BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Cassie Anderson
Board Chair - boardofdirectors@spokaneintlacademy.org
Cassie Anderson is a Citizen of the Chippewa Cree Tribe from the Rocky Boys, located in Rocky Boy, Montana. She currently serves as the Operations Manager for the Office of Tribal Relations with the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF). Prior to this, she was the Program and Support Services Director for the Healing Lodge of the Seven Nations. She obtained her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology from Portland State University. Cassie has been working in the Social Services field for 20 years. Her experience ranges from Medicaid Services, At-risk youth work, Child Welfare, Child Protective Services, Non-Profit, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Domestic Violence/Prevention, Management, Adolescent Residential Treatment Services, and most recently Indian Child Welfare work. Cassie has a wealth of knowledge of federal, state, and tribal laws, as well as partnerships throughout each entity. Cassie’s current position requires her to be an innovative and strategic change-agent to ensure successful outcomes for our most vulnerable populations. Cassie lives in Colbert with her husband and two daughters.
Guillermo Espinosa
Board Secretary - espinosa@spokaneintlacademy.org
Guillermo Espinosa is the proud son of Armand and Abigail Espinosa, two hard-working Mexican immigrants who moved to the United States of America to raise their family of six children in rural Central Washington. Guillermo moved to Spokane in 2009 to attend Gonzaga University as a first-generation college student. This is where he gained his passion for access to education. Guillermo earned his Bachelor of Business Administration with a minor in Spanish at Gonzaga and later attended Eastern Washington University where he earned his Master’s degree in Business Administration. He currently serves as the Associate Dean of K12 Partnerships and Outreach at Spokane Community College where he has been since 2014. Additionally, Guillermo serves on the board of the Hispanic Business Professional Association (Nuestras Raices), and the Spokane Human Rights Commission.
Ashlee Lent
Board treasurer - lent@spokaneintlacademy.org
Ashlee Lent has been with Moss Adams since 2013 and serves as an assurance leader in the Spokane office, focusing on clients in the higher education, governmental, and not-for-profit sectors. Her expertise includes investment portfolios, such as cryptocurrencies and alternative investments, and she remains up-to-date on grant compliance through conducting single audits. She is passionate about helping not-for-profit clients that positively impact their communities. Ashlee holds CPA certifications in both Washington and Idaho, is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, and has a bachelor's degree in business administration with an emphasis in managerial accounting. Residing in the Spokane Valley/Liberty Lake area, she has two children attending CVSD schools who are active in sports. In her free time, she enjoys watching her children’s games, playing tennis and volleyball, and spending time with family and friends. Ashlee looks forward to serving Spokane International Academy and continuing to contribute to her community.
Dr. Charina Carothers
Board Member - carothers@spokaneintlacademy.org
Charina is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker, supporting the greater community as an educator, clinician, and advocate. She has worked with the University of Washington School of Social Work since September 2016, and currently serves as Director of Equity and Belonging for the Alliance. Prior, Charina worked in the public child welfare system. Charina received a B.A. from Washington State University, earned a M.S.W. at Eastern Washington University, and is a doctoral candidate at Walla Walla University. She brings strong leadership, program management, and relational skills, as well as a 20-year passion for providing support and advocacy for those within our community. Additionally, Charina serves as a board member for the Northwest Fair Housing Alliance and on Northwest Health Law Advocates, both organizations that promote social justice and racial equity, which are important issues. Charina is the proud parent of two amazing daughters and lives in Northeast Spokane. She is excited to extend their knowledge and skills to continue supporting the incredible work at SIA.
Maureen Rosette
Board Member - rosette@spokaneintlacademy.org
Maureen Rosette is the Chief Operating Officer and Risk Manager for The NATIVE Project. Ms. Rosette is a citizen of the Chippewa Cree Tribe in Rocky Boy, Montana. Ms. Rosette obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Technology from Northern Montana College and a Juris Doctorate from Gonzaga University School of Law. Ms. Rosette worked for 20 years as an attorney before joining The NATIVE Project’s executive team in 2014. She is a board member for the National Council for Urban Indian Health (NCUIH). Ms. Rosette is also a member of the Washington State MMIWP task force and co-chair for their Families Subcommittee.
Ron Poplawski
Board Member - poplawski@spokaneintlacademy.org
Ron has over 15 years of financial and accounting experience in the non-profit and government sector. He is currently the Vice President of Finance for Career Path Services a Washington State non-profit in the workforce development sector. He holds a BS in Business and an MBA, both from Eastern Washington University. Ron has served on the board of directors for the Eastern Washington University Alumni Association and several advisory boards including Better Health Together, and Northwest Portland Area Indian Health Board. Ron grew up in Renton, WA and has called Spokane home for 35 years where he lives with his partner Shayla. He has two grown children, Colton and Joliana, two stepchildren and two grandkids.
Javier Medina-Chinas
Board Member - jmchinas@spokaneintlacademy.org
Javier Medina-Chinas is a Spokane resident with proud Latin roots and extensive leadership experience in the education and grocery sectors. He currently serves as an executive for a major local grocery chain and previously supported two of Alaska’s largest school districts, contributing significantly to their facilities, safety, and operational programs.
Javier holds a degree in architecture from an international institution, formally recognized by an accredited U.S. entity. His professional background includes managing complex, multi-site environments with a strong focus on optimal performance, student and staff safety, and full regulatory compliance. He has a proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans, implement effective procedures and performance metrics, and lead diverse facility systems with operational excellence.
Driven by a deep commitment to safe learning environments, Javier brings valuable expertise in educational facilities, capital planning, and budget-conscious project management. His experience in overseeing large capital expenditures and ensuring responsible stewardship of resources makes him a strong asset to the board and its mission.
Join the Spokane International Academy Board of Directors
Help Shape the Future of Public Education
Spokane International Academy (SIA) is seeking passionate, community-minded individuals to serve on our Board of Directors and help guide the future of our school and the broader charter public school movement in Washington State.
As a board member, you will play a meaningful role in ensuring that students have access to a high-quality, innovative public education
while helping to strengthen educational opportunities for families across our region.
Board Meeting Accommodations:
SIA strives to make its meetings and events as accessible as possible to all people. For questions about reasonable accommodations for a meeting, please contact our board at boardofdirectors@spokaneintlacademy.org. For all accommodations, please contact the board no later than 1 full week prior to our meeting. This allows us time to ensure these requests are met to the best of our ability. We will do our best to accommodate requests made closer to the meeting date, but cannot guarantee that they will be able to be fulfilled to the best of our ability given the short notice.
If you need to reach the Board for any conflict resolution or information purposes, you may also email the group at boardofdirectors@spokaneintlacademy.org.
About Spokane International Academy
Spokane International Academy is a rigorous K–12 public charter school serving nearly 900 students in Spokane, Washington. Our mission is to empower all students with the academic skills, essential habits for success, and global competence necessary to complete advanced coursework, earn a college degree, and become leaders who powerfully transform their communities.At SIA, students engage in:
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Rigorous academic instruction and college-preparatory coursework
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International and globally focused learning experiences
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Spanish language instruction beginning in Kindergarten
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Character development through our REACH values
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Service learning and community engagement
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Opportunities that prepare them for success in college, career, and life
Why Serve on the Board?
Serving on the Board of Directors is an opportunity to:
Help shape the strategic direction of a thriving K–12 public charter school
Support educational innovation and student achievement
Ensure strong governance and long-term sustainability
Advocate for high-quality public school options for families
Contribute your professional expertise and leadership experience
Make a lasting impact on students, families, and the Spokane community
Board members help oversee the school's mission, vision, finances, policies, and long-term planning while empowering school leadership to carry out day-to-day operations.
Help Strengthen Charter Public Schools in Washington
Charter public schools are an important part of Washington's public education system, providing families with additional high-quality options while remaining tuition-free and publicly funded.
By serving on the SIA Board of Directors, you become part of a statewide effort to expand educational opportunity, promote innovation, and ensure all students have access to schools that meet their unique needs.
Your leadership can help influence not only the future of Spokane International Academy but also the broader conversation about public education in Washington State.
Who Should Apply?
We welcome applications from individuals who are:
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Passionate about education and student success
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Committed to serving their community
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Strategic thinkers and collaborative problem-solvers
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Interested in governance, leadership, and public service
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Able to dedicate time to monthly board meetings and committee work
We are particularly interested in individuals with experience in:
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Finance and accounting
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Fundraising and Stewardship
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Law and compliance
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Human resources
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Business and entrepreneurship
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Marketing and communications
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Facilities and operations
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Education and workforce development
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Community leadership and nonprofit governance
Previous board experience is helpful but not required.
Make a Difference
The decisions made around our board table have a direct impact on the lives of nearly 900 students and their families. If you are looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community, contribute your expertise, and help shape the future of public education, we invite you to explore board service with Spokane International Academy.
Interested in learning more?
Contact us at boardofdirectors@spokaneintlacademy.org or complete our Board of Directors Interest Form.
Together, we can empower students, strengthen communities, and build the future of public education.