Ms. Aguiniga completed her Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, with a double major in Operations & Supply Chain Management, and Information Systems, at the University of Washington’s Foster School of Business.

As the Operations Manager for BASIS Independent Bellevue, Ms. Aguiniga’s goal is to help students, and faculty and staff feel prepared and supported in their learning and teaching, aiding an overall successful school experience.

Ms. Aguiniga chose BASIS Independent Bellevue because of the holistic approach brought to learning and encouraging students to grow beyond academics.

Outside of the school day, you can find Ms. Aguiniga enjoying the local music scene and spending time with her family.

Ms. Angkham earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Cultural Anthropology from San José State University. There, she was a Peer Health Educator and had also worked for AmeriCorps’ Cal-SOAP program, providing education on post-secondary and financial aid options to underrepresented communities. Upon graduation, she pursued her love of teaching full-time. She had been a classroom instructor for nearly a decade before joining BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, where she served as an English teacher, Dean of Students, College Counselor, and, most recently, Associate Head of School. After six years, Ms. Angkham was ready for a big move to the Pacific Northwest and a return to one of her favorite roles: College Counseling! She’s excited to be a part of BASIS Independent Schools’ growing network and to help develop high school programs in this region.

Outside of school hours, Ms. Angkham can often be found reading, cosplaying, and crafting, performing karaoke, growing succulents, and finding adventures.

Ms. Bryant is excited to bring a unique set of skills and experience to school counseling in order to help students thrive. She has her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Whitworth University and obtained her Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Eastern Nazarene College. She is also a Licensed Mental Health Counselor Association (LMHCA) in the state of Washington and has experience in providing school-based therapy to students within the public-school system.

As the School Counselor at BASIS Independent Bellevue, Ms. Bryant strives to create a safe space for students to feel supported, confident, and empowered to reach their full potential. She hopes to help foster a school community where students not only achieve academically, but are also equipped with the social and emotional skills to be resilient and compassionate future leaders.

Ms. Bryant was drawn to BASIS Independent Bellevue’s holistic approach to education in which students are challenged to grow and learn in a variety of ways.

Outside of work, she enjoys reading, traveling, or getting outdoors to hike, camp, or paddleboard.

Ms. Cardenas attended the University of California, Santa Cruz where she received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Environmental Studies & Geology. While at UC Santa Cruz, she was a laboratory assistant and received a college service scholarship for initiatives she spearheaded on campus. It was during her studies that she realized her passion for working within education! Prior to working at BASIS Independent Schools, she was as an administrator in higher education.

As the Head of Operations, Ms. Cardenas sees her role as ensuring teachers and administrators have everything they need to deliver the world-class experience that students deserve.

She loves working for the BASIS Independent Schools network, and strongly believes in the education philosophy of BASIS Curriculum, and has seen first-hand how BASIS Independent Alumni thrive with their personal, professional, and academic lives after graduating from a world-class program. Prior to joining BASIS Independent Bellevue, Ms. Cardenas was a member of school administration at BASIS Independent Fremont and Silicon Valley.

Outside of work, Ms. Cardenas loves reading, spending time with her two cats, Harvey and Gus, and exploring the beautiful nature of the Pacific Northwest.

Ms. Clark earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Creative Writing from Western Washington University in 2022. In 2024, she earned her Master’s degree in Creative Writing from the University of Southern Maine’s Stonecoast program. During her time at USM, she was also involved in the Writing for Inclusion and Social Equity program. As a BASIS Independent Bellevue staff member, it is Ms. Clark’s goal to create an environment for our students to express themselves fully and to celebrate our differences as a community. Ms. Clark chose BASIS Independent Bellevue because of the strong sense of community amongst staff members, students, and families as well as the school’s dedication to each individual students’ growth and education. In her free time, she enjoys writing books and reading with her cats.

Ms. Grear graduated from the State University of New York at Buffalo with her Bachelor of Science in Childhood Education, as well as a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. She was a graduate of the Muriel A. Howard Honors Program and a member of the Kappa Delta Pi Honor’s Society for educators. As the Director of Admissions, Ms. Grear’s goal is to collaborate closely with BASIS Independent Bellevue’s school leadership and faculty to provide a warm and supportive space for prospective and returning students. She hopes to be of service to families as they navigate finding the best fit for their student’s academic success. Ms. Grear chose BASIS Independent Schools because she believes in bringing joy back into the learning process and feels that the BASIS Curriculum truly supports student success through high academic standards, coupled with a focus on holistically nurturing both curiosity and spirit. In her free time, Ms. Grear enjoys taking a book down to her local coffee shop, testing out new vegan recipes, and spending time with her pets.

In 2016, Ms. Hinton moved from Minnesota to California to attend the University of Concordia Irvine. She received her Bachelors of Arts with a major in K-6 Education and a minor in English. While at Concordia, she was a member of the Honors Program which included her authoring two academic research papers and graduating with Honors as well. Ms. Hinton is currently in the process of completing her master’s program in Curriculum and Instruction. Ms. Hinton joined BASIS Independent Bellevue in it’s founding year as the Humanities Subject Expert Teacher and was in that position for two years. Since then, she has moved into the role of Dean of Students. As such, Ms. Hinton works to foster a community that can create well-rounded students. Ms. Hinton joined BASIS Independent Bellevue because she loved the idea of teacher autonomy and expertise that all BASIS Independent schools foster. After the school day, Ms. Hinton is a passionate reader! She reads almost all genres, but her favorite book of all time is Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen. Ms. Hinton also enjoys baking and watching movies.

Ms. Hou holds a Bachelor of Arts from San Francisco State University and a Master’s degree in Teaching Chinese to Speakers of Other Languages from Jinan University in China. She completed the Teacher’s Certificate program in City University of Seattle and did a year-long internship in Bellevue School District before she joined Basis Independent Bellevue. Ms. Hou engages in supporting the students to have a fulfilled and enjoyable campus life. She also looks forward to developing her career in education sector. She believes that Basis Independent Bellevue helps the students reach their full potential and achieve their academic and life goals. Ms. Hou enjoys taking a long walk with her corgi on weekends and travelling with her family during breaks.

Ms. Huang Bachelor of Art in English literature from Shanghai International Studies University, a Bachelor of Art in Social Studies from Washington State University, and a Master of Education from the University of Washington. As the Director of Student Affairs at BASIS Independent Bellevue, Ms. Huang’s goal as a BASIS Independent educator is to form a deep bond with her students, create a safe learning environment, guide students through their journey at school, and help students reach their best potential. Prior to becoming the Dean, Ms. Huang was a founding faculty member as a LET for Grade 3. She was drawn to BASIS Independent Bellevue because of the rigorous curriculum, the co-teaching model, and the training of organizational skills even in younger grades. Ms. Huang enjoys traveling with family, finding good restaurants in the area, and watching Asian dramas!

Ms. Hughes received Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Whitworth University and a Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. As the Associate Director of Admissions, Ms. Hughes works closely with prospective families to ensure a smooth and welcoming admissions process. She believes in building genuine relationships, collaborating with BASIS Independent Bellevue faculty and staff, and guiding families every step of the way as they join our learning community. Mrs. Hughes was drawn to BASIS Independent Bellevue for their emphasis on creating a joyful learning culture. She beliefs that bringing joy into the learning process creates a strong foundation for a positive educational journey for all students. In her free time Ms. Hughes enjoys any activity that involves being outside and being active. You can often find her going on a running, riding a bike, hiking or playing pickleball!

Ms. Murphy received a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre with a minor in Philosophy from Hope College.

As the Auxiliary Programs Manager, Ms. Murphy’s goal is to provide high quality programs for students. By participating in extracurricular activities, she hopes that students are able to unabashedly be themselves and discover new passions.

Ms. Murphy is excited to be part of the BASIS Independent Staff because of the emphasis on a well-rounded education. She is also eager to connect with the other BASIS Independent Schools to gain valuable resources and career insight. Outside of work she enjoys performing in local theatre productions and crocheting.

Mr. Pitak earned his Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno. Mr. Pitak chose BASIS Independent Bellevue for it’s rigorous academic schedule. It is his hope that his work with afterschool and summer programs will help students to be able to relax and focus on their school work. His goal as the Auxiliary Programs Coordinator is to ensure that students have the opportunity to experience new things and explore extracurricular activities that interest them! In his free time, Mr. Pitak enjoys playing piano and Dungeons and Dragons. He is also an Eagle Scout!

Ms. Rakotz has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Childhood Education from the State University of New York at New Paltz.

As the Director of Academic Programs, Ms. Rakotz works closely with school leadership, faculty, and students to deliver the high academic standards experienced at a BASIS Independent School. She believes all students deserve a safe, educational, and fun environment to explore, develop, and expand their interests.

Ms. Rakotz is excited to be a part of the collaborative team that is BASIS Independent Bellevue. While working alongside BASIS Independent Bellevue as Regional Director of Destination Science, she quickly came to love the inclusive and supportive environment. She was inspired by our school’s pursuit for constant development, and closely aligns herself with our mission of redefining education.

As an East Coast transplant, Ms. Rakotz spends most of her free time exploring the mountains and forests of the Pacific Northwest with her husband, camera in hand. When at home, she can be found watching a thriller themed movie, trying out a new recipe, or journaling.

Ms. Shippey Rabena graduated Cum Laude from Washington State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a minor in Human Development. Ms. Shippey Rabena has a background in the fields of childcare and healthcare. She is looking forward to implementing her knowledge within these fields as the Health Coordinator at BASIS Independent Bellevue. Ms. Shippey Rabena aims to create a safe and healthy learning environment for the students by promoting healthy habits and practices. She was inspired by BASIS Independent Schools’ mission and widespread passion for learning. Ms. Shippey Rabena is eager to be surrounded by people who share her desire to continually expand their knowledge. Originally from the Bay Area, Ms. Shippey Rabena loves the outdoors and enjoys activities such as swimming and hiking. This being her first year in Seattle, she is looking forward to exploring what the PNW has to offer.

Dr. Thies received her Doctorate in Education at Arizona State University with a focus on literacy and teacher development. She received a Master’s in Educational Psychology and a Bachelor’s of Science in Liberal Studies from Northern Arizona University. Before joining the BASIS Curriculum Schools network, she was a patrol officer in the Tucson Police Department, and served as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Army. She began her academic career in 2007 at BASIS Tucson, which is BASIS Curriculum Schools flagship campus. She served as Athletic Director and as a Physical Education teacher. She initiated and developed a highly successful athletics program for students in Grades 5 – 12. The program included soccer, flag football, basketball, cross country, and volleyball. She even coached the high school soccer team to three consecutive championships! Dr. Thies ultimately became Head of School of BASIS Oro Valley and served for two years. While at BASIS Oro Valley, Dr. Thies created programs to support and empower teachers and build connections with students and families. As the Head of School, Dr. Thies was responsible for driving the academic vision that earned BASIS Oro Valley its national recognition as having ranked as the number three Best Public High School in America in 2018 according to U.S. News & World Report. Her focus combined the BASIS Curriculum with a strong academic community that was both supportive and conducive to student success. During this time, her students achieved an average AP score of 3.9, well above the national average. Additionally, her students outscored nations such as Shanghai-China, Singapore, and Hong Kong on the OECD/PISA test in all three categories (Math, Reading, and Science). She then became the founding Head of School for BASIS Independent Thailand. While there, she worked closely with her teachers and administrative staff to support her second language learning community and enhance the co-teaching model in a way that best served the students in Thailand. In 2022, Dr. Thies relocated back to the United States to become the founding Head of School for BASIS Independent Bellevue.

Mx. Trotman received a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Masters of Arts in Applied Sociology from the University of Maryland. They currently work as a Monitor, assisting with a variety of operational duties at school to maintain the safety and well-being of all Mountaineers, and continuity of the student experience. While in graduate school, Mx. Trotman found the teaching aspect of being a graduate teaching assistant to be the most rewarding part of their job. Working at BASIS Independent Bellevue provided an opportunity to work within an education system and a chance for a start in a new direction. In their free time, Mx. Trotman enjoys playing video games and roleplaying games such as Dungeons & Dragons. They will also knit in the winter when they have the free time.