PRINCIPAL - LISA RADFORD
Welcome to Totem, I get to serve you as the Principal of Totem.
I am fortunate to continue to serve our Marysville/ Tulalip community and our Totem students for a seventh year. I started in education as an art teacher in Chicago Public Schools. Before moving to the PNW I earned my Administrative degree and served four years as Dean of Students in Chicago. Ten years ago when I moved to the Evergreen State I continued in Bellevue as a Dean of Students. After four years of a long commute, I was welcomed to the Totem team as Dean of Students, two years later as the Assistant Principal and now as Principal. I am extremely lucky to continue to serve with a dedicated staff at Totem. Our teachers are extraordinary and work hard to create a sense of family and safety at Totem.
I am also a proud mother of two fantastic young ladies, and one slightly crazy dog. We have lived here in the Pacific Northwest for the last ten plus years. However, I grew up in the Midwest spending time in Michigan (GO BLUE), Indiana and Chicago, Illinois (GO BEARS)! As a family we watch a lot of football and this year things have returned to positive balance in our NFL world with the Bears this season. When not at school you will find us out and about, with one daughter racing around barrels on a horse and the other on the sidelines at cheer. We absolutely love adventure, hiking, exploring, running, and just being outside.
As we gather together daily to share with our community, the hidden gem that Totem is today, yesterday and tomorrow, I am honored to be a part of such a dedicated and caring team! I am excited for the opportunities our students will have, with great teacher leaders and student leaders. Our opportunities at Totem are endless! We hold the key to unlock significant academic growth, social and emotional maturity and student ownership in overcoming some of our scholastic challenges. I am grateful to our staff, community and our families for the consistency in support and the nurturing that they provide our Totem Phoenix while we continue to RISE! Thank you for entrusting your student with us, please let me know if there are other ways we can provide support.