Ken Maaz, MPA, Ed.D.
Executive Director
Ken became the Executive Director of Ashley House in 2012, bringing over 35 years of experience working in human services to the organization. Originally from Texas, he earned his B.A. in Sociology and Social Work at Baylor University. After moving to the Seattle area, Ken went on to earn a Masters of Public Administration at the University of Washington. Ken has a conviction to expect excellence, value opportunities and lead by example. In his spare time Ken enjoys working out to counteract his sweet tooth and sports of all kinds - Sic’em Bears!
erica pernela
Director of Clinical Services
A visit to Ronald McDonald house was the inspiration for Director of Clinical Services Erica Pernela to pursue a career in pediatric nursing. Watching the kids enjoying life even though they were sick was so moving, she knew she wanted to be part it. Erica obtained her BSN from WGU-Washington while working as a full-time RN. A member of the Ashley House clinical team since 2007, Erica strongly endorses holistic care as the key to successful healing of the whole person. “I believe we must meet emotional and psychological needs in order to provide best medical care possible”. That conviction led her to Ozzie, a therapy dog she is currently training to become Ashley House’s Chief Officer of Comfort and Joy. Holistic care ties into another of Erica’s passions-decorating extensively for holidays- which alternately delights and drives her family crazy!
Mark schindler
Director of Human Resources
Mark joined the Ashley House team in February of 2018. He began his career working with at-risk youth in a residential group home in Seattle. After receiving his BA in Business Administration, Mark served as the Youth Director for the church he attended in Edgewood WA. In 2000, he became the Human Resources Coordinator for Faith Homes, a social service agency that provided residential care for at-risk teens and transitional housing for young women. Mark remained with Faith Homes for 9 years, during which he obtained a certificate in Human Resources Management and was promoted to Human Resources Director. Since that time, Mark has been privileged to serve as the Human Resources Manager for Community Youth Services, and the founding Human Resources Manager for LeMay – America’s Car Museum. When Mark is not at work, he enjoys spending time with family, cooking, and tinkering in his shop.
MiKE PUGSLEY
Director of Business Development
Michael Pugsley has worked energetically with Ashley House for over 25 years. He has been instrumental in its development and management, focusing on individual fulfillment for each parent and child touched by Ashley House. Michael has worked to develop social service programs with developmental disabled and medically complex populations since 1978. His commitment, expertise and advocacy are recognized by physicians and hospital treatment teams throughout Washington State. Mike has developed partnerships with Washington Health Care Authority, Children’s Administration, Developmental Disabilities Administration, and health benefit managers. Outside of work, Michael grows a prolific garden each year. He loves to experiment in the kitchen and share his bountiful harvest with others.
Deborah Lambert, MSW, lswaic – she/her/hers
Director of Learning and Empowerment
Deborah began her career in social justice and education over 20 years ago as an Americorps VISTA volunteer creating the first peer led advocacy and education program on dating violence and gender stereotypes in the PNW. Her passion for creating safe and inclusive access to services for disenfranchised populations was the catalyst that led her to pursue a Master’s degree in Social Work Administration from the University of Washington. Prior to joining Ashley House in 2013 Deborah ran the outpatient housing program at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, WA. She strives to create culturally relevant trainings and resources for staff and the families we serve. When not working Deborah can be found spending time with her family outdoors or studying for licensure.
beth ann johnson
Director of Resource Development
As Director of Donor Relations and Grants, Beth Ann Johnson brings her passion for service and community impact to Ashley House. A recent graduate from Seattle University, with a master’s certificate in Fundraising Leadership, Beth Ann brings a new focus toward expanding funding sources to the organization. She has worked and volunteered in the nonprofit sector for over 20 years. Currently she is active in the North Pierce County Community Coalition, SW Washington Synod ELCA and serves as a board member for Jump Into Music. If she finds a free moment, Beth Ann loves to spend time with her family, creative writing, gardening and cooking- particularly if she can cook or bake with something from her garden!
Sara edwards
Controller
Sara Edwards was promoted to the Controller position in January 2020, after working for two years as Staff Accountant. She is thrilled to be part of an organization with such an incredible mission and values. She comes to Ashley House with a B.A. in Accounting from Western Washington University, WA and 12 years of experience as a Financial Accounting Manager. As the Controller she strives to provide effective financial leadership, enable strategic foresight into the business, oversee internal financial controls, and provide knowledgeable and accurate information to colleagues and senior management. Sara is passionate about community, serving recreation programs as a volunteer coach and at Calvary Church in the kids’ ministry. She believes that serving builds community and increases appreciation, communication, connectedness and understanding. Outside of work she loves to travel -whether it’s abroad or to the next ball game with her husband, Shane, sons Gavin and Alex and goldendoodle, Marley.
Julianna allison, MSW, LICASW
Director of Program Services
Originally from Colorado, Julianna moved to the Pacific Northwest to attend the University of Puget Sound. She received her bachelor’s degree in Molecular and Cellular biology and focused her studies on the intersection of developmental psychology and biology. After completing a Child Life Practicum, Julianna started with Ashley House as a behavior technician in 2014, working with our clients with behavioral needs. She moved into the role of client advocate, while completing her master’s degree in Social Work with an emphasis in trauma and mental health from the University of Denver. While in school, Julianna travelled to South Africa to learn about social justice and social work in Cape Town and in the neighboring townships, which gave her a new perspective on the value of time. She completed a certificate in Equine Assisted Mental Health and hopes to bring animal assisted interactions to our clients and families. In her free time, Julianna enjoys traveling, photography, gardening, and spending time with her family and pets, including a bunny, dog, and horse.
Tara Newman, RN, BSN, MA, ORGL
Tara began her journey with Ashley House in 2019. Having identified a gap in the support for medically complex children and their families, she partnered with other passionate community members to bring the services of Ashley House to the Spokane region. Tara has over 20 years of pediatric nursing experience including Pediatric ICU, Pediatric Palliative Care and Washington State Medicaid Complex Case Management for children. A Spokane local with a BSN from WSU and MA in leadership from GU, Tara succeeded in opening the Spokane program in September of 2022, bringing our mission to support families in Eastern Washington, Northern Idaho and Montana.
the board
Ashley House is governed by an outstanding Board of Directors who represent several community sectors: legal, medical, financial, education. They are dedicated to supporting the mission of Ashley House and to upholding their fiduciary responsibility of being good stewards of the community resources that make Ashley House possible.
DEBRA LEMKE
Deb Lemke has been a board member since 2022. As a Senior Director of Operations for Kaiser Permanente she has a passion for high quality and equitable healthcare. Deb started her career with Kaiser Permanente in 2004 and recently moved from Colorado to Washington to experience a new KP market. Deb is a Registered Dietitian and holds a Master of Science degree from Rosalind Franklin School of Medicine and Science. She is loving Washington with all the green and water! She is married and has three boys and two dogs. Deb and her family love hiking, kayaking, and exploring the PNW.
Steve Freeborn
As one of the founding members of Ashley House, Stephen Freeborn has served on the Board of Directors since the organizations’ inception, and is the current Board President. Stephen was the parent of a medically fragile child and recognized that a program such as Ashley House was needed-he has deep ties to this vulnerable population. As an owner/attorney with the firm Freeborn Law Offices, PS, Stephen specializes in criminal and bankruptcy law and is a licensed mediator. His depth of legal knowledge is valuable asset to the board, and his commitment to the organization is incomparable. Stephen also volunteers his time with competitive swimming organizations and Special Olympics. He is a competitive open-water distance swimmer himself, and also enjoys biking and camping.
Thomas Vertetis
A board member since 2012, Tom Vertetis is a strong advocate and champion for children. As a partner and trial attorney with the firm Pfau Cochran Vertetis Amala, PLLC, he represents injured victims in complex personal injury, malpractice, civil rights and liability claims. He also sits on the board of Washington’s Law Fund and has served as President of the Pierce County Bar Foundation. He earned his J.D. from Villanova University and brings a wealth of legal knowledge and perspective to the Ashley House board. As a parent, he has a personal interest in Autism Awareness and routinely volunteers his time for that cause. His favorite jobs are being both a husband and dad and his free time is spent chasing his kids to school events, swim and track.
Dan bogart
Dan Bogart, Senior Vice President, Commercial Banking Division Director for Banner Bank, has more than 35 years of commercial lending industry experience. He strives to be a trusted and reliable advisor to both his teams and his clients. He has a wealth of knowledge in all areas of commercial lending, including commercial and industrial, commercial real estate and tax-exempt financing for nonprofits. Prior to joining the Banner Bank team, Dan held the title of SVP Commercial Banking Team Leader/ Manager, team leader for Columbia Bank, formerly known as Pacific Continental Bank. A graduate of the University of Washington, Dan received his Bachelor of Arts in business administration with a focus in finance. He is also a graduate of the Pacific Coast Banking School. Dan is committed to providing for his local community and is active in the Rotary Club of Tacoma #8, serving as co chair of the finance committee and on the scholarship committee. He was also a board member of the Multi Service Center in Federal Way, serving for more than 14 years where he is a past President. Dan now serves in the boards of YWCA of Tacoma, Pierce County and Ashely House of Federal Way. Dan resides in Federal Way with his wife Janelle and enjoys travelling, playing golf and is a sports enthusiast / fan of all Seattle sports teams as well as a die hard Husky where he was a letter winner on the UW Varsity Baseball team.
Maureen Tressel lewis
Cindy grady
Cindy Rush Grady serves as the current Secretary/Treasurer for the Board of Directors which she joined in 2012. Cindy brings a strong marketing and events background to the organization, which is greatly appreciated. She is retired from the wholesale/retail sales and marketing industry in which she worked for over 30 years. A graduate of University of Puget Sound, she is active in the local community still today. She has been both employed and volunteered at Catholic Community Services and the Tacoma Art Museum. She is a member of Rotary Club of Tacoma #8, serving as Executive Secretary and a member of the grants committee as well as active auction committee member. She is also very active on the YWCA of Pierce County Board of Directors, currently in the role of Board President. She very much loves to help people, especially through fundraising and events. She enjoys travel, gardening, experimenting in the kitchen and taking care of family and their dogs!