Staff, Board of Directors,
and Teacher Leadership Council
Christina Bruce-Bennion
Executive Director
Christina Bruce-Bennion joined the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights as Executive Director in November 2022. Prior to joining the Wassmuth Center, Christina worked in various leadership capacities in refugee resettlement in the Valley for over 24 years, taught at BSU, led and participated in various multi-sector collaborations, and has served on various boards. She received her BA in Political science from Willamette University and her master’s in education from Boston University. She is originally from Fairbanks Alaska but has lived in the Treasure Valley for 25 years with her husband Paul and three kids.
Office: 208.345.0304 | Ext. 101
Direct: 208.506.2386
Jess Westhoff
EDUCATION DIRECTOR
Jess Westhoff is an educator and strategic human rights leader who believes in the power of connection to create inclusive, joyful, and transformative learning experiences. She is committed to helping people share their stories, imagine new possibilities, and work together to build communities where everyone belongs and thrives. With a Bachelor of Arts in American Studies and English from the University of Idaho and a Master of Arts in Education from Stanford University, Jess brings over twenty years of experience teaching learners of all ages.
Jess is an Auschwitz Legacy Fellow, serves on the Steering Committee of Human Rights Educators USA, and contributes to the Idaho Museum of International Diaspora’s Academics and Research Program team. In these roles, she partners with educators and communities locally, nationally, and internationally to advance human rights.
Drawing inspiration from exploring new places, hiking with her family, and diving into great book, Jess is always seeking fresh ways to connect with people, ideas, and the world around her.
Office: 208.345.0304 | Ext. 109
Direct: 208.506.2385
Calley Sunderman
Education programs specialist, Youth Learners
Calley Sunderman is a passionate learner and dedicated teacher, finding endless inspiration in the boundless curiosity of youth. Specializing in environmental education, she holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Resources from Arizona State University, where she was also committed to resilience and joy as a member of the track and cross country teams. Calley is deeply committed to building communities through her involvement, advocacy, and partnerships, and works towards connections and collaborations. Her teaching extends beyond the classroom, encompassing and sharing a love for the outdoors. Calley, along with her husband and son, enjoys exploring new places, fostering a sense of adventure and discovery.
Office: 208.345.0304 | Ext. 111
Direct: 208.506.2371
Emily Morgan
Education Programs Specialist, Adult Learners
Emily Morgan is dedicated to building community, which she believes is the foundation for a more just and compassionate world. A long-time educator, Emily holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Teaching, a K-12 Reading Endorsement, and a Master’s degree in Teaching English Language Arts, all from Boise State University. With years of experience as both a middle school teacher and an instructional coach, Emily has based her career on empowering both students and educators across the state. Focusing her work on learning and growth, she finds great joy in working alongside others to broaden perspectives, build understandings, foster connections, and contribute to a flourishing and compassionate community. Emily centers her life around meaningful work, quality time with family and friends, running and cycling all over Boise, exploring the world through all kinds of books, and seeking out adventures near and far.
Office: 208.345.0304 | Ext. 106
Direct Line: 208.506.2388
Dolly Higgins
Education Programs Specialist, Youth Learners
Curiosity, courage, and creativity are values that inspire Dolly, both in and beyond the classroom. A perennial educator, Dolly has learned alongside students from preK to adult for many years, including almost two decades as a classroom instructor and coach in Idaho schools. She received a bachelor’s degree in psychology and social relations from Harvard University, as well as math coaching certification and a Master of Arts in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction from Boise State University. A passionate advocate for community-focused learning, Dolly honors multiple perspectives and collaboration. In teaching – and learning – she relies on the power of art, nature, and the human story to empower our shared work for a more just and compassionate world. When she’s not working, Dolly enjoys adventures with her family and critters, as well as gardening, travel, reading, art, and being silly.
Office: 208.345.0304 | Ext. 106
Direct Line: 208.506.2388
Liz Sheahan
Philanthropy Advisor
Liz joined the team as philanthropy advisor in July 2025. Her entire career has been focused on improving our world, working in education and the nonprofit sector. She has worked in marketing and development for more than 25 years, empowering organizations to grow their impact through community engagement. Throughout the years, she’s taught classes and workshops on the power of building relationships to advance critical missions, a topic she’s especially passionate about. She earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from Augsburg University in Minneapolis and a master’s degree in philanthropy and development from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. Liz grew up in the Midwest, where she raised her two sons. When they were in college, she moved to San Diego, and then to Boise in 2022 to be closer to her children who’ve made the Intermountain West their home.
Office: 208.345.0304 | Ext. 108
Direct Line: 208.506.2387
Sierra Padilla Huitt
Development MANAGER
With a distinct focus on purpose, people, and strategy, Sierra brings a diverse experience in partnership development, event design, and creative project management to the Wassmuth Center. In her career, she has refined and wrangled events for our community such as Alive After 5, Glide on Grove, and Treefort Music Fest’s Filmfort, a 3-day film festival celebrating the best of emerging independent cinema. As a homegrown Idahoan, Sierra is driven to build and share the Wassmuth Center’s impactful programming in our community and beyond.
Office: 208.345.0304 | Ext. 105
Direct Line: 208.506.2388
Debbie Sager
Finance & Operations Manager
Debbie has a Bachelor of Science Degree with a Minor in Business and comes to the WCHR having spent 20 years in bookkeeping and accounting. Throughout her career, Debbie has gained valuable experience in fundraising, event planning and working with volunteers. Joining Center staff in 2014, Debbie provides technical support to the Center related to financial accounting, member communication, event planning, fundraising, and database management.
Office: 208.345.0304 | Ext. 102
Direct Line: 208.506.2372
Abby Grant
Administrative Services Specialist
Office: 208.345.0304 | Ext. 102
Direct Line: 208.506.2372
Board of Directors
We extend a special thanks to the following individuals for helping us fulfill our mission. We truly appreciate the input, ideas and shared passion for human rights as demonstrated by our board.
Executive Committee
Sarah Griffin
Board President
Idaho Power
Jennifer Jones Hooft
Board Vice President
Higher Resources
Jon Yoshizaki
Board Treasurer
Washington Trust Bank
Judi Marsh
Executive Secretary
Web MD
Development, Event & Revenue Planning Committee
Kevin Bates
Stifel Financial
Leslie Carter
Blue Cross of Idaho
Kayla McMichael
Marsh Mclennan Agency
Jennifer Orner
Deloitte
Rich Raimondi
Retired
OPerations & Finance Committee
Terry Peoples
Committee co-chair
Delta Dental of Idaho
Mary Dobroth
TBD
Pam Howland
Idaho Employment Lawyers
Jacky Jackson
Boise Cascade Company
Christine Neuhoff
St. Luke’s Health System
Laura Reardon
Quilt Crossing
MARKETING & BRAND STRATEGY COMMITTEE
Jessica Hagan
COMMITTEE cO-CHAIR
KTVB
Pam McNamara
COMMITTEE CO-CHAIR
Blue Cross of Idaho
Brian Cronin
HP Inc.
Rod Gramer
Delta Dental
Danielle Maxwell
St. Luke’s
Christopher Rowlison
MCX Technologies Corporation
Education & Community Programs Committee
Ellen Albus
Committee chair
Educator (retired)
Malcolm Brown
Crescendo X Partner Hero
Antoinette Cavanaugh
Administrator (retired)
Steve Pollack
Memorial Docent Committee
Shelli Sonnenberg Wardle
Boise Police Department
Jena Vasconcellos
Community Advocate
Advisory Board
Jennifer Jones Hooft, Chair
Members:
AJ Balukoff
Sandra Berenter
Chrissy Bowers
Cherie Buckner-Webb
Ellen Bush
Meredith Carnahan
Greg Carr
Susan Curtis
Patti Diener
Leslie Drake
Rabbi Dan Fink
Bev Harad
Mark Johnson
Jo Anne Minnick
Peter Morrill
Donald C. Murray
Mary Peterman
Ellen G. Suchar
Kris Sturgill
Rev. Dr. Nancy S. Taylor
Lisa Uhlmann
Sarah Woodley
Kathy Yamamoto
Ed Zimmer
Teacher Leadership Council
Thank you to these educators who support the Wassmuth Center in cultivating a network of human rights educators.
Thomas Pirc
Galileo STEM Academy
Therese Woozley
Boise State University and College of Western Idaho
Jonelle Warnock
Boise High School
Christa Newcum
Future Public School
Leslie Younger
Boise High School
Kevin Murphy
Synergy Middle School
Bella Colberg
Mountain View High School
Ashley Quinn
Hillside Junior High School
Ilyse Sakamoto
Everwild Forest School
Alicia Bradshaw
Roosevelt Elementary School
Anthony Paz
Bishop Kelly High School
Christin Kaminsky
Timberline High School
Apply for Our Board of Directors
Looking to volunteer and dedicate time, talent, and treasure to the Wassmuth Center for Human Rights? Consider applying for an appointment on the Center’s Board of Directors.
Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
-MARGARET MEAD, AMERICAN CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGIST