Cedar River Academy - Faculty & Staff

Faculty & Staff

Michelle Avolio, NBCT
Middle Childhood Teacher

Ms. Avolio earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Economics, with a minor in French, from Benedictine College, and her Masters in Education from Eastern Washington University. Ms. Avolio has completed the challenging process of earning the distinction of becoming a National Board Certified Teacher, Middle Childhood Generalist. Michelle joins Cedar River Academy team after six successful years teaching multiple grade class at Panther Lake Elementary in Kent, Washington. At Panther Lake, Michelle taught a highly differentiated model that included students with academic skills ranging from 1st grade to 11th grade. Having a solid base in reading, science, and French, Michelle is very focused on math instruction. Before becoming a teacher, Ms. Avolio was a contract manager and environmental protection specialist for the General Services Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration. Michelle and her husband and two children, Michael and Quinn, are fourteen year Enumclaw residents. Ms Avolio is a voracious reader and enjoys theater and travel.

Kristie Brame
Head of School

Kristie Brame came to Cedar River Academy after a long career in public education. Ms. Brame holds a Master's degree in Education, with an emphasis on early childhood and primary education from the University of North Texas. Kristie has 20 years of teaching experience in child care, Head Start, and public schools. She also served in administrative positions as an instructional specialist and director for 13 years. Most recently, she was the director of professional development for the New Teacher Academy, Online Training, and the Substitute Training for the Dallas (Texas) Independent School District. Before that, she served the district as the director of Early Childhood Education, prekindergarten to grade 3. In addition to classroom teaching, Kristie has extensive experience as a trainer and curriculum developer. In her spare time, Kristie likes snow skiing, sailing, traveling, and reading. She and her husband Don share their home with their cat, Sam.

Maureen Flury
Special Programs Teacher

Ms. Maureen Flury holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Early Childhood Education, from Central Washington University. Ms. Flury's experience includes: All-American competitive swimming and coaching, forest firefighting as a Forest Protection Officer, stream surveying, rowing for the Washington State University crew, substitute teacher, and prekindergarten teacher. Maureen, her husband James, and four children are long time residents of Enumclaw. Maureen enjoys reconditioning their 1959 home, hiking, church activities, swimming, making music (Violin, French Horn, Bassoon), gardening, and reading.

Anne Gerken
Director of Admissions

Anne graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Now the mother of four small children, Anne's focus on early childhood education is a top priority. Her dual role as parent and educator have motivated her to help build the best possible environment for her children to grow and learn pragmatically, emotionally and academically. With all four of her children attending Cedar River Academy, Anne is uniquely prepared for her role as the Director of Admissions. Her hobbies outside of school range from portrait photography to game night with her family. She enjoys learning new skills and makes time to read daily.

Alisha Hafey
Prekindergarten Teacher

Alisha graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor's degree in Education, focusing on child development and elementary education, and holds a Washington State Teaching Certificate for grades K-8. Prior to joining Cedar River Academy, Alisha worked as a lead teacher at Clearview Montessori for four years. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, reading, shopping, playing board games, and spending quality time with family and friends.

Silvia Lopez
Transportation Coordinator & Facilities Manager

Silvia graduated from Michoacan High School, in Mexico. In 2000, she and her husband, Jose, came to the United States, choosing Washington State because of the good opportunities. Prior to working at Cedar River Academy, Silvia worked at Aroma Candles Co., in Kent, WA. Silvia takes pride in maintaining the Cedar River Academy facilities, and transporting some of our students to and from the SeaTac area daily in the Cedar River Academy van. When not working, Sylvia enjoys shopping, cooking, going to the movies and traveling with her husband, and their two children Jose, a second grader at CRA, and Paulina,a prekindergartener at CRA.

Jolene Matta
Fine Arts Instructor

Jolene received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from The Evergreen State College, with an emphasis on Visual & Performing Arts, and Social Studies. She attained her teaching credentials from Pacific Lutheran University with certification in K-8 Elementary Education and K-12 Visual Arts. Jolene has recently completed training in Washington State Classroom-Based Performance Assessments in The Arts. Jolene joined the team at Cedar River Academy following 3 years of teaching experience in the Olympia area. In the near future, she intends to pursue her Masters Degree in Integrative Studies in Psychology, with an emphasis in Art Therapy and Human Development. Outside of school, Jolene enjoys reading, hiking, gardening, making art in her home studio, and spending time with her son, Sage.

Denise Renteria
Teacher & Bilingual Specialist

Denise received her Early Childhood/Elementary Education certificate from the University of Texas-El Paso, in 1991, her Bilingual Education/ESL Strategies certification in 1992, and a BBA in Business Management in 1982. Prior to joining the staff at Cedar River Academy, Denise worked as a teacher and program supervisor for the Auburn Branch of Childhaven. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Denise and her family moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2002. Before coming to Washington, she worked for the Texas School System, teaching primarily prekindergarten and kindergarten. In addition to spending time with her husband, three children (Ryan, Michelle and Mathew) and their two Chihuahuas (Milo and Gracie), Denise enjoys all types of music, dancing, reading, and gardening.

Mallie Riley
Administrative Assistant

Mallie recently graduated from the University of Washington with her Bachelor's of Science in Biology. She has spent the last six months working for NOAA and the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle researching the development of the Yakima Spring Chinook. Teaching has always been her career goal and with Cedar River Academy growing fast, she hopes to fulfill her dreams here. She enjoys reading, swimming, movies, tennis, and collecting bugs. She would love to show your her insect collection any time!

Marie Riley
Second & Third Grade Teacher

A Seattle native, Marie received her Bachelor of Arts in Education, with a focus on Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Education, from Washington State University. Currently, Marie is pursuing her Masters Degree in Educational Administration as well as National Board Certification. She is very excited about contributing to the foundation of Cedar River Academy.

Jan Titus
Middle Childhood Curriculum Specialist

Ms. Jan Titus has an extensive background in Gifted Education and over 30 years of teaching experience, of which nineteen were spent teaching in a gifted elementary classroom and developing curriculum for several elementary grade levels. Ms. Titus holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a minor in Elementary Education, from the University of Washington and a Masters degree in Education with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction from Seattle University. Jan has been a Student Council Advisor, a teacher for the Summer Math Blast Program in 2001, a teacher for Math through Literacy After-School Program, a board member for Project TEACH at Green River Community College, a recipient of Classroom Connect National STARS Program Award in 1997, a recipient of the Pratt and Whitney and World Flight Gold Medallion Teacher Award in 1997, a recipient of the WAETAG (Washington Association of Educators for Talented and Gifted) Award for Improvement of Gifted Education for Gifted and Talented Students 1990, a registered participant in the 12th World Conference of the World Council for Gifted & Talented Children in 1997, and has published an article for Report Card Project TEACH in the Advice for Future Teachers column. In addition to spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and her cat, Muffin, she enjoys traveling, scuba diving, reading, quilting, painting, scrapbooking, hiking, gardening, snow skiing, and swimming.

Zoë Wilson
Kindergarten Teacher

Zoë received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2004 from Western Washington University, majoring in English and minoring in Communication. In 2007, Zoë earned a K-8 teaching certificate through Western Washington University's post-baccalaureate elementary education program. In her career prior to joining Cedar River Academy, Zoë worked as an inclusion advocate for the Arc of Whatcom County and as an administrative assistant at a respected architecture firm in Bellingham, Washington. When she's not teaching, Zoë enjoys reading, being outdoors, baking, and spending time with her friends and family.


Home Page About CRA Head of School's Welcome Our Mission Values for a Global Community FAQs Grow With Us Campus Development Accreditations Location & Hours Faculty & Staff Employment Admissions Admissions Process Application Packet Financial Aid & Scholarships Tuition Parent Handbook Programs Programs PreKindergarten Kindergarten Grade One Grades Two & Three Grades Four & Five Fine Arts Foreign Languages Physical Education Extended Day Options English as a Second Language On Campus Calendar Community Nights Photo Gallery	Faculty & Staff Michelle Avolio, NBCT Middle Childhood Teacher Ms. Avolio earned her Bachelor of Arts degrees in English and Economics, with a minor in French, from Benedictine College, and her Masters in Education from Eastern Washington University. Ms. Avolio has completed the challenging process of earning the distinction of becoming a National Board Certified Teacher, Middle Childhood Generalist. Michelle joins Cedar River Academy team after six successful years teaching multiple grade class at Panther Lake Elementary in Kent, Washington. At Panther Lake, Michelle taught a highly differentiated model that included students with academic skills ranging from 1st grade to 11th grade. Having a solid base in reading, science, and French, Michelle is very focused on math instruction. Before becoming a teacher, Ms. Avolio was a contract manager and environmental protection specialist for the General Services Administration and the Federal Aviation Administration. Michelle and her husband and two children, Michael and Quinn, are fourteen year Enumclaw residents. Ms Avolio is a voracious reader and enjoys theater and travel. Kristie Brame Head of School Kristie Brame came to Cedar River Academy after a long career in public education. Ms. Brame holds a Master's degree in Education, with an emphasis on early childhood and primary education from the University of North Texas. Kristie has 20 years of teaching experience in child care, Head Start, and public schools. She also served in administrative positions as an instructional specialist and director for 13 years. Most recently, she was the director of professional development for the New Teacher Academy, Online Training, and the Substitute Training for the Dallas (Texas) Independent School District. Before that, she served the district as the director of Early Childhood Education, prekindergarten to grade 3. In addition to classroom teaching, Kristie has extensive experience as a trainer and curriculum developer. In her spare time, Kristie likes snow skiing, sailing, traveling, and reading. She and her husband Don share their home with their cat, Sam. Maureen Flury Special Programs Teacher Ms. Maureen Flury holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education, with a minor in Early Childhood Education, from Central Washington University. Ms. Flury's experience includes: All-American competitive swimming and coaching, forest firefighting as a Forest Protection Officer, stream surveying, rowing for the Washington State University crew, substitute teacher, and prekindergarten teacher. Maureen, her husband James, and four children are long time residents of Enumclaw. Maureen enjoys reconditioning their 1959 home, hiking, church activities, swimming, making music (Violin, French Horn, Bassoon), gardening, and reading. Anne Gerken Director of Admissions Anne graduated from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education. Now the mother of four small children, Anne's focus on early childhood education is a top priority. Her dual role as parent and educator have motivated her to help build the best possible environment for her children to grow and learn pragmatically, emotionally and academically. With all four of her children attending Cedar River Academy, Anne is uniquely prepared for her role as the Director of Admissions. Her hobbies outside of school range from portrait photography to game night with her family. She enjoys learning new skills and makes time to read daily. Alisha Hafey Prekindergarten Teacher Alisha graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor's degree in Education, focusing on child development and elementary education, and holds a Washington State Teaching Certificate for grades K-8. Prior to joining Cedar River Academy, Alisha worked as a lead teacher at Clearview Montessori for four years. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, reading, shopping, playing board games, and spending quality time with family and friends. Silvia Lopez Transportation Coordinator & Facilities Manager Silvia graduated from Michoacan High School, in Mexico. In 2000, she and her husband, Jose, came to the United States, choosing Washington State because of the good opportunities. Prior to working at Cedar River Academy, Silvia worked at Aroma Candles Co., in Kent, WA. Silvia takes pride in maintaining the Cedar River Academy facilities, and transporting some of our students to and from the SeaTac area daily in the Cedar River Academy van. When not working, Sylvia enjoys shopping, cooking, going to the movies and traveling with her husband, and their two children Jose, a second grader at CRA, and Paulina,a prekindergartener at CRA. Jolene Matta Fine Arts Instructor Jolene received her Bachelor of Arts degree in Liberal Arts from The Evergreen State College, with an emphasis on Visual & Performing Arts, and Social Studies. She attained her teaching credentials from Pacific Lutheran University with certification in K-8 Elementary Education and K-12 Visual Arts. Jolene has recently completed training in Washington State Classroom-Based Performance Assessments in The Arts. Jolene joined the team at Cedar River Academy following 3 years of teaching experience in the Olympia area. In the near future, she intends to pursue her Masters Degree in Integrative Studies in Psychology, with an emphasis in Art Therapy and Human Development. Outside of school, Jolene enjoys reading, hiking, gardening, making art in her home studio, and spending time with her son, Sage. Denise Renteria Teacher & Bilingual Specialist Denise received her Early Childhood/Elementary Education certificate from the University of Texas-El Paso, in 1991, her Bilingual Education/ESL Strategies certification in 1992, and a BBA in Business Management in 1982. Prior to joining the staff at Cedar River Academy, Denise worked as a teacher and program supervisor for the Auburn Branch of Childhaven. Born and raised in El Paso, Texas, Denise and her family moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2002. Before coming to Washington, she worked for the Texas School System, teaching primarily prekindergarten and kindergarten. In addition to spending time with her husband, three children (Ryan, Michelle and Mathew) and their two Chihuahuas (Milo and Gracie), Denise enjoys all types of music, dancing, reading, and gardening. Mallie Riley Administrative Assistant Mallie recently graduated from the University of Washington with her Bachelor's of Science in Biology. She has spent the last six months working for NOAA and the Northwest Fisheries Science Center in Seattle researching the development of the Yakima Spring Chinook. Teaching has always been her career goal and with Cedar River Academy growing fast, she hopes to fulfill her dreams here. She enjoys reading, swimming, movies, tennis, and collecting bugs. She would love to show your her insect collection any time! Marie Riley Second & Third Grade Teacher A Seattle native, Marie received her Bachelor of Arts in Education, with a focus on Kindergarten through Eighth Grade Education, from Washington State University. Currently, Marie is pursuing her Masters Degree in Educational Administration as well as National Board Certification. She is very excited about contributing to the foundation of Cedar River Academy. Jan Titus Middle Childhood Curriculum Specialist Ms. Jan Titus has an extensive background in Gifted Education and over 30 years of teaching experience, of which nineteen were spent teaching in a gifted elementary classroom and developing curriculum for several elementary grade levels. Ms. Titus holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, with a minor in Elementary Education, from the University of Washington and a Masters degree in Education with an emphasis on Curriculum and Instruction from Seattle University. Jan has been a Student Council Advisor, a teacher for the Summer Math Blast Program in 2001, a teacher for Math through Literacy After-School Program, a board member for Project TEACH at Green River Community College, a recipient of Classroom Connect National STARS Program Award in 1997, a recipient of the Pratt and Whitney and World Flight Gold Medallion Teacher Award in 1997, a recipient of the WAETAG (Washington Association of Educators for Talented and Gifted) Award for Improvement of Gifted Education for Gifted and Talented Students 1990, a registered participant in the 12th World Conference of the World Council for Gifted & Talented Children in 1997, and has published an article for Report Card Project TEACH in the Advice for Future Teachers column. In addition to spending time with her husband, children, grandchildren, and her cat, Muffin, she enjoys traveling, scuba diving, reading, quilting, painting, scrapbooking, hiking, gardening, snow skiing, and swimming. Zoë Wilson Kindergarten Teacher Zoë received her Bachelor of Arts degree in 2004 from Western Washington University, majoring in English and minoring in Communication. In 2007, Zoë earned a K-8 teaching certificate through Western Washington University's post-baccalaureate elementary education program. In her career prior to joining Cedar River Academy, Zoë worked as an inclusion advocate for the Arc of Whatcom County and as an administrative assistant at a respected architecture firm in Bellingham, Washington. When she's not teaching, Zoë enjoys reading, being outdoors, baking, and spending time with her friends and family.