We are trilled to welcome Ms. Garcia to BASIS Independent Bothell as the Director of Auxiliary Programs. Ms. Garcia is excited about the opportunity to join the home of the Orcas because of its vibrant school community and dedication to student growth both inside and outside the classroom. The school’s commitment to offering enriching extracurricular programs that spark curiosity and build leadership aligns perfectly with Ms. Garcia’s passion for creating meaningful experiences beyond the academic program.

Ms. Garcia holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art from The University of Texas at San Antonio. After college she spent 18 years in New York City teaching, being a childcare provider, coaching powerlifting, and working as a camp leader in the Berkshires region of Massachusetts.

“This is our founding year, and I couldn’t be more excited to be part of launching our brand-new school,” expressed Ms. Garcia. “One of the things I am especially looking forward to is bringing a wide range of incredible club opportunities to our students. My vision for building our auxiliary programs and extracurriculars is to create a vibrant and well-rounded student experience that encourages creativity, teamwork, and personal growth.”

We sat down with Ms. Garcia to ask a few questions, introducing her and gaining insight into her vision for students at BASIS Independent Bothell.

We are excited to have you a part of the BASIS Independent Bothell team. Please tell us about yourself.

I have a deep passion for creating engaging extracurricular experiences for students, ensuring that each program fosters growth, leadership, and community. My background includes overseeing large-scale after-school programs, managing operations, and developing creative initiatives that bring students together. I have been the Summer Programs Coordinator at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley’s Upper Campus, as well as held leadership roles in summer camps across the country, where I have developed and managed diverse programs for students of all ages.

Beyond education, I am also a strength and conditioning coach and have created training programs for powerlifters nationwide. Whether it’s in the classroom, at an event, or in the gym, I thrive in dynamic environments that encourage teamwork, problem-solving, and personal growth.

What are you most excited about in the next school year?

I am most excited about bringing fresh ideas to after-school programming and finding new ways to inspire and engage students. I love designing activities that encourage collaboration and creativity, and I look forward to seeing how students engage with new opportunities. Additionally, I am eager to connect with new colleagues, build strong relationships, and contribute to a vibrant school community.

You previously worked at BASIS Independent Silicon Valley—what after school programs have you been most proud about facilitating there?

At BASIS Independent Silicon Valley, I was especially proud of creating an immersive escape room for one of our middle school events. It was a large-scale, themed experience that required students to work together to solve puzzles, think critically, and engage in a fast-paced, interactive challenge. Seeing students fully immersed in the experience, collaborating under pressure, and celebrating their successes made it incredibly rewarding. Beyond that, I also enjoyed supporting club leaders, increasing student engagement in after school programs, and organizing social events that built school spirit.

What opportunities will students have to pursue their passions during the first school year?

In our founding school year, we will offer academic competitions such as AMC, Math Kangaroo, MATHCOUNTS, and IAC, along with additional opportunities as interest grows. Club offerings will include speech and debate, coding, robotics, art, dance, and sports, and many others giving students a wide range of ways to explore their passions. We will also introduce a competitive athletics program, including basketball, soccer, and volleyball. Over time, we will continue to expand and strengthen these offerings to reflect the needs and interests of our students. I can’t wait to see all the creativity, enthusiasm, and brilliance our students bring as we kick off this unforgettable first year together.

What are you most looking forward to about living in the Pacific Northwest?

What I am looking forward to is experiencing the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, from exploring the outdoors to enjoying the vibrant seasons. I also love the strong sense of community in the region and can’t wait to immerse myself in a new environment that values education, creativity, and innovation. Plus, I won’t say no to great coffee!

BASIS Independent Bothell is a K-12 private school in Bothell, Washington. Join our interest list for updates on upcoming admissions events, application details, program information, and more.