2016 WTSEA CONFERENCE SPEAKER BIOGRAPHYS
Raul Almeida - Visual Awareness and Vehicle Dynamics
Raul Almeida is the owner and president of Almeida’s Consulting & Training, LLC. Mr. Almeida retired from the City of Mabton as the Chief of Police in August 2006 and currently serves as a Captain for the Hanford Patrol. Mr. Almeida is a Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) Instructor Trainer, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Advanced Driving Instructor, and National Training Center Master EVOC Instructor Trainer.
Raul Almeida is the owner and president of Almeida’s Consulting & Training, LLC. Mr. Almeida retired from the City of Mabton as the Chief of Police in August 2006 and currently serves as a Captain for the Hanford Patrol. Mr. Almeida is a Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Emergency Vehicle Operations Course (EVOC) Instructor Trainer, Federal Law Enforcement Training Center (FLETC) Advanced Driving Instructor, and National Training Center Master EVOC Instructor Trainer.
Gerry Apple - Share the Wealth
I have been teaching driver education for forty five years and have been the advisor of our Shelton High School and Oakland Bay Junior High School SADD clubs for thirty years. My favorite hobbies are lifting weights, announcing sporting activities at Shelton High School, training people to be driver education teachers and walking my greyhounds. I am happily married to my wife, Helen Johnston and have one daughter, Amy, who is forty three years old.
I have been attending National Student Safety Program (NSSP) and SADD national conferences for the past thirty five years. My favorite SADD club activities are the Relay for Life, producing videos on such topics as problem Gambling, Texting and
Driving, Advocacy Day in Olympia and providing Christmas gifts for needy children.
I would like to teach several more years and to continue to be the advisor of our SADD club during that time. I have been president and board member of the American Driver and Traffic Education Association (ADTSEA) which sponsors the NSSP organization. In Addition, I am on the PASS and TOGETHER boards. Finally, I am the Coordinating Secretary for WTSEA which is a group of commercial and public school driver education teachers in our state who share the same goal: To keep kids safe.
I have been teaching driver education for forty five years and have been the advisor of our Shelton High School and Oakland Bay Junior High School SADD clubs for thirty years. My favorite hobbies are lifting weights, announcing sporting activities at Shelton High School, training people to be driver education teachers and walking my greyhounds. I am happily married to my wife, Helen Johnston and have one daughter, Amy, who is forty three years old.
I have been attending National Student Safety Program (NSSP) and SADD national conferences for the past thirty five years. My favorite SADD club activities are the Relay for Life, producing videos on such topics as problem Gambling, Texting and
Driving, Advocacy Day in Olympia and providing Christmas gifts for needy children.
I would like to teach several more years and to continue to be the advisor of our SADD club during that time. I have been president and board member of the American Driver and Traffic Education Association (ADTSEA) which sponsors the NSSP organization. In Addition, I am on the PASS and TOGETHER boards. Finally, I am the Coordinating Secretary for WTSEA which is a group of commercial and public school driver education teachers in our state who share the same goal: To keep kids safe.
Mark Butcher - Comparative TSE Programs
Mark has lived in Washington for 15 years, having grown up and learned to drive in the UK. He has continued his own driving development, accumulating about 60 hours of behind-the-wheel, on-road, individual training and assessments in advanced road driving, with two qualifications from the UK, and currently holds bronze level with Advanced Drivers of America.
He is a mechanical engineer by profession, now retired. Spends his time campaigning for improved road safety in general, and driver training and testing in particular. He has served as a member of the Action Council on Young Drivers for 4 years, and together with Mi Ae Lipe, awarded 2015 Target Zero Award for Achievements in Traffic Safety in the Young Drivers category.
Mark has lived in Washington for 15 years, having grown up and learned to drive in the UK. He has continued his own driving development, accumulating about 60 hours of behind-the-wheel, on-road, individual training and assessments in advanced road driving, with two qualifications from the UK, and currently holds bronze level with Advanced Drivers of America.
He is a mechanical engineer by profession, now retired. Spends his time campaigning for improved road safety in general, and driver training and testing in particular. He has served as a member of the Action Council on Young Drivers for 4 years, and together with Mi Ae Lipe, awarded 2015 Target Zero Award for Achievements in Traffic Safety in the Young Drivers category.
Richard P. Chidester - Trends in TSE
Richard serves as the Lead Instructor, Driver Training Operations. AAA National Office. Responsible for supporting and training driving instructors, managing AAA’s Approved Driving School Network, and developing driving safety programs.
His experience includes:
Richard serves as the Lead Instructor, Driver Training Operations. AAA National Office. Responsible for supporting and training driving instructors, managing AAA’s Approved Driving School Network, and developing driving safety programs.
His experience includes:
- Managed AAA Mid-Atlantic’s driving schools for novice drivers, traffic offenders and senior drivers.
- Winner of a Telly Award for the AAA How To Drive Video.
- Sought-after speaker on instructional techniques by state, regional and national conferences.
- Graduate of:
- Bob Pike’s Train-the- Trainer Boot Camp on Making Training Stick;
- The Driver Competency Assessment Protocol Program, conducted by the Road Safety Educators’ Association;
- The Bob Bondurant School of High Performance Driving.
Mischelle Davis - MADD
Mischelle is an outspoken community safety advocate; the current chair of the Washington State Advisory Board for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD); and the Director of Operations & Client Communications at Davis Law Group in Seattle, WA.
Her husband is Chris Davis, the nationally-known attorney and founder of Davis Law Group. Her primary focus is increasing awareness of public safety and legal issues through understandable, jargon-less language and modern communication/social media technologies. She is also a frequent speaker and consultant within the legal community attempting to revolutionize how law firms communicate with their clients—putting an end to ‘legal-speak’.
Prior to beginning this work in 2007, she spent more than 15 years as a public relations, communications and product planning professional in the high-tech industry in the US, Europe, and Australia working with such companies as Summit Software Corporation, Microsoft, Vulcan, Inc., and others. Mischelle holds an undergraduate degree in Marketing/Advertising from Murray State University and has studied technology systems and marketing through executive programs at Cal Tech and UC Berkeley.
Mischelle is an outspoken community safety advocate; the current chair of the Washington State Advisory Board for Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD); and the Director of Operations & Client Communications at Davis Law Group in Seattle, WA.
Her husband is Chris Davis, the nationally-known attorney and founder of Davis Law Group. Her primary focus is increasing awareness of public safety and legal issues through understandable, jargon-less language and modern communication/social media technologies. She is also a frequent speaker and consultant within the legal community attempting to revolutionize how law firms communicate with their clients—putting an end to ‘legal-speak’.
Prior to beginning this work in 2007, she spent more than 15 years as a public relations, communications and product planning professional in the high-tech industry in the US, Europe, and Australia working with such companies as Summit Software Corporation, Microsoft, Vulcan, Inc., and others. Mischelle holds an undergraduate degree in Marketing/Advertising from Murray State University and has studied technology systems and marketing through executive programs at Cal Tech and UC Berkeley.
Chuck Filippini - First Aide
I’m currently in my thirty-seventh year teaching, coaching, and advising at North Central High School in Spokane, Washington. I received my degrees in Physical Education, Health Education, and Traffic Safety Education at the University of Idaho. I received my 5th year in Special Education from Eastern Washington University and added TSE course work from Central Washington University.
I have taught Traffic Safety Education at North Central High School since 1993 till the program dissolved in 2003. Currently, I work part time for 9-1-1 Driving School in Spokane, Washington. I’ve had the honor and privilege to serve as your President of WTSEA back in the 90’s. I was very fortunate and humble to be picked for the Clifford Boyce Award along with receiving the National Teacher of the Year Award from the American Driver Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA) in 2001.
I am married to a wonderful lady (Mary Lou) for the past thirty-two years. Our son and daughter-in-law teacher/counselor work in the West Jordan School District in Salt Lake City. We just became grandparents for the first time to “Chloe Grace Filippini”.
Lastly, I’m looking forward to learning the new trends of our profession and helping to serve a wonderful group of TSE Instructors here in Eastern Washington.
I’m currently in my thirty-seventh year teaching, coaching, and advising at North Central High School in Spokane, Washington. I received my degrees in Physical Education, Health Education, and Traffic Safety Education at the University of Idaho. I received my 5th year in Special Education from Eastern Washington University and added TSE course work from Central Washington University.
I have taught Traffic Safety Education at North Central High School since 1993 till the program dissolved in 2003. Currently, I work part time for 9-1-1 Driving School in Spokane, Washington. I’ve had the honor and privilege to serve as your President of WTSEA back in the 90’s. I was very fortunate and humble to be picked for the Clifford Boyce Award along with receiving the National Teacher of the Year Award from the American Driver Traffic Safety Education Association (ADTSEA) in 2001.
I am married to a wonderful lady (Mary Lou) for the past thirty-two years. Our son and daughter-in-law teacher/counselor work in the West Jordan School District in Salt Lake City. We just became grandparents for the first time to “Chloe Grace Filippini”.
Lastly, I’m looking forward to learning the new trends of our profession and helping to serve a wonderful group of TSE Instructors here in Eastern Washington.
David Frost - Emergencies & Tire Care
David is married and has a teenage boy and girl who recently graduated from Shelton H.S. David is a fulltime firefighter for the Olympia Fire Department. He has been a firefighter for 24-years. He has done Behind the Wheel Traffic Safety instruction for ESD 113, for almost 6-years. He attended CWU to get his endorsement to teach Classroom TSE and plans to take over as a classroom TSE instructor at Shelton H.S. k here to edit.
David is married and has a teenage boy and girl who recently graduated from Shelton H.S. David is a fulltime firefighter for the Olympia Fire Department. He has been a firefighter for 24-years. He has done Behind the Wheel Traffic Safety instruction for ESD 113, for almost 6-years. He attended CWU to get his endorsement to teach Classroom TSE and plans to take over as a classroom TSE instructor at Shelton H.S. k here to edit.
Skeet Gaul - Share the Wealth
Skeet has a Bachelor’s Degree in History and earned his k-12 Teaching Certificate through the University of California, Northridge and California Lutheran College. He earned his MA in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Technology. He retired from public school instruction in 2007, after 36-years. He received his Washington State certification in TSE through Central Washington University in 1998. He currently works for the Arlington School District TSE program. He is certified to instruct both Classroom and Behind the Wheel. He has served the past 5-years as the WTSEA Treasurer. He also serves the WTSEA board as its Membership Secretary and works with his wife, Teri, to manage the WTSEA Website. Teri is the Webmaster. Finally, along with Gerry Apple, he is Co-Conference Coordinator for WTSEA.
His wife and best friend, Teri, recently retired as Business Operations Manager for an Engineering firm which allows her more time to help him in his work with WTSEA. She is also extremely involved with the WSU - Snohomish County Master Gardner program. They enjoy their children and grandchildren as well as traveling and exploring new places together. In addition to his work in TSE, Skeet loves to play golf as well as read and learn new things. He is a lifelong learner and is always open to new ideas.
Skeet has a Bachelor’s Degree in History and earned his k-12 Teaching Certificate through the University of California, Northridge and California Lutheran College. He earned his MA in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Educational Technology. He retired from public school instruction in 2007, after 36-years. He received his Washington State certification in TSE through Central Washington University in 1998. He currently works for the Arlington School District TSE program. He is certified to instruct both Classroom and Behind the Wheel. He has served the past 5-years as the WTSEA Treasurer. He also serves the WTSEA board as its Membership Secretary and works with his wife, Teri, to manage the WTSEA Website. Teri is the Webmaster. Finally, along with Gerry Apple, he is Co-Conference Coordinator for WTSEA.
His wife and best friend, Teri, recently retired as Business Operations Manager for an Engineering firm which allows her more time to help him in his work with WTSEA. She is also extremely involved with the WSU - Snohomish County Master Gardner program. They enjoy their children and grandchildren as well as traveling and exploring new places together. In addition to his work in TSE, Skeet loves to play golf as well as read and learn new things. He is a lifelong learner and is always open to new ideas.
Robert Jelvik-
Robert Jelvik is currently the Investigator Supervisor and subject matter expert on Examiner training/certification for the Driver Training School program with the Dept of Licensing. He was hired on with the agency, in 2011, as an Auditor, but has since worked his way into a supervisory role with the program. During Robert’s 20-year career, his professional experience includes being a juvenile institutional counselor and Aggression Replacement therapist with JRA, an adult parole officer working with offenders as they transition into the community with the Dept of Corrections (DOC), a child safety investigator with Child Protective Services (CPS) in both Olympia & Tacoma areas and a private business owner. Working for DOL, Robert strives to connect the dots between agency core values, industry stakeholder success and public safety.
In his free time, Robert enjoys staying fit, working on his classic cars and spending time with his girlfriend (Stacy) and two dogs. He lives in Olympia, WA, but hopes to someday transition to the warmth and sunshine of Arizona (the Grand Canyon State).
Robert Jelvik is currently the Investigator Supervisor and subject matter expert on Examiner training/certification for the Driver Training School program with the Dept of Licensing. He was hired on with the agency, in 2011, as an Auditor, but has since worked his way into a supervisory role with the program. During Robert’s 20-year career, his professional experience includes being a juvenile institutional counselor and Aggression Replacement therapist with JRA, an adult parole officer working with offenders as they transition into the community with the Dept of Corrections (DOC), a child safety investigator with Child Protective Services (CPS) in both Olympia & Tacoma areas and a private business owner. Working for DOL, Robert strives to connect the dots between agency core values, industry stakeholder success and public safety.
In his free time, Robert enjoys staying fit, working on his classic cars and spending time with his girlfriend (Stacy) and two dogs. He lives in Olympia, WA, but hopes to someday transition to the warmth and sunshine of Arizona (the Grand Canyon State).
Marsha Masters - MADD
You may be familiar with Marsha Master because of her role with the Kitsap County Target Zero Taskforce. But she is also a 20-plus-year volunteer with the Washington State Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Since 1995, Marsha put her 30 years of experience as a school teacher to work with schools and parent groups to present the Mock Crash Assembly. With her skills of bringing multiple agencies together, she coordinates schools, first-responders including local police, State Patrol, medics, fire departments, along with the coroner’s office and Airlift Northwest to produce an incredibly powerful dramatization in which students can see the effects of drinking and driving. Ms. Masters has a gift of connecting with youth. Her presentation is an emotional experience and one that students do not forget.
You may be familiar with Marsha Master because of her role with the Kitsap County Target Zero Taskforce. But she is also a 20-plus-year volunteer with the Washington State Chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Since 1995, Marsha put her 30 years of experience as a school teacher to work with schools and parent groups to present the Mock Crash Assembly. With her skills of bringing multiple agencies together, she coordinates schools, first-responders including local police, State Patrol, medics, fire departments, along with the coroner’s office and Airlift Northwest to produce an incredibly powerful dramatization in which students can see the effects of drinking and driving. Ms. Masters has a gift of connecting with youth. Her presentation is an emotional experience and one that students do not forget.
Loni Miller - DOL
Loni has been with the Washington State Department of Licensing since 2007. She is the Program Manager for the Driver Training School (DTS) program. As the Program Manager, Loni is engaged in Target Zero strategies by implementing them into the curriculum, guide and exams for licensure. Loni looks to embrace change within driver safety culture by analyzing worldwide research and best practices. She is passionate about her work responsibilities and the opportunities they present. Loni’s professional background also includes Project Management with Verisign and Business Account Manager for FairPoint Communications.
Loni has been with the Washington State Department of Licensing since 2007. She is the Program Manager for the Driver Training School (DTS) program. As the Program Manager, Loni is engaged in Target Zero strategies by implementing them into the curriculum, guide and exams for licensure. Loni looks to embrace change within driver safety culture by analyzing worldwide research and best practices. She is passionate about her work responsibilities and the opportunities they present. Loni’s professional background also includes Project Management with Verisign and Business Account Manager for FairPoint Communications.
Courtney Popp -
Courtney Popp is the Legal Advisor for the King County Sheriff’s Office Advanced Training Unit. She is also a Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) for the State of Washington. As one of two statewide TSRPs, Courtney acts as a liaison between prosecutors, law enforcement, the judiciary, community groups, and other stakeholders in the fight against impaired driving. She provides legal advice and trainings for prosecutors and law enforcement on issues related to DUI, drug and alcohol impairment, and general courtroom practice. Following the legalization of recreational marijuana in Washington State, much of her work has involved training stakeholders, both statewide and nationally, about the challenges associated with this groundbreaking legal shift. Courtney’s position is grant funded through the Washington Traffic Safety Commission in association with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Association of Prosecutor Coordinators.
Prior to creating the Washington State TSRP program in 2009, Courtney prosecuted major felony crimes while employed as a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the Clallam County Prosecutor’s Office. Her prosecution career began with the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office, where she first handled impaired driving crimes such as DUI, and was a member of the Non-Violent Crimes Trial Unit. Courtney served on the National Board of Directors for Mothers Against Drunk Driving from 2011-2015, and now serves on the Washington State MADD Advisory Board.
Courtney Popp is the Legal Advisor for the King County Sheriff’s Office Advanced Training Unit. She is also a Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor (TSRP) for the State of Washington. As one of two statewide TSRPs, Courtney acts as a liaison between prosecutors, law enforcement, the judiciary, community groups, and other stakeholders in the fight against impaired driving. She provides legal advice and trainings for prosecutors and law enforcement on issues related to DUI, drug and alcohol impairment, and general courtroom practice. Following the legalization of recreational marijuana in Washington State, much of her work has involved training stakeholders, both statewide and nationally, about the challenges associated with this groundbreaking legal shift. Courtney’s position is grant funded through the Washington Traffic Safety Commission in association with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and the National Association of Prosecutor Coordinators.
Prior to creating the Washington State TSRP program in 2009, Courtney prosecuted major felony crimes while employed as a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with the Clallam County Prosecutor’s Office. Her prosecution career began with the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office, where she first handled impaired driving crimes such as DUI, and was a member of the Non-Violent Crimes Trial Unit. Courtney served on the National Board of Directors for Mothers Against Drunk Driving from 2011-2015, and now serves on the Washington State MADD Advisory Board.
Yusuf Quidwai - The State of Public Schools
After retiring from the Omak School District, I have continued to teach Traffic Safety Education in Omak, Bridgeport, Oroville and Coulee School Districts and run a private Driving School with my wife, Kathy, in Okanogan, Washington.
I have had consistent involvement in the Washington State Traffic Safety Education Association as well as the Montana Traffic Safety Education Association for over 25 years.
I would like to see Traffic Safety Education placed back into the public schools, as it is the only place where every child has an equal opportunity to gain exposure and reinforcement of good driving skills and habits regardless of socioeconomic status. I continue to enjoy teaching and the satisfaction associated with knowing that I have been part of young people’s most important activity – driving. As they leave the program, I hope that the education received in the Traffic Safety Education Program will keep them safe and accident/ticket free for life.
I have been married to my wife, Kathy, for 31 years; we have one daughter and an 8 year old granddaughter who is the love and joy of our family..
After retiring from the Omak School District, I have continued to teach Traffic Safety Education in Omak, Bridgeport, Oroville and Coulee School Districts and run a private Driving School with my wife, Kathy, in Okanogan, Washington.
I have had consistent involvement in the Washington State Traffic Safety Education Association as well as the Montana Traffic Safety Education Association for over 25 years.
I would like to see Traffic Safety Education placed back into the public schools, as it is the only place where every child has an equal opportunity to gain exposure and reinforcement of good driving skills and habits regardless of socioeconomic status. I continue to enjoy teaching and the satisfaction associated with knowing that I have been part of young people’s most important activity – driving. As they leave the program, I hope that the education received in the Traffic Safety Education Program will keep them safe and accident/ticket free for life.
I have been married to my wife, Kathy, for 31 years; we have one daughter and an 8 year old granddaughter who is the love and joy of our family..
David Slipp - Teaching Insurance
Dave has served with the WTSEA Board of Directors for the past several years and has recently been elected again as representative for ESD 113. He will serve in this capacity thru August 31st, 2017.
He retired from the U.S. Army in 1995, graduated from St. Martin’s University in 1999 with a degree in K-8 Education and endorsements in Instructional Technology and Traffic Safety.
He has taught Traffic Safety for Alexis Driving School (now closed) and Tumwater SD since 1999. He currently works for ESD 113 teaching at both Black Hills and Tumwater High Schools. As he puts it, “It’s the best job every—I’m having too much fun!”.
Dave has also done numerous WTSEA Conference workshops in the past.
Dave has served with the WTSEA Board of Directors for the past several years and has recently been elected again as representative for ESD 113. He will serve in this capacity thru August 31st, 2017.
He retired from the U.S. Army in 1995, graduated from St. Martin’s University in 1999 with a degree in K-8 Education and endorsements in Instructional Technology and Traffic Safety.
He has taught Traffic Safety for Alexis Driving School (now closed) and Tumwater SD since 1999. He currently works for ESD 113 teaching at both Black Hills and Tumwater High Schools. As he puts it, “It’s the best job every—I’m having too much fun!”.
Dave has also done numerous WTSEA Conference workshops in the past.
Angie Ward - Target Zero
Angie recently celebrated her 30th year in state government, and has worked for the WTSC since 1993. She currently manages the Distracted Driving and Young Driver Programs along with the High Visibility Enforcement grants. Starting as an executive assistant to the director she never intended to stay so long, but got sucked into the job satisfaction inherent in traffic safety work.
In addition working at the WTSC, she is a professional musician and enjoys hiking, cooking, baking cakes, and travel. She lives with her husband and two boys in Olympia.
Angie recently celebrated her 30th year in state government, and has worked for the WTSC since 1993. She currently manages the Distracted Driving and Young Driver Programs along with the High Visibility Enforcement grants. Starting as an executive assistant to the director she never intended to stay so long, but got sucked into the job satisfaction inherent in traffic safety work.
In addition working at the WTSC, she is a professional musician and enjoys hiking, cooking, baking cakes, and travel. She lives with her husband and two boys in Olympia.
David Weed - Motorcycle Safety
David is the senior Motorcycle Safety Technical Specialist with the Washington Motorcycle Safety Program. He is a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Certified Rider Coach Trainer and has extensive experience in teaching beginning, intermediate, and advanced two- and three-wheel motorcycle courses. Previously he was the operations manager and lead instructor for one of the largest motorcycle training schools in Washington. Before entering the field of rider education, David was a Mental Health
Therapist in private practice. He is feeling much better now. He has two kids that like the part of riding “where you go fast and lean way over”. Don’t tell their mother. .
David is the senior Motorcycle Safety Technical Specialist with the Washington Motorcycle Safety Program. He is a Motorcycle Safety Foundation Certified Rider Coach Trainer and has extensive experience in teaching beginning, intermediate, and advanced two- and three-wheel motorcycle courses. Previously he was the operations manager and lead instructor for one of the largest motorcycle training schools in Washington. Before entering the field of rider education, David was a Mental Health
Therapist in private practice. He is feeling much better now. He has two kids that like the part of riding “where you go fast and lean way over”. Don’t tell their mother. .
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