PUGET SOUND ADVENTIST ACADEMY

Coach Nye graduated from Walla Walla University with a B.S. in physical education with a teaching concentration, and a minor in marketing. He is currently PSAA's athletic director, P.E. and health teacher, and the men's varsity basketball coach.

Coach Nye has been involved in sports ever since he can remember, whether practicing t-ball in his backyard with his dad or being the captain of his college basketball team. He believes in the power of play and enjoys teaching his students/athletes the joy and advantages of physical activity.

In his free time Coach Nye enjoys playing basketball, exploring the outdoors and spending time with his wife, Josie. 

Mr. Munson graduated from Walla Walla University with his BA in History, and later with a M.Ed. in Secondary School Administration. In addition, he has a minor in Religion. His passion for history manifests itself in a classroom where learning about our past and our present is both exciting and meaningful. His emphasis on a strong personal relationship with God is reflected in all of his classes every day. He emphasizes getting involved with democracy and being an individual who makes a difference in this world. His goals include helping to create happy and involved Christians that make life easier and better for others.

Mr. Munson combines his interest in History by conducting extensive tours to Europe and also with in our state as part of his state history class. (His field trip by train to historic sites in Washington remains a very popular highlight of the class.) He also travels on his own to many parts of the world. An interest in service projects worldwide has resulted in his involvement with a non-profit organization that enables him to take alumni on humanitarian trips to Haiti. He has two adult children (and 4 of the cutest grand children known to man) and currently resides in Bothell, Washington, with his wife Jeneil and son Christopher.

Kelly Jordan earned a BS in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Walla Walla University. She is also in the process of completing a Masters in Administration and Leadership. Though born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, Kelly took a hiatus and spent time teaching science at Fresno Adventist Academy during the years of 2000-2015. She is excited to return to an area that is familiar (and cooler!).

It wasn’t until her summer at Walla Walla’s Marine Station in Rosario that Kelly realized the call to teaching. During that time, she was in charge of the General Biology summer intensive laboratory. While given guidelines to the topics being covered in the class, she had the freedom to make the lab time her own. Kelly learned that preparing her lessons that focused on how to make the learning approachable and practical were the keys to a successful experience for her students. In addition using humor, communicating clear expectations, providing strategies to learn, and interacting with the students are the key components to learning in her science classroom. An undeniable benefit to teaching in Adventist schools is being able to share with the students the way God always sticks with us. Kelly hopes that students can experience first hand that close walk with Him through prayer, Bible study, and service to others.

Ms. Stark graduated from La Sierra University with a Bachelor of music/music education. She later earned her master's of music education degree from Western Michigan University. Since then she has been a teacher in the Christian school system for over 28 years. Her teaching journey started in Southern California, took her back to Michigan, where she was born and raised, and then to the west coast.

She has loved music from a young age starting form when she would  play trumpet, piano, organ, and sing with her grandmother. Once she joined the 5th grade band, she knew there was no going back. She knew she had to be a music teacher, specifically a band director.

Ms. Stark believes in the power of music and working towards a common goal and enjoys the transformation when a piece becomes music. 

She is a nature lover, with a special interest in birds and a die hard Detroit Tiger Fan.

Ron Fridlund serves as the finance manager for both KSDA and PSAA.  Mr. Fridlund is a graduate of Walla Walla University with a B.S. in business and a minor in accounting. Both Ron and his wife, Kathy have been involved with KSDA and PSAA, in different capacities for over 20 years. Their shared love of Adventist education and young people keep them involved even though their children are now adults. They are excited to be part of a school family where the emphasis is on caring for each other and the world around us.

Mr. Jacaban, who students affectionately refer to as "Mr. J," received a B.S. in physical education, a minor in religion from Pacific Union College and a master's degree in educational leadership from Walla Walla University. He enjoys teaching at Adventist school's because he loves being able to teach students about God's plan for their lives.

As the principal, Mr. J is passionate about creating a school program that excels in preparing students for the future and for God's Kingdom. His favorite part about being both a teacher and principal is getting to watch, assist and mentor incredible students.

Mr. J is married to d'Ann, a kindergarten teacher at KSDA and they have a son, Ryan, who is currently enrolled at PSAA. They moved to the Kirkland area because they wanted their son to take part of the exceptional education available at PSAA. He loves to explore with his family and they are currently in the process of traveling to every state. They are currently on number 48 with Florida, Alaska and Hawaii still to come.

Mrs. Nelson joined the PSAA team in 2021 with her husband, Stan Nelson, PSAA's math teacher.

Mrs. Nelson has an interesting career with over 21 years of experience working in Adventist education, in which she has worked as a registrar, librarian, custodial director and now as our administrative assistant.

She has enjoyed her time in education and credits it to the fact that, according to her, "No two days are the same." Through her role in education, she has enjoyed being able to make a difference in the lives of youth through her role as a mother, a friend and a counselor.  

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Mr. and Mrs. Nelson are enjoying their return to the PNW, where Mrs. Nelson was born. They have two adult children, a daughter who lives in the PNW and a son, who live in Nebraska.

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In her spare time, Mrs. Nelson enjoys sewing, cooking, hiking, camping, reading and playing with her three cats that she considers part of the family.

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Mrs. Nelson has been working in the Adventist school system for two decades and is passionate about the power of Adventist education. She looks forward to her experience at PSAA and seeing what she can accomplish in this new role.

Stan Nelson was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and returns after 25 years of teaching math, physics and coaching gymnastics in our boarding academies. He has a B.S. in mathematics and a minor in physical education with a teaching credential from Walla Walla

University. Mr. Nelson holds an M.S. in mathematics education from Boise State University. He has been blessed to work for nearly all of his teaching career with his wife and childhood sweetheart, Sami.

Mr. Nelson loves teaching and developing lifelong relationships with his students. He is passionate about mathematics and helping students understand its beauty while realizing their own potential to learn its grandeur. He feels that students that have good communication and

mathematics skills are well equipped and have great opportunities to succeed in a broader spectrum of disciplines of collegiate study and career goals. Mr. Nelson loves the structure of algebra, the overwhelming beauty of geometry, and the fascinating depth and power of

precalculus and calculus. He feels that it is a blessing from God to be afforded the opportunity to share the good news of our creator and redeemer, and the wonder of this language and order that He has gifted his children with.

Mr. Nelson enjoys spending time with his wife and two adult children. He likes athletics and sports (go Seahawks!), bicycling, motorcycling, Rubik’s cubes, puzzles and brain teasers. He never wants to stop learning, and enjoys tinkering with just about anything mechanical or structural.

Tamera graduated from Walla Walla University with a degree in business administration and a concentration in marketing. She worked for many years in the private sector in sales, marketing and IT. She has also worked at home, raising four children before she transitioned into a teaching, registrar and business role here at PSAA and KSDA schools.

She loves teaching because she enjoys the energy of young people and loves to be in a position to encourage students to reach their amazing and individual potential. She is passionate about remaining curious and continuing to explore even as one advances in age. She enjoys cooking, baking and running in her spare time. Tamera enjoys working at a Christian school, and specifically, a Seventh-day Adventist school, because students and staff can be open when sharing spiritual ideas. She also enjoys the freedom of encouraging a relationship with Jesus as a lifestyle.

She likes teaching at PSAA because the community is much like a large family. Additionally, staff and students have a great rapport with one another. Her roles as registrar and business manager give her the opportunity to work with each student and family and help create a great experience both academically and financially. She enjoys the challenge of helping create an educational and encouraging environment that will serve as a launch pad for students as they prepare to take on further academia and future adult responsibilities.

Pastor Troy has been involved in youth and collegiate ministries for several years. He graduated with a major in Theology and minors in Biblical Languages and English from Walla Walla University, where he co-founded a collegiate worship service called, The Awakening. Some of his most cherished memories are from The Awakening ministry, where he saw many people touched with renewal in their faith. Another incredible memory for him was being a missionary in Pohnpei, Micronesia, where he taught high school English, Chemistry, and Bible.

Such experiences in ministry and teaching continue to inspire and inform Pastor Troy’s work at PSAA. Above all, he seeks guidance from God through prayer and the Bible. He strives for frequent moments with students where hearts and Bibles are open; he is passionate about students discovering their own, vibrant faith in Jesus Christ. Through worship gatherings, curriculum, outreach, spontaneous conversations, and perpetual innovation, Pastor Troy partners with students to provide a variety of ways for the campus to encounter and foster the Presence of God. Pastor Troy says, "I'm excited to participate in the PSAA mission to extend God's Kingdom through the lives of our students. My greatest reward is seeing students express their faith with creativity and conviction."

Mr. Avelar is originally from El Salvador, but has made Seattle his home since 1995. He became an Adventist after arriving in Washington, and enjoys sharing his love of Christ with all of those he meets. While he has two adult daughters that live in the area, he has been a part of our family since 2001. Although he studied to be an accountant before coming to Washington, he discovered a different way to serve God. He started out keeping our buildings clean and in working order, and his job has grown to include landscaping, plumbing and stepping in with wherever there is a need. Victor loves to travel and is active in his church and its ministries.

Mr. Bokov earned his bachelor’s degree in linguistics in the former Soviet Union at Kabardino-Balkaria State University. He did this despite restrictions, which required him to take tests on the Sabbath. He was determined to follow God rather than man and as a result God honored his obedience. After graduating, Mr. Bokov worked for the Adventist publishing house in Russia. He continued his studies at Andrews University where he obtained a master’s degree in religion

Mr. Bokov’s interests outside of school go hand in hand with his work with students. He is interested in technology and photography. As an accomplished photographer, he is a natural fit for yearbook sponsor. He keeps current in his field and teaches students to use software to enhance photographs. The purpose of all of Mr. Bokov’s work with students is, “to bring students closer to God. It is important for students to know the Bible and what they believe. This is the time of the end and students need to be able to see the signs of the times and be prepared.

Such experiences in ministry and teaching continue to inspire and inform Pastor Troy’s work at PSAA. Above all, he seeks guidance from God through prayer and the Bible. He strives for frequent moments with students where hearts and Bibles are open; he is passionate about students discovering their own, vibrant faith in Jesus Christ. Through worship gatherings, curriculum, outreach, spontaneous conversations, and perpetual innovation, Pastor Troy partners with students to provide a variety of ways for the campus to encounter and foster the Presence of God. Pastor Troy says, "I'm excited to participate in the PSAA mission to extend God's Kingdom through the lives of our students. My greatest reward is seeing students express their faith with creativity and conviction."