1800 100th NE Bellevue, WA 98004

A professor explaining something to a student
Group of five young individuals posing with smiles in a winter tree farm setting. They are dressed warmly for the season, with the background featuring a sparse snowy landscape and evergreen trees.
Three men wearing Christmas accessories and posing in front of the natural Christmas tree in the outdoors
Two women talking in the art classroom.

About Us

We have an amazing team of people who love students and Jesus.

Blake DeYoung

Executive Director
BA in English Literature
MA in Teaching
Educational Leadership & Superintendent Certification
Seattle Pacific University

At EA since 2023

Blake comes to Eastside Academy after a long career in teaching and educational leadership. He has previously served independent schools as an English and History teacher, coach, College Advisor, Principal, Chief Advancement Officer, and Head of School. He has received a Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, and Superintendent Certification through Seattle Pacific University. Blake was drawn to EA by its commitment to embrace holistic student support and care. He is honored and humbled to serve alongside the dedicated and gifted staff of EA as we help students heal, learn, discover, and launch. Blake and his wife, Camille, chase after their three young boys, Liam, Mikal, and Daniel, and one four-legged boy, Rocky, the yellow lab.

Education Team

Carl Dodd

Director of Learning
MA in Youth & Community Work, Durham University
BA in Theology & Youth Ministry, Nazarene Theological College
BTEC & NVQ Level 4 in Industrial Process & Control Systems

Jeffrey Britcher

Dean of Students
BS in Secondary Social Studies and Physical Education
Certified Secondary Social Studies Teacher
Spring Arbor University

At EA since August 2013

Senator Scott

Chaplain & Student Services Coordinator
BA Political Science, Emory University
MDiv (May 2024), Portland Seminary

At EA since 2023

Annie Averett

Spanish Teacher
BA Business Administration
University of Washington
CISB - Certificate of International Studies in Business - Marketing and Latin America
Masters in Teaching
Seattle University
Washington State Teaching Certification, Secondary Spanish (Grades 6-12)
At EA since 2023

Warren Beacot

Art Teacher
BA Business Management
Pepperdine University

At EA since 2023

Abi Lutes

Recovery Teacher
MA in Mental Health Counseling, In Progress
Northwest University
Formation Certificate
Christian Counseling Education Foundation

At EA since 2023

Elizabeth Matson

History & Civics Teacher
BA History, Public History Certification  
Northern State University
Education Certification 
South Dakota State University

At EA since 2023

Madison Swanson

English Teacher
Taylor University, BS English Education Washington State Teaching Certification, Secondary English

At EA since 2024

Counseling Team

Drew Hale

Director of Counseling
B.A. in Psychology
University of Washington
M.A. in Counseling Psychology
Northwest University
At EA since 2018

Colt Black

Counseling Intern
Bachelor of Arts
Moody Bible Institute
M.A Counseling Psychology Candidate (Grad June 2024)
The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology

At EA since 2021

Noah Cordrey

Counseling Intern
BA Peace and Conflict Studies
Messiah University
MA in Counseling Psychology, concentration in Trauma & Abuse in Progress
The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology

At EA since 2023

Aaron Sedlacek

Counseling Intern
At EA since 2023

Housing Team

Trevor Uhler

Director of Housing
B.A. Business Administration
Northwest University

At EA since 2013

Colt Black

House Parent
Bachelor of Arts
Moody Bible Institute
M.A Counseling Psychology Candidate (Grad June 2024)
The Seattle School of Theology & Psychology

At EA since 2021

Sydney Black

House Parent
At EA since 2021

Andrew Cotogna-Denny

House Parent

At EA since 2022

Raunwyn Cotogna-Denny

House Parent
At EA since 2022

Daniel Ficca

Renew Associate
At EA since 2023

Tessa Fuller

Renew Associate
At EA since 2023

Atlantis Murphy

Renew Associate
At EA since 2023

Advancement Team

Aaron Monts

Director of Advancement
BA Christian Education, Lincoln Christian University
MA Contemporary Theology and Philosophy, Lincoln Christian Seminary
PhD Organizational Leadership, Johnson University
Cert. -Executive Leadership, Harvard Kennedy School of Government (Grad. 2025)

At EA since 2021

Hannah Kaas

Development Manager
B.A. in Business Management
University of Washington
At EA since 2021

Paige Sullivan

Admissions & Outreach Specialist
BA Strategic Communication
Washington State University
MA Library and Information Science (Est 2026) 
University of Arizona
At EA since 2023 

Kristy Stevens

Philanthropy & Engagement Officer
Owner and Founder, Esther Sky, LLC
4word, Board Member
Life House Ministries, Board Member
Life Point, Worship Leader

At EA since 2024