Meet Our Team

Mission

The Western Success Scholars program is committed to improving the educational outcomes for students who have experienced foster care or homelessness by providing services and support to meet their needs through transition, graduation, and post-graduate planning.

WSS History

Western Success Scholars was launched in Fall 2019 to improve graduation rates for youth who have experienced foster care or homelessness, with financial support primarily from the East Seattle Foundation in the Puget Sound region. The program grew from leadership and support from Sara Wilson, former Executive Director of Student Success Initiatives; Lorrie Bortuzzo, the founding WSS Program Manager; Molly Paterson, a former UHY financial aid counselor; and Melissa Fike, the founding WSS Program Coordinator. 

Professional Staff

Jon Stubblefield

Jon smiling for the camera, standing on the Old Main lawn
Program Manager
he/him
stubblj@wwu.edu

Melissa Brown

Woman with glasses smiles at the camera, with a bookshelf and artwork behind her.
Program Coordinator
She/Her

Student Leaders

Kaylee wearing a dark top and sweater standing outside in front of Miller Hall

Kaylee

Program Assistant
She/Her
Mags sitting at a desk wearing a light gray sweatshirt

Mags

Program Assistant
They/Them
A man in a black beanie and Manchester United shirt smiles confidently, arms crossed. He wears a necklace and a watch.

Adonis

Program Assistant
He/Him
A young woman with bangs and blue eyes smiles. She wears a white shirt and a necklace.

Ava

Peer Mentor
She/Her
A young woman with long brown hair, wearing a teal top and grey pants, rests her head on her hand.

Charlie

Peer Mentor
She/Her
Young woman with long, wavy brown hair and highlights, wearing a black top and a delicate necklace.

Karla

Peer Mentor
She/Her

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