Board of Directors

President | Harriet began volunteering at the Readiness To Learn Holiday House in 2017 and has served on its Board of Directors since 2020. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Education from The Evergreen State College, an educational certification from the University of Puget Sound, and a master’s in Educational Leadership with principal credentials from Seattle Pacific University. After 32 years of public school teaching across Washington State, Harriet retired to Whidbey Island.

A passionate advocate for improving the lives of all children, Harriet’s commitment extends beyond the classroom. She is a long-time supporter of the Redmond Rotary Club, having raised funds by bicycling from Redmond to Spokane and supporting the ride in all areas as a volunteer. Harriet also traveled to Ethiopia to assist with polio immunizations and more recently to help drill wells for clean water in areas where polio has been eradicated.

Her lifelong dedication to education and service reflects her unwavering belief in making life better for every child.

Vice President | Ann became involved with Readiness To Learn when she volunteered for the Back To School program.  She then volunteered for the Holiday House and loved working with the families and staff on RTL. I accepted to be part of the board and my passion continued to grow. 

Ann has lived on the island for 13 years and has volunteered with WIN and is active with the South Whidbey Garden Club where she served on the board as president and was able to help choose scholarships and grants for community and education programs. She has two grandaughter and twin boys who keep her active and excited to be with them.

She has always been passionate about working with children, as she taught elementary school with primary grades. She taught in the areas of art, PE, English As A Second Language and the primary grades.   She earned her master’s degree at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. RTL was a perfect fit for being involved with a non profit on Whidbey Island.

Secretary | Laurie Gerrard joined the RTL Board in 2022, bringing over 25 years of experience in the nonprofit sector. With a deep passion for supporting individuals in achieving their healthiest lifestyles, Laurie has dedicated much of her career to working with both children and adults. Her career began with the Seattle YMCA, where she played a pivotal role in programs designed to promote well-being and personal growth.

After relocating to Whidbey Island, Laurie discovered the Readiness to Learn (RTL) organization. She was immediately drawn to RTL's deep commitment to serving the community and connecting those in need to available resources. This mission resonated with Laurie as she sought to become more deeply connected to her new community and learn how to best serve its needs.  

Throughout her career, Laurie has collaborated with leading institutions like the University of Washington and Stanford University to develop innovative curricula focused on behavior change and active listening. She has also worked with Y-USA, delivering training programs across the country to empower leaders and strengthen communities. Laurie's expertise in health, wellness, and education continues to inspire her work with RTL, where she remains dedicated to making a lasting impact

Treasurer | Debbie L. Mahler is a retired Clerk and Chief Financial Officer for the City of Langley, Washington, with a deep commitment to supporting children, families, and communities. A lifelong resident of Western Washington and a mother of six, she understands the vital role education, stability, and community resources play in helping young people thrive.

With decades of experience in municipal finance and public service, Debbie brings strong fiscal stewardship and strategic planning expertise to the Readiness to Learn board. She is passionate about ensuring that families have access to the support they need to overcome challenges and build brighter futures.

As a board member, Debbie is dedicated to advancing the organization’s mission, promoting financial sustainability, and fostering partnerships that empower children and families.

Member at Large | Tina Hinojos is a seasoned community leader with over 15 years of dedicated service to the South Whidbey community. As a board member for Readiness to Learn, she brings a strategic, mission‑driven approach to advancing educational equity and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive.

Her leadership background includes serving as PTA President, where she advanced initiatives that strengthened school‑community relationships and supported educators. Tina’s professional experience spans early childhood and elementary education, including work with ECEAP preschool and as a paraeducator substitute, giving her a comprehensive understanding of student needs and the systems that support them.

Tina has collaborated with district leadership to promote programs that enhance learning environments and expand access to essential supports. Her ongoing work with Readiness to Learn reflects her commitment to fostering equitable opportunities and ensuring that every student has the foundation they need to succeed.

Member at Large | More to come…

Member at Large | Dr. Nancy Schmidt joins the Board of Readiness To Learn with over 25 years of experience in education, nonprofit leadership, and community advocacy. Guided by the belief that every family deserves a strong foundation for lifelong learning, she is passionate about supporting organizations and initiatives that expand access to essential resources, opportunities, and educational support for students and families.

Nancy holds a Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Studies with an emphasis in Communication, Psychology, and Education. As a communication professor, certified life coach, and meditation practitioner, she empowers students to build confidence, strengthen communication skills, and develop practical tools for personal and academic success through courses such as Conscious Communication, Intercultural Communication, and School Success Skills. Her work has included founding grassroots nonprofit initiatives, managing a million-dollar federal grant supporting underrepresented students in higher education, and working in change management for a high-tech consulting firm.

After recently returning to her roots on Whidbey Island, Nancy is deeply committed to serving her local community. Whether leading service projects, teaching workshops, or supporting nonprofit organizations, her work is grounded in compassion, connection, and creating meaningful opportunities for others to thrive. Outside of her professional roles, she enjoys yoga, hiking, kayaking, and traveling with her family—experiences that continue to inspire her commitment to cultivating a kinder, more connected world.