Dana Heyum, known at school as Ms. Dana, has been inspiring students at Hillside Academy since 2021. As the Physical Education Teacher, she is passionate about promoting physical health alongside academic success. Dana’s PE classes emphasize the importance of a healthy lifestyle, teamwork, and personal discipline. She finds great fulfillment in encouraging students to discover the joy of physical activity, helping them recognize their strengths and build confidence.

Dana particularly appreciates the small class sizes at Hillside Academy, which allow her to connect with each student on a personal level. This close interaction enables her to understand their individual strengths, challenges, and interests, and to tailor activities that meet diverse needs. Dana is committed to creating an inclusive environment where every student feels valued and supported, ensuring that all can participate and benefit, regardless of their skill level or physical ability.

Outside of the classroom, Dana enjoys a variety of activities. She loves walking, hiking, paddleboarding, and gardening. She also has a passion for cooking, traveling, and entertaining. A dedicated podcast listener and reader, Dana particularly enjoys non-fiction, especially True Crime and Memoirs. Additionally, she has a love for stand-up comedy, both watching and attending performances.

A fun fact about Dana is her love for playing pranks, not just on April Fools’ Day, and she has been a vegetarian since 1990. Born and raised in the local area, she currently resides in Duvall with her husband of 16 years, Josh, their son, who is starting his first year of high school, and their affectionate dog Daisy, a Great Dane and Hound mix.

Dana’s favorite quote is, “We don’t say ‘I can’t.’ We say ‘I can’t do it YET.'”