T H E   F O U N D A T I O N

As we create the long-term infrastructure of our organization to sustainably eliminate financial barriers for students, we are thankful for the Ferndale School District's assistance in helping us plant a firm foundation. The District has been a steadfast partner in setting us up for success. This investment will yield benefits for our students now and into the future when our operations are fully funded and no longer reliant on a volunteer to lead the organization's executive functions. 

Staff

Tracy Diehl
​Volunteer Executive Director
​Ferndale School District
Tracy brings expertise in fundraising and development.  With over eight years as the Development Director of the Whatcom Family YMCA and 15 years dedicated to nonprofit fundraising in Whatcom County, Tracy is passionate about meeting the community's needs through relationship building and community engagement.  Her current role as Ferndale School District's grant writer underscores her unwavering commitment to education and community betterment. ​

Board

Anya Milton
​Board President
Bellingham Technical College
​Anya is a community partner and agent of change. She has spent nearly 20 years cultivating relationships to advance the quality of life and economic vitality of our community in Ferndale and Whatcom County. She recognizes challenges, identifies needs and strategizes sustainable solutions for a brighter future. She is the Director of Continuing Education and Work Based Education at Bellingham Technical College. Her passion for making our community a better place is fueled by the love and support of her spouse of 25 years and her two Ferndale Golden Eagles, class of '21 and '24.
Rusti Elefson
​Board Vice President
WECU
Rusti is a local banker who has called Ferndale home for over 25 years and has two grown daughters who graduated from Ferndale High school. As the spouse of a teacher, she understands the importance of supporting our local schools and has volunteered to serve on various school committees over the years. In addition, she has previously served as a board member for the Ferndale Chamber of Commerce as well as the Boys & Girls Clubs of Whatcom County. Rusti is passionate about making sure all students have the resources they need to be successful.
Kelli Wilson
​​Board Treasurer
Trans-Ocean Products
Intro coming soon!
Zoe Fraley
Board Secretary
​Bellingham Technical College
Intro coming soon!
Victor Boulos
​Nelson Fuel
Victor is a devoted family man, dedicated to both his role as a father of four and his enduring marriage of 31 years. Residing in Ferndale for three decades, Victor has become an integral part of the community fabric. Beyond his familial commitments, Victor's philanthropic spirit shines through his extensive volunteer work and active involvement on numerous boards and within local schools. His unwavering commitment to both his family and community demonstrates his remarkable dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of those around him.
Eric Crider
Outlaws BBQ
Eric is deeply rooted in Whatcom County.  After graduating from Sehome High School in 1989, Eric jumped headfirst into self-employment where he found a niche in the exotic fish and pet industry, quickly turning a lifelong hobby into a successful career. Embracing a truly entrepreneurial spirit, Eric has run multiple successful business ventures over the years. He currently focuses his efforts on a joint venture in the food and catering industry based out of Ferndale, his home community for the past 30 years. In his spare time, he loves to travel with his wife, Michelle, and their seven-year-old son, Rutger.  You can often find Eric thumbing through cookbooks for inspiration, fishing or watching hockey with the family, or planning the next culinary adventure to a tropical destination, typically Thailand or Mexico being the top of the list.
James Walsh
Ferndale School District
Intro coming soon!
Sislena Ledbetter, Ph.D.
Western Washington University
Sislena is a social psychologist, researcher, lecturer, author, and life coach. She received a Bachelor's degree in psychology from North Carolina Central University, Magna Cum Laude. She earned with honors her Master's and Doctoral degrees in psychology from Howard University. Her post-graduate studies include educational leadership training at Georgetown University Graduate School of Professional Studies and Harvard University Graduate School of Education. She has received several fellowships and internships, including an internship during the Clinton administration. Dr. Ledbetter has held many higher education leadership roles, including Assistant Professor of Psychology, Executive Director of Counseling, Health and Wellness, Director of Counseling and Student Development, and Associate Vice President of Student Development. She's written and attracted millions of dollars in grants funds for behavioral health issues addressing HIV-AIDS, substance abuse, suicide prevention, and domestic violence. As the Associate Vice President of Counseling, Health, and Wellbeing at Western Washington, within two years, led the institutional adoption of the Okanagan Charter and established the first Institution-wide interdisciplinary Wellbeing Collaborative. She served as Chair for the DEIA workgroup for the US Health Promoting Campuses Network and is presently Chair–elect. For ten years, she was the host of the DC Cable Television program "A Healthy Mind," where she interviewed guests on wellbeing and mental health topics. Her research interests include exploring wellbeing, power, and leadership for women of color at home and in the workplace and exploring factors that enhance healthy intimate relationships in the Black community.
Matt Copps
BP Cherry Point Refinery
Intro coming soon!
Josh Linn
Phillips 66 Ferndale Refinery
Josh is an enthusiastic newcomer to Ferndale.  As a father of three young children, including a Cascadia Elementary 1st grader, he is thrilled to be able to contribute to the future of the Ferndale School District and to help Ferndale students succeed.  He brings 15 years of non-profit volunteer experience, including fundraising and development work, through his involvement in Kansas Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership (HOBY). He is excited to partner with local businesses and community members to achieve a positive impact for Ferndale students now and into the future.
Harleen Malli
Ferndale High School Student
Harleen is a student at Ferndale High School, class of 2026 and is committed to helping bring change and support to those around her. Through her position as Sophomore Class President position in student government, as the head of the newly founded South Asian Club, and as a student of her Leadership 2 class, she is building and applying her skills in making meaningful connections and impacts. Her eagerness to be involved in our community and intense focus on enriching the lives of her fellow students make up the heart of who she is. 
Kara Silsbee
Ferndale School District
Intro coming soon!