Who we are

Founder/Head Coach

I’m a social worker, RRCA-certified running coach, and longtime community volunteer with a passion for supporting kids and families. I currently work with children in foster care and the families who support them, and I’ve spent many years working with kids in different roles throughout our community.

I mentor students through the Issaquah School District’s VOICE program, spent more than three years substitute teaching in local schools, have been a Girl Scout troop leader for over eight years, and have served in several PTSA leadership roles, including as PTSA President.

I’m also an avid runner and have completed five marathons and more than 40 half marathons. Running has been an important part of my life for years, and I wanted to find a way to share the sport with kids in a fun, supportive, and low-pressure environment.

The idea for Mini Milers came when my youngest daughter joined her middle school cross-country team. Seeing the positive impact running had on her made me wish there were more opportunities for kids to experience it outside of the traditional school season.

I created Mini Milers to give kids of all abilities a welcoming place to run, have fun, build confidence, and challenge themselves at their own pace. The program also gives older kids opportunities to serve as mentors and encourage younger runners.

Through Mini Milers, I hope to make running accessible and enjoyable for kids while building connections among kids and families in our community.

Coach

Juanita is a para educator at Newcastle Elementary. In her free time, when she’s not on the soccer field with her own two kids, she’s out running. She calls it “her free therapy.”

Over her 12 years of running, Juanita has run 10 half marathons and other distance races. Juanita’s passion for running is driven by a love for challenges, personal growth and endless opportunities to push boundaries. 

Juanita wants to share with the Mini Milers how to develop a strong foundation and maintain a positive and motivating attitude towards the sport.

Juanita is always finding ways to evolve as an athlete and inspire others along the way, while also having FUN. 

Coach

My name is Bisa Meek. I spent years working as a special education paraeducator and now substitute teach. I have also been a Girl Scout leader and mom for 10 years. I am passionate about helping kids be their best selves and creating inclusive spaces where every child can thrive.

Outside of school and scouts, I love being outdoors with family and friends, spending time in my garden, walking my dog, or settling in with a good book or movie. Traveling and camping are our favorite family activities!

I joined Mini Milers because it brings me so much joy to see kids outdoors, building confidence in themselves, and having fun. Learning and growing should always be fun!

Treasurer/Board Member

I am excited to join Mini Milers as a way to give back to my community by helping kids become more active and to help foster a love of running. As a father with two children, I understand the importance of keeping our young ones active and engaged with their peers. Outside of my work as a software engineer, I enjoy reading, playing soccer, and occasionally playing pickleball. 

Board Member

Rebecca Posten has been a dedicated educator for 25 years, passionately inspiring students to reach their full potential. In addition to teaching, Rebecca is a coach for Girls on the Run, where they encourage young girls to build confidence and achieve their personal goals through running. Outside of the classroom, Rebecca enjoys participating in 5k races and is an avid supporter of the Seattle Sounders, always cheering them on at games with her husband. Proud of her daughter, who is currently attending Western Washington University, Rebecca values both family and community and strives to make a positive impact on the lives of those around her.

Coach

My name is Mona Pang. I’m excited to join Mini Milers. I started running about 15 years ago as a way to stay active, and over time I found that I really enjoy it—it helps me clear my mind and feel my best. I wouldn’t consider myself a naturally athletic person, but running is something anyone can do, and that’s what makes it so special to me.

I’ve also been working in an elementary school for the past 8 years, and I truly enjoy supporting students and watching their growth and progress. I’m looking forward to helping you build confidence, have fun, and hopefully discover that running can be something you enjoy too!

Coach/Board Member

My name is Alissa Miller and I have been an educator for 23 years,  mostly in early childhood, Pre-k, kindergarten and first grade.  I have never really seen myself as a runner but in 2012 started doing 5k runs, which turned into doing half marathons.  I have taken a few years off of running for health reasons and am slowly getting back into it.  I have been a Girls on the Run coach for the last 5 years and enjoy inspiring young girls to achieve confidence and self awareness.  

Outside of  school, I enjoy spending time with my husband traveling, playing pickleball and hiking with our dog Finn.  We have 3 almost grown children.  Megan is a nurse at overlake. Andrew is a Senior at CWU and plays Rugby for them.  Emily is a sophomore at Skagit Valley College and plays Volleyball for them.  

I am very excited to be part of this new adventure and hope to inspire  and make positive impacts on the young runners.  

Coach

Jessica Burnham loves working with kids and witnessing their growth and grit. She has been an elementary teacher for 20 years and brings her joy for learning and persevering to the pavement with Mini Milers. Though never a runner herself, she cheers from sidelines as a support to her friends and enjoys learning along with the little runners in her group. Being outside at the park, beach, or forest are her favorite places to be along with her family and friends. Traveling and good food top the list of her favorite things to experience. Coaching Mini Milers is an honor!

Coach/Board Member

My name is Hannah and I’ve been running for a little over 12 years now! I’m an elementary teacher and I enjoy running, cycling, swimming and just overall being active. For me, running started as a stress reliever and quickly turned into a way to gain self confidence. I love coaching kids, because seeing their own confidence grow feels very rewarding. I’m looking forward to passing my love of running on to the kiddos and seeing them set and meet their personal goals!