Meet our SEF Board of Trustees.
Dustin Birashk
I joined the board because I have 3 young children who will attend Cathcart Elementary, Valley View Middle School and eventually Glacier Peak High School. My oldest is currently at Cathcart. I wanted to be involved in helping the students of the district. I also wanted to be involved with a group of people who care deeply about kids and about their community. I grew up in South Seattle in a family of educators and graduated from University of Washington in 1999. I joined the SEF board in 2014 and currently serve as Treasurer. I am a CPA and employed with Moss Adams.
J. Steven Thomas
Strong schools are the gateway to a strong community. I became involved in SEF in 1996 because I believe education is truly the key to helping our students become productive citizens. All of the Foundation’s programs help to enrich the lives of students, “one student at a time… one gift at a time.” Imagine how much more we can do with your help. I am currently involved in the Classroom Grant program which supports innovative and creative ideas in the classroom that expand opportunities for students in all of our schools in grades K-12. I attended WA State University and graduated from the University of Idaho College of Law in 1972. I currently own a law practice here in Snohomish.
Kay Ditzenberger
Kay and her family moved to Snohomish in 2008. The family quickly grew to love the school and community as they watched her son, Ike, flourish under the leadership of administrators, teachers, coaches and students at Snohomish High School.
The family lived in Woodinville for 27 years before coming to Snohomish. Kay lives with her husband Steve, sons Josh, Jacob and Ike, daughter-in-law Danielle and granddaughter Braelyn. Her family has given her the title of professional student because she earned a BA in Speech Communications from the University of Northern Colorado, a BA in Biology from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, a certificate in technical writing from the University of Washington, an MBA from Northwest University and a PhD from Gonzaga University. She promised the family NO MORE SCHOOL!
Kay’s passion is leadership and specifically servant leadership. She believes that when service precedes leadership everyone involved learns, grows and flourishes. She enjoys all things associated with the family and the community and loves to read, write and knit.
Keely Reinhard
As a former teacher, education is a priority for me. After raising my boys, I was looking for a volunteer opportunity in my community. I joined the SEF board in 2012 and enjoy the dedicated people and believe in the Foundation’s mission. I attended High School in Milwaukie, OR and then graduated from Oregon State University in 1982. I have been married to my husband Matt, for 33 years and we have 3 boys, 1 daughter-in-law and 3 grandchildren. We moved from Oregon to Snohomish in 1994. I enjoy knitting, hiking, playing cards, water sports and fly-fishing.
Mal Harding
I was an original board member when SEF was formed in 1986. I helped in forming SEF to help make our schools stronger and more effective by supporting programs and the students in our district. Our funding emphasizes special programs, learning opportunities and scholarships for Snohomish School District students and teachers. I currently serve on the Sponsorship and Endowment Committees. I grew up in Montana and graduated from Montana State University and I have been retired for 4 years. My wife and I have two daughters who are both teachers.
Mary Waggoner
I joined the SEF Board in April, 2017. I believe that public education is the cornerstone of our democracy. Such a complex and critical system will succeed best when supported by the entire community.I have been a resident of Snohomish since 1996 and retired in 2016 from Everett Public Schools. I am a graduate of the University of Northern Colorado and was a high school English teacher for 10 years. During my career, I have worked in private industry in retail and recreational public relations and communications. 20+ years of my career have been with K-12 public education in Washington state.
Patty Venema
I believe in education and felt this Foundation was a wonderful place to continue my volunteer work. My goal is to help make the Snohomish community a great place to raise your children. I joined the board in 2010. I attended Lake WA High School. My husband and I have been married for 29 years and have lived in the area for 32 years. Our 2 children attended school in the Snohomish School District and are currently in college. I currently serve as President of the Board and serve on the Auction, Breakfast and Finance Committees.
Robin Stefanson
Bio coming soon.
Sam Janke
I have been a fulltime resident of Snohomish for the past 10 years. Prior to this I taught and coached for 40 years in various schools in the state of Washington and overseas. Presently I enjoy gardening, biking, golfing and pottery. I like to keep in touch with the local schools, teachers and students by occasionally guest teaching at Snohomish and Glacier Peak high schools primarily in science.
Emily Guildner
I decided to join the board in 2022 to continue supporting the schools I attended growing up. My family moved to Snohomish in the early 90’s. My siblings and I grew up attending Dutch Hill Elementary, Centennial Middle School, the Freshman Campus, and Snohomish High School. I graduated in 2007 went on to become an attorney representing government agencies and moved my family back to the Snohomish School District so that my kids can be a part of the same great community I grew up in. My family has sponsored a scholarship through SEF since 2008 and it has always been a pleasure working with them. I am excited to have the opportunity to support our schools and continue to be a thriving district.
Jen Bogdan
My name is Jennifer Bogdan. I am strong in my Christian faith, a wife of 17 years, and mom of 4 children who are all currently enrolled in the Snohomish School District. I also own and operate a small business. I was born and raised in Hawaii and moved to Washington entering my 7th grade year. I attended Valley View Middle School, was Class of 2000 at Snohomish High School and graduated from Everett Community College in 2002. I have been involved in my children’s school and extracurricular activities ever since our oldest son Adam started kindergarten. He is now a senior at Glacier Peak HS. Son Taylor is a freshman, Natalie is a 5th grader, and Harper is in 1st grade. I enjoyed serving on the Mill Creek elementary PTA and as an art docent for every one of my children’s classes. I also taught Junior Achievement for 4 years for both of my sons’ classes at Mill Creek Elementary. I am currently coaching 3 of our 4 children’s soccer teams, help on the Silverlake Soccer board, and serve as a mentor mom at my Church’s MOPS group. It’s an incredibly busy but intriguingly fun and rewarding schedule because I believe in making a difference! I am honored to be suggested and accepted for this board position. I look forward to the next 3 years of learning and working together with the members of this Board. Thank you again for the opportunity to serve our kids and our community.
Dawn Ipsen
I believe strength in education of all levels leads to strong, healthy, and prosperous communities. It is because of the Snohomish School District’s reputation and the tangible work of the Snohomish Education Foundation that my husband and I chose to live in this community and raise our wonderful family. We saw early on how community support can further enhance education and opportunities in youth. Furthermore, I am connected to the Snohomish community as the local pharmacist and owner of Kusler’s Compounding Pharmacy. My personal mission is supporting a healthy community however that path might lead. I’m honored to serve as a board member of the Snohomish Education Foundation. I look forward to contributing towards the SEF mission of fostering learning and expanding opportunities for all Snohomish students.
Marylin Leon
Bio coming soon.