Elementary, Middle & High school staff
Jess Elszy - Autism Specialist & Mental Health Coach
Contact: jess.elszy@embracelearning.org
Jess is an Autism Specialist and Mental Health Coach at Embrace Learning Institute, hailing from Central California. Since 2008, he has worked as a Behavioral Therapist, focusing on aiding children with special needs and their caregivers. Jess is trained in Applied Behavior Analysis and holds certifications in Energy Psychology methods, Trauma-Informed Coaching, and Thought Field Therapy.
He's dedicated to guiding others towards a more fulfilling life by reducing stress, overcoming inner obstacles, and fostering healthy habits. Jess is enthusiastic about sharing knowledge on energetic healing and holistic wellness. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking, yoga, vegan dining, and the performing arts.
Jordan Fragoso - B.E.S.S
Contact: jordan.fragoso@embracelearning.org
Jordan is a disabled combat veteran of the Iraq War who relocated to Washington State with his family from Las Vegas in July 2021. Before his military service, he studied communications at UNLV. He previously worked as a Lead Passenger Support Specialist for the Transportation Security Administration, where he assisted special needs and disabled passengers at airports such as Harry Reid and SeaTac International. His background includes specialized training in Behavior Detection Analysis and Special Needs Security Screening.
With a big heart for children, Jordan has always enjoyed connecting with them. Making a positive impact on their lives brings him joy, and he strives to do so whenever he can.
Amanda Bunch - B.E.S.S
Contact: amanda.bunch@embracelearning.org
Amanda is a dedicated professional with experience as a Registered Behavioral Technician and Behavioral Interventionist in Nevada and Idaho. She began her career in 2019 in Reno, Nevada, and earned her Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2021. After graduating, Amanda relocated to Boise, Idaho, to continue her work in the field of behavior.
Currently residing in Seattle, Washington, she works at ELI as a Behavioral and Educational Support Specialist. While she primarily utilized ABA therapeutic techniques in her previous roles, her time at ELI has broadened her knowledge and understanding of behavior, enabling her to better support students. Outside of her professional life, Amanda enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs, and they share a passion for backpacking, hiking, camping, and skiing.
Chelsea Hunter - B.E.S.S
Contact: chelsea.hunter@embracelearning.org
Chelsea is a dedicated and compassionate professional with extensive experience helping children with special needs. As a Behavioral Educational Support Specialist, she has worked with elementary-aged children in SPED classrooms in the Bethel School District. She is currently pursuing a degree in Physical Therapy at Pierce College to provide holistic support to students, especially those needing physical therapy.
Chelsea is certified in Right Response Training and has training in childhood trauma, ensuring the safety and well-being of her students. She excels in helping students find coping strategies when they feel escalated, demonstrating her empathy and effectiveness. Chelsea is inspired to empower kids to be themselves and recognize their value, believing in the potential of every child. Her passion, skills, and dedication make a significant difference in the lives of the students she serves.
Allison Sullivan - B.E.S.S
Contact: allison.sullivan@embracelearning.org
Allison is a spirited individual who enjoys life's simple pleasures and is endlessly curious about the world. She discovered her passion for learning at Puyallup High School and went on to earn a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology from Pacific Lutheran University, where she developed strong analytical skills and empathy for diverse human experiences.
Outside of academia, Allison finds peace in nature. She loves hiking through forests and streams and gardening in her backyard, where she grows perennials, vegetables, and herbs. During colder months, she tends to her collection of house plants.
Kobe Phillips - B.E.S.S
Contact: kobe.phillips@embracelearning.org
Kobe holds a Bachelor's in Public Health with an emphasis on Behavioral Science and a Master's degree in Nursing. His experience includes teaching accessible education to middle and high school youth with physical and intellectual disabilities, as well as behavioral challenges. Additionally, he has extensive experience supporting adults with intellectual disabilities in a clinical setting.
Kobe has collaborated with numerous accessible programs in the greater Seattle area, including Seattle Children's Hospital's "Project Search."
Whether a youth is struggling with substance use, behavioral issues, a learning disability, or simply in need of a judgment-free ear, as a Behavioral Educational Support Specialist, Kobe's mission is to champion the underdog, foster a supportive environment, and remind those he supports that, no matter the hurdles or starting point, they can always reach the finish line.
Davion Fields- B.E.S.S
Contact: davion.fields@embracelearning.org
Davion is a Behavioral Educational Support Specialist (BESS) at the Tacoma Campus. He has over six years of experience working in elementary education, including roles with the Franklin Pierce School District and previously as a special education paraeducator with the Tacoma School District. Davion is currently pursuing a degree in secondary Math.
He enjoys working with youth and strives to be a positive role model for both staff and students.
Tiana campbell - B.E.S.S
Contact: tiana.campbell@embracelearning.org
Tiana is a B.E.S.S at the Bellevue location. Born and raised in Renton, Washington, she graduated from Eastern Washington University with a B.S. in Applied Developmental Psychology. With over five years of experience working with children of various ages in her community, Tiana has recently worked as a mental health specialist, where she taught social-emotional learning to elementary, middle, and high school students. Passionate and dedicated, she aims to continue incorporating SEL lessons at ELI. Tiana thrives on guiding each student to their fullest potential and helping them develop new skills.
Outside of work, she enjoys cooking, going on walks with her dog, and engaging in fun outdoor activities.
Robert Truex - B.E.S.S
Contact: robert.truex@embracelearning.org
Robbie is a Behavioral and Educational Support Specialist (BESS) at Embrace Learning, this individual holds a certification in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Their inspiration to work with children with special needs stems from personal experiences; their little brother was born prematurely, and they witnessed their parents' struggles to care for him. Additionally, as a parent to two children diagnosed with Sensory Processing Disorder and Oppositional Defiant Disorder (ODD), they are driven by a passion for helping others and making a positive difference in their lives. Outside of their professional role, they are very artistic, expressing themselves through drawing, writing, and music. In their free time, they enjoy spending time with friends and family, embracing life to the fullest.
KENNETH ROZIN - BEHAVIOR AND MENTAL HEALTH COACH
Contact: kenneth.rozin@embracelearning.org
Dedicated to Empowering Young Minds, Kenneth has three years of experience in the behavioral and mental health field and is passionate about providing personalized support to children facing challenges in their development. Their work has involved one-on-one and group therapy sessions, collaborating closely with neurologists, psychologists, and therapists to address a wide range of needs.
They hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Las Vegas, Nevada, which has provided a solid foundation in understanding human behavior and mental health. Through psychosocial rehabilitation and basic skills training, this individual has helped children overcome past traumas and learning disabilities. The goal is to equip them with the tools they need to lead independent and fulfilling lives.
AUDREY BINNS - B.E.S.S
Contact: audrey.binns@embracelearning.org
Audrey is a Behavior & Educational Support Specialist at the ELI’s Bellevue location. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Washington Tacoma in 2023. Audrey plans to return to school for her master’s in Psychology while continuing to work with children.
She is passionate about supporting children with behavioral and educational needs because it is important to her to give back to her own community and to actualize the potential of neurodivergent youth, who have unique gifts to share. When she’s not working, Audrey loves to converse about the human condition, take long walks, and spend quality time with those she loves.
CHINEDU NNADI - B.E.S.S
Contact: chinedu.nnadi@embracelearning.org
Chinedu holds certifications including a CNA License and CPR/BLS certification. She has earned an Associate's Degree in Nursing and a Bachelor's Degree in Child and Youth Development, with a specialization in special education. Her decision to work with children with special needs stems from a desire to contribute positively to the community and support those who benefit from extra care and attention. She finds it incredibly rewarding to make a significant impact on their lives, helping them develop skills and confidence both in the classroom and in real-world settings.
An interesting fact about her is her passion for basketball. She has been a student-athlete throughout her life, playing up until college, where she finished her career with two championship rings, including one where she made the game-winning 3-pointer. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym and exploring different cuisines with friends and family.
Joe Funchess- B.e.s.s
Contact: wrothell.funchess@embracelearning.org
Joe has around eight years of experience working with children in clinic, home, and school settings. He has served as a certified/registered Behavior Technician (RBT and CBT). In addition to his work with children, he co-owns a property service company. In his free time, he spends his hours working and researching.
Rebecca Barnett- B.e.s.s
Contact: rebecca.barnett@embracelearning.org
Becky has previous experience working with children with behavioral disorders prior to Embrace. She is passionate about teaching effective coping strategies for self-regulation and specializes in mindfulness techniques, helping children recognize the signs and triggers that can lead to escalation. Currently, she is in her final semester of earning her BA in Psychology and holds certifications in mindfulness, anxiety, and depression management through Pesi's continuing education programs.
Outside of work, she loves to spend her weekends hiking, kayaking, and exploring the beautiful state they live in. Becky is thrilled to be part of the team at Embrace and looks forward to working with the children this year to help them grow and thrive.
Emma Carrasquero-Bryant - B.e.s.s
Contact: emma.bryant@embracelearning.org
Emma works one-on-one with students who need assistance with emotional regulation, staying on task, and growing academically and behaviorally in a safe and supportive environment. As the oldest of four kids in a military family, they have never had a time in their life when they did not care for children. Watching their siblings grow and being a big part of their development has always been their inspiration.
They graduated from Central Washington University with a Bachelor's in US and Latin American history and a minor in Spanish. They plan to go back to school to get their teaching certificate so that they can teach social studies to middle and high school students. When they're not helping with class work, playing games, or chasing after kiddos, they rock climb, camp, hike, lose at Mario Kart, and nap with their two kitty cats, Maurice and Ciccio.
Parker caillouet- B.e.s.s
Contact: parker.caillouet@embracelearning.org
Parker holds a BA in Sociology with a focus on at-risk youth. They were inspired to work with children with special needs after noticing how amazing it was when a kid with behavior issues was able to work through them and actually start to enjoy themselves while working at summer camps. Since then, they have truly enjoyed helping kids navigate challenging situations and make the most of their abilities, whatever those may be. They once heard someone describe children as balls of yarn that need untangling, and they enjoy supporting them as they work through all the knots and tangles of life.
Something fun and interesting about Parker is that they live in a tiny house out in the woods, with a horse next door and a cat sanctuary up the hill. In their free time, they spend most of their hours hanging out with their dog, going to the beach and the park, and enjoying his particular fondness for napping.
terrance slaughter - B.e.s.s
Contact: terrance.slaughter@embracelearning.org
Terrance holds a CBT certification. What inspired them to work with kids is their longstanding desire to give back to the youth. Outside of work, they are a DJ.
Anthony Boyles - B.e.s.s
Contact: anthony.boyles@embracelearning.org
Anthony holds a master’s degree in health education. Inspired by their own experiences as a child who needed guidance, Anthony loves to help solve problems and motivate kids to be the best they can be. In addition to their professional dedication, Anthony enjoys working out and taking time to rest. In their free time, Anthony likes playing board games with kids and cherishing holidays spent with them.
Miranda Dries - B.e.s.s
Contact: miranda.dries@embracelearning.org
Miranda is a BESS at the Tacoma site. She is inspired to work with children with special needs because of her personal experience as a mother of two children with special needs. This journey has taught her valuable lessons in patience and understanding. Miranda has also worked in self-contained classrooms, where she discovered her passion for working with children and meeting them where they are. She recognizes that every child is unique, and understands the importance of accommodating different learning styles.
Outside of her professional life, Miranda enjoys art and loves to draw and create. In her free time, she cherishes moments spent with her family, often engaging in activities like fishing and kayaking, and making lasting memories together.