Educators Helping Educators
WAME Board Members are elected to serve a two year term. Your board members are from all over Washington and are here to help you get the most out of your teaching experience! From providing our experienced teachers with new and inspirational professional development to mentoring novice teachers.
Sierra Larkin
President
Sierra Larkin is a four-year business and marketing teacher at Wenatchee High School. She is currently teaching Intro to Business classes, Student Store Management, and Applied Math. As a DECA advisor, she loves being able to see students grow and learn 21st century skills that will help them beyond high school. She is a graduate of Eastern Washington University holding a B.A. in Business Administration, a B.S. in Economics, and a Masters in Education.
Shawn Perez
Past President
Shawn M. Perez is an enthusiastic and innovative National Board Certified marketing teacher at Heritage High School, Vancouver, WA. She is passionate about teaching and loves the thrill of student learning. Currently teaching multiple marketing classes, an assistant head volleyball coach and DECA Advisor. Through DECA she has had multiple students compete and place at International marketing competitions. Shawn was awarded the School Administers, Community Leadership Award. She has also served on the National DECA School-Based Enterprise Board, and currently she serves as district department head for Business and Marketing teachers of Evergreen School District.
Before teaching Shawn held marketing director jobs at multiple non-profits, owned an accounting business and worked with different small businesses as an office manager. She has a Bachelor’s Degree from University of Montana and Masters Degree in Educational Learning and Technology from Western Governors University. She is currently a National Board Certified Teacher. Shawn is the married to Tom and the mother of three daughters and one grandson.
Jodi Jacobs
Secretary
I have been teaching high school for 16 years. I am currently teaching Marketing courses as well as Independent Living and Career and College Readiness at Cascade Sr. High School in Everett. I also serve as the Cascade Sr. High School CTE Department Head and CTE Director Intern At CHS I am able to combine my love of running with coaching as one of the Cascade High School Cross Country coaches. Personally, I am dedicated to teaching as a profession. I am a hard-working, driven, and passionate person regarding my work. I am a motivated a self-starter as well as an enthusiastic team player and I love my husband and dog.
Kitti Wheeler
Professional Development
Kitti Wheeler has thirty years’ experience as a business and marketing educator, conference presenter, author and teacher mentor. She is an accomplished DECA advisor, work-based learning coordinator and student store supervisor. Kitti is National Board-Certified and has a Master’s Degree in Education. She has received numerous awards and was recently recognized as the 2020 ACTE Region V “Teacher of the Year.”
With an extensive background implementing new programs and curriculum development, Kitti provides students with relevant experiences to develop their potential as leaders in their schools, communities and future careers. She has a passion for helping teachers thrive in the classroom and gives her students hope by instilling in them a positive mindset and a belief that their future is limitless.
Lori Hairston
Washington DECA Executive Director
Prior to her current position, Lori Hairston was an educator and DECA Advisor for 20 years. Her professional experiences include 16 years in Retail Management, 10 years on the board of the Washington Association of Marketing Educators, and 6 years on the Washington DECA Board of Directors, including 4 as Board Chair. Lori has her MBA in Management and Strategy.