Higher Education Prep Webinars

The Application Process
Date: August 27th, 2026, 3PM

Summary
Feeling overwhelmed by applications, deadlines, essays and more? This webinar will feature admissions experts and Snoqualmie Tribe students who have been through the process before. Learn how to stand out and create a clear roadmap to your future education.

Speakers
Elaine Maimon is the College and Career Counselor for Mount Si High School, out of Snoqualmie Valley School District.

The Admissions Team at Central Washington University operates admission and financial aid. CWU has a main campus located in Ellensburg, with multiple University Centers located on partner community and technical college campuses, and a wide range of online programs.

More speakers to be announced.

Financial Planning
Date: October 2026

Summary
This webinar provides a comprehensive guide to navigating the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) process. We will also explore diverse funding opportunities, including local community scholarships and scholarships that are reserved for Native American students.

Speakers
The Snoqualmie Education Department, Jarrod Da, Jerry Warren, and Sela Heide operate and administer the Higher Education Benefit to help Snoqualmie Tribal members earn their Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate Degrees.

More speakers to be announced.

Do and Do Nots of Higher Education Benefit
Date: December 2026

Summary

Join the Education Department to learn the ins and outs of the higher education benefits that are offered by the Snoqualmie Tribe. Attendees will walk away with an understanding how to use their benefit, and best practices when working in collaboration with the Education Department. 

Speakers
The Snoqualmie Tribe Education Department, Jarrod Da, Jerry Warren, and Sela Heide operate and administer the Higher Education Benefit to help Snoqualmie Tribal members earn their Associates, Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate Degrees.

More speakers to be announced. 

Mental Health and Big Transitions
Date: February 2027

Summary
College and university can be the “best time of your life” but it also is a significant life change and can be taxing on your mental well-being. This webinar will provide practical strategies to combat imposter syndrome, isolation, and navigating newfound independence. 

Speakers
Maddy joined Empower Youth Network as the Communication Coordinator in October of 2023 and became the Communication and Engagement Coordinator in September of 2024. The engagement component of her work is her Pathways to Employment Success program. Maddy also has vast experience working in the education field, whether she was providing academic advising remotely to students around the world at an ed-tech start-up in Boston or teaching in-person at an after-school program with the Washington Alliance for Better Schools (WABS).

M’Liss Moon serves as the Youth Resilience and Community Resources Manager with the TRACE Care Team. M’Liss volunteered in the community serving 12 years on the City of Carnation Planning Board, initiating the PTSA at the Riverview Learning Center, and most recently serves at the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Chair on the PTSA Council at the Riverview School District. 

For over twenty-five years, Jessie has centered her work on supporting individuals, as an educator in the elementary classroom to seniors in assisted living, and now with teens. Along with her background in education and grief recovery certification, Jessie is currently pursuing a Master of Social Work. She currently works with Snoqualmie Valley youth at The Trail Youth Coffee Home as a certified domestic violence and sexual assault advocate, offering trauma-informed support with an emphasis on empowerment. Jessie lives in North Bend with her husband, their three teenagers, and their doodle furball, Harlow.

JoAnna Dickinson, MSW, is a seasoned social work professional with 34 years of experience supporting children, youth, and families across mental health, crisis response, and community systems. She currently serves as a Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Advocate Support Specialist, providing trauma-informed care, safety planning, and resource coordination for survivors through Brave Spirits at Trail Youth. JoAnna brings a multidisciplinary background that spans clinical settings, counseling, research, and prevention education. JoAnna lives locally, has 2 grown children, 2 Goldendoodles, and loves to explore nature, read & travel. </p>
<p>More speakers to be announced.

Special Education and Disability Accommodations
Date: April 2027

Summary
For students who have had IEPs, 504s, or other accommodations in their K-12 journey, you are invited to join us for this webinar to learn about ADA accommodations in higher education. In partnership with Washington higher education institutions, the Education Department will help walk students and families through these steps. 

Speakers
Marisa Hackett in the director of the Bellevue College Disability Resource Center. She has a master’s degree in social work and bachelor’s degree in psychology, both from the University of Washington. She has previously worked in disability services at several other colleges within the state and has provided services in community settings. Her philosophy centers on creating and providing an equitable educational environment for students with disabilities utilizing the lenses of Disability Justice and the Social Model of Disability. In her free time, she enjoys dancing, yoga, hiking, and cuddling with her cat. 

Finding Native Community on Campus
Date: June 2027

Summary
This webinar will explore how Snoqualmie Tribe students can find community with other Native students. Representatives from different Washington higher institutions will explain how to become familiar with Native communities on campus, including finding events and programming that prioritize belonging and student success.

Speakers
Speakers to be announced.