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.
Ashley Sova, Legislative Representative
Ashley Sova was elected for school board director in November of 2021, and was sworn in on December 8th of the same year.
She has lived in Eatonville area for 20 years. She loves her town and appreciates Eatonville’s rich history and avidly supports the local businesses.
Ashley graduated from Bethel High School in 2002 with aspirations to start a family and form a strong home. After marrying her husband a few years later, she became a business owner alongside him, and the two still work to expand their many car businesses around the Pacific Northwest.
While her two oldest children were in Weyerhaeuser Elementary School, Ashley was involved with the PTA, and worked as a volunteer. Once she had made the decision to remove her kids from public school, she began her new job as a homeschooling mother and is actively involved in a co-op with her children. She spends her time working to shape them into exemplary members of society.
When not actively engaged with her family’s homestead or her children, Ashley enjoys shopping for antiques, studying American history, painting, and entertaining guests at her home. She has always been an advocate for children, and a firm believer that the education of children in public environments should be based upon real world application.
Ashley Sova - Legislative Representative
a.sova@eatonville.wednet.edu
(253) 355-9168
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
(253) 355-8099
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
(253) 355-9057