Staff

President & Chief Executive Officer

Emily Yim is the President & CEO of Washington Alliance for Better Schools (WABS), a collaboration of school districts across WA State, whose mission is to leverage resources, talent, and intellectual capital to help nearly 300,000 students graduate career and college ready. Emily works with the Board of Directors, comprised of Superintendents and Industry leaders to implement collaborative efforts to develop exceptional teachers, engaged students, and empowered families across the WA. 

She also served as the Chair for the Association of Community College Trustees (ACCT) in Washington, D.C., providing leadership in governance and policy advocacy, which serves over 520 governing boards and 6,500 trustees. She served as the Chair of the ACCT Public Policy Committee and is the former Chair of the Asian Pacific Islander and Native American Caucus. And most recently served on the national board of The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) in Washington, D.C, the primary advocacy organization for the nation’s community colleges, representing more than 1,000 2-year, associate degree-granting institutions and nearly 12 million students.

Ms. Yim is a guest speaker and consultant for Community College Boards across the country and internationally. And also serves as faculty at The American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) preparing future Community College Presidents. 

Ms. Yim was also the founding Director of the Department of Neighborhoods and Community Affairs for the City of Lynnwood; Vice President of Community and External Affairs at Chase, helping to oversee and invest a $29 million annual philanthropic budget; and a former Board Member of the International District Housing Alliance in Seattle, United Way of Snohomish County, and the Community Services Advisory Council for Snohomish County. She completed her B.A. in International Studies and Political Science at the University of Washington.

Vice President of Development & Impact

An east coast native, April Nilsen joined WABS in 2014 while completing her graduate degree, which focused on education policy, program evaluation, and nonprofit management. April has held many roles at WABS, including overseeing student programs, as the organization’s grant writer, and as the Director of Development & Communications. Previously, she has experience as an educator and an administrator in early childhood education.

April holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Michigan, and a Master’s in Public Administration from the Evans School of Public Policy & Governance at the University of Washington. She also serves on the Board of Directors for Snohomish County Legal Services. In her time outside of work, April enjoys spending time with her daughters and exploring the outdoors.

Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Networks

John joined WABS in July 2021 as the King and Pierce County Regional Network Director. In this role, he catalyzes and convenes outcome-focused collaborations with industry, community-based organizations, education systems, and other key partners to drive the work for Career Connected Learning. Prior to this, John served as Vice President of Corporate & Workforce Training at Everett Community College. This role included collaboratively leading the design, development, and implementation of several new regional centers for high demand career training as well as developing strategic networks and partnerships to create equitable education pathways across industry, labor, K-12, and higher education boundaries.

John has served as a board member with Boys and Girls Club Snohomish County, Economic Alliance Snohomish County, and Everett Area Chamber of Commerce. He has held faculty and managerial roles forging global partnerships for international education at the University of Washington, where he also completed graduate degrees in Teaching and Public Administration. He is currently completing his doctorate in higher education leadership at Northeastern University.

Associate Director of Career Connected Learning

Kim joined the WABS team in 2022. In her position, she works to bridge the gap between industry and schools and provides opportunities for students and teachers to learn about various careers through interactive worksite tours.

Previous to joining WABS, Kim was an engineering and research teacher for 12 years and most recently worked as a STEM/CTE facilitator for Everett Public Schools. Kim also owns a horse ranch on Camano Island, where she spends all her free time riding, training, and competing with her horses.

Senior Project Manager

Christina is an inclusive, innovative, and strategic leader with 35 years of professional experience in higher education. She has held cabinet and executive level positions at Bellevue College, Edmonds College, and Everett Community College, including interim president, vice president of student affairs, dean of student development, and associate dean for diversity. She is an advocate for social and educational justice and has experience building partnerships with employers and community organizations to create innovative programs advancing access and opportunity for underrepresented and historically excluded populations.

Christina has a master’s degree in education from Western Washington University (WWU) and her bachelor’s degree in social work from Colorado State University. She lives in Bothell and is a proud mother of two children. Her daughter Alma graduated from WWU and is a Life Skills/Special Education teacher and her son Xavier will be attending WWU this fall and plans to major in business.

Special Projects Manager and Executive Assistant to the President and CEO

Grace Schouten joined WABS as an Executive Assistant in 2019, where she supported programming and operations. She became passionate about the nonprofit sector while working in child protective services and juvenile justice diversion programs where she worked directly with youth and families. In prior roles, Grace facilitated professional trainings and managed volunteer groups supporting programs for women and children. In her work, she most enjoys connecting people with their community and strengthening public programs.

Grace holds a BA in Criminology and Sociology from the University of South Florida, and an MPA in Nonprofit Management from South University. She grew up throughout the Southeast, moving to many new places as a military daughter. She enjoys volunteering, cycling, board games, and being outdoors with her family. 

21st Century Community Learning Center Program Director

Margeaux was born and raised in Western Washington. She has a M.S. in Special Education, a M.Ed. in Learning and Technology, and a B.A. in Sociology/Social Studies. She also earned her teaching certificate from Woodring College of Education at Western Washington University.

In addition to her role at WABS, she also is a full-time teacher. In her spare time she enjoys reading, sewing, and spending time with friends and family.

Senior Project Manager

Genevieve joined WABS in July of 2022 as the Employer Engagement Manager for Career Tours. She works with Challenge Seattle partner organizations and other top Puget Sound employers to develop interactive worksite learning tours for high school students to support their Career Connected Learning journey.  Genevieve is proud to call herself a native Seattleite who attended Seattle Central College as a Running Start student before receiving her B.A. from Western Washington University. As an avid traveler who loves learning about different cultures, Genevieve has lived and worked in Israel, France, Gabon, Mexico, and South Africa, in addition to traveling to nearly two dozen other countries. She also holds Master’s Degrees in Social Work and International Studies from the University of Denver. 

Family Engagement & Logistics Program Manager

Kyleigh grew up in western Michigan before attending Northern Michigan University where she earned her B.A. in International Studies & Spanish. After 3 years working for a TRIO program, and serving 2 years as an AmeriCorps member she joined the WABS team in May of 2022.

In her spare time she enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with friends and family.

Grant Writer

Sharon joined WABS in June of 2023 after more than two decades as a freelance grant writer working for numerous arts, education, and human service organizations. Over the years she’s helped raise over $1 million in grants to support programs that address social issues such as poverty, social violence, access to basic essentials, and parenting challenges.

Sharon is a native of Buffalo, NY. A long-time Pacific Northwest resident, she lives with her family in Bellevue, where she is an active volunteer with Girl Scouts, Temple B’nai Torah, and Bellevue Public Schools. Sharon holds undergraduate degrees from The Fashion Institute of Technology and a master's in nonprofit leadership from Seattle University.  When she’s not at work, you’ll find her hiking, skiing, and sewing.

Casey joined WABS with over 10 years of management and leadership experience in accounting and operations for nonprofit and government-subcontracted educational organizations. Through these roles, he has been involved in the development of STEM-focused programming for young learners of all ages.
 
Casey has also volunteered consistently with multiple outdoor youth nonprofit organizations for nearly 20 years. The majority of that time has been spent with Washington State Youth Conservation Camps as both a class instructor and administrator, educating young teenagers on the importance of sustainability and responsible use of natural resources and the outdoors for future generations to enjoy.

He holds a BA in Accounting from Western Washington University and lived in Bellingham for nearly 12 years. Most of his free time is spent outdoors mountain biking, bouldering, climbing, hiking, backpacking, camping, or kayaking. Casey is also a musician and has played drums for multiple groups over the years across several genres and styles of music. 

Katie is a seasoned Administrative Professional with a strong background in
Educational Administration and a passion for family, sports, travel, and the great
outdoors. With a wealth of experience gained from working in school districts,
including a role in Human Resources, and as an Administrative Assistant to an
Executive Director, Katie brings a strong foundation in organization, communication,
and multitasking to WABS.

Beyond the office, Katie finds joy in her role as a mom to three children. She is a sports
parent, frequently seen on the sidelines cheering on her kids. Katie understands the
invaluable life lessons and skills that children gain from participating in activities. When
not watching her kids' games, Katie loves traveling with her family, relishing the
opportunity to explore new places and embrace diverse cultures.

21st Century Community Learning Center Associate Program Director

Andrea Wyatt joins WABS after serving as the Director of Title I/Learning Assistance Program/McKinney-Vento and Foster Care at the Marysville School District since 2017. Prior to her time in Marysville, she served in a similar role at Lakewood School District. She has a Master's degree in Business Administration and Leadership, and Bachelor's degree in Communications and World Cultures. 

Andrea also works currently as Director of Development and Engagement for Cocoon House, a long-standing non-profit in Snohomish County dedicated to serving youth and young people experiencing homelessness. Andrea has a passion for kids of all ages, and has a strong belief in how education and opportunity can reshape the lives of all people. She believes that education is the great equalizer.  

Project Manager II

Mal Galbreath joins WABS after nearly a decade of working in project management, international event production, and education. Mal came to the Seattle area by way of New York City where they developed programs and events featuring global human rights activists while also creating their own private tutoring business. Mal has a passion for connecting with learners of all ages, and has focused on expanding educational opportunities for LGBTQ+ students and learners with cognitive disabilities.

Mal holds a BS in Education from Kent State University and a Washington State teaching license. 

In their time outside of work, Mal enjoys spending time at Seattle’s many beautiful parks with their spouse, pets, and friends. Mal is a volunteer and pet foster parent with the Seattle Humane Society.

Bio coming soon!