Board of Directors

BJ began supporting Readiness To Learn in 2015 as a volunteer for the Back To School program and Holiday House. She joined the Readiness To Learn board in 2019.

BJ graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. She worked in nursing, primarily the operating room, before retiring after 44 years. During this time, she spent two surgical rotations in Guatemala and made over 100 blankets for surgical patients. Many times, this was the only blanket they had as their own.

She served as president of local and state operating room organizations. She was also on the national certification board and acted as president of their board.

In 2010 BJ was named “National Operating Room Nurse of the Year.” She is published in two books, “Patient Care During Operative and Invasive Procedures'' and “CRNFA Exam and Study Guide.” After attending post-graduate courses for CRNFA (Certified Registered Nurse First Assistant ), BJ started the first CRNFA program in Everett. This was the first such program west of the Mississippi.

As a mother of four, grandmother of nine and great grandmother of one, BJ has had children and their needs foremost in her life. Serving at Readiness To Learn, she enjoys collaborating with South Whidbey’s community, families and children to better meet their needs.

Harriet began volunteering at Readiness To Learn’s Holiday House in 2017.

Harriet has a bachelor’s degree in Education from The Evergreen State College and received her educational certification from the University of Puget Sound. She earned a master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Seattle Pacific University along with her principal credentials. She retired to Whidbey Island after 32 years of public school teaching in various districts throughout Washington State.

As a fundraiser for the Redmond Rotary Club, an organization that she has supported for 30 years, Harriet rode her bicycle from Redmond to Spokane. She has also traveled to Ethiopia to assist with polio immunizations and, more recently, to help get wells drilled so clean water can be provided to families now that polio has been eradicated in Ethiopia.

She has served on the Board of Directors of Readiness To Learn since 2020.

Ali has served on the Board of Directors of Readiness To Learn since the spring of 2018.

Ali’s professional background includes supporting neurodivergent children and young adults and their families through evidence-based and person-centered practices. Ali has also specialized in system development and documentation, building community partnerships and staff/stakeholder training. She holds a master’s degree in Nonprofit Management and Leadership, a master’s degree in Education in Instructional Design and a graduate certificate in Behavior Analysis.

Ali and her husband repatriated to Whidbey in 2016 with their son and also have a toddler-aged daughter. Ali enjoys having an opportunity to serve children in the community she cares about through her service on the Readiness To Learn board.

Darlene has been a resident of South Whidbey for over 27 years and is the owner of Island Time Coffee Co. She is the mother to three wonderful children who went through the South Whidbey school district and is now grandmother to two boys.

Darlene recognizes how important support during school years is and how Readiness To Learn provides this very necessary support for children and families in the South Whidbey community.

Ann began her volunteer work with Readiness To Learn by participating in the Holiday House and Back To School programs for several years. She was impressed with RTL and their dedication and ability to serve at-risk families on Whidbey Island.

Ann tutored at the elementary school on the island for several years. With her passion for gardening, she was also a member of the South Whidbey Garden Club and later became its president. She helped helped raise funds for their scholarship program for local high school students. Fund raising for various non-profits in Seattle also was very rewarding.

Before moving to Whidbey Island, Ann taught English as a Second Language to students in Bellevue. The school had 12 different languages spoken as well as English. This experience really grounded her desire to help all students and their families become a part of their community and to succeed in school. Later, she taught various primary grades.

She received her education at California Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo where she earned her elementary certificate and a master’s degree in Education.

Ann and her husband so enjoy being on Whidbey Island. Her two daughters and their families enjoy coming for visits throughout the year. Her grandchildren, two girls and twin boys, love exploring all of Whidbey and of course,the ferry ride over to our fun island!