Administrative Team
Meet Our LWHS Administrators
Christine Bell, Ed.D - Principal
This is my fifth year as Principal of Lake Washington High School, and I continue to feel honored and grateful to serve the Kang community. Each year has deepened my appreciation for our students, staff, and families, and I am excited for the opportunities ahead as we focus on Elevating Excellence together. Elevating Excellence builds on our mission of Always Rising while adding the expectation of excellence for each member of our student and staff communities. It is a personal challenge for all of us—to push ourselves, support one another, and grow in ways that prepare us for both today and the future.
Before coming to LWHS, I served as an administrator in the Marysville and Arlington School Districts and as a Dean of Students at Mount Vernon High School. Earlier in my career, I taught humanities courses—history, English, and leadership—and also coached basketball and volleyball. My academic path has stayed close to home: I earned both my BA and MA at Western Washington University (Go Vikings!) and later completed my Ed.D. there as well. At the heart of my work is a passion for ensuring equitable access and outcomes for every student.
Outside of school, I live in Marysville with my husband and our two sons, Matthew and Noah. I enjoy reading, walking our dog, and spending time outdoors hiking and traveling with my family.
One of the joys of LWHS is watching students learn and lead beyond the classroom. This year, I am especially thrilled to celebrate our new marching band alongside the many extracurricular programs that give students opportunities to shine. I encourage families to connect with us by joining PTSA-sponsored Coffee Hours, participating in our Parent & Community Learning Walks, and following us on social media.
It is a privilege to grow alongside this community. You’ll see me around campus cheering for the Kangs in every setting—please stop and say hello when you do!
Lloyd Higgins - Interim Associate Principal (Students with Last Name: RH-Z)
In 2018, after 37 years in education, I retired from Lake Washington School District where I spent the final 22 years of my career as the athletic director and associate principal at Redmond High and an AP here at Lake Washington High School. As the saying goes, ‘Once a Kang, Always a Kang’ rings absolutely true.
I am excited to be back, albeit temporarily, and once again serve the students and staff of LWHS.
I graduated from Texas Christian University earning my Bachelors and Master's degree. My educational career began as a PE/Health instructor and football coach at Hartnell College in California. As a coach, our teams won over 100 games and appeared in 8 bowl games during the 1980’s. In 2023, I was inducted into the Hartnell College Athletic Hall of Fame.
While working at LWSD, I was also a Game Day Manager for the Seattle Seahawks for 15 years. During that time, the Seahawks went to three Super Bowls, winning one in 2014. As a result, I received a Super Bowl ring.
I live with my wife Sandra in North Bend. On our property I have a workshop where I build miniature stadiums and iconic structures like a mini-Space Needle and a mini-Transamerica Pyramid.
Together Sandra and I have five grown children living in four different states: Texas, Nevada, California and Washington. Rachel, one of our three daughters graduated from LW and UW, and works at Goldman Sachs in Dallas, TX.
My administrative philosophy throughout my career has been to simply provide a calm presence for students and staff, allowing teachers to teach and students to learn.
Sumeyye Cardakli - Associate Principal (Students with Last Name: A-EI)
I’m honored to begin my role as an Associate Principal at Lake Washington High School, working alongside an incredible team of educators. I’m excited to join a community deeply committed to academic excellence, inclusive values, and ensuring that every student feels connected and supported.
With over 20 years of experience in public education, I’ve served as both a math teacher and a school leader in California and Washington. Most recently, I served as an Associate Principal at Nikola Tesla STEM High School, and before that, at Eastlake High School. I hold a master's degree in educational leadership from the University of California, Berkeley, and am currently pursuing a doctorate at the University of Washington, Seattle, where my focus is on youth and community-centered leadership.
I’m also a parent of two college-aged children and understand firsthand the hopes and challenges that come with guiding young people through high school. My husband, our dog Jaan, and I enjoy hiking, traveling, and spending time together in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
What excites me most about joining Lake Washington High School is the opportunity to build strong partnerships with students, staff, and families to create a school environment where every learner is seen, heard, and empowered to thrive.
I look forward to meeting you!
What does Elevating Excellence mean to me?
Excellence is about how we show up each day, as learners, educators, and community members, committed to bringing our best while uplifting others along the way. I see it in the curiosity of our students, the dedication of our staff, and the pride we share in cultivating a culture where growth is both expected and supported. Excellence means balancing high standards with compassionate care, ensuring every student feels challenged, included, and inspired to reach their potential as we continue to grow together as a learning community.
Aric Kooima - Associate Principal (Students with Last Name: EL-LA)
I am thrilled to be part of the Kang Family! I started my administrative journey as the assistant principal in South Dakota. From the Midwest, I found my way to the Pacific Northwest at Kent School District, working as an administrator at both the elementary and high school levels.
My deep passion for inclusion and equity drives my work each day.
To seek balance in life, I enjoy travel, music, and spending quality time with my family, friends, and pup. My favorite travel location is always my most recent destination, music speaks to my heart, and my family and friends renew me and keep me grounded.
Education is truly a heart profession. I am grateful to lead forward along with you in supporting our students’ journeys as they embrace their individual paths to success. It takes a village to support our students and I am grateful to be part of yours.
“Where you invest your love, you invest your life.” – Mumford and Sons.
Donell McNeal - Associate Principal (Students with Last Name: LE-RE)
Greetings Lake Washington families, students, and staff:
My name is Donell McNeal and I am honored to introduce myself as an Associate Principal at Lake Washington High School. It is a privilege to join a school community that is recognized for its high performance, strong sense of collaboration, and deep commitment to student success.
With over eighteen years of experience in education, I bring experience as an academic advisor, school counselor, instructional leader, culture builder, principal and advocate for student growth and well-being. I am passionate about supporting both students and educators and believe that when we create a safe, inclusive, and academically rigorous environment, every student has the opportunity to thrive. I have worked in Colorado, California, Idaho and now Washington. What I have learned throughout my travels and professional career is that as I liberate myself, others are provided with opportunities to liberate themselves when we unapologetically ground ourselves in community, partnership, and collaboration. For me, this is the work!
I look forward to working alongside a dedicated staff, and the greater community, to continue the strong tradition of excellence that makes Lake Washington High School special. My door is always open, and I welcome your thoughts, questions, and ideas as we begin this journey together.
What does Elevating Excellence mean to me?
As an educator, I believe that defining educational excellence is more than setting high academic standards. It is about creating a school community where every student feels seen, valued, and empowered to reach their full potential. Educational excellence is rooted in high expectations for all learners, guided by a student experience where students "productively struggle" in a manner that challenges and inspires. It thrives in classrooms where teaching is engaging, culturally responsive, and grounded in real-world relevance. Excellence demands innovation! Content that evolves with the world around us, preparing students not just for their current reality, but for life beyond the schoolhouse. True excellence honors the individuality of each student. It means meeting learners where they are and providing pathways that affirm their strengths, support their growth, and ignite their passions. Above all, educational excellence is built on equity...cultivating a learning environment that is inclusive, affirming, and safe for every child, regardless of their background.
In partnership with families and the broader community, I am committed to fostering a school culture where excellence is not a privilege for some, but a promise to all.
Joe Joss - Dean of Student Success
I am very excited to be at Lake Washington High School supporting students and staff. I have enjoyed 30 years as a Junior High/Middle School teacher and principal, and now thrilled to be working at LWHS.
My wife, Stephanie, and I have three young adults that were all UW Huskies like their parents! Go Dawgs & Kangs!
What does Elevating Excellence mean to me?
Elevating Excellence to me is being the very best you can be. Putting forth your best effort, helping whomever needs help and supporting all those you come in to contact with. Building and nurturing positive relationships for me is the key.