Meet Our Team

Shavette joined University Prep in 2012 and served as the Director of Diversity and Community and Director of Hiring before joining the Admission Office as Director of Enrollment Management in 2018. Shavette is a proud Cougar alum with a BA in Communications from Washington State University and a Masters in Education from Western Washington University.

Before coming to UPrep, Shavette worked in higher education at Western Washington University, Lewis & Clark College and Seattle University. Shavette oversees the entire Admission and Financial Aid process at University Prep and loves to work with our prospective families.

In her spare time Shavette enjoys spending time with her husband and two kids (one is a current UPrep 8th grader), reading, traveling and cooking.

Favorite Thing About UPrep?

"I am always so proud of our teachers. They go above and beyond every single day in their commitment and dedication to our students. I am constantly blown away by them."

Contact Shavette:

Email: smcghee@universityprep.org
Phone: (206) 832-1228

Melaine joined University Prep in 2003 after working as the Activities Director at Camp Vega for Girls in Fayette, Maine for 6 years. Melaine has a BA in Spanish and Latin American Studies from Western Washington University. Families can go to Melaine for assistance or questions about our Middle School Program at UPrep. Melaine oversees admission into our Middle School and she is a wealth of knowledge about the program. She also oversees ISEE and SSAT administration at UPrep and would be happy to answer any questions you may have about those tests.

In her free time, Melaine enjoys fitness, paddle boarding, and spending time with her dog. She has a passion for interior decorating.

Favorite thing about UPrep?

"I love the inclusive community of learners we have at UPrep. Our faculty, staff, students and parents are wonderfully smart and kind."

Contact Melaine:

Email: mtaylor@universityprep.org
Phone: (206) 832-1116

Alexis joined UPrep in 2019 after working in admission for eight years in the Seattle area. She has been involved in the Puget Sound Independent Schools admissions collaborative group, both as a school fair organizer and, recently, as a steering committee member. As an independent school alum, she has a personal and professional appreciation for what independent school can do for individual students and the communities to which they contribute. 

Prior to her work in admission, Alexis worked in public information and information technology for Seattle Public Utilities, then moved into the educational field as a preschool teacher. She has been a group fitness instructor for the Greater Seattle YMCA for almost 20 years and holds a BA in Communications from the University of Washington. 

Alexis enjoys fitness classes, running, the outdoors, gardening, knitting, and quilting in her free time. She is a mom to three teens and two cats. 

Favorite thing about UPrep?

"I love the options for students to pursue and develop their interests. UPrep does an excellent job of designing and supporting a student-centered learning experience."

Contact Alexis:

Email: aortega@universityprep.org
Phone: (206) 832-1118

Asha began her career at UPrep in 2014 after working at the Boys and Girls Club of King County. She has a BA in Journalism from the University of Arizona and is currently enrolled in the University of Southern California School of Education Leadership in Enrollment Management program. Asha oversees our Upper School admission and can assist prospective families in navigating the admission process. She is also an upper school advisor and can assist families by sharing about our advisory program along with the life and culture of the Upper School. In her role of community engagement, Asha has the pleasure of onboarding families to the community and organizing community-wide events.

In her spare time she enjoys exploring the city with her kids, fitness, and laughing with friends.

Favorite thing about UPrep?

"My favorite thing about UPrep is the people!"

Contact Asha:

Email: adean@universityprep.org
Phone: (206) 832-1136