We’re excited to welcome Dr. Luisa Sanchez-Nilsen to Gersh Autism Academy as our Regional Vice President for Washington!
In this role, Luisa will collaborate closely with our school leadership teams to provide strategic direction, mentorship, and operational leadership. By partnering with our principals and staff, she will help elevate educational excellence, strengthen campus operations, and foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across our Washington campuses.
Dr. Sanchez-Nilsen brings more than 18 years of educational leadership experience serving PreK-12 students and adult learners. She has served as a state education administrator, principal, district leader, and educator with expertise in special education, systems leadership, and educational policy. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Adams State University, a Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of Colorado, and a Doctorate in Leadership and Policy from the University of Washington. She also holds Washington State certifications as a Teacher, Principal, and Superintendent.
Luisa previously served as Principal at our Cougar Mountain campus, and we are thrilled to welcome her back to the Gersh family and look forward to the experience and leadership she will bring to our Washington schools!
When asked what she enjoyed most about working at Gersh Academy, Luisa shared:
As an Educational Leader and former Executive Director/Principal of Gersh Cougar Mountain, I’ve dedicated my career to building inclusive systems where every child can thrive. Returning to Gersh Autism feels deeply meaningful because supporting children with autism has always been the work that inspires me most. Their unique ways of learning and communicating continually push me to grow as a thoughtful, innovative educator.
What I love most about working for Gersh is seeing our vision come alive: empowering children in partnership with families truly transforms lives far beyond the classroom. I was inspired to return after witnessing my former students and families thriving in our surrounding communities. This is a powerful reminder of why Gersh’s work, vision, and mission matters and the impact we create together.
Thank you, Luisa, for your unwavering commitment, compassion, and the positive difference you make every day!