Board of Trustees

Born and raised in this area with parents new to this country, I have always wanted to give back to my community especially to the youth. As a trustee I am happy to be part of an organization who believes in supporting the students and community through innovated and encouraging ways.

Stephanie is a Corporate Vice President at Microsoft where she has worked for 25 years. She’s a parent of two BSD graduates. Stephanie loves solving complex problems and building new operational capabilities and has a passion for equity in education.

Michelle Silver is a strategic investor, public education advocate, and mom to five kids in the Bellevue School District—four sons at Interlake and a daughter at Odle. (She started with four and picked up a bonus teen along the way.) She is Co-Director of the Bellevue Gifted Alliance where she works to ensure that advanced learners aren’t just challenged but truly understood. Her advocacy blends data, diplomacy, and a firm belief that equity means meeting every student where they are—and helping them go further.

Professionally, Michelle leads Silver Oak Investments, managing a portfolio that spans real estate, equities, and early-stage ventures. She’s grateful her kids are growing up in a district that’s not just tech-adjacent, but tech-aware—where innovation isn’t a buzzword, it’s a blueprint for learning.

Jimmy is a commercial attorney whose work history includes Perkins Coie, Amazon.com, Microsoft, and SES (a European satellite company).  He, his wife and two kids recently returned from living abroad in The Hague, Netherlands for 11 years, and they are now living in Bellevue.  Jimmy believes strongly in the importance of public education as a foundation of a thriving society, and in giving all kids the opportunity to realize their full potential through the power of education.

Cindy is an enthusiastic advocate for the students, staff and community of the Bellevue School District.  As an educator, she has served as a Teacher, Elementary Principal and in the Bellevue School District as an Executive Director of Schools in 2011-2019, and as a School Board Director February 2024-April 2025. She holds a Masters Degree in Education, a P-12 Administrative Credential from the state of Washington, and a professional coaching credential from the International Coaching Federation.

Wealth Management at Merrill Lynch. 4 kids that have graduated or attend Clyde Hill Elementary, Chinook MS, and Bellevue HS. Lives in Yarrow Point.

A parent of 2 BSD graduates, has been a member of several PTSA and school organizations and is a retired Software Design Engineer from Microsoft. She is passionate about STEM education, focusing on getting children to like Math early in their lives. She currently spends many hours volunteering with Interlake High School's Robotics team and with Washington FIRST Robotics. She hopes to help with making sure all students have access to help they may need to help them grow

With a master’s degree in economics, a multilingual global perspective, and a successful business background, Xenia Tshahhirov is well-prepared to serve her clients at Marketplace Sotheby’s International Realty. Xenia began her professional career in Estonia before moving to the PNW, where she started a small business, proudly receiving a Seattle Times People's Choice Award in 2023. She credits kindness, a readiness to help, open-mindedness, and perseverance as the reasons for her success and the most important values she brings to any transaction. Xenia has lived on the Eastside for many years, where she is a well-connected and active member of the community. As a mother of three and a small business owner, she understands how important it is to find a home that meets the needs of a busy lifestyle, where good schools, a short commute, shopping options, and a high walking score are key. Xenia loves spending quality time with her family and friends and staying active. She has summited four Cascade peaks- Rainier, Hood, Baker, and Adams, and even skied down 2 of them! With integrity, expertise, and determination, Xenia is ready to help her clients reach all of their real estate goals.

Lisa is a Senior Vice President of People & Culture with the Seattle Mariners, leading employee engagement, inclusion and belonging. She is a parent of a BSD graduate and two children attending Chinook Middle School.

Lisa is also a passionate believer in equitable, accessible, high-quality public learning, serving the dynamic and diverse needs of students. She’s thrilled with the opportunity to give back to the community and our youth, and positively impact students’ lives through learning.