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
Park Highland
Brunetta Banda
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.”
Kirkland

Heather Shappell
This is Heather’s second year as Director of Cedar Crest Academy’s Kirkland campus. She has considered this school her home for over a decade now. Heather started at the Kirkland Campus in 2008 shortly after the school opened. It’s been an incredible journey growing from a floater, to preschool teacher, to creating the preschool curriculum and training new teachers as the Curriculum Supervisor. Heather has been dedicated to growing professionally while facilitating Cedar Crest’s growth by thinking of the school in its entirety and cultivating ideas that will impact our entire community. This new role will allow her the opportunity to further develop professionally while making a positive impact on all students, parents, and staff.
Redmond

Becky Hicks
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.
Bellewood Elementary

Deborah Cunningham
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.
Bellewood Pre-Primary

Kristy Johnson
Ms. Kristy moved from her home state, Oregon, to join Cedar Crest Academy in 2019. Over the years she quickly became an essential team member for Bellewood's Pre-Primary & Elementary Teams. This year Ms. Kristy steps into her new leadership role as Director in Training for Bellewood Pre-Primary. In 2002, she graduated from Corban University with a Bachelor’s of Science in English Studies. Since graduation Ms. Kristy has worked as an Office Administrator, Summer Camp Counselor, Pre-Primary Teacher and Teacher's Assistant. Her passion for helping children grow and learn even led her to volunteer in the Children’s Ministry at her church.
In her free time, Ms. Kristy likes to spend time with her husband and two cats, Isabelle & Harley. She also enjoys reading, singing, acting, watching movies, playing board games, and hanging out with family & friends.