Kirsten O’Malley,
Executive Director & Founder
Kirsten O’Malley is passionate about providing students with alternative paths to success, meeting them where they are, and personalizing education to fit their unique strengths. She believes that every student deserves the opportunity to thrive in an environment that works for them.
Originally from Fairbanks, Alaska, Kirsten has always had a passion for education, language, and cultural exploration. Her journey as an educator has taken her across the globe—from teaching at the University of Guadalajara in Mexico to landing in Argentina on a one-way ticket and a spirit of adventure. In Buenos Aires, she taught at language schools and trained corporate professionals in inter-cultural communication and the English language, experience that proved useful when she moved to Japan to teach in the public school system. In her third year, she had the opportunity to teach Spanish, preparing Japanese educators for placements in Chilean schools. Inspired by her global teaching experiences, Kirsten earned two master’s degrees in Teaching English and Spanish, along with K-12 certification.
For the past 20+ years, she has been dedicated to 1-on-1, student-centered and personalized education, believing that every student deserves a learning environment tailored to their strengths. Her work at the Academy ensures that students who may not thrive in traditional classrooms have the support they need to succeed. Beyond her work as an educator and administrator, Kirsten is a dedicated community leader. She has served as Sammamish Chamber President, an Issaquah Schools Foundation Trustee (Programs Chair), and a member of the inaugural 2005-2008 class of Leadership Eastside, an adaptive leadership development program for healthy communities where she focused on civic engagement.
Kirsten’s advocacy for education has helped shape programs that expand access to academic support, including sponsorship of free after-school homework help for high school students through the Issaquah Schools Foundation. With a career rooted in curiosity, innovation, and a deep commitment to student success, Kirsten continues to champion education that meets students where they are and helps them reach their full potential.
Jodi Collins, Academic Coordinator
Jodi is originally from the Midwest and has lived in the Snoqualmie Valley for over a decade. She has an educational background that goes back over 20 years, spanning everything from public school teacher to homeschool teacher. Jodi works as an academic coordinator at the Academy and is looking forward to helping your family find the best educational fit. When she isn’t working, Jodi loves to travel and explore with her family and friends. She also loves spending time with her golden retriever and reading!
Amy Jacobson, Academic Coordinator & Registrar
Amy was born and raised in Washington State and has lived in Duvall for the past 20 years. She graduated from the University of Washington with a BA in psychology and transitioned to the Academy from working with a public school district and 12+ years with the Riverview Education Foundation, a non-profit where she continues to volunteer. Outside of work, Amy loves to spend her free time in the water or in the mountains, taking advantage of the natural beauty the State of Washington offers. She is an avid snow skier and also loves swimming, boating, and hiking.
Regan Edwards, Staff Development Coordinator
Regan is a National Board Certified teacher and works with the Academy as the Staff Development and Accreditation Coordinator. She attended the College of Charleston (SC) and Florida International University (Miami, FL) where she studied education for students with learning disabilities. During her time with the Bellevue School District, Regan worked on projects and programs that emphasized inclusion and program differentiation. Regan grew up on the East coast as an avid sailor and spent 2001-2007 working as a translator for an Italian America’s Cup team. The job gave her the opportunity to live in Italy, New Zealand and Spain. Now that she is settled in the Pacific NW, Regan spends her free time boating, biking, and volunteering for organizations such as the Center for Wooden Boats and Girls on the Run.
Sam Smith, School Administrative Assistant
Sam is from Bellevue and graduated from Whitworth University with a degree in Spanish and International Studies. She has a Masters in Spanish teaching from Middlebury College and lived in Madrid, Spain as well as the Canary Islands, where she taught English. She has tutored Spanish for many years and loves to give students a good experience with learning the language. Her love for Spanish is rivaled only by her love for books, though she can also often be found enjoying the outdoors in all weathers. Sam has been a long-time teacher at the Academy and continues to teach as well as serve as the School Administrative Assistant.
Audrey Davis, Reception
Audrey has lived and worked in the greater Issaquah area for most of her life. She graduated from Issaquah High School and attends Bellevue College. On her days off you can find Audrey in the parks with her dog, Russet, or volunteering around town. Audrey is excited to connect you and your family to your academic goals!
Teresa Sanderson, Office Manager
Teresa is a long-time resident of Issaquah and a graduate of Issaquah High School. With twenty years’ experience in office settings, from medical billing to construction, and certifications in bookkeeping and accounting, Teresa is here to support both Academy families and Academy staff. When she’s not answering questions about office supplies or tuition, Teresa can be found baking with her kids, both students in the Issaquah District, or serving as their personal chauffeur for the many extracurricular activities or enjoying a true crime podcast!