Leadership Team

Diana McAlister is a visionary educator, consultant, and advocate for alternative education. As the founder of Family Academy, she has dedicated her career to creating innovative educational solutions that empower both parents and students.

A cum laude graduate of Central Washington University (1975), Diana began her teaching career in a one-room public school before transitioning to traditional classroom settings for five years. Recognizing the need for a more personalized approach to education, she pursued a Master’s degree (magna cum laude) from Western Washington University (1992), further solidifying her commitment to alternative schooling models.

Since 1981, Diana has owned and operated an education consulting business specializing in homeschooling support. She is the author of “Home Schooling the High Schooler” and an instructor for parent qualifying courses for homeschool eligibility. As a highly regarded speaker, she has presented at homeschool conventions in Montana, Hawaii, and Washington and frequently speaks at homeschool support groups statewide.

Diana is a widow and the proud mother of four daughters, two of whom have followed in her footsteps as educators. Her passion for empowering families through education continues to shape the homeschooling landscape, offering parents the resources and confidence to take an active role in their children’s learning journey.

Tammie Elliott is an experienced educator and leader with 35 years in the field, transitioning from a dedicated homeschool parent to a certified teacher in the State of Washington. As CEO of Family Academy Online, she is spearheading the expansion of the program to include middle school (grades 6–8), building upon the successful launch of its high school curriculum.

Beyond education, Tammie brings a diverse skill set to her leadership. She holds certifications in Sports Nutrition, is a published Christian author, and a certified Worship Planner. A 1st Degree Black Belt in Songham Taekwondo, she exemplifies discipline and perseverance in both personal and professional pursuits. Additionally, she is deeply engaged in Emergency Management and Survival Skills, teaching online courses on preparedness and resilience.

With a passion for education, leadership, and community preparedness, Tammie continues to drive innovation and excellence in both academic and personal development spheres.

John Elliot is a seasoned aviation professional with over 44 years of experience in the industry, including extensive work with the U.S. Military, commercial airlines, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and flight operations. A U.S. Navy veteran, he has dedicated more than 35 years to Boeing as a Quality Manager, specializing in FAA 8130 issuance, spare parts support, and component repair services.

Beyond his corporate career, John is deeply committed to education and community service. As co-owner and Chief Administrator of Puget Sound Academic Center (PSAC), a Christian private school extension program and learning center, he oversees academic programs that provide tutoring and flexible education solutions for families. Additionally, he serves as Principal for Family Academy and teaches College Prep & Vocabulary for Family Academy Online.

John is also an active HAM radio operator for the SeaTac Fire Department and a Master Craftsman. His diverse expertise, leadership experience, and dedication to both the aerospace industry and education make him a highly respected professional in his fields.

Maggie Dail is a seasoned educator with a lifelong commitment to Christian education and special learning methodologies. Raised in a military family, she developed a deep appreciation for cultural diversity and adaptability, having lived in Spanish-speaking countries such as Costa Rica and Spain for a combined 17 years as a military dependent, student, and missionary schoolteacher.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Christian Education, Missions, and Bible from Faith Baptist Bible College (1972), a BA in Elementary Education from Cedarville College (1980), and a Master of Arts in Special Education from Adams State College (1989). Her extensive credentials include a Washington State teaching certificate and lifetime ACSI certifications in Elementary and Secondary Education (Spanish and Bible), All Levels Spanish, Special Education, and Reading Specialization.

A passionate advocate for effective learning strategies, Maggie specializes in the neurodevelopmental approach, focusing on addressing the root causes of learning difficulties rather than simply accommodating them. As a certified Associate Professional Neurodevelopmentalist and a member of the International Christian Association of Neurodevelopmentalists, she is dedicated to helping students overcome learning challenges through innovative and research-based methods.

Maggie’s expertise in education, language instruction, and neurodevelopmental learning has made her a respected leader in the academic and special education communities.

Bob Green is a dedicated educator with 15 years of experience specializing in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). With a passion for helping students from diverse backgrounds succeed, Bob spent five years teaching English in Saudi Arabia, where he gained invaluable cross-cultural teaching experience.

Currently, Bob runs his own learning center in Henderson, NV, where he provides personalized educational services to students of all ages. In addition to his work at the learning center, Bob serves on special assignment with the Clark County School District, where he plays a pivotal role in supporting educational initiatives.

A committed advocate for expanding educational opportunities, Bob is also working closely with Family Academy to help grow the homeschooling community and support families in their educational journey. His extensive experience and dedication to student success make him a respected figure in the field of education.

Rebecca Rosenthal, a veteran homeschool parent, is committed to supporting and empowering homeschooling families through family-directed education. Since joining the Executive Board of Family Academy in 2019, she has provided vital bookkeeping and administrative oversight, ensuring the organization operates smoothly and effectively. Having experienced firsthand the encouragement and support Family Academy offers, Rebecca is passionate about extending that same guidance to the next generation of homeschooling families. Her dedication to excellence and faith-driven education helps sustain and grow the mission of Family Academy.