Hi, I’m Elaine Christensen, the proud and optimistic Head of School at Open Window School. I bring more than 35 years of experience in independent schools, including nearly 30 years in senior administration at Lakeside School. I joined Open Window in July 2020, and I’m grateful every day to lead a community that believes in our mission: to nurture and inspire students of high intellectual potential.

I’m passionate about gifted education, both professionally and personally as a mother of two gifted children. I serve on the Board of Trustees of the Washington Association of Educators of the Talented and Gifted (WAETAG) and the Board of Governors of the Northwest Association of Independent Schools (NWAIS). I’m also a trustee of Hamlin Robinson School and Speyer School, and helped co-found the Association of Independent Schools for Gifted Students (AISGS). 

What connects all of this work is a shared belief that gifted learners deserve a school experience designed for who they are, one that supports both their intellectual growth and their social and emotional development.

Hi, I'm Vincent, Director of Finance & Operations. I was drawn to Open Window because it feels deeply aligned with my own family’s story—one shaped by the power of education and the transformative opportunities it creates. After many years at the University of Washington working in finance, operations, and process improvement, I’ve found it energizing to be closer to a mission where I can see the impact of our work reflected directly in students’ growth. Being part of a premier gifted school, where students are given the foundation of social emotional learning to explore, stretch, and discover who they are is both a privilege and a daily inspiration.  

I’m grateful to support a community whose values and virtues I deeply believe in and whose students continually remind me why this work matters.

Hi, I’m Kerrin, the Assistant Head of School and Director of Lower School, and I’ve been part of the Open Window community since 2005. 

I was drawn to Open Window because it was clear from the start that this is a place where adults and students can bring their whole selves, and where curiosity and creativity are truly valued. I love that we get to geek out over learning, whether that’s exploring Greek and Latin roots or wondering aloud about big ideas. Gifted kids need adults who really understand them, and Open Window is a place where students learn how to learn while being challenged to think critically, collaborate, and explore. One of my favorite parts of the day is greeting students at carline, often in a silly headband, and seeing how excited they are to be at school. 

I also love our traditions, from Pizza Friday and assemblies to overnight trips and beloved projects that students look forward to year after year.

Hi, I’m Erin Wallace, Director of Middle School. This is my tenth year at Open Window School because I love working with gifted students and their families. In fact, I’ve dedicated the last 25 years to serving gifted youth because it’s so important for healthy development. Work hard, play hard is my philosophy in the middle school – inspiring students to challenge themselves academically while also taking time to find joy and celebrate their achievements. 

My favorite thing about gifted kids are the amazing questions they ask and their unique views on the world which never cease to impress me. 

Hi, I'm Liz Welden-Smith, Director of Institutional Advancement & Strategy. What I love about working at a gifted school is how fully students show up as themselves, asking big questions and making connections that surprise and delight me every day. Open Window feels special because it is both intellectually ambitious and deeply grounded in relationships. I am continually inspired by the curiosity, creativity, and depth of thought I see in Open Window students. 

I am energized by helping build a school where students, families, and educators feel connected to something meaningful and shared.

Hi, I'm Cary Kirby, the Director of Enrollment Management & Strategic Program Development. As a former gifted student and the parent of two gifted children, I believe deeply in the importance of schools that both challenge and support gifted learners. My passion for this work led me to spend many years in the classroom, earn an endorsement in gifted education, and later complete a doctorate in education.

I love Open Window School because we focus on the whole child, supporting both hearts and minds while helping students grow into confident, compassionate leaders.

Hi, I’m Terrence, Director of Technology, and I’ve been lucky to call Open Window School home since 2021. 

What I love most about this community is how genuinely it celebrates curiosity, individuality, and big ideas. Our gifted students constantly inspire me with the way they think deeply, ask brave questions, and approach learning with both passion and joy. I’m energized by helping teachers and students use technology as a tool for creativity, connection, and growth. 

Open Window feels special to me because it’s a place where students are encouraged to be exactly who they are.