Meet our Board Members
Ronda Litzenberger is a lifelong resident of Eatonville, deeply connected to the community and its schools. She began her education at Weyerhaeuser Elementary and graduated from Eatonville High School. She returned to the area to work in real estate as a title examiner and Escrow Limited Practice Officer. For over 35 years, Ronda and her husband have owned and operated a small business.
Appointed to the School Board in 2009, Ronda has served in multiple leadership capacities, including Board Chair, Vice Chair, Legislative Representative, and WIAA Representative. Her commitment extends to statewide advocacy, as she is an active member of the Washington State School Directors Association’s (WSSDA) Legislative Committee and serves as Chair of the WSSDA Small Schools Committee.
Ronda and her husband, Rowland, have raised five children, all graduates of Eatonville schools. She credits the district with instilling values of leadership and community service in her children, preparing them for successful careers. Their paths reflect her belief in the transformative power of education, a principle she brings to her work on the board.
In addition to her school board service, Ronda remains deeply involved in her community through participation in local organizations such as the Eatonville Business Association, Graham Frederickson Eatonville Rotary, Graham Business Association, and the Greater Eatonville Community Foundation. She also volunteers with youth advisory groups and contributes to the 9/11 National Day of Service and Remembrance.
Ronda’s passion for education and commitment to the Eatonville community drive her work as a board member. She is proud to serve in a district that values innovation and believes wholeheartedly in the philosophy that “Strong Schools = Strong Community.”
Paulette Gilliardi, Vice Chair
Paulette has lived her entire life in the little town of Elbe, nestled in the foothills at the base of Mt. Rainier. In 1962, she married Bill Gilliardi and 
together they raised four children who are now successfully pursuing their own pathways.
Paulette attended Columbia Crest Elementary and graduated from Eatonville High School in 1962. Bill and Paulette have owned and operated Gilliardi Logging & Construction Inc. since 1969 and have been through all the many ups and downs that are part of a family owned business. Their son, Chad, is now the principle owner of their company, after having worked in the business with them for over 15 years.
During the years Paulette was raising her children, she was active as a volunteer in the schools, served as a bible study leader with Bible Study Fellowship, and served as Children's Ministry Teacher and Treasurer at their small county church. In 1985 she was a chaperone for Eatonville's Daffodil princess who happened to be her daughter, Shannon. She continued with the Daffodil Festival and went from chaperone to three years as Queen Mother, in charge of the royal court. For over 20 years Paulette attended and kept stats and scorebook for junior high and high school basketball. She served on the school board for 10 years, leaving in 1998 and returned to serve in 2008.
In her spare time she loves to read and have coffee or lunch with friends. What Paulette enjoys most is spending time with her kids and her wonderful and energetic grandchildren.
Karen Carr, WIAA Representative
Karen Carr is a dedicated individual who has made contributions to her community in various capacities over the past two decades. With a diverse background spanning business ownership, real estate, finance, education, and community involvement, Karen's passion is to be an asset to her local area.
For 24 years, Karen has served as a Realtor, helping individuals and families find their dream homes and navigate the real estate market with care. Her deep understanding of the local housing market has made her a trusted advisor to many.
In addition to her real estate career, Karen has also successfully owned and operated her own Property Preservation/ Management Company and has been involved in finance within her community. Her entrepreneurial spirit and business mindset have allowed her to thrive in these fields.
Karen's commitment to education and her community shines through her eight-year tenure within the local school district. She has worked tirelessly at four of the area's schools, contributing her skills to various departments, including Technology, Library, STEM, and more. She has a dedication to education and a desire to support the growth and development of young minds.
Beyond her professional achievements, Karen Carr is a loving wife and a mother of four sons. Her passion for the outdoors, particularly fishing and being on water, allows her to connect with nature, the beautiful Pacific Northwest and with her family. Additionally, she has a strong affinity for the arts, embracing various forms of creative expression.
As a dedicated community member, business owner, and education advocate, Karen Carr hopes to leave a positive mark on her local community for years to come.
Karen Carr - WIAA Representative
k.carr@eatonville.wednet.edu
Travis Rush, Director
Travis Rush currently serves as the EdTech Lead for the AESD. Throughout his career, he has held various roles in small districts in Washington, including teacher, librarian, technology education lead, and director of education technology. He holds a degree from Western Washington University and obtained his library information endorsement from the University of Washington Information School and his administrative certification from PLU. Travis has actively contributed to curriculum development and EdTech training at district and state levels. Travis helped elevate a rural district to the status of a Google Reference District, providing opportunities to students in a technology-deficient environment. His current focus is on extending EdTech and learning opportunities to every student in Washington State by developing programs within the ESDs. He has long been passionate about media literacy, education technology, and student learning in any environment.
Travis Rush - Director
t.rush@eatonville.wednet.edu
Caitie Henselman, Director
Caitie Henselman is a parent, community member, and dedicated advocate for students and families. A longtime Eatonville-area resident, she believes that strong schools begin with strong families, and that student success must remain at the center of every decision made by the district.
As a mother of school-aged children, Caitie is deeply connected to the experiences of students and families within Eatonville schools. She brings a family-centered perspective to her work on the School Board and is committed to creating learning environments where students feel supported, safe, and prepared to succeed. Above all, Caitie views her role as one of service, with the responsibility to advocate for the needs, growth, and well-being of every child in the district.
Caitie brings more than 16 years of professional experience across business, leadership, and community service. She began her career in the dental field and advanced into regional leadership, overseeing financial operations across multiple offices and managing complex budgets and teams. That experience developed her strengths in financial accountability, data analysis, and strategic decision-making.
For the past 12 years, Caitie has also worked in real estate, where she has built expertise in negotiation, problem-solving, and long-term planning. Across both careers, she is known for being thoughtful, approachable, and solutions-oriented, with a strong ability to bridge communication gaps and work collaboratively toward shared goals.
Caitie is honored to serve on the Eatonville School Board and is committed to working with fellow board members, educators, staff, and families to ensure decisions are guided by what matters most; student success, family partnership, and the long-term strength of the Eatonville community.
Caitie Henselman - Director
c.henselman@eatonville.wednet.edu