Faculty & Staff

Brunetta Banda, a native of Mobile County, Alabama, relocated to Washington State with her husband and two children in June 2018. She holds a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Mobile and a master's degree in Business Administration, focusing on Leadership & Management. With over two decades of experience in early childhood and elementary education, Brunetta has worked extensively with children in school and home environments. She is dedicated to remaining at the forefront of the evolving childcare and education landscape, actively pursuing new knowledge and skills to enhance her ability to provide exceptional care and education.

Brunetta has been with Cedar Crest Academy for seven years where she has served as Director for the past six years.  She is currently the Director at Park Highland and Preprimary Director at Bellewood.  She finds great joy collaborating with the talented teams at both locations to deliver outstanding early childhood education. Brunetta considers it a privilege and an honor to contribute to the growth and development of the children she serves.

Heather Shapell’s journey at Cedar Crest Academy has been truly inspiring. Over the past 15+ years, she has evolved from a part-time floater at the original Kirkland Campus to the Director, guiding the campus’s success every step of the way. As we enter the second school year at the new Northup Campus, Heather is excited to continue shaping the environment following the relocation of the Kirkland Campus.

Heather’s leadership has been pivotal in developing our preschool curriculum and mentoring new teachers as the Curriculum Supervisor. Her dedication to both personal growth and the professional development of her colleagues demonstrates her commitment to enriching the entire Cedar Crest community.

In her free time, Heather finds joy in home improvement projects with her husband, Steve, and adventures with their corgi, Ziggy Barksdale. A passionate painter, she also expresses her creativity through her artwork, which is showcased at a monthly Art Walk in Seattle.

Becky Hicks brings over 16 years of experience working with schools in the greater Seattle area, including 8 years in school management. She has spent the past 3 years as the Director of the Redmond campus, where she has played a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing the school's programs.

Since joining Cedar Crest Academy in 2021, Becky has been serving as the Director in Training, further expanding her leadership responsibilities. She holds a bachelor's degree in Sociology with a focus on Family, Gender, Crime, and Deviance, and is also Montessori Certified. Becky is deeply passionate about supporting families, teachers, and students, and finds great fulfillment in her role within the early education field.

In her free time, Becky enjoys attending concerts, movies, and Mariners games. When staying indoors, she loves to crochet.

Deborah Cunningham has served as the Elementary Director at Cedar Crest Academy for the past four years, bringing a wealth of experience and dedication to her role. A Michigan native, Deborah began her educational journey in New York City, earning a Bachelor of Arts in English & Classical Studies, a Master of Science in Teaching, and Hunter College's graduate program for School and District Leadership. Her career includes teaching middle school English Language Arts to middle schoolers and working as an Assistant Principal for the New York City Department of Education.

Deborah is committed to fostering a vibrant and collaborative learning environment. She is passionate about literature, cooking, and travel. Her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to educational excellence and community engagement.

Brunetta Banda, a native of Mobile County, Alabama, relocated to Washington State with her husband and two children in June 2018. She holds a bachelor's degree in Education from the University of Mobile and a master's degree in Business Administration, focusing on Leadership & Management. With over two decades of experience in early childhood and elementary education, Brunetta has worked extensively with children in school and home environments. She is dedicated to remaining at the forefront of the evolving childcare and education landscape, actively pursuing new knowledge and skills to enhance her ability to provide exceptional care and education.

Brunetta has been with Cedar Crest Academy for seven years where she has served as Director for the past six years.  She is currently the Director at Park Highland and Preprimary Director at Bellewood.  She finds great joy collaborating with the talented teams at both locations to deliver outstanding early childhood education. Brunetta considers it a privilege and an honor to contribute to the growth and development of the children she serves.