Our Founding Navigators
United by a belief that every child deserves an exceptional eduation, our founding board serves as the governing body of Tidepool Preparatory Academy - providing strategic leadership, financial oversight, and mission stewardship. Their work today lays the groundwork for a vibrant learning community tomorrow.
Michael Carpenter
Michael Carpenter is a husband, the father of two daughters, and a director of research and development at a telecommunications API company. He joined the board to help foster a differentiated learning experience which serves the current needs of our community, and to provide sufficient launch velocity to ensure Tidepool Preparatory Academy is a durable education resource for future generations.
Chair
Kristi Queen
Kristi Queen is an educator and instructional leader with three decades of experience serving children, families, and schools throughout Washington State. Her career has included roles as a middle and high school English teacher, activities coordinator, theater program director, reading specialist, assistant principal, Elementary principal, and college instructor, providing her with a broad perspective on learning and human development from early childhood through adulthood.
Board Member 
TreasurerTalia Landau
As the owner of Little Shop of Hairdos and a local business leader, Talia is passionate about fostering community through small business, education, and creating welcoming spaces for people to connect. She joined this board because she believes every child deserves an engaging, inclusive learning environment, and is dedicated to helping ensure the school is built on a foundation of thoughtful governance, sustainability, and service to students and families.
SecretaryMacKenzie Maxwell
MacKenzie is a 4th grade teacher in Clallam County who loves getting her students out in the community. She believes that integrated, place-based education is important for all youth, particularly our youngest!
Brooke Nelson brings more than 30 years of business, civic, and community leadership to the Tidepool Preparatory Academy Board of Directors. As Managing Broker and Co-Owner of Port Angeles Realty, Inc., she oversees brokerage operations, compliance, and broker mentorship. A longtime public servant, she served on the Port Angeles City Council from 2010 to 2014 and on the City's Civil Service Board, and has been a member of the Sheriff's Advisory Committee since 2007. She has also served on the board of the Olympic Peninsula YMCA and as Treasurer of the Port Angeles Association of Realtors, and brings deep experience in financial oversight, risk management, and nonprofit governance to Tidepool Prep.
Board MemberBrooke Nelson
Board MemberJessica Hendrick
Jessica Hendrick is a first grade teacher that brings over twenty years of firsthand classroom experience and insight to our board. As a professional development leader and frequent presenter at regional literacy conferences, she knows what it takes to support educators and implement strategies that truly help students thrive. Jessica serves as the secretary of her local teacher's union gaining vital experience in implement governance and labor relations. She joined the board to help ensure our policies empower teachers, prioritize student success, and elevate academic excellence.