Board Members
Paul Egly, Lindley Properties, LLC.
President
As the owner of Lindley Properties LLC, Paul is well respected for his success in business strategy. He holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of Washington and has lived in the greater Seattle area his whole life. Paul has been a committed advocate for people with developmental disabilities and has quality experience as a board member for many other non-profits including Atwork! and Community Homes. Paul is the dedicated father of three children, including his daughter Sarah who attends the Tavon Learning Center.
Pcegly1@gmail.com, 206-618-1124
Erin Varriano, JD, Williams Kastner
Vice President
Erin is a partner at Williams Kastner, a local law firm, and has served on the Board since 2009. She received her undergraduate degree at the University of Washington and holds a J.D., Cum Laude from Seattle University School of Law. Throughout her career, she has gained experience in representing small businesses, financial institutions, and Fortune 500 companies and has focused on professional liability, real estate, and employment. Erin is passionate in all areas of her life including her avid support of Seattle sports teams.
evarriano@williamskastner.com, 206-229-3335
Molly Dempsey, Simplicity Consulting, LLC.
Secretary
Currently a marketing consultant, Molly was a part of the Tavon Learning Center’s startup team and has been on the Board of Directors since 2003. She spent 15 years working in marketing at Microsoft, building her career across messaging and content strategy, digital marketing, and social media. She spent five years on the leadership team of a start-up marketing and social media agency based in Silicon Valley. Her current consulting work has brought her back to Microsoft, working in strategic partnerships and corporate branding. Molly holds a B.A. in English from Boston College and an M.A. in English from Western Washington University. Molly and her husband have two active sons and one enthusiastic dog. She is also the admiring aunt of her niece who attends the Tavon Learning Center.
Molly.dempsey@hotmail.com, 206-954-6982
Megan Hamilton
Board Member
Megan was the former Program Director of the Tavon Learning Center, where she opened the doors to the program in 2008, and oversaw the growth from 3 members to nearly 100 in 2015 when she stepped down to have children. She received her B.A. in Public Relations from Central Washington University. She has lived in several states, including Arizona, where she furthered her experience with people with developmental disabilities facilitating public relations for the Special Olympics of Arizona and coordinating recreation programs for the City of Mesa Specialized Recreation. Her experience with the developmentally disabled population spans nearly 15 years. Now Megan and her husband have three young kiddos and she currently volunteers with Black diamond MOPS and Covington Creek nursery.
Heidi Keele, Tectonic Audio Labs
Board Member
As a Senior Marketing and Sales Executive, Heidi has more than 20 years of experience in the successful orchestration of marketing, advertising, business development, and public relations campaigns. Heidi is very driven and has achieved breakthrough revenue performance for a wide range of organizations, including start-ups and Fortune 500 companies. Heidi has a Bachelor’s in Business Administration and Finance from Central Washington University.
Katy Robinson, Seattle’s Private Reserve
Board Member
Katy has been a para-educator for children with special needs for the past 20 years and holds an Associate’s Degree in Marketing from Bellevue College. Currently, she is serving as the Executive Assistant to the President at Seattle’s Private Reserve. With her past involvement in fundraising events, she has become a key component to the success of our Tavon Learning Center auctions. Katy stays very active keeping up with her five sons and with her commitment to being an involved community member.
katy@seattleprivatereserve.com, 425-765-9457
Kate Vafaeezadeh, Evergreen Middle School
Board Member
Kate is a Middle School Educator, endorsed in Special Education, Middle-Level ELA, Social Studies, and History. She is deeply passionate about inclusive education for all students, and has volunteered at Tavon Learning Center for many years. She attended the University of Washington where she achieved a Bachelor’s degree in American Studies and a Masters of Education. Kate has three children, two with autism, and enjoys gardening, walks with her dogs, and reading.
Kmv9623@gmail.com, 425-802-2234
Natalie Higashiyama, Disability Advocate
Board Member
Natalie is a former classroom teacher in private and public secondary schools and community college settings who has raised her daughter Margaret with multiple disabilities into adulthood. Natalie discovered Tavon when Margaret began attending. In creating a meaningful and flourishing life for her, Natalie has developed both a depth and breadth of advocacy skills for people with disabilities in the medical, educational, housing and legislative arenas. She holds a B.A. in English from Ohio State University and an M.A. in English from The Bread Loaf School of English of Middlebury College. Because of her love of words, she is a voracious reader and when not reading, learning from people. She is currently enrolled in the University of Washington Professional Certificate of Non-Profit Management. She serves on the development