Roma Raye Everly, she/her/they, began her career as a behavior specialist working with youth with severe and profound developmental needs, which then led her to working with children with co-occurring diagnosis in need of severe behavioral support in both residential and home settings. Roma Raye went on to begin her journey as a Special Educator at Western Washington University, where she graduated with a BA in Youth Advocacy in Education (2000). Again finding herself in a situation to support some of the most vulnerable students, she joined the Highline School District as a Special Education teacher, creating and leading an Integrated Learning Center. This prompted Roma Raye to pursue her Master’s in Education at Antioch University – Seattle (2006). Roma Raye then accepted a position as an English Teacher for “reluctant” learners with the Federal Way School District.
In 2011, Roma Raye completed the National Boards Certification process and become federally recognized as a Highly Qualified Teacher. Stepping away from public schools, she joined the King County CSEC task force, where she was involved in outreach to youth that were unhoused and sexually exploited. Although it was meaningful and important work, Roma Raye’s heart will always be with the developmental disability community. So when she had the opportunity to join Northwest Center, Roma Raye knew that this was the perfect place for her unique skill set as educator, advocate, and behaviorist. Roma Ray is passionate about serving this community and supporting the needs of the families Northwest Center serves.
In Roma Raye’s free time, she is a competing performance poet, plays in an all-women blues band (Last of the RedHot Mamas), dreams of being at Disneyland, and enjoys watching television shows with kittens that are just “too cute.”