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Executive Admin Staff
The Executive Administration at Embrace Learning Institute provides visionary leadership and strategic direction, ensuring that our mission of empowering students with special needs is achieved with excellence and integrity. This team is responsible for setting the overarching goals, developing innovative programs, and cultivating partnerships that enhance the learning experience for every student.
With extensive experience in education, organizational leadership, and community engagement, our executives bring both expertise and passion to their roles. They champion a culture of equity, inclusion, and high performance, guiding the institute toward continuous growth while maintaining a student-centered focus.
From overseeing operations to shaping long-term initiatives, the Executive Administration ensures that ELI remains a place where students thrive, staff excel, and families feel supported. Their leadership serves as the foundation for our commitment to personalized learning, innovation, and making a meaningful impact in the lives of every student we serve.
Jennifer Stuckey
Executive Director
Jennifer Stuckey is the Executive Director of ELI, where she leads with a deeply personal understanding of the challenges—and possibilities—within education.
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Jennifer recognized early on that many students and families in the Seattle/Tacoma area needed more individualized, flexible educational options than traditional systems could offer, and she has dedicated her career to helping bridge that gap. Jennifer’s journey into education and special needs advocacy began 29 years ago with her first son, who was diagnosed with ADHD, ODD, high anxiety, and a high IQ. As a mother to several children with a wide range of learning differences and support needs—including dyslexia, dysgraphia, dyscalculia, processing disorders, cognitive and communication disabilities, neurological disorders, ASD, and emotional regulation challenges—Jennifer experienced firsthand the limitations of one-size-fits-all education. In 2014, Jennifer began working within the public special education system, gaining critical insight into its structural challenges. By 2019, she transitioned into the private specialty school setting, where she was able to more effectively connect district resources with family-centered solutions. With more than 25 years of professional experience, Jennifer has worked with schools and districts across Washington to provide Nonpublic Agency (NPA) services. She holds degrees in Psychology, Sociology, and Criminal Justice and has extensive experience advocating for students with special needs. Originally from the California Bay Area and the Hawaiian Islands, Jennifer now splits her time between homes in the Seattle/Tacoma area and Hawaii.
Kevin Stuckey
Executive Director of Culture & Communications
Executive Director of Culture & Communications, Kevin Stuckey oversees the safety and security of ELI’s facility and community. He provides crisis intervention, and de-escalation training, and is responsible for the ongoing assessment and improvement of policies and procedures.
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In response to evolving best practices in crisis and escalation management in school settings, Kevin ensures that families and staff have the most current information to keep students and the site safe. Kevin has served as a Seattle police officer for nearly 30 years, holding leadership roles as Union President, co-founder of the Community Policing Commission, school resource officer, and current President of the Black Law Enforcement Association of Washington. He is a certified Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) instructor, a certified de-escalation trainer, and a recognized leader in communication and alternatives to the use of force. His experience as a person of color and police officer, combined with his commitment to school safety and student success, enables Kevin to lead ELI in innovative crisis response and de-escalation strategies, helping reduce the use of restraint and seclusion. Kevin and his wife, Jennifer, have 10 children and two dogs. When he’s not working, Kevin is a championship BBQ pitmaster who enjoys finding new recipes and cooking. He is also known as Seattle’s Comic Book Cop.
Jonathan Delgado
Director of Operations
Jonathan Delgado serves as the Director of Operations at ELI Schools, bringing a thoughtful, student-centered approach to operational leadership.
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Originally from Southern California and raised in Tacoma, Washington, Jonathan grew up in a family that included members with special needs—an experience that shaped his deep understanding of the strengths, challenges, and resilience found within non-traditional families. Jonathan attended Whitworth University, where he played football and studied mathematics before entering the workforce in the trades and coaching football. His passion for teaching, mentorship, and helping young people succeed ultimately led him into special education, where he earned Career and Technical Education (CTE) credentials. At ELIvation Schools, Jonathan is especially excited to expand CTE offerings and project-based learning opportunities, helping students connect academics to real-world skills and future pathways. In his leadership role, Jonathan supports school operations while collaborating closely with staff and families to ensure systems run smoothly and students are set up for success. His background in education, athletics, and hands-on learning informs his practical, relationship-driven approach to leadership. Outside of school, Jonathan enjoys coaching his three young children’s sports teams and giving back to the community, with a special focus on supporting youth with special needs and at-risk backgrounds. A dedicated Seattle Seahawks fan, he also loves watching professional football and wrestling in his downtime.
Jordyn Stuckey
Accounting Manager
Jordyn Stuckey serves as the Accounting Manager at Embrace Learning Institute (ELI), where he brings both dedication and a strong foundation in business and finance to support the organization's growth and sustainability.
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Currently a senior at Grand Valley State University, Jordyn is completing his Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting and plans to pursue his CPA license upon graduation. His academic focus equips him with the skills to manage financial operations, budgeting, and reporting with precision, ensuring that ELI continues to deliver high-quality educational services to students and families. Originally from Rochester, Michigan, Jordyn comes from a large family of 10, which instilled in him an appreciation for collaboration, organization, and responsibility from a young age. He values ELI's mission and the positive impact the school has on the community, and he is enthusiastic about contributing to the organization's growth and efficiency while developing his professional expertise. Outside of work, Jordyn enjoys spending time with friends, playing poker, disc golfing, participating in recreational sports leagues, and relaxing with his dog. His commitment to both personal growth and community involvement reflects the same dedication he brings to his role at ELI.
Kaden Peterson
Administrative Assistant
Kaden Peterson serves as an Administrative Assistant at ELIvation Schools, where he plays a vital role in supporting daily operations through organization, systems management, and technology support.
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With a strong aptitude for structure and efficiency, Kaden brings advanced organizational skills to his work, helping ensure that administrative processes run smoothly and consistently across the school. A key strength of Kaden’s role lies in his technical expertise. He excels at installing, configuring, and supporting a wide range of technology used by staff and the organization, ensuring systems are reliable, functional, and easy to use. Through various professional opportunities, Kaden discovered a genuine sense of fulfillment in building and maintaining effective systems—whether technological or procedural—that improve workflows and allow teams to operate more efficiently. This passion for systems-based thinking drives his commitment to continuous improvement and problem-solving. At ELIvation Schools, Kaden’s behind-the-scenes contributions are essential to supporting educators, leadership, and staff so they can remain focused on students and families. His attention to detail, adaptability, and willingness to step in where needed make him a dependable and valued member of the administrative team. Outside of work, Kaden enjoys hands-on projects that reflect his technical curiosity and creativity. He spends much of his free time working on and building cars—particularly Japanese models—and is always planning future automotive builds. He also prioritizes physical fitness, enjoying regular workouts, and relaxes by playing video games. These interests mirror the same focus, precision, and problem-solving mindset that he brings to his professional role.
Ashley Kessel
Human Resources Manager
Ashley Kessel serves as the Human Resources Manager bringing more than a decade of experience in operations, people management, and process improvement to support the growing ELIvation Schools and Embrace Learning Institute communities.
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With a strong foundation in business management and human resources, Ashley is dedicated to fostering a positive, compliant, and people-centered workplace culture where staff feel supported, valued, and empowered to do their best work. Prior to joining Embrace Learning Institute, Ashley worked as Senior Operations Manager at Pivot Point Consulting, where she led operational functions including payroll, onboarding, performance management, and process optimization. She played a key role in developing standard operating procedures, managing budgets, and strengthening cross-department collaboration to improve both employee and client experiences. Her leadership helped bring clarity, consistency, and efficiency to complex operational environments. Ashley’s professional background spans multiple industries, including healthcare IT, real estate, and manufacturing. Across these roles, she developed comprehensive expertise in human resources operations, employee relations, training, compliance, and office management. Her proficiency with HR and operational tools such as QuickBooks, WorkDove, and UKG allows her to streamline systems, maintain compliance, and support scalable growth. Known for her strong communication skills and ability to build trust-based relationships, Ashley is passionate about aligning HR initiatives with organizational goals while keeping people at the center of every decision. She brings a thoughtful, solutions-oriented approach to her work and is excited to support Elivation Schools and Embrace Learning Institute as they continue to grow, evolve, and innovate. Outside of work, Ashley enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, fishing, and horseback riding. She also loves reading, traveling, and investing in both personal and professional growth. Most of all, she values time spent with her husband, family, friends, and dog.
Savannah Van De Wouwer
Administrative Assistant & K-3 Tutor
Savannah Van De Wouwer serves as both the Administrative Assistant and a K-3 Tutor at ELI. With a strong background in administrative support and early childhood tutoring, Savannah brings organization, creativity, and a passion for helping students with learning differences thrive.
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Growing up surrounded by friends and family with learning disabilities, Savannah developed a natural talent and deep empathy for working with children who learn differently. She has experience tutoring elementary students with special needs, including those with ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences, and finds great joy in supporting each student's unique learning journey. Having overcome academic challenges herself, Savannah understands the struggles students may face and the value of patience, encouragement, and individualized instruction in helping them succeed. At ELI, Savannah combines her tutoring expertise with her administrative skills to ensure smooth operations and a supportive learning environment for students, families, and staff. Her dedication enables students to build confidence, develop essential skills, and achieve their learning goals in a nurturing environment. Outside of work, Savannah enjoys crocheting, diamond painting, and spending quality time with her dog, Mowgli. She also enjoys planning creative projects, reflecting her love for both hands-on learning and imaginative problem-solving.
Gary Van de Wouwer II
Marketing
Gary Van de Wouwer II is a marketing professional at Embrace Learning Institute (ELI), where he brings creativity, energy, and a passion for connecting with people to every project.
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With a background in promoting educational programs and initiatives, Gary helps showcase ELI’s mission and impact, ensuring that families, students, and the community are informed about the school’s offerings and successes. A graduate of Bellingham Technical College, Gary combines his professional training with his personal interests in sports, performance, and community engagement. As a professional stunt rider, he has honed skills in focus, precision, and audience engagement—qualities that translate directly into his marketing work, allowing him to capture attention, tell compelling stories, and build meaningful connections. Gary is driven by a desire to make a positive impact in both his professional and personal life. Whether promoting education, engaging with the community, or performing on his bike, he emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and fun. His dynamic approach ensures that ELI’s programs are effectively communicated while fostering a sense of excitement and involvement among students, families, and staff.
Alexa Shaddox
Office Manager
Alexa Shaddox serves as the Office Manager at ELIvation Schools, where she supports daily operations and helps create a welcoming, organized, and supportive environment for students, families, and staff.
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From a young age, Alexa developed a deep appreciation for educators and the vital role they play in supporting children—especially those who need additional guidance, encouragement, and care. With over a year of experience working as a preschool assistant, Alexa found early childhood education to be both welcoming and humbling. That experience reinforced her belief that education is rooted in compassion, patience, and connection. She values the dedication of educators who work tirelessly to nurture and empower the next generation and is passionate about contributing to a school community where children can truly thrive. In her role at ELIvation Schools, Alexa brings care, attention to detail, and a people-first mindset to every interaction. She understands that strong administrative support is essential to a positive school experience and takes pride in helping ensure smooth communication and daily operations. Outside of work, Alexa enjoys hiking, trail riding, swimming, and practicing yoga. She also values meditation and journaling, prioritizing mental health and well-being as essential components of both personal fulfillment and professional growth.