By Dr. Elena Olsen, Inspire Contributor

This year, EPS is proud to introduce a dynamic group of new faculty and staff members who will join our community (although two of them are not new to EPS!). A theme in their comments about Eastside Prep is how they are drawn to our school because of the kindness and inclusivity they see in our community. In particular, our new educators appreciate that EPS highly values student voices and also observe the high level of trust between the administration and faculty. We are thrilled to welcome these talented educators into our community. Read on to learn about how they live out our mission every day.

HYE-WON DANDINO

DIRECTOR OF EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND COMPASSIONATE LEADERSHIP

With a background that spans political science, social studies education, and educational leadership (in which she has a degree from Columbia University’s Teachers College), Hye-Won Dandino brings heart and vision to her new role. She states, “What drew me to EPS was its deep, authentic commitment to belonging, not just as a value, but as a lived practice across the community.”

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Dandino is a watercolor enthusiast, a bike-riding, karaoke-loving parent of three, and an avid cook. Her proudest accomplishment? Launching a mobile vet unit at a medical-themed high school, giving students real-world experience while serving low-income communities. Her work reflects a powerful blend of kindness and purpose.

DAVID FIERCE

UPPER SCHOOL LITERATURE AND CIVICS

David Fierce is no stranger to educational innovation or to EPS. With degrees in Political Science, History, and Teaching from Seattle University as well as a 5-year tenure in Upper School Social Sciences from 2015–2020, Fierce brings deep experience in student-centered curriculum. He is committed to student-centered curriculum and small, respectful learning communities. Fierce has always centered voice and story in his teaching of history and helped co-design the current ninth-grade literature and social sciences course; literature is a natural fit. His proudest teaching moment was leading students on a transformative trip to Israel and Palestine. He notes, “At EPS, teachers in collaboration with administration generate the curriculum that matches the mission and vision of EPS instead of being told what to do by Olympia or DC. I love the small class sizes where my students and I know and respect one another. This is the way learning is supposed to be.”

A lover of live music and nature walks, Fierce also finds joy in bicycling and birding. He continues to embody responsible action through his volunteer work with The ReCyclery, helping provide bicycles and holiday gifts to underserved communities.

HENRY GOULD

UPPER SCHOOL HUMANITIES

Henry Gould’s academic path—from UC Berkeley to Dartmouth to EPS to Gonzaga Law and back to EPS—mirrors his interdisciplinary philosophy. At EPS, he’s found a home that values innovation and intellectual risk-taking; we are thrilled to welcome him back. He describes what continues to draw him to EPS: “What won me over was the willingness of school leadership to support the teaching of new subject areas, and to trust and collaborate with teachers throughout the process of designing those classes. It signaled a place where innovation is encouraged, curiosity is valued, and both teachers and students are empowered to take meaningful intellectual risks.”

When he’s not shaping young minds, Henry enjoys soccer—he is excited to attend World Cup soccer matches with faculty in 2026—road trips, and summer bike rides. Gould may also show up for a re-run on the EPS basketball court. In his first year at EPS he jumped into what he thought was a casual faculty shoot-around but was instead “full-court intensity with no mercy for new teachers,” even if they were wearing a dress shirt and pants. Gould ended the game with “sore legs and a sweat-soaked collar” but also a great memory.

ALEX LIU

RESIDENT TEACHER

Alex Liu brings a hands-on approach to education, supported by a background in kinesiology and personal training. His previous roles as a recreation leader and coach shaped his appreciation for the EPS model of educating the whole student, which he describes as “part science and part artistic expression, that not only improves students as scholars but also as individuals.” One of his proudest moments as a coach was helping a student rediscover their love for soccer; one of the aspects of coaching he most values is witnessing the emotional intelligence his teams exhibit.

Liu joins the sizable soccer fan club amongst EPS faculty. He loves the outdoors, being active, and adventures with his girlfriend. He also enjoys gaming with friends—when he can find the time, which will likely be even more rare as he embarks on his teaching career!

MELISSA TAN

MIDDLE SCHOOL MATH

Melissa Tan’s journey—from Singapore to New Zealand to EPS—is as rich and multifaceted as her teaching style. With degrees in Chemistry, Math Education, and Educational Research, she brings a deep appreciation for student agency and inclusion. Tan appreciates that EPS is an “inclusive community that celebrates each learner” and that student voices are valued as well as faculty voices—Tan observed the “strong sense of trust given to faculty to design meaningful learning experiences that honor individual paths.”

It is also clear that Tan understands the power of inquiry-based, experiential education; she has lived her life as a student of the world. Melissa moved from Singapore to New Zealand to pursue her Masters in Education and because she wanted to learn about the Māori culture. She began traveling on her own at nineteen years old: “Backpacked solo through 40 countries and always stuck to my self-imposed tight budget. Bush-camped for a week with the Maasai people in Kenya and learned to count on my fingers the Maasai way.” English and Mandarin are her native languages and she is currently learning Spanish. In addition to travelling, Tan’s hobbies include everything from pottery and rock climbing to trail running and crochet.

VICTORIA THAOXAOCHAY

SCHOOL COUNSELOR

Victoria Thaoxaochay joins EPS with a strong foundation in community-centered practice, holding a B.A. in International Relations and an M.S.W. from the University of Washington. Thaoxaochay comments, “From the moment I first stepped on campus, I felt a genuine sense of warmth and welcome—a place where people are truly seen and valued. That feeling deeply resonated with my own philosophy of holding space for young people to feel safe, empowered, and connected.” Reflecting on her work facilitating restorative justice circles with young people, Thaoxaochay expresses her commitment to compassionate, purposeful support of student growth: “Practicing candor in these moments meant acknowledging harm while holding space for accountability, healing, and growth. It taught me that truth-telling can be both courageous and compassionate.”

Outside of work, Thaoxaochay enjoys pottery, gardening, and the occasional guilty pleasure of reality TV. Originally from California, she looks forward to continuing to put down roots in Washington and calling it “home.”

New Trustee

By Amy Pannoni, Board President

It is my pleasure to welcome Thor Wagner as the newest member of the Eastside Preparatory School Board of Trustees. Thor brings to the Board a compelling combination of scientific expertise, thoughtful leadership and strategic perspective, and a personal investment in EPS that will serve our community well.

Thor is a physician and research scientist at Seattle Children’s Hospital and the University of Washington, where he treats children with pediatric infectious diseases and conducts research on cellular and gene therapies for HIV and virus-related cancers. His work reflects a commitment to innovation, collaboration, and care—values that resonate deeply with our mission at EPS.

A Seattle native, Thor returned to the area to raise his family and remains closely connected to the community. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Princeton University and his Medical Doctorate from Temple University. He and his spouse live in Seattle with their two children, including their son Aksel, a member of the EPS Class of 2029.

It was through Aksel’s educational journey that Thor became connected to EPS. When searching for the right school for their son, Thor and his spouse were drawn to EPS’s intentional approach to supporting a broad range of students and seeing that vision come to life has deepened his appreciation for what makes EPS distinct.

In addition to his gratitude for the school, Thor brings a forward-thinking perspective on one of the most important challenges facing education today: the integration of digital technology and artificial intelligence into the learning process. He believes EPS is well-positioned to be a leader in this space and sees the thoughtful incorporation of AI as both a responsibility and an opportunity. While acknowledging the risks if not executed thoughtfully, he is optimistic about the potential to strengthen our curriculum and prepare students for the future by doing it wisely.

Thor’s professional background in research and clinical care, coupled with his deep respect for education and advocacy, makes him a natural fit for the EPS Board. His approach is grounded, collaborative, and student-centered—exactly what we look for in our trustees.

We are thrilled to have Thor join us at this important moment in EPS’s journey. His insight, experience, and dedication to the school community will help shape the future of EPS in meaningful ways. Please join me in warmly welcoming Dr. Thor Wagner to the Board of Trustees.