Leadership, Faculty & Staff
Superintendent of Chief Leschi Schools
Executive Assistant to the Superintendent
Director of Operations
William (Bill) Veliz, member of the Skokomish Indian Tribe and Director of Operations, has had a long career working for the Puyallup Tribe of Indians. After he graduated from Central Washington University in 1989 with a Bachelor's Degree in Community Health Education, he was hired by the Puyallup Tribe of Indians as the Children's Court Counselor. He was promoted to the Director of the Children's Service Department where he oversaw the Child Protective Service Investigations and the Foster Care program. In 1995, he was promoted again to the Executive Director of Tribal Services. He helped develop social services programs and oversaw many of the Puyallup Tribe's social service departments until 2012. In 2015, he applied to be the Chief Leschi Grants Manager. Shortly after, his position changed, and was placed as the Director of Operations.
David Sway-La Duenas
Director of Culture
Director of Instructional Technology
Director of Special Services
Executive Assistant to Special Services
Director of Career and Technical Education
Nancy Nelson, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE), joined the Chief Leschi leadership team in 2020. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from Carleton College and her Master’s in Business Administration from Pacific Lutheran University. She earned her teaching certificate at WSU and administrator’s credential at City University. She enjoys hiking, baking, reading, and spending time with her family.
Director of Finance
Director of Athletics & Title IX
Scott Halasz, Director of Athletics and Title IX, join the Chief Leschi team in 2013 and since then has had many different positions. He has been a Para educator, teacher, coach, and now the Director of Athletics and Title IX. He received his Associate of Arts Degree from Pierce College, his Bachelor's Degree from the Evergreen State College where he played basketball, and his Master's in Sports Management from Drexel University. Scott is also an Air Force veteran. He enjoys all sporting events for the purity and life lessons of the moment they bestow upon our youth. In his spare time, he enjoys traveling around the country and watching his own kids play the sports they love. His favorite times are Auburn Tigers, Tampa Buccaneers, and the Chief Leschi Warriors.
Enrollment & Student Records Manager
Terri Williams, Enrollment and Student Records Manager and Puyallup Tribal member, began working at Chief Leschi in 1983. She is the daughter of Orville (Bunny) McCloud and Mildred Kalama Ikebe and granddaughter of George and Rose McCloud on her father's side; granddaughter of Peter and Alice Kalama on her mother's side. She graduated from Yelm High School before transferring to Evergreen State College. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Beth Wilde
Human Resources Manager
Director of Transportation
Food and Nutritional Services Manager
Dave Marcus
Facilities Manager
Early Childhood Education Principal
Kathryn Yates, Member of the California Central Valley Band of Miwok’s. She joined the Chief Leschi Schools team in 2011 and has served our school in many roles. Kathryn has an Certificate in Infant and Toddler Development, a Associate Degree in Early Childhood, a Bachelors Degree in Human Development & Family Studies from American Public University and a Master's in Educational Leadership from the City University of Seattle. She has worked in education for 30+ years. She believes it is important to be respectful of the history and a positive guide for the future of students, staff, families, and the community. Kathryn enjoys fishing, crafting, cooking, and spending time with her family.
Christa Caamano
Elementary Principal
Secondary Principal
Secondary Assistant Principal