The owner and managers at NorthStar are of the opinion that what Driver's ED needs is educators in the seat beside your teenager. Therefore, we look for seasoned professionals that have had years of experience in education, either as public school teachers or significant qualifying youth work in other driving schools, churches, youth centers, or community outreach programs. What we've assembled is quite simply the best faculty of energetic, youthful, knowledgeable, and caring Driver's ED instructors around.
Mr. Richey is the owner and founder of NorthStar. After earning his master's of divinity in 1992, he went onto work on a Ph.D. in Philosophy of Religion at the Florida State University where he taught for 4 years. He has an extensive background working with youth as a minister, psychotherapist and intervention specialist. In fact, he began working as a rehabilitation counselor for juveniles while finishing up his bachelor's degree.
Outside of running a multiple-site business, he is a writer, published author, and a new owner of a 1997 BMW Z3--the original "Bond car" from Golden Eye.
Clayton is one of our earliest team members, having first joined NorthStar in 2011. With over a decade of course development in driver's education, Clayton has 20,000 hours of experience preparing teens to safely navigate the roadway. Along with working to protect lives through his own DOL approved curriculum, Clayton once saved a young girl from a collapsing stage in the middle of a Pearl Jam concert.
Chad joined our team in 2022 and has a lengthy background in Insurance. If you have any Insurance questions- he's your guy! He became an instructor because he had seen far too many lives be ruined by young drivers making mistakes out on the road and he wanted to make a difference. With the hope of lowering the risk of collisions involving younger drivers, Chad is determined to teach kids to be the best drivers they can be. He also enjoys golf and hanging out with his dog!
Yadira was an adult NorthStar student and obtained her driver's license through our Driver's Ed Course! Joining our team in 2021, Yadira was the first person in her family to learn how to drive! After seeing the care and effort that went into her driving journey, especially as an adult learning for the very first time, she wanted to help others just like her in their own journey. Yadira is also bilingual and helps our Spanish speaking students! When she is not at the office, Yadira likes to read and play videogames!
Brandon joined the NorthStar team in July 2020, after years of experience as a delivery truck driver and teacher of adult truck drivers in Washington State. His efficiency and knowledge of Washington's road laws led him to complete his instructor training in a record time of one month. As a father of four, Brandon is an exceptional instructor to the teen students at our Federal Way school.
Despite knowing the NorthStar name since it's inception, Brooke officially joined the team in September 2020. Brooke likes to take on customer service inquiries directly and does not hesitate to reach out for any on-going concern. She manages the website, it's booking features and is the eye behind the camera of most photos. Outside of work, Brooke loves to stay active through soccer, weight training and the outdoors; and is an avid working musician.
SUMMER CLASSES FILLING UP: Go to "Store"
Online 7/22 T-W-Th @ 4-6PM
Auburn In Person 7/28 T-W-Th @ 5-7PM
(4 SEATS LEFT!)
NEW! Auburn Morning 8/4 M-T-W-Th @ 11A-1PM
Federal Way In Person 8/5 T-W-Th @ 6-8p
To see the current Knowledge schedule, click here!