Board of Trustees
The Valley School Board of Trustees
The Board is comprised of alumni parents, current parents, community members and the Head of School. The board holds the school in trust and is responsible for establishing long-range strategies and policies that will support Valley’s mission and educational philosophy for many years to come. The board's primary responsibilities are:
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Upholding the school's mission and purpose, and establishing strategic plans to ensure the school's effectiveness in achieving its mission
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Ensuring that the necessary financial, staffing, governance and community resources are available to the school
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Providing oversight to protect the assets of the school, maintain financial stability, mitigate risks and ensure ethical integrity
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Hiring, supporting and evaluating the Head of School
OFFICERS
Thea Handelman, President
Thea is a parent of two current Valley students, Dashiell and Sidney, and an alumnus Elias. Thea is the Vice President of Tax at Zillow Group where she leads a team focused on helping the company solve its customers’ real estate needs. Thea earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Yale University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law, and Master of Laws in Taxation from NYU Law School. Thea is also a board member of the Women’s Justice Initiative, which seeks to combat gender based violence and inequality amongst indigenous women in Central America.
Ladd Moore, Vice President
Ladd with his spouse Susan are the parents of a Valley alum, a current Valley Upper School student, and an incoming student. This means they will likely be Valley parents for 15 consecutive years. They have both been actively involved in supporting the Valley School. Ladd has co-chaired the Cama Beach family weekend, served as a FAV class social rep, been a member of the Philanthropy Committee and participated in the most recent strategic planning process. Prior to having children and joining the Valley community Ladd grew up in Seattle and moved to Massachusetts where he met his spouse in college at Holy Cross. Ladd has worked in campaign politics, State government, wealth management and has spent the last 15 years helping to run Uresco Construction Materials. Ladd loves skiing, duck hunting, live music and social gatherings with his friends and family. Ladd believes the Valley community can support our kids and families in a life changing way that makes us all better together.
Giselle Furlonge, 2nd Vice President
Giselle has been a student, teacher, advisor, coach, administrator, and consultant in independent schools for over twenty years and currently serves as the Co- Head of School at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences (SAAS) in Seattle, Washington. With experience in both day and boarding schools at the middle and high school levels, she has held a variety of roles, but none treasured more than the time she spent as a teacher of Latin and Ancient Greek and as a basketball coach. Growing up as a first-generation American has shaped Giselle’s intellectual habits as a creative systems thinker and builder of partnerships. She has the experience of an educator who has participated in and led groups at the curricular and strategic levels of organizational change and is committed to modeling daily the inquiry practices of bias resistance, skills of cultural competence, and ethos of service. Giselle is most passionate about embedding the values of vigorous collaboration, expansive listening, and ongoing reflection as a means for growth in organizations big and small. She lives with her fellow educator husband, rollicking child, and rescue pup Hector.
John Bry, Treasurer
John and his spouse Rennie are proud parents of Drew, a Valley alumnus, and Jack, a fun loving, strong willed preschooler. John is currently the CFO for Kaiser Permanente, Washington. Prior to this he was CFO at UnitedHealthcare overseeing the Pacific Northwest and California markets. John grew up in Marin County, attended undergrad at University of California, San Diego, where he met his soon to be wife Rennie. Both John and Rennie moved to Boston after college to pursue graduate degrees at Boston University. A career change for John after business school brought John and Rennie to Seattle where they began their family and now reside in the Madrona neighborhood. Despite the push from Drew to be a Seahawks fan, John remains a staunch 49ers fan, and enjoys spending free time walking the city and visiting all the new coffee shops around town and shopping at Pike Market.
Megan Wyatt, Secretary
Megan is the Managing Director of Programs and Strategy at the Bezos Family Foundation where she oversees early childhood grant making and programs. As the Foundation's first hire in 2008, Megan has worked closely with its leadership to build a team and increase impact through funding and Foundation-led initiatives. Prior to her role at Bezos, she spent seven years at the Robin Hood Foundation, a poverty-fighting organization in New York City. She is also the mom of two curious and energetic Valley School boys, one current and one alum.
MEMBERS
Seth Bergeson
Seth started kindergarten at Valley in 1993 and has fond memories of building forts and playing on the playground. His mother Connie taught first grade at Valley for nearly 20 years and instilled in him a passion for learning and play. Seth attended The Bush School and Whitman College, recently completing an MBA and MPA at the University of Washington. He pursued his passion for education after college as a Watson and Fulbright fellow, researching children's games and teaching English in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Seth has since worked in global development and politics and is now a strategy consultant for the tech sector. Remaining true to his roots, he's excited to return and contribute to the school that gave him his start!
Courtney Gerlich
Courtney is the proud mom of a Valley student, Niko (4th grade), and an alum, Max (6th grade). A Seattle native, Courtney attended Santa Clara University before moving to San Francisco, where she spent six years at a music memorabilia startup as both an archivist and head of apparel. After returning to Seattle with her husband, Ira, she pursued her lifelong passion for food by attending culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu.
Courtney remains actively involved in the community, volunteering with Seattle Children’s Hospital as a Children’s Circle of Care council member and previously serving a two-year term on Valley’s Families at Valley group.
Her passions include family time, traveling (she’s always chasing new passport stamps), discovering new restaurants, cooking, skiing, golfing, staying active, reading, puzzles, art, and making the most of Seattle summers on the lake.
Feliza Guidero
Feliza is a parent of two Valley students, a second grader and an alumnus. She is a licensed clinical psychologist with years of experience in university counseling and recently opened her own private practice. She also works as a consultant on using technology to promote environmental stewardship in schools. As the former president of the Board of Directors for Central Branch Preschool, Feliza worked passionately to support families of color and families of all economic backgrounds. She loves learning and this fall will enter a global competition to name one of Earth's quasi-moons.
Tuney Kannapell
Tuney is a long time educator with 20 years experience at the Northwest School as a teacher, Middle School Director and Assistant Head of School. She also previously served on the board of Meridian School for six years. She recently retired from school administration, but continues to stay engaged through her consultancy work. Tuney has a good grasp of Valley's mission, values and educational philosophy and they align with her values as an educator. In her spare time Tuney plays soccer and spends as much time in the mountains as she can.
Todd Leber
Todd is the father of two Valley graduates. For the past 12 years, Todd worked at the Seneca Group as a real estate consultant and advisor for clients including Amazon and Mary’s Place. Todd is currently pivoting his career into mission-driven and non-profit work. Currently the Treasurer of the Seattle Center Foundation Board, he is passionate about supporting public spaces that foster community, arts and culture. He received his BA in International Relations and played soccer at Stanford University and received an MBA from the University of Arizona. Todd loves soccer and coaching and has enjoyed introducing soccer to his kids and many Valley students over the years.
Shannon O'Malley
Shannon O'Malley, born and raised in Seattle, is the parent of Cove, a current student at The Valley School. They hold a BA in Anthropology from the University of Washington and began their teaching career at University Child Development School in 2010. For the past ten years, Shannon has been a dedicated math and science teacher at Seattle Girls' School, a local independent school committed to anti-bias and social justice education. In addition to their work in education, Shannon has been deeply involved in the Seattle ultimate frisbee community for the past 20 years, working with DiscNW to run summer camps, leagues, clinics, and coach training programs. They are also the co-owner of Seven Hills Ultimate, a competitive youth club Ultimate Frisbee organization that competes nationally.
Thea Handelman, President
Thea is a parent of two current Valley students, Dashiell and Sidney, and an alumnus Elias. Thea is the Vice President of Tax at Zillow Group where she leads a team focused on helping the company solve its customers’ real estate needs. Thea earned a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Yale University, a Juris Doctor from the University of Oregon School of Law, and Master of Laws in Taxation from NYU Law School. Thea is also a board member of the Women’s Justice Initiative, which seeks to combat gender based violence and inequality amongst indigenous women in Central America.
Ladd Moore, Vice President
Ladd with his spouse Susan are the parents of a Valley alum, a current Valley Upper School student, and an incoming student. This means they will likely be Valley parents for 15 consecutive years. They have both been actively involved in supporting the Valley School. Ladd has co-chaired the Cama Beach family weekend, served as a FAV class social rep, been a member of the Philanthropy Committee and participated in the most recent strategic planning process. Prior to having children and joining the Valley community Ladd grew up in Seattle and moved to Massachusetts where he met his spouse in college at Holy Cross. Ladd has worked in campaign politics, State government, wealth management and has spent the last 15 years helping to run Uresco Construction Materials. Ladd loves skiing, duck hunting, live music and social gatherings with his friends and family. Ladd believes the Valley community can support our kids and families in a life changing way that makes us all better together.
Giselle Furlonge, 2nd Vice President
Giselle has been a student, teacher, advisor, coach, administrator, and consultant in independent schools for over twenty years and currently serves as the Co- Head of School at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences (SAAS) in Seattle, Washington. With experience in both day and boarding schools at the middle and high school levels, she has held a variety of roles, but none treasured more than the time she spent as a teacher of Latin and Ancient Greek and as a basketball coach. Growing up as a first-generation American has shaped Giselle’s intellectual habits as a creative systems thinker and builder of partnerships. She has the experience of an educator who has participated in and led groups at the curricular and strategic levels of organizational change and is committed to modeling daily the inquiry practices of bias resistance, skills of cultural competence, and ethos of service. Giselle is most passionate about embedding the values of vigorous collaboration, expansive listening, and ongoing reflection as a means for growth in organizations big and small. She lives with her fellow educator husband, rollicking child, and rescue pup Hector.
John Bry, Treasurer
John and his spouse Rennie are proud parents of Drew, a Valley alumnus, and Jack, a fun loving, strong willed preschooler. John is currently the CFO for Kaiser Permanente, Washington. Prior to this he was CFO at UnitedHealthcare overseeing the Pacific Northwest and California markets. John grew up in Marin County, attended undergrad at University of California, San Diego, where he met his soon to be wife Rennie. Both John and Rennie moved to Boston after college to pursue graduate degrees at Boston University. A career change for John after business school brought John and Rennie to Seattle where they began their family and now reside in the Madrona neighborhood. Despite the push from Drew to be a Seahawks fan, John remains a staunch 49ers fan, and enjoys spending free time walking the city and visiting all the new coffee shops around town and shopping at Pike Market.
Megan Wyatt, Secretary
Megan is the Managing Director of Programs and Strategy at the Bezos Family Foundation where she oversees early childhood grant making and programs. As the Foundation's first hire in 2008, Megan has worked closely with its leadership to build a team and increase impact through funding and Foundation-led initiatives. Prior to her role at Bezos, she spent seven years at the Robin Hood Foundation, a poverty-fighting organization in New York City. She is also the mom of two curious and energetic Valley School boys, one current and one alum.
MEMBERS
Seth Bergeson
Seth started kindergarten at Valley in 1993 and has fond memories of building forts and playing on the playground. His mother Connie taught first grade at Valley for nearly 20 years and instilled in him a passion for learning and play. Seth attended The Bush School and Whitman College, recently completing an MBA and MPA at the University of Washington. He pursued his passion for education after college as a Watson and Fulbright fellow, researching children's games and teaching English in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Seth has since worked in global development and politics and is now a strategy consultant for the tech sector. Remaining true to his roots, he's excited to return and contribute to the school that gave him his start!
Courtney Gerlich
Courtney is the proud mom of a Valley student, Niko (4th grade), and an alum, Max (6th grade). A Seattle native, Courtney attended Santa Clara University before moving to San Francisco, where she spent six years at a music memorabilia startup as both an archivist and head of apparel. After returning to Seattle with her husband, Ira, she pursued her lifelong passion for food by attending culinary school at Le Cordon Bleu.
Courtney remains actively involved in the community, volunteering with Seattle Children’s Hospital as a Children’s Circle of Care council member and previously serving a two-year term on Valley’s Families at Valley group.
Her passions include family time, traveling (she’s always chasing new passport stamps), discovering new restaurants, cooking, skiing, golfing, staying active, reading, puzzles, art, and making the most of Seattle summers on the lake.
Feliza Guidero
Feliza is a parent of two Valley students, a second grader and an alumnus. She is a licensed clinical psychologist with years of experience in university counseling and recently opened her own private practice. She also works as a consultant on using technology to promote environmental stewardship in schools. As the former president of the Board of Directors for Central Branch Preschool, Feliza worked passionately to support families of color and families of all economic backgrounds. She loves learning and this fall will enter a global competition to name one of Earth's quasi-moons.
Tuney Kannapell
Tuney is a long time educator with 20 years experience at the Northwest School as a teacher, Middle School Director and Assistant Head of School. She also previously served on the board of Meridian School for six years. She recently retired from school administration, but continues to stay engaged through her consultancy work. Tuney has a good grasp of Valley's mission, values and educational philosophy and they align with her values as an educator. In her spare time Tuney plays soccer and spends as much time in the mountains as she can.
Todd Leber
Todd is the father of two Valley graduates. For the past 12 years, Todd worked at the Seneca Group as a real estate consultant and advisor for clients including Amazon and Mary’s Place. Todd is currently pivoting his career into mission-driven and non-profit work. Currently the Treasurer of the Seattle Center Foundation Board, he is passionate about supporting public spaces that foster community, arts and culture. He received his BA in International Relations and played soccer at Stanford University and received an MBA from the University of Arizona. Todd loves soccer and coaching and has enjoyed introducing soccer to his kids and many Valley students over the years.
Shannon O'Malley
Shannon O'Malley, born and raised in Seattle, is the parent of Cove, a current student at The Valley School. They hold a BA in Anthropology from the University of Washington and began their teaching career at University Child Development School in 2010. For the past ten years, Shannon has been a dedicated math and science teacher at Seattle Girls' School, a local independent school committed to anti-bias and social justice education. In addition to their work in education, Shannon has been deeply involved in the Seattle ultimate frisbee community for the past 20 years, working with DiscNW to run summer camps, leagues, clinics, and coach training programs. They are also the co-owner of Seven Hills Ultimate, a competitive youth club Ultimate Frisbee organization that competes nationally.
Scot Partlow
Now in his third term as a Trustee, Scot is beyond excited to be supporting the school through this amazing time. He is passionate about The Valley School, serving on the FUNdraising (auction) and Philanthropy committees, as an Admission Ambassador, and has been an active Trustee supporting the accreditation process and membership/governance activities. He and his family (husband and Valley School alum son) enjoy gardening, gaming, eating, traveling, and spending time in the mountains.
Kathi Rosen
Kathi is lucky to parent two girls, the youngest of whom, Kestrel, is a Valley alumna. She is honored to care for many other children through her work as a pediatrician. After putting herself through college, Kathi started her career as an engineer working on medical devices. Over time, the desire to care directly for patients drove her to become a pediatrician. These days, when not caring for children, both her own and others, Kathi tries to keep active through (very slowly) running and rock climbing. Her favorite times are adventuring in the mountains with her family. Kathi is excited to support The Valley School’s incredible mission.
Kate Sigafoos
Kate has two Valley School alumni who are now in middle and high school. She is an employment attorney at Microsoft and was a member of the Families at Valley leadership team. Kate also serves on the board of the American Justice & Equity Group, a non-profit working to provide visibility into criminal justice data. If you can't find Kate in the city, check the Methow where she and the family can often be found (hiding) hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and lounging by the river.
Kathi is lucky to parent two girls, the youngest of whom, Kestrel, is a Valley alumna. She is honored to care for many other children through her work as a pediatrician. After putting herself through college, Kathi started her career as an engineer working on medical devices. Over time, the desire to care directly for patients drove her to become a pediatrician. These days, when not caring for children, both her own and others, Kathi tries to keep active through (very slowly) running and rock climbing. Her favorite times are adventuring in the mountains with her family. Kathi is excited to support The Valley School’s incredible mission.
Kate Sigafoos
Kate has two Valley School alumni who are now in middle and high school. She is an employment attorney at Microsoft and was a member of the Families at Valley leadership team. Kate also serves on the board of the American Justice & Equity Group, a non-profit working to provide visibility into criminal justice data. If you can't find Kate in the city, check the Methow where she and the family can often be found (hiding) hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, and lounging by the river.
Maggie Weed