The NWESD is pleased to announce that Sarah Southard has stepped into the position of NWESD Director of Early Learning, replacing long-time director Karma Hugo, who has moved to the Early Learning Director position at OSPI.
Sarah should be a familiar name to many within the NWESD and across the NWESD region. From 2009 through 2015, Sarah worked at the NWESD as Student and School Success and Migrant Education Coordinator. For the past two years, Sarah has served as the Diverse and Exceptional Learning Specialist in the Burlington-Edison School District. During that time, she has also served as a consultant to the NWESD ELL Cooperative. Sarah has prior experience as a 2nd grade bilingual and adult ESL teacher, preschool teacher and family preservation services therapist. Sarah is currently completing her program administrator certification at Seattle Pacific University. Previously, she earned her MBA at Western Governors’ University and her BA in ethnic studies with a minor in Spanish from the University of California, Berkeley.
When asked about returning to the NWESD, Sarah said, “I am thrilled to be back at the NWESD and working with our partner districts and early childhood agencies. With a focus on early learning, together we can strengthen opportunities for all young children, families, and educators to promote true equity, access, and excellence across our systems.” Sarah is a long-time transplant to the Skagit Valley and lives with her husband and three children in La Conner. She brings a rich and diverse background and skill set that will benefit the early learning and professional learning work across our region.
We are excited that Sarah is returning to the NWESD family. Please join us in welcoming Sarah (back) to the NWESD!
