Meet the Everlove Academy Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.

Jennifer Zheng
Head of Programs
PhD in Communication · 2026 UW Excellence in Teaching Award Recipient

Erika Praudins
Senior Instructor
M.A.T., Central Washington University · Bellevue School District

Saoirse Toohey
Senior Instructor
Private School Teacher · Public Speaking & Debate

Mark Richards
Senior Instructor
Former Independent School Division Head · M.Ed. · Educational Consultant

Michael Perera
Senior Instructor
Writer & Communication Instructor

Mal Carter
Senior Instructor
K–8 Educator · Open Window School

Carl Horn
Senior Instructor
University Business & Negotiation Instructor · MBA

Donovan Cheng
Instructor
UW Competitive Debater

Chasen Mahaffa-Simon
Instructor
University of Washington · Media & Communication

Matt Hasik
Senior Instructor
M.Ed. · High School Teacher · Teacher of the Year

Harold Hamilton
Senior Instructor
Leadership & Technical Instructor

Vincent Rutherford
Instructor
Eastside Prep & Open Window Alumnus · Former Debate Team Co-Lead

Ankit Madhira
Instructor
Acting & Public Speaking Instructor · Professional Performer

Latricia Gunnells
Senior Instructor
State-Designated Exemplary Teacher

Stefanie Hayes
Senior Instructor
Board-Certified Christian Counselor · Youth & Family Advocate

Joel Baulch
Senior Instructor
High School Math Teacher & Debate Coach · Engineering Leader · Professional Presenter & Trainer

Noor Battla
Senior Instructor
Community Outreach & Leadership

Leah Carrell
Senior Instructor
Public Speaking & Educational Consultant · Award-Winning Actress

Allan Camba
Senior Instructor
Harvard Alumnus · 20+ Years in Education · Founder of KULTURA Academy

Jennifer Etkin
Senior Instructor
Former Corporate Attorney · J.D. · K–8 Educator

Trisha Binwade
Senior Instructor
Founder, United Nations Association at UW

Ays Garcia
Instructor
Teaching Artist · K–9 Performance Educator

David Drummond
Senior Instructor
K–12 Certified Teacher · Professional Actor

Sarah Nguyen
Instructor
B.A. in Communication · Elementary & Middle School Educator

Bianca Guerrero
Instructor
STEM Educator

Jason Eckard
Instructor
Middle School Educator · Published Scholar
Our Story
Everlove Academy began with a simple question we asked as parents: How can we help our children find their voice and learn to express themselves with confidence?
We believed strong communication was more than a classroom skill. The ability to organize ideas, speak clearly, listen thoughtfully, and stand behind one’s own thinking could shape how children learn, lead, and connect with others.
So we created the kind of program we wished existed for our own children — one that combines thoughtful instruction, meaningful practice, and a supportive environment where every student has the opportunity to speak and be heard.
Today, Everlove Academy focuses on public speaking, debate, and leadership for students in grades K–8. Our programs are designed to meet students where they are and help them grow into confident communicators, independent thinkers, and thoughtful leaders.
Everlove started with our own children, and that same purpose continues to guide how we teach every student. Explore Everlove Academy Programs

