Faculty & Staff
Our staff is the core strength of our school. As individuals and as campuses, our teachers, support staff and leaders reflect Cedar Crest Academy's core values and beliefs. Our staff is comprised of nurturing and experienced educators and leaders who seek to provide the best possible learning experience for each individual child. Browse through our directory to meet our wonderful team members!
Executive Team
Management
Park Highland
Brunetta Banda
Ms. Brunetta, 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, Ms. 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.
For the past five years, Ms. Brunetta has served as the Director of Park Highland, where she has made a significant impact. Now, she is excited to step into the role of Pre-Primary Director at Bellewood. In this new position, she will continue to be an active presence at Park Highland and Bellewood, collaborating with the talented teams at both locations to deliver outstanding early childhood education. Ms. Brunetta considers it a privilege and an honor to contribute to the growth and development of the children she serves.
Northup
Heather Shappell
Heather’s journey at Cedar Crest Academy has been truly inspiring. Over the past 15+ years, she has grown from a part-time floater at the original Kirkland Campus to becoming the Director, shaping the school’s success at every step. As we embrace the 2024-2025 school year, Heather is thrilled to welcome families to the new Northup Campus, marking an exciting new chapter following the Kirkland campus’s relocation.
Heather’s leadership has been pivotal in developing our preschool curriculum and mentoring new teachers as the Curriculum Supervisor. Her commitment to both personal growth and the professional development of her colleagues exemplifies her dedication to enriching the entire Cedar Crest community.
In her personal time, Heather finds joy in home improvement projects with her husband, Steve, and adventures with their young corgi, Ziggy Barksdale. A passionate painter, she also shares her creative spirit through her artwork, showcased at a monthly Art Walk in Seattle.
Redmond
Becky Hicks
Ms. Becky 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.
Bellewood Elementary
Deborah Cunningham
Deborah Cunningham has served as the Elementary Director at Cedar Crest Academy for the past three 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 from Hunter College and a Master of Science in Teaching from The New School. Her career includes teaching middle school English Language Arts using the Teachers College balanced literacy program and serving as an Assistant Principal for grades Pre-K through Fifth.
Deborah is committed to fostering a vibrant and collaborative learning environment and is passionate about literature, baking, cycling, hiking, and travel. Her professional journey reflects a deep commitment to educational excellence and community engagement.
Bellewood Pre-Primary
Brunetta Banda
Ms. Brunetta, 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, Ms. 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.
For the past five years, Ms. Brunetta has served as the Director of Park Highland, where she has made a significant impact. Now, she is excited to step into the role of Pre-Primary Director at Bellewood. In this new position, she will continue to be an active presence at Park Highland and Bellewood, collaborating with the talented teams at both locations to deliver outstanding early childhood education. Ms. Brunetta considers it a privilege and an honor to contribute to the growth and development of the children she serves.