Administration
Principal
Dana Burgess
Principal
425-408-5500
mailto:dburgess@nsd.org
Degrees and Certifications:
WA State Principal Certification Danforth Educational Leadership Program, University of WashingtonM.Ed. Exceptional Children Western Washington UniversityWA State Teacher Certification , Western Washington UniversityElementary (K-3) & Special Education (P-12)B.A. Speech Pathology/Audiology Western Washington University
Dear Westhill Community,
It is a pleasure and privilege to serve as principal of Westhill Elementary and I look forward to another exciting year partnering with our community and families to provide the best educational experience for all our children. I bring with me a diverse background of experiences within education including private and public instruction, curriculum and assessment development, consult teaching, college adjunct professorship, and program coordination. In addition I have been a para-educator, Ready Start teacher, school secretary, and am also a parent. The combination of these points of view has given me an interesting blended perspective and desire to give more to our public school system. These past experiences have also shaped my core beliefs and philosophy of education. For me, schools should be an integral part of the community they inhabit. Effective learning requires collaboration between staff, students, and families, grounded in mutual respect and trust. They should be focused on high expectations for all students, with equitable and excellent instruction, giving students the skills to achieve these expectations.
I believe that Westhill creates citizens who are a positive influence on our community and have a drive to continuously learn. The genuine collaboration between staff, students, and families fosters ownership of a rich school culture. Supporting our kids to be successful in school and confident in their lives is the center of our work. I am honored to both serve and live in this amazing community!
Sincerely,
Dana
Office Staff
Office Manager
Patty Wimmer
425-408-5501
pwimmer@nsd.org
Secretary
Jill Brobeck
425-408-5503
jbrobeck@nsd.org
Dean of Students
Samara "Ms. Sam" Maynard
Dean of Students
I am thrilled to be joining the Westhill community as your Dean of Students this year. I have been a part of the Northshore district since my oldest started Kindergarten at Cottage Lake in 1995. I started as a parent volunteer and PTA officer until the principal finally decided to just pay me and hired me in 2000 as a split class aide and recess teacher. I’ve spent 25 years at Cottage Lake as a para educator in special education, a Learning Center para, and split class aide (every grade level from 1st/2nd to 5th/6th).
In 2022, I was hired as the first Dean of Students at Cottage Lake. When that position was cut this spring I was given my choice of several schools and I chose Westhill! I am passionate about inclusionary practices and building community for each and every student – a passion I believe I share with the Westhill staff.
I love to travel, read and cheer on sports of all kinds. I’m a Washington State University grad (go Cougs!), grew up in Eastern Washington and proud mom to two Woodinville High alumni. I look forward to creating a wonderful partnership with the community here.