our Admission department.

Rachael Lydeard, Learning Specialist

Rachael Lydeard says good bye to tinsel town as she makes Seattle her new home. As a school psychologist in Los Angeles, she has worked with students in both one-on-one and group settings. With a deep understanding of learning differences, she will support and counsel students to their strengths.  

Rinke Jalan, Computer Science

Rinke Jalan joins Overlake as a long term substitute in our Computer Science Department. She comes to us from Brightmont Academy where she taught math and science. Jalan's career path has taken her around the world including The Shri Ram School in India. She spent five years there as Head of the Department. Jalan says her greatest joy as a teacher comes in helping students find success through hands-on/minds-on activities.

Jasmine Park, Admission Associate

No stranger to the Overlake campus, Jasmine Park joined Overlake last spring to assist families in the Admission Department. With hard work and a commitment to families in the admissions process she quickly fit into Overlake, and now she's joining us full-time. Park spent several years as the Associate Director of Admission at Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bellevue. She has what it takes to ensure that prospective families know what makes Overlake special.

Ashlynne Hoover, Food Service

Ashlynne Hoover is excited to join Overlake's Food Services team. She brings several years of restaurant experience to her position as she has handled ordering, inventory, scheduling and money transactions. Growing up, Hoover was a girl scout and she continues that service as a volunteer for a local library and food bank.

Transportation Bus Drivers

There’s a big change in Transportation this year at Overlake, and even your student may not ride a bus to and from school, they’ll likely be using our transportation to get to games, service days, retreats, and field trips. In the past, our school teamed up with a private carrier for our school bus needs. This school year, it’s all being done internally. Transportation Director Bill Neil hired four drivers to operate new buses for routes and special events. Tim Villeneuve, Leslie Conn, Victor Graves, and Melanie Turner have extensive experience driving school buses. "There is no question that these drivers are incredible on the road," says Neil. "I wanted people who reflect that Overlake spirit when they transport our kids around the region."