West Valley School District is proud to welcome Natalie Shirzad and Haley Larson to the WVSD School Board. As community-rooted leaders with strong professional backgrounds, both Shirzad and Larson will bring valuable perspectives to the Board’s work. 

Natalie Shirzad: Shirzad grew up in Ferndale, Washington, and works part-time for Providence Health as a Strategy and Business Planning Consultant. She helps develop healthcare programs, plan facilities, and manage mergers and acquisitions—experience that translates naturally to long-term planning and systems-level thinking. 

Shirzad has volunteered with WVSD for many years, serving as a classroom volunteer, helping run PTA events, and participating on district committees. This hands-on experience motivated her to step into board service. “I’m excited to put that experience and understanding to use to inform and guide the work of the school board,” she shares.

Shirzad believes she and other women in leadership play a critical role in the community. “Women know first-hand what the needs and barriers are in our community.” And, as a board member, she hopes to support students who may feel overlooked. “I hope to advocate for students who are lost or underserved and make the school journey and experience at least a little bit better for all students and families,” she said.

She is especially passionate about helping students discover who they are and where they want to go. “We need to help students discover their unique identity, find their future path, and their passion,” she explained. She also emphasized the importance of resilience: giving students opportunities to do hard things, fail, learn, and build grit.

In her free time, Shirzad enjoys spending time with her husband and their three daughters. She loves being outdoors—skiing, hiking, and tending to her flower garden.

Haley Larson: Larson grew up on Fox Island, Washington, and now works as a Real Estate Broker. As her formal service to WVSD begins, she shares that her connection to the district extends beyond her election.

“I’ve watched as a community member and had many friends, clients, and employees go through the schools for years prior,” Larson shared. 

As a board member, Larson hopes to strengthen trust, stability, and the District’s long-term planning. She is especially passionate about preparing students for the realities they will face after graduation. “The most important thing the District can do is help students build real-world skills alongside strong academics,” she said.

Larson is excited by the opportunity to contribute to decisions that will impact students for years to come. “Serving on the school board means being part of conversations that affect students, teachers, and families...I’m excited to support the incredible educators who are already doing the work and help make thoughtful, long-term decisions that keep students at the center.”

Outside of board service, Larson enjoys traveling, hiking, and supporting local wineries, breweries, and community events.

Shared Commitment to WVSD’s Future

Together, Shirzad and Larson bring complementary strengths to the WVSD Board of Directors. They both combine professional expertise, deep community involvement, and a shared commitment to students and families. As they begin their terms, both are focused on thoughtful governance, long-term planning, and ensuring every WVSD student has the opportunity to learn, grow, and succeed.

WVSD looks forward to the leadership, advocacy, and dedication they will bring to the district.