The Academy Schools Team
Ashley Hobbs
Head of School
Head of School Ashley Hobbs is entering her third year at
Academy and brings more than 20 years of experience in
education and school leadership to the role. Her leadership
is grounded in a deep commitment to students and families,
thoughtful partnership with the broader community, and the
belief that neurodiverse learners deserve both high
expectations and the supports needed to reach them.
Ashley’s vision is for Academy Schools to become an
exemplary program offering rich academics, meaningful
experiences, and a wide array of post-high-school pathways
and supports. Alongside the Board of Trustees, she is
helping Academy move into a bright new chapter—honoring
the school’s founding values while strengthening the
program, campus, and long-term sustainability needed to
serve the community in significant ways for decades to
come. Read Ashley’s Head of School Welcome Letter to learn more about how Ashley’s vision for Academy Schools.
Bailey Long
Director of Marketing, Admissions, and Advancement
Bailey Long is responsible for maintaining Academy Schools’ digital presence, donor communications, and facilitating the admissions process alongside Head of School, Ashley Hobbs. Bailey has been passionate about digital communications, strategy, and web development since age 8, when she decided she needed a career that integrated art, writing, and “internet sleuthing.” As a neurodivergent adult with a lifelong interest in pedagogy, Bailey was ecstatic to join the Academy Schools team and support the mission in providing accessible and adaptive education for neurodivergent students. Outside of the office, they can be found reading, creating and collecting art, and any outdoor recreation activity.
Elias Iraheta
Lower School/3–5
Bailey Long is responsible for maintaining Academy Schools’ digital presence, donor communications, and facilitating the admissions process alongside Head of School, Ashley Hobbs. Bailey has been passionate about digital communications, strategy, and web development since age 8, when she decided she needed a career that integrated art, writing, and “internet sleuthing.” As a neurodivergent adult with a lifelong interest in pedagogy, Bailey was ecstatic to join the Academy Schools team and support the mission in providing accessible and adaptive education for neurodivergent students. Outside of the office, they can be found reading, creating and collecting art, and any outdoor recreation activity.
Gretchen Schmidt-Mertes
Special Education Director Emerita
After retiring from full-time leadership in 2026, Gretchen Schmidt-Mertes continues to serve Academy Schools as a consultant, mentor, and trusted advisor to the administrative team. With more than 30 years of experience in general and special education, Gretchen remains deeply passionate about partnering with students, families, and educators to ensure every child is known, valued, and equipped to thrive.
She believes that meaningful relationships are the foundation of learning and considers it a privilege to walk alongside students and families as they navigate their educational journeys.
Griffin Bakken
Upper School
Mr. Bakken is entering his second year at Academy Schools, serving primarily as the social studies instructor for the Upper School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in history and a master’s degree in teaching, both from Gonzaga University. Being an avid history buff, Mr. Bakken seeks to instill a love of learning about the past and aims to prepare students for the future. Outside of School, Mr. Bakken enjoys fishing, reading, and coaching youth baseball.
Heather Wheeler
Student Support Specialist
Nicole Erickson
Assistant Head of School & Director of Special Education
Nicole Erickson serves as Assistant Head of School and Director of Special Education, bringing a career-long dedication to supporting neurodiverse students and helping each learner thrive. Her passion for education began early—at just four years old, she could often be found “teaching” her parents using the whiteboard at home. She holds master’s degrees in special education and educational leadership and brings both expertise and heart to her work with students, families, and educators. She believes deeply in recognizing each student’s individual strengths, understanding how they learn best, and creating an environment where every child feels known, supported, and capable of success.
Pat O’Neill
Upper School/Science
Ms. Pat became a valued member of the Academy Schools team in 2021. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Boston College and a Master of Arts in Secondary Science Education from Western Governors University. Driven by a deep curiosity about the world, Ms. Pat is passionate about expanding her knowledge and sharing it with her students. She resides in Burien with her husband and two children. In her free time, she enjoys reading, cooking, and gardening.
Sara Fisher
Early School/1–3
Sara brings 25 years of experience as a literacy educator, classroom teacher, and holistic intervention specialist. Her approach centers on creating joyful, calm, and relationship-driven learning environments where every child feels understood, valued, and empowered to succeed. She has extensive experience with multi-tiered student support, executive functioning coaching, and trauma-informed behavioral scaffolding.
Sarah Harper
Psychology, Art, and Student Support
Ms. Harper teaches psychology and art and provides small-group academic support. Before joining Academy, Ms. Harper taught third grade and worked as a substitute teacher with Seattle Public Schools. She holds a bachelor’s degree from UMass Amherst and a master’s degree in teaching from Western Governors University. Before becoming a teacher, she homeschooled her daughter and worked as a personal assistant to a cinematographer in Los Angeles. Outside of school, she enjoys photography, creating, and long walks with her fluffy dog, Lulu.