Paula has been the principal at Jane Addams Middle School since its opening in September 2014.

She said she developed an appreciation for North Helpline during the early months of the covid pandemic when schools were closed.

Many students and their families had relied on the breakfasts, lunches and snacks supplied by the school. When the school closed due to covid, North Helpline stepped in immediately to fill the gap, she said.

“North Helpline is literally a mile from Jane Addams,” she said. “Many of our families access your resources.

Rents and housing costs have risen so fast that even those who have jobs need extra support on occasion paying rent, car payments or an unexpected bill, she said.

“So many folks are living paycheck to paycheck. One unexpected crisis can really set a family back.”

She previously worked as a high school and middle school principal in the Highline School District as well as many years as a teacher and administrator at Seattle’s Roosevelt High School before opening Jane Addams Middle School.

Her bachelor’s degree in English Language and Literature is from the University of Maryland. Her master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Administration is from Seattle University.

“I feel honored to be able to learn with and from the North Helpline community.”