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Admin Staff

Meet Our Administration Team

At Embrace Learning Institute, our administration team provides the leadership, vision, and support that make our mission possible. From strategic planning to day-to-day operations, they ensure that every aspect of ELI runs smoothly and efficiently, creating a safe and thriving learning environment for students and staff alike.

Our administrators bring a wealth of experience in education, management, and student services. They are passionate about fostering a culture of inclusion, equity, and excellence, ensuring that every student receives the personalized attention and resources they need to succeed.

Whether coordinating programs, overseeing curriculum, or supporting our staff, the administration team serves as the backbone of ELI, guiding our school toward continuous growth and innovation. Their dedication and expertise allow our educators and support staff to focus on what matters most—helping students reach their full potential.

Stephannie Rodgers

Sr. Human Resources Specialist

Stephannie Rodgers serves as the Sr. Human Resources Specialist at Embrace Learning Institute, where she brings compassion, organization, and a strong foundation in behavioral science to her work.

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Stephannie is a driven recruiting professional with a natural passion for helping others find the paths that bring out their best. With years of experience connecting people to opportunities, she brings experience, intuition, and is thrilled to join the ELI team. Beyond her career, Stephannie is a proud wife, mom to five grown children, and Noni (grandma) to three sweet little ones who keep life full of joy. When she’s not supporting candidates or cheering on her family, you can almost always find her at the ballpark proudly rooting on her youngest daughter in her travel softball journey. Committed, dedicated, and endlessly people-focused, Stephannie brings energy, compassion, and authenticity everywhere she goes.

Aaron Katz

Case Manager

Aaron Katz is the Case Manager at Embrace Learning Institute. Drawing on both his professional background as a special education teacher and his personal experience attending a special education school, he offers informed insight into effective, student-centered instructional practices.

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Miranda Dries

Behavior Intervention Specialist

Miranda Dries is a Behavior Intervention Supervisor at Embrace Learning Institute's Tacoma location. She brings a unique perspective to her work, inspired by her personal experience as a mother of two children with special needs. This journey has instilled in her deep patience, empathy, and

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insight, which she applies to supporting students with diverse learning and behavioral needs. Miranda has extensive experience working in self-contained classrooms, where she discovered her passion for creating inclusive, individualized learning environments. She excels at adapting teaching strategies to meet each child where they are, recognizing that every student has unique strengths and challenges. Her goal is to empower children to develop confidence, build essential skills, and thrive both academically and socially. Beyond her professional dedication, Miranda is also a talented artist who enjoys drawing and creating, bringing her creativity into the ways she engages with students. In her free time, she cherishes family adventures, including fishing, kayaking, and spending quality time outdoors, fostering meaningful connections and lasting memories.

Tiana Campbell

Lead B.E.S.S. (Bellevue)

Tiana Campbell serves as the Lead Behavior & Educational Support Specialist (B.E.S.S.) at Embrace Learning Institute's Bellevue location, where she is committed to empowering students with learning differences, behavioral challenges, and special needs.

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Born and raised in Renton, Washington, Tiana earned her B.S. in Applied Developmental Psychology from Eastern Washington University, providing her with a strong foundation in child development, learning strategies, and behavioral science. With over five years of experience supporting children across elementary, middle, and high school levels, Tiana has developed a comprehensive understanding of how to address diverse academic, social, and emotional needs. Her recent work as a mental health specialist focused on teaching social-emotional learning (SEL), helping students build resilience, self-regulation, and confidence—skills she continues to integrate into her role at ELI. At Embrace Learning Institute, Tiana excels at creating inclusive, nurturing, and empowering learning environments. She collaborates closely with students, families, and educators to implement personalized strategies that enhance academic growth, emotional well-being, and social development. Her passion for helping students reach their fullest potential drives her commitment to hands-on support, skill-building, and SEL-focused instruction. Outside of her professional work, Tiana enjoys cooking, walking her dog, and participating in outdoor activities, embracing opportunities to stay active and engaged with her community. Her energy, dedication, and student-centered approach make her a vital part of the ELI team, ensuring that every child receives the guidance and encouragement needed to thrive.

Issac Velasco

Lead B.E.S.S. (Bellevue)

Isaac Velasco is a Behavioral and Emotional Support Specialist at Embrace Learning Institute’s Bellevue Location. In 2023, Isaac graduated from the University of Washington and earned a Bachelor's degree in Public Health and Global Health. Since then, Isaac has taken his skills through behavioral

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health & health education settings. Throughout his academic and professional career, Isaac has maintained a diligent purpose to serve others and bridge their needs with mentorship, guidance, and patience . Previously as a Behavior Specialist, Isaac provided one-on-one support for children with behavioral, emotional, and mental needs. Isaac worked alongside senior staff to discover children's potential and through individualized strategies help children feel like kids and gain confidence in their own abilities & gifts. Similarly, serving as a Health Educator, Isaac provided support and guidance for adults facing chronic health conditions. Through Motivational Interviewing, Active Listening, and genuine empathy Isaac effectively provided education and guidance so that adults and teens alike believed they could take control over their life and improve their health outcomes. At ELI, Isaac’s purpose is to serve the needs of children with empathy, kindness, and love. Placing their needs above his own so that children have the space to thrive and succeed. Outside of work, Isaac enjoys physical activity, reading up on history or science, spending time with family & friends, and indulging in creative spaces & intentional creation through film, music, art.

Jordan Fragoso

Lead BESS (Tacoma)

Jordan Fragoso serves as the Lead BESS for the Embrace Learning Institute, where he is dedicated to fostering a safe, inclusive, and supportive environment for all learners. Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, Jordan relocated to Washington State with his family in July 2021.

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A proud disabled combat veteran of the Iraq War, Jordan brings a wealth of experience in leadership, behavioral support, and student advocacy to his role. Before his military service, he studied Communications at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV), where he developed a passion for understanding and improving human interaction. This skill has become central to his approach in education and student relations. Following his time in the military, Jordan worked for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as a Lead Passenger Support Specialist. In this position, he supported passengers with special needs and disabilities at major airports, including Harry Reid and Seattle-Tacoma International. His role required compassion, discretion, and exceptional problem-solving skills, and he received specialized training in Behavior Detection Analysis and Special Needs Security Screening — experience that now informs his trauma-sensitive and empathetic approach to student discipline and engagement. Known for his patience, sense of humor, and genuine care for others, Jordan takes pride in connecting with students on a personal level. He believes that every child deserves to feel seen, supported, and capable of success — regardless of the challenges they face. Making a positive and lasting impact on young lives is what drives his work every day. When he's not supporting students or collaborating with staff, Jordan enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, and working on personal development. His life and career reflect his commitment to service — whether to his country, his community, or the students he's honored to guide at ELI.

Andrew Ikerd

Lead B.E.S.S. (Tacoma)

Andrew Ikerd is a Behavioral & Educational Support Specialist (B.E.S.S.) at Embrace Learning Institute, dedicated to supporting students with diverse behavioral, emotional, and educational needs. He brings a wealth of experience from his work as a Behavioral Technician and is certified in EMT, CPR,

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and Bloodborne Pathogens, equipping him with the knowledge and skills to provide safe, effective, and compassionate support to all students. Andrew began his career at the age of 20, working with children in a high school environment to assist students with special needs. Since then, he has cultivated a deep passion for empowering students to overcome challenges, develop self-confidence, and achieve their personal and academic goals. His hands-on experience in various educational and behavioral settings allows him to implement individualized support strategies that truly make a difference. A creative spirit, Andrew is also an advocate for artistic expression and its role in student growth. Outside of work, he channels his creativity into tattoo artistry, woodworking, painting, and restoring cars, hobbies that reflect his attention to detail, patience, and innovative thinking. Andrew's dedication, versatility, and commitment to nurturing students make him a vital member of the Embrace Learning Institute team.