Donneli Hinds, known as Ms. Donneli at Hillside Academy, joined the school in August 2024 as our Office Manager and Registrar. A graduate of Western Washington University with a Bachelor’s in Community Health Education, she brings a wealth of organizational experience and a heart for serving others.

Her dedication to community involvement spans many years, including volunteering in her daughters’ classrooms, serving as Treasurer for the Cedarcrest Choir Boosters, Secretary for the Tolt Middle School PTSA, and welcoming visitors over coffee and donuts at Redemption Church. She’s also served in a variety of behind-the-scenes roles – everything from registrar for the Lake Washington Toddler Group to welcome chair at MOPS. Whether or not she holds an official title, Ms. Donneli consistently shows up to support, organize, and build community.

At Hillside, Ms. Donneli values the small, supportive environment and the opportunity to help things run smoothly for students, families, and staff. Her work is guided by a calm, steady presence and her favorite reminder: “Deep breath and try again.”

A longtime Duvall resident, Ms. Donneli enjoys reading, easy gardening, exploring new places, and 80s rap music. She cherishes time with her husband, Josh, their daughters, Olivia and Claire, and their dog, Ernie. True to her favorite motto – “If you can’t see the bright side, polish the dull side” – Ms. Donneli brings heart and humor to each day at Hillside.