Elna has been with Kirkland Preschool for over 45 years!

Elna ran a home daycare from 1971-1980. In 1976, she began as a KPS Teacher, then became Executive Director, and presently serves as Financial Officer. 

When asked about her work and volunteer impact, Elna said, “I want to make a positive impact on all that is connected with it through my professionalism, compassion, and treatment of my staff, clients, and those that are connected to the business.”

Elna’s vast background includes advertising design for the Seattle Times. Elna served on the Seattle Children’s Hospital Guild Association Board of Trustees for 12 years. She has been an active volunteer at Children’s for over 5 decades, coordinating the Pacific NW Vintage Races, the Pacific NW Karting Challenge, and the Seattle Festival of Trees. These events have culminated over 20 million dollars raised for Seattle Children’s Hospital.

She attended Western Washington University as an art major. Elna additionally attended Seattle Community College, and Bellevue College, where she received a degree in Early Childhood Education.

During her children’s school years, she was an active volunteer and now, as a grandparent, she volunteers at at the schools of her grandchildren. Through her husband’s involvement in Rotary, she also volunteers for many of their events and community work parties.

Additionally, Elna enjoys reading, exercizing, and spending time with her family. She loves to travel, explore, and experience people and places worldwide. She says, “There is so much to appreciate in life, and I want to focus [on experiences] as well as doing my part to make lives better.”