Superintendent

superintendent@ntps.org

Heather has served in this role since 2023, and prior to that, she was the NTPS Director of Financial Services from 2021. Larson previously served as the director of accounting and purchasing with Puyallup School District for 18 years. Larson earned her Bachelor of Accounting and Business Administration from Western Washington University in 1999. 

Why she works for NTPS: I care about this district, both as a community member and a parent, with my children attending NTPS schools and participating in their school sports teams. 

Derrick has been a human resources leader for NTPS since 2023. Previously, he served as an elementary school principal and assistant principal in Puyallup, and a teacher in the Franklin Pierce School District.

Why he works for NTPS: I am committed to creating equitable, student-centered school systems where every student and staff member feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. I believe strong relationships, inclusive leadership, and investing in people are essential to building thriving schools and communities. I am proud to serve a district that prioritizes student success, continuous improvement, and meaningful opportunities for all learners.

Nikki started her career in education as a middle school and high school science teacher. She has served as a high school assistant principal, a middle school principal, an executive director of teaching and learning at an educational service district, and a superintendent of a small school district. Nikki completed her three-year Human Resources for Administrators program under the Washington School Personnel Association. She holds a master's degree in educational leadership and a superintendent's credential, both awarded by Washington State University. Nikki is now enrolled in a doctoral program in educational leadership.  

Karen Johnson was a teacher at South Bay and Meadows Elementary Schools before she moved into a leadership role, serving as principal at Meadows and then Evergreen Forest Elementary School. Karen previously was the district director for English Language Arts, Social Studies, and Library Programs. 

Amy has worked for NTPS since 2022. Prior to joining the district, she served in various leadership roles in state government, including the state Senate, the Department of Early Learning, and the Health Care Authority. Amy began her career as a newspaper reporter in her hometown of Spokane. 

Why she works for NTPS: I have lived in this community for over 20 years, and my own children have had excellent educational opportunities through NTPS. I love being able to share information with our community and help tell the stories of great things happening in our schools. 

Sarah has been a leader in NTPS since 2013. Before joining the district, she served as policy director for the State Board of Education and as Reading First director for the state Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, focusing on improving reading skills for K-3 students. 

Sarah has a degree in anthropology from Brown University and a master’s in public administration from The Evergreen State College. She is working on her Doctor of Education at the University of Oregon. 

Why she works for NTPS: We take responsibility for all students, and our culture is focused on lifelong learning to benefit students. We are a collaborative and kind community and hold ourselves to high standards.