Risa serves as a Reading Specialist and has been a proud member of the Silverwood Board since 2023.

Drawn to Silverwood’s educational philosophy and mission, Risa was inspired by the school’s small, student-centered environment and the unique opportunities it provides. As an educator herself, she cares deeply about students and wanted to contribute her experience and passion to the Silverwood community.

When asked what she loves most about Silverwood, Risa says it’s “so many things!” from the time students spend outside, to the freedom they have to be themselves, and the individualized attention teachers give each child.

One of her favorite Silverwood memories comes from a board shadow day, where she was amazed by the students’ independence and mutual respect. “The class could practically run themselves,” she recalls. “My student buddy was a true leader—confident, thoughtful, and kind. Silverwood is helping mold awesome young adults.”

Outside of Silverwood, Risa enjoys traveling with her family, reading, diamond painting, beach walks, bakery adventures, and time with friends. A fun fact: she’s an exceptional hula hooper!

Katie  joined the Silverwood Board in 2022, bringing with her a deep background in governance and a genuine enthusiasm for policies and procedures. In her professional life, Katie manages philanthropic activities for a multi-generational family, and saw an opportunity to support Silverwood through this period of growth and change by helping build a strong foundation for the school’s next chapter.

What Katie loves most about Silverwood is the community, this incredible mix of unique, caring kids and families who show up for each other both in and out of school. Closing Ceremonies gets her every year. Watching teachers speak about students, whether they were here for one year or nine, reminds her exactly why they are here (and why all those hours in the car in the early years were worth it). Katie also treasures the everyday moments, like when her kids come home dirty, joyful, and lit up about something they did outside.

Outside of Silverwood, Katie has more hobbies than hours in the week, but she always finds time to cook, knit, garden, and read. As a family, they love camping, canoeing, and beach combing. Katie is a dedicated collector of agates and sea glass, during her most recent move she had to pare her collection down to just four boxes!

It’s impossible for Katie to pick a single favorite book, but Ross Gay’s Book of Delights is one she returns to every few months, so that may count as her favorite.

TREASURER

Ryan grew up in Bellingham, and now lives in Kitsap County with his wife and daughter.  He served in the US Navy as an Electronics Technician for eleven years and was recognized as a Master Training Specialist before honorably discharging from active service to continue his education. Ryan worked for the Department of Justice while pursuing his Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Brandman University and now works as a program manager at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Keyport resolving technology obsolescence for the fleet. When he is not working or spending time with his wonderful wife and adorable daughter, Ryan can be found wrenching on import cars in the garage. Whether it’s car shows or a race track, the only thing that is more important is his family.

Alice is a Registered Nurse on the Float Team at St. Michael Medical Center in Silverdale and has served on the Silverwood Board since 2021. Her family was drawn to Silverwood’s commitment to outdoor learning and its focus on nurturing each child’s sense of wonder. As a trustee, Alice is passionate about supporting a community that values curiosity, creativity, and connection with nature, helping more families experience the magic of learning the Silverwood way.

What Alice loves most about Silverwood is its strong sense of community—“a place where everyone belongs.” She treasures the Barn Campout, where families set up tents, share meals, and children roam the woods they know so well, capturing the warmth and connection that make Silverwood special.

Outside of Silverwood, Alice enjoys gardening, knitting, collecting rocks and sea glass, camping, and reading with family and friends. Originally from Prague, Czech Republic, she once worked as a licensed small animal massage therapist, massaging dogs in a warm-water pool—a job she fondly calls “the most fun I ever had.”

Her favorite books include Veronika Decides to Die and The Little Prince. A favorite quote: “Don’t listen to reply, listen to understand.”

Meghan has spent the past 17 years working in the public affairs/communications fields. She is currently a Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve. This is Meghan’s first year serving on Silverwood’s Board. She was drawn to Silverwood by its unique blend of the magic and adventure of childhood with high-quality education. “The first time I visited Silverwood’s beautiful campus and met the friendly staff, teachers, and families, I knew I wanted my family to become part of the community,” she recalls.

What Meghan loves most about Silverwood is the sense of community. “[I’m] grateful every day to be a part of a group that cares so deeply about treating others with respect and kindness, and prioritizes becoming good stewards of our planet. I love that our children spend so much of their day outside, learning through play and the beautiful natural environment. Our children are beginning their education in a truly special place.”

Some of Meghan’s favorite memories at Silverwood are the events that bring the community together, from campouts to Halloween carnivals. “It’s so fun to get together with the other families. I feel like we all make fast, forever friends at Silverwood,” she says.

Outside of Silverwood, Meghan loves spending time outdoors, swimming, and going anywhere with a beach. A fun fact about her is that she has visited all 50 states. One of her favorite quotes reflects her values: “We don’t inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children.”

Jessica has been a valued member of the Silverwood School Board since 2022 and currently serves on the Community Engagement Committee, having previously chaired the committee from 2022 to 2025.

Drawn to Silverwood’s mission of nurturing the whole child, academically, emotionally, and socially. Jessica views board service as a natural extension of her commitment to thoughtful, community-centered education. She is passionate about ensuring that Silverwood continues to thrive and evolve for all students.

What Jessica loves most about Silverwood is the strong sense of belonging fostered among families and staff. She cherishes the moments of seeing children grow with confidence, particularly witnessing her own child’s journey of development and learning.

Outside of Silverwood, Jessica enjoys gardening, cooking, reading, puzzles, and cross-stitching. She is happiest in settings that include animals, crafts, or the beach. A fan of EDM and alternative-fusion music, she counts attending concerts by Linkin Park, The Prodigy, and Twenty One Pilots among her favorite experiences.

Her personal motto is inspired by Ian MacLaren: “Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a battle you know nothing about.”

Tyler is a (Central) Kitsap native, having spent his entire childhood and the past seven years living in this beautiful community. He is a graduate of Western Washington University, with a degree in Human-Computer Interaction, and is currently the head of digital experience at Visier, a Canadian-based people analytics company.

When he’s not designing websites or conducting UX research, he can be found discovering and enjoying craft coffee, reading about cosmology and string theory, and watering his garden.

His earliest memories of Silverwood are of driving past the school on his way to Poulsbo for donuts at Sluys Bakery with his parents.