Faculty & Staff

Ms. Brunetta was born and raised on the Gulf Coast in Mobile County, Alabama. In June of 2018, Ms. Brunetta, her husband, and their two children, relocated to Washington State. Ms. Brunetta received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from the University of Mobile in Mobile, Alabama. Ms. Brunetta is back in school and is currently pursuing her Masters in Education. She has had extensive training in early and elementary childcare with over 14 years of experience working with children both in the school and home settings. Ms. Brunetta stated, “I realize that childcare and education are constantly changing, therefore, I am always willing to learn new things to better myself so that I can provide better services to the children in my care. I consider it a privilege and honor to support the amazing teachers and staff at Park Highland in providing your children with excellence in Early Childhood Education.”

Heather's journey at Cedar Crest Academy has been nothing short of remarkable. She has been an important member of the institution for the last fifteen years, starting as a part-time floater at the Kirkland Campus when it first opened in 2008 and ultimately becoming the Director. Heather has contributed significantly to the school, including developing the preschool curriculum and training new teachers as the Curriculum Supervisor. As Director, Heather is devoted to her own growth and the professional development of her colleagues, taking a holistic approach to benefit the entire community. Her dedication and enthusiasm for the school are an inspiration to all those who work with her.

Heather enjoys spending her free time working on home improvement projects with her husband, Steve, and taking her young corgi pup, Ziggy Barksdale, on outdoor adventures. Heather's passion is painting, and she showcases her work at a monthly Art Walk in Seattle.

Becky has worked with schools in the greater Seattle area for over 15 years and in school management for the past 7 years. On March 1, 2021, Becky joined Cedar Crest Academy and has since joined our team as the Director in Training. Becky has a bachelor’s degree in Sociology concentrating in Family, Gender, Crime and Deviance and has her Montessori Certification. She loves being a support to families, teachers, and students in the early education field. Becky enjoys going to concerts, movies, and Mariner games in her free time. When she can’t enjoy the outdoors, she stays inside and crochets.

Deborah Cunningham is thrilled to join the Cedar Crest Academy as the Elementary Director. Originally from the state of Michigan, her journey into the realm of education started in New York City. She earned her Bachelor of Arts, focusing on English and Classical Studies from Hunter College, and her Master of Science in Teaching from The New School. She worked as a middle school teacher, guiding students through English Language Arts using Teachers College, Columbia University, balanced literacy program. Completion of her Certification in Administration led to the enriching experience of working as an assistant principal in an elementary school, with three-year-old through fifth grade students. Professional growth was extremely rewarding. Deborah looks forward to being part of a rich learning and collaborative community.

Nurturing her own curiosity, Deborah's lifelong interests are literature and baking, cycling, and hiking, in addition to traveling.

Ms. Kristy joined Cedar Crest Academy in 2019 as the Office Administrator for the Bellewood Pre-Primary program. Over the years, she quickly became an essential team member for Bellewood's Pre-Primary & Elementary teams. Last year Ms. Kristy stepped into her new leadership role as Director for Bellewood Pre-Primary. Ms. Kristy graduated from Corban University in 2002 with a Bachelor of Science in English Studies. She is currently earning her Early Childhood Education certifications from the Lake Washington Institute of Technology. She is excited to apply the education she is receiving to cultivate her passion for building supportive relationships through her leadership of the Pre-primary staff & her interactions with the families in the program.

When not at school, Ms. Kristy loves to spend time with her husband and two cats, Isabelle & Harley. She also enjoys reading, singing, acting, watching movies, playing board games, and spending time with family & friends.