Staff, Board of Directors,
and Teacher Leadership Council

Christina Bruce-Bennion

Executive Director

Christina Bruce-Bennion joined the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights as Executive Director in November 2022. Prior to joining the Wassmuth Center, Christina worked in various leadership capacities in refugee resettlement in the Valley for over 24 years, taught at BSU, led and participated in various multi-sector collaborations, and has served on various boards. She received her BA in Political science from Willamette University and her master’s in education from Boston University. She is originally from Fairbanks Alaska but has lived in the Treasure Valley for 25 years with her husband Paul and three kids.

christina@wassmuthcenter.org

Office: 208.345.0304 | Ext. 101

Direct: 208.506.2386

Debbie Sager

Office Manager

Debbie has a Bachelor of Science Degree with a Minor in Business and comes to the WCHR having spent 20 years in bookkeeping and accounting. Throughout her career, Debbie has gained valuable experience in fundraising, event planning and working with volunteers. Joining Center staff in 2014, Debbie provides technical support to the Center related to financial accounting, member communication, event planning, fundraising, database and website management.

debbie@wassmuthcenter.org

Office: 208.345.0304 | Ext. 102

Direct: 208.506.2372

Jess Westhoff

EDUCATION DIRECTOR

Jess Westhoff is an educator committed to co-creating inclusive and joyful spaces for people to share their stories, imagine new possibilities together, and join in partnership to build a community where we all belong and thrive. With a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and English from the University of Idaho as well as a Master of Arts in Education from Stanford University, Jess has more than twenty years of experience teaching students of all ages. Jess is an Auschwitz Legacy Fellow and member of the Human Rights Educators USA Steering Committee.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Jess enjoys traveling to new places, hiking in the foothills with her family, and reading great books.

jess@wassmuthcenter.org

Office: 208.345.0304 | Ext. 109

Direct: 208.506.2385

Calley Sunderman

Education programs specialist, Pre-k to post-secondary Learners

Calley Sunderman is a passionate learner and dedicated teacher, finding endless inspiration in the boundless curiosity of youth. Specializing in environmental education, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Resources from Arizona State University, where she was also committed to resilence and joy as a member of the Track and Cross Country teams. Calley is deeply committed to building communities through her involvement, advocacy, and partnerships, and works towards connections and collaborations. Her teaching extends beyond the classroom, encompassing and sharing a love for the outdoors. Calley, along with her husband and son, enjoys exploring new places, fostering a sense of adventure and discovery.

calley@wassmuthcenter.org

Office: 208.345.0304 | Ext. 111

Direct: 208.506.2371

Emily Morgan

Education Programs Specialist, Adult Learners

Emily Morgan is dedicated to building community, which she believes is the foundation for a more just and compassionate world. A long-time educator, Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Teaching, a K-12 Reading Endorsement, and a Master’s degree in Teaching English Language Arts, all from Boise State University. With years of experience as both a middle school teacher and an instructional coach, Emily has based her career on empowering both students and educators across the state. Focusing her work on learning and growth, she finds great joy in working alongside others to broaden perspectives, build understandings, foster connections, and contribute to a flourishing and compassionate community. Emily centers her life around meaningful work, quality time with family and friends, running and cycling all over Boise, exploring the world through all kinds of books, and seeking out adventures near and far.

emily@wassmuthcenter.org

Office: 208.345.0304 | Ext. 106

Direct Line: 208.506.2388

Kelly Stevens-Meister

Administrative Assistant & Visitor Services Coordinator

Kelly Stevens-Meister is a seasoned digital strategist with over a decade of experience in digital marketing, brand development and AI-Powered solutions. With expertise in both the nonprofit and corporate sectors, Kelly has a passion for leveraging innovative technology to drive productivity and operational excellence for organizations with a strong social impact. She received a BA in Education from Boise State and is committed to the belief that human rights education has the power to transcend politics and change communities for the better. Beyond her professional life, Kelly is an art enthusiast, global traveler and ocean lover who is happiest in, on, around or under the water.

kelly@wassmuthcenter.org

Office: 208.345.0304 | Ext. 100

Direct Line: 208.506.2370

Board of Directors

We extend a special thanks to the following individuals for helping us fulfill our mission. We truly appreciate the input, ideas and shared passion for human rights as demonstrated by our board.

Executive Committee

Sarah Griffin

Board President

Idaho Power

Jennifer Jones Hooft

Board Vice President

Higher Resources

Jon Yoshizaki

Board Treasurer

Washington Trust Bank

Development / Financial Management Committee

Kevin Bates

Stifel Financial

Leslie Carter

Blue Cross of Idaho

Kayla McMichael

Marsh Mclennan Agency

Rich Raimondi

Retired

Laura Reardon

Quilt Crossing

INTERNAL AFFAIRS COMMITTEE

Judi Marsh

Committee Co-chair

Web MD

Terry Peoples

Committee co-chair

Delta Dental of Idaho

Pam Howland

Idaho Employment Lawyers

Jacky Jackson

Boise Cascade Company

MARKETING / BRAND STRATEGY COMMITTEE

Jessica Hagan
COMMITTEE cO-CHAIR

KTVB

Pam McNamara
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR

Blue Cross of Idaho

Brian Cronin

HP Inc.

Rod Gramer

Delta Dental

Danielle Maxwell

St. Luke’s

Christopher Rowlison

MCX Technologies Corporation

Education Programs Committee

Ellen Albus

Committee chair

Educator (retired)

Malcolm Brown

St. Luke’s

Antoinette Cavanaugh

Administrator (retired)

Steve Pollack

Memorial Docent Committee

Jena Vasconcellos

Community Advocate

Shelli Sonnenberg Wardle

Boise Police Department

Advisory Board

Jennifer Jones Hooft, Chair

Members:

AJ Balukoff

Sandra Berenter

Chrissy Bowers

Cherie Buckner-Webb

Ellen Bush

Meredith Carnahan

Greg Carr

Susan Curtis

Patti Diener

Leslie Drake

Rabbi Dan Fink

Bev Harad

Mark Johnson

Jo Anne Minnick

Peter Morrill

Donald C. Murray

Mary Petermann

Ellen G. Suchar

Kris Sturgill

Rev. Dr. Nancy S. Taylor

Lisa Uhlmann

Sarah Woodley

Kathy Yamamoto

Ed Zimmer

Teacher Leadership Council

Thank you to these educators who support the Wassmuth Center in cultivating a network of human rights educators.

Jonelle Warnock

Co-Chair

Boise High School

Thomas Pirc