Mr. Jeffery Stewart Amber is the Facilities Coordinator at BASIS Independent Bothell. He brings a strong background in safety and building operations to the school, with certifications that include the Building Operator Certification (BOC), a City of Seattle Grade 4 Fireman Steam Boiler License, and Overton Safety Training certification. 

“My goal is to provide a very clean and safe environment for our students and faculty along with providing outstanding daily service.” Prior to joining the field of education, he worked in the biotech industry—a role he valued for its focus on improving lives. “I very much enjoy working in industries that help better humanity. Medical and educational are two great examples.” 

Outside of school, Mr. Amber enjoys snowboarding during the winter and spending his summers mountain biking, hiking, camping, and attending outdoor festivals and events. 

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. Cales has a Bachelor of Arts in both Spanish and Political Science from Texas State University and holds a Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Texas.  

She hasn’t lived all over the world, but she has lived in quite a few places including the Dominican Republic, China, and the United Arab Emirates. She regularly considers moving to Spain. Ms. Cales has three busy kids and considers it an accolade of the highest order on any given day if she and her family manage to be ready and out the door on time. They’ve come close many times!  

Ms. Cales joins BASIS Independent as the Dean of Students after over 16 years in classroom teaching and school mentorship positions. She cannot wait to help shape a culture that balances high standards with a sense of fun.  

A lover of language and people, Ms. Cales chose BASIS Independent because its strong academic framework balances high rigor with plenty of space for creativity, creating the best environment for learning.  

In her free time, Ms. Cales likes to read, write and swim. She used to be an avid runner; these days, the races happen mostly in her mind — but hope springs eternal. She enjoys being outside, going to concerts and general lounging around. The beach is her favorite place on the planet. 

Ms. D’Amato is the Curriculum Coordinator at BASIS Independent Bothell. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Western Governors University and a Master of Science in Education – Curriculum and Instruction from Western Oregon University. She brings a wide range of experience to the Academic Programs department, having taught primary grades, supported teachers, and designed enrichment programs for an arts non-profit. 

“My number one priority as an educator is to create a learning environment where students feel welcome, safe, curious, and empowered,” she says. “I want to support teachers and school staff by equipping them with the tools and systems they need to inspire and challenge students.” She believes this creates confidence and a love of learning in students.  

She was drawn to BASIS Independent Schools for their strong academic foundation and commitment to engaging learning experiences. “The BASIS Independent curriculum encourages students not just to learn the material, but to think critically about their surrounding world, solve problems, and lead. Most importantly, the lessons and activities that students learn through are FUN!” 

Outside of school, Ms. D’Amato enjoys baking, camping, reading, and exploring trails with her dog, Lilo. A fun fact: she has visited 32 of the 50 U.S. states! 

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.

As the Director of Auxiliary Programs, a priority for Ms. Garcia is to create well-rounded and balanced after-school and summer programs. Inclusivity and diversity is a passion that Ms. Garcia brings with her to the BASIS Independent Bothell Family. “I am here to listen to our community. I want to make sure our students and parents feel seen and heard.”

Ms. Garcia is excited about the opportunity to join BASIS Independent Bothell because of its vibrant 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 academics.

When not on campus, Ms. Garcia spends time with her two dogs, Sherlock and Watson. Fun fact, Ms. Garcia has visited over 32 countries and counting. If there is some time off, you can bet Ms. Garcia will be turning into Carmen Sandiego.

As the Front Office Coordinator at BASIS Independent Bothell, Ms. Ghadge supports daily school operations and serves as a welcoming presence for students, families, and staff. “I help keep daily operations running smoothly and make sure communication is clear and friendly,” she shares. She works closely with both academic and operations teams to support the school’s mission and foster a strong, connected community. Ms. Ghadge also holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Botany from the University of Pune, India. 

Ms. Ghadge chose BASIS Independent Schools because of their focus on academic excellence and their vibrant, supportive atmosphere. “Every day, I am proud to be part of a team that encourages curiosity, growth, and success,” she says. 

Outside of school, Ms. Ghadge enjoys hiking, spending time in nature, listening to music, and making memories with her family. She’s always ready for a new adventure—whether it’s exploring a new trail or picking up a new hobby! 

Ms. Johnston is a certified Personal Trainer through the World Instructor Training Schools and holds EMT and Medical Assisting certifications from Bates Technical College. Her career spans clinical care, emergency response, and international work in wellness and performance-based training, all of which inform her holistic approach to student health. 

As the School Health Coordinator at BASIS Independent Bothell, Ms. Johnston manages student health records, medications, and allergy action plans, while providing daily care and first aid. “My goal is to help create a safe, supportive, and wellness-focused environment for every student,” she explains. 

Ms. Johnston chose BASIS Independent Schools for their academic rigor, global perspective, and commitment to whole-child support. “With my background in health, wellness, and therapeutic care, I’m especially looking forward to working directly with students to help create a safe, supportive environment where they can thrive.” 

Outside of school, Ms. Johnston stays active through stand-up paddling, traveling, and circus-style fitness. She is a licensed equine massage therapist and has worked with horses both in the U.S. and abroad. She also volunteers at animal sanctuaries, using her training to support rescue horses. 

Ms. Kilbreath earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration and a French minor from Gonzaga University (Go Zags!). She grew up in Bellevue and has lived in the Seattle area her whole life. While at Gonzaga, she served as the Marketing Manager for the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers and served as an intern for the Athletics department doing marketing and promotions. Upon graduation, she pursued her passion for supporting the education of students as a paraeducator at a local middle school in Redmond, WA. While working as a paraeducator, she concurrently pursued a Master’s of Arts in History from Eastern Washington University Online, guiding her passion of continuing to educate herself on historical biases and barriers to equal access to public services.

Ms. Kilbreath is thrilled to help foster the growth of students and families with the BASIS Independent Bothell team as well as meet lots of new people!

Outside of school hours, Ms. Kilbreath loves to go to the ballet or see a musical, watch lots of movies, and travel. She loves getting to explore the country and is attempting to visit all 50 states.

As Operations Manager at BASIS Independent Bothell, Ms. Like is dedicated to ensuring the smooth, efficient, and safe functioning of all non-instructional areas of the school. Her goal is to support student learning and staff effectiveness by managing daily operations, enhancing logistical systems, and fostering a well-organized, welcoming campus. 

After moving to Washington in 2022, Ms. Like quickly fell in love with the North Kirkland and Bothell community. When she learned a BASIS Independent campus was coming to the area, it felt like a natural fit. “My son and husband have been a part of the BASIS system since 2016,” she says, “and I am ready to contribute my experience and knowledge to help grow the foundation of BASIS Independent Bothell and to foster a strong community.” 

Outside of her role at school, Ms. Like is deeply involved in youth athletics. She is the director of Prism Volleyball Club and the head coach of the girls volleyball program at Redmond High School. She has been coaching for nearly a decade and playing for 24 years. 

When she’s not on the court or on campus, she enjoys spending time with her family—including her two children—and embracing the joyful chaos that comes from growing up with nine siblings. 

Brittany received her Bachelor of Arts from Loyola University Maryland in 2011. She majored in Global Studies and minored in Gender Studies and had the opportunity to study abroad in Denmark and travel extensively throughout Scandinavia. Brittany joined BASIS Independent Bothell in July 2025 as their Admissions Coordinator. She is looking forward to helping the school grow to become a leader in K-12 education in the region. In 2016, Brittany joined BASIS Independent Manhattan as their third hire. During her time in Manhattan, she fell in love with the BASIS Independent Schools approach to education and also developed a passion for opening and growing schools. She is thrilled to now be joining BASIS Independent Bothell and looks forward to supporting the Admissions team during this exciting time! In her free time, Brittany loves to go hiking with her husband, son and pup. She also enjoys trying new coffee shops, and is always in search of the perfect chai latte and gluten free cupcake.

Ms. Melissa Oh is the Interim Associate Director of Admissions at BASIS Independent Bothell. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from Central Washington University and brings a strong background in education and school leadership to her role. 

“I am thrilled to help build our independent school,” she says. She believes that students learn best when they are engaged in high-challenge tasks with clear structures and meaningful support. 

Ms. Oh was drawn to BASIS Independent Schools because of the organization’s alignment with her own educational values, particularly the commitment to maximizing student outcomes. 

Outside of school, Ms. Oh enjoys biking, discovering new trails, and sampling local street food wherever she goes. 

Mr. Pielow is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of education that combines exceptional academic rigor with boundless curiosity. In an era of unprecedented complexity and interconnectedness, he embraces impactful learning methodologies and champions a curriculum benchmarked against the world’s most advanced educational systems. His work is driven by the conviction that deep content knowledge, combined with critical thinking and self-advocacy skills, empowers students to become adaptable, forward-thinking leaders who can navigate, understand, and reshape our most intricate challenges. 

A Bothell native, Mr. Pielow earned his master’s degrees from Harvard University in Education Policy Analysis and the University of Washington in Public Administration. At Washington State University, where he earned dual bachelor’s degrees in Political Science and History, he cultivated the interdisciplinary mindset that shapes his educational philosophy today. 

“Education transforms lives when we pair ambitious expectations with unwavering support,” reflects Mr. Pielow. “Having grown up in Bothell, I’m thrilled to help establish a school where advanced academics and comprehensive support models work in harmony to cultivate confident, capable learners. Within this framework at BASIS Independent, students develop not just academic proficiency, but the mindset and skills for sustained achievement.” 

Mr. Pielow brings a unique blend of classroom, consulting, and leadership experience to BASIS Independent Bothell. From classroom instruction to system-wide leadership, his background includes teaching across multiple disciplines spanning humanities, mathematics, and career preparation programs, consulting school districts with system-wide resource allocation, and working with the state legislature to enhance educational policy across Washington State. Prior to joining BASIS Independent Bothell, Mr. Pielow completed the successful launch of a new college-preparatory school, where his development and implementation of foundational systems proved instrumental to its academic framework. 

In his role as Director of Academic Programs, Mr. Pielow will oversee the implementation and optimization of BASIS Independent Schools internationally benchmarked curriculum, ensuring that our pedagogical models support both student achievement and faculty excellence.

In his free time, Mr. Pielow loves to immerse himself in the hiking trails of the Pacific Northwest, accompanied by his energetic miniature schnauzer. He also appreciates good coffee and meaningful connections with the community that fostered his love for learning. 

Mr. Raza holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Computer Information Systems from Georgia State University. With a strong foundation in technology and systems management, he brings both technical expertise and a commitment to supporting innovation in education. “My goal is to ensure the seamless functioning of all technical aspects that support school operations,” he explains. “I strive to proactively assist both teachers and students with their technology needs, enabling an efficient and uninterrupted learning environment every day.” 

Mr. Raza was drawn to BASIS Independent Schools for their strong culture of academic excellence and innovation. He enjoys being part of a community that embraces forward-thinking tools and values both student success and staff growth. 

Outside of school, Mr. Raza is a proud Atlanta native and avid sports fan. He cheers for the Falcons, Braves, Hawks, United FC, UGA Bulldogs—and has also adopted the Seattle Kraken. He enjoys spending time with his wife, meeting new people, hiking, and playing basketball. Beyond that, Mr. Raza is a big foodie and is always on the lookout for his next favorite meal. 

Ms. Rubino is the Front Office Coordinator at BASIS Independent Bothell. Her goal is to create a welcoming, organized, and efficient environment that supports the needs of faculty, visitors, students, and parents.

Ms. Rubino earned her Bachelor of Arts degree with a double major in Mathematics and Education Studies, concentrating in Wellness and Social Emotional Learning from the University of Washington. Ms. Rubino chose Basis Independent Bothell because she admires their commitment to academic excellence and the emphasis placed on cultivating curiosity. What stands out to her about BASIS Independent is how they push students to think outside the box and explore ideas beyond surface-level learning!

In her free time, Ms. Rubino loves to embrace the beauty of nature by going on long walks and hikes (she is a great resource for hike recommendations). She also enjoys cooking, baking, doing puzzles, and playing board and card games. 

Mr. Runyon is an experienced school leader within BASIS Independent Schools, and he has shaped the trajectory of both new and established schools since joining the network eight years ago. Mr. Runyon will be the inaugural Head of School at BASIS Independent Bothell after serving as the Associate Head of School at BASIS Independent Brooklyn, a Preschool-Grade 12 private school with a lower and upper school. While in Brooklyn, Mr. Runyon was critical to rolling out a school climate assessment, leading professional development for faculty, and introducing a new social-emotional learning program celebrated by teachers. His time at BASIS Independent Brooklyn coincided with the school’s recognition as the Best K-12 Private School in Brooklyn according to Niche.com.

“Curiosity is essential in creating a positive school environment,” said Mr. Runyon. “The BASIS Curriculum encourages curiosity from an early age, as inquiry is at the center of everything done throughout the primary years. Then, we provide the opportunity for students to dive deeply into their interests as they progress through middle and high school. However, it is only through rigor, joy, and support that our students can thrive. Those elements working together are the engine of our curriculum. That connects to what I want to do here in Bothell. I want this to be a place where students and educators come to grow and reach their potential.”

Previously, Mr. Runyon oversaw Academic Programs for both BASIS Independent Brooklyn and Manhattan. He was also the Director of Admissions at BASIS Independent Fremont. Mr. Runyon has been instrumental in the growth of both new and established schools within our network across departments, so he is uniquely well-equipped to open and build our BASIS Independent Bothell school community.

In July 2024, Mr. Runyon received his Master of Science in Education in Independent School Leadership from the Graduate School of Education at the University of Pennsylvania. “My experience at Penn has broadened my vision of what a school can be to its community. I am excited to bring what I have learned to help make BASIS Independent Bothell into one of the best schools in Washington.” Mr. Runyon graduated from the University of Oregon with two Bachelor of Arts degrees: one in Journalism and the other in Romance Languages, with a French and Italian focus.

As an educator, Mr. Runyon is a strong believer in the results that come from an international perspective. His career in education began with teaching English abroad to students of all ages, before teaching English as a second language to secondary and post-secondary students in New York.

Mr. Runyon was born and raised in Portland, Oregon, and is excited to be back in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and young son. He is a devotee of local sports and is always happy to talk about the Mariners, Seahawks, or Trail Blazers. Don’t hold his Duck fandom against him. He enjoys running, and playing Jeopardy! (he insists he will be a contestant one day), and hiking through parks and forests with his family.

Ms. Sheffield joins the founding staff of BASIS Independent Bothell after more than a decade with BASIS.ed schools in Arizona. She graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor’s in Family & Human Development and a Master’s in Psychology in Education. With BASIS, she taught, led clubs, advised the National Honor Society chapter, and served as a Dean, Director of Student Affairs, Director of Academic Programs, and Assistant Head of School.  

She is excited to join BASIS Independent Bothell as the Director of Student Affairs because she wants to ensure that all students have access to the tools they need to become better learners. “I chose BASIS Independent because BASIS believes that every child can achieve,” Ms. Sheffield says. “We present to them an amazing amount of knowledge and teach the skills that they will need to succeed in college and beyond.”  

When not at school, she enjoys dancing, reading, and crafting. She has been part of a semi-professional dance troupe since 2007 and is enjoying connecting to her life in Washington after twenty-five years in Arizona.