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Association of Washington School Principals
Washington Principal | Volume 2– 2021-22
STAFF SPOTLIGHT
AWSP added three fantastic new staff members this fall! Please join us in welcoming each of them.
Kamrica Ary-Turner, Associate Director (Seattle Area)
Kamrica Ary-Turner joined AWSP in July 2022. She served as an educator in Washington for 14 years, mainly in secondary schools, as a counselor and the last 10 years as a school administrator in ESD 121. Kamrica is joining us from Tacoma, having spent her formative years growing up in Anchorage. An educator for over 10 years, she seeks to advocate for the whole child with a passion around equity and inclusion, restorative practices, cultural relevance, and community partnerships. Her passion is driven by her own academic struggles and barriers she’s faced throughout her life and educational career. Learn more about Kamrica.
AWSP Responsibilities
- Supports the ESD 121 and ESD 189 regions.
- Member support.
- Professional learning and mentoring.
Ashley Barker, Inclusion Project Director
Ashley joined AWSP in September 2022 as the Inclusion Project Director. Ashley’s role was formerly held by Dr. Chris Espeland, who made incredible strides with school leaders towards inclusion and left to take another opportunity this summer. She has served in education the past 20+ years as a special education teacher, and a K-12 principal in both rural, urban and international schools. In addition to her work at AWSP, Ashley is a mentor for new principals and provides administrative support to districts in the Spokane area. Ashley believes in the power of relationships and interconnectedness as a means to remove barriers and provide opportunities and access to students. Ashley and her husband, John, live in Spokane Valley with their son Gus (9th grade) while their daughter, Blaine (10th grade), studies abroad in Ireland. Learn more about Ashley.
AWSP Responsibilities
- Liaison Between OSPI Inclusionary Practices Project and AWSP.
- Collaboration and Consultation with Nine ESD Regional Coordinators.
- Coordination/Implementation of Inclusionary Practices Pro Learning for school leaders.
- Primary Resource for WA School Leaders on Inclusionary Practices.
- Implementation and Sustainability.
Julie Woods, Member Services Specialist
Julie joined the AWSP team in July 2022 after 14 years teaching in the Olympia School District. In her classroom, she created and fostered a relational community built on trust, respect, and kindness and looks forward to continuing having an impact on students doing her best to serve amazing administrators and educators across Washington state. Julie and her husband, Chris, have three children; Conner, 22, Tyler, 20, and Hadley, 17 and live in Olympia. A perfect day would include a beach, the sun, and a great book — her family would be welcome to join, too. Learn more about Julie.
AWSP Responsibilities
- Grade Level Leadership Committee Program Coordinator and Regional ESD Program Coordinator.
- Member Support.
- Principal of the Year and Assistant Principal of the Year Program Manager.
- Assists in Workshop Registration and Professional Learning.