Jan Titus
Curriculum Director
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.
Tamara McPherson
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Tamara earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Central Washington
University. Her majors were Early Childhood Education and
Elementary Education. Ms. McPherson holds a Washington State
Teaching Certificate for grades K-8 and has concentrated thematic
instruction training and is focused on child-centered learning.
Zoë Wilson
Kindergarten and First Grade 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.
Alisha Hafey
Second Grade 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.
Marie Riley
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. Ms. Riley holds a
Washington State Teaching Certificate for grades K-8. Marie is
pursuing her Masters Degree in Educational Administration as
well as National Board Certification.
Kristin McSwan
Third Grade Teacher
Ms. McSwan earned her Bachelors of Arts Degree in Elementary
Education. Kristin returned to Enumclaw after teaching 3rd,
4th, and 5th grades for ten years in the Las Vegas, Nevada
School District. Prior to becoming a teacher, Kristin worked
several years in an active and diverse law office.
Brandi Huizenga
Fourth, Fifth & Sixth Grade Teacher
Ms. Huizenga earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Central
Washington University, earning a degree in Early Childhood
Education and Elementary Education. Brandi holds a Washington
State Teaching Certificate for grades K-8.
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.
Silvia Lopez
Spanish Instructor
Ms. Lopez was educated in Mexico and has been an increasingly
important member of the CRA team since its formation. Silvia
leads our Spanish immersion program to assure that all of our
students practice speaking only Spanish a significant portion
of their weeks at CRA.
Kaitlin Lohr
Violin I and Chorus Teacher
Kaitlin received level 10 certification through the Royal
Conservatory of Music and National Music Certificate Program.
Her experience includes 5 years of teaching violin and piano
along with coaching for the Tacoma Young Chamber Players
Program. Kaitlin is also an active member of the Puyallup
Valley Chapter of the Washington State Music Teachers National
Association and enjoys participating, as a community member,
in the Pacific Lutheran University Symphony Orchestra.
Kevin Jones
Guitar Teacher
Kevin is a music producer, guitar instructor, vocalist, and
songwriter with expert level experience. He's produced 4 CD's of
his original music to date. He owns and operates a professional
recording studio which he incorporates in his instruction if
desired by the student. Teaching focuses on giving students a
foundation to grow upon while learning songs of their choice and
performance tips.
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.
Traci Dodge
Physical Activities Coach
Ms. Dodge earned her Bachelor of Science in Business from the
University of Idaho with a major in human resource management.
Traci has more than six years experience as a children's sports
coach.
Jennifer Grisham
Office Administrator and Substitute Teacher
Jennifer is within four classes of earning her Master of Education
degree from the University of Washington. She holds a Washington
State teaching certificate. Prior to joining us, Jennifer was
employed by the University Place and Bethel School Districts as
a substitute teacher. Mrs. Grisham created and taught her own
pre-k class for three years where she focused on whole child
education and state standards.
Son Nguyen
Director of Information Technology
Mr. Nguyen is Cedar River Academy's Director of Information
Technology. Son has more than 20 years of progressively complex
and diverse experience in the computer software industry.
These experiences include assignments in customer service
engineering and application software engineering for Syntax
Systems, Inc., systems software engineering for Syntax Systems
and LSI Logic Corporation and DHI Technologies, Inc., and
information technology at Cedar River Academy. In addition to
other responsibilities at Cedar River Academy, Son is the ASPEN
product development manager. Mr. Nguyen holds a B.S. degree in
Computer Science from Seattle University and a B.S. degree in
Mathematics from Seattle University.
Roger Franklin
Founder and CEO
In the absence of competent private school choices for their
grand children, Mr. and Mrs. Franklin founded Cedar River Academy
in 2005. Mr. Franklin is an entrepreneur, founding operating
Syntax, Inc., a successful international computer software
company. Recently, Roger has founded and directs three successful
enterprises, including Cedar River Academy. Mr. Franklin holds
a BA degree in Mathematics and Physics.
