Meet Our Leadership
From Principal Stephanie Hollinger
Dear Ignite Family Academy Students, Families, and Community Members,
My name is Stephanie Hollinger and I am the proud principal of Ignite Family Academy! I have been in education for 22 years and with North Thurston Public Schools since 2009. I started in NTPS at Olympic View Elementary as a teacher then became their Dean of Students. Upon receiving my principal certification, I became an Assistant Principal at Meadows Elementary and not long after was appointed as the principal of Evergreen Forest Elementary where I served for 6 years.
I am thrilled to enter my 4th year as the principal of Ignite Family Academy! This school is a wonderful opportunity for NTPS to broaden the services we provide to students and families. Ignite Family Academy provides support for at-home learning, in-person classes, and so much more!
I am not just your principal, but also a wife and mother. I've been married for 27 years. Fun fact – my husband and I have been together since high school; both joined the United States Marine Corps at the same time and later attended college together! We have two amazing daughters who are both products of NTPS schools. Our oldest daughter is a 2020 graduate of River Ridge High School and is a 2023 graduate of WSU where she graduated with a degree in Psychology. She just moved to Chicago this summer where she is beginning graduate school for a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. Our youngest daughter is a 2024 River Ridge High School graduate and will be attending Portland State University this fall where she will minor in American Sign Language and is looking at a major in either writing or linguistics. We are also proud Lacey residents for the last 20 years and love our community!
Relationships are the heart of my work. Supporting students to achieve at school, at home, and in their lives is my passion. I look forward to continuing the amazing relationships I’ve built with our existing families and developing relationships with new Ignite families.
Stephanie Hollinger
Principal
From Principal Intern Nicky Drago
Dear Ignite Family Academy Students, Families, and Community Members,
My name is Nicky Drago, and I am the Academic Support Coordinator at Ignite Family Academy! This year, I will also be a Principal Intern under the leadership of Stephanie Hollinger. I have been in education for 20 years and with North Thurston Public Schools since 2017. I have experience in grades Kindergarten through 8th grade in my career as a teacher, LAP (intervention) teacher, curriculum coach, and other various roles. I started in NTPS at Evergreen Forest Elementary as a teacher then became the Math Coach and LAP teacher. After receiving my master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction and in Learning and Technology, I have decided to begin a program to earn my principal certification.
I had the opportunity to join Ignite Family Academy in 2022-23 school year and have enjoyed the collaborative efforts of the school, staff, parents, students, and community. I am excited to start my internship and be mentored by Stephanie Hollinger this year!
I am originally from Mississippi but have lived in six states as an adult. I have a 28-year-old daughter, son-in-law, and am a beaming Nana to my 1-year-old granddaughter. They live in Cashmere, so I try to visit as much as possible. I am a born and raised University of Alabama fan. Also, my daughter graduated from there in 2018 with a Journalism degree.
This year will be a busy and exciting year for me as I continue to learn and grow. I am eager to continue to work with our families and look forward to meeting and collaborating with our new families.
Nicky Drago
Principal Intern & Academic Support Coordinator