Today we’d like to introduce you to Ash Koppal.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I always knew I would find myself in the education space. The first seed was planted by my school principal when she presented me with the Proficiency Award. She told me she could see me inspiring young minds, and that thought stayed with me. After school, I began my career as a software engineer before transitioning to the business side of the tech industry. I’ve spent over 15 years building partnerships and leading strategic initiatives at global organizations. Along the way, I also earned my MBA from the University of Washington.
Over time, I found myself asking, “Is this the biggest difference I can make?” After becoming a mother of three, that question became impossible to ignore. Watching my own children grow taught me that every child learns differently and thrives when they are encouraged to discover their unique strengths. That realization inspired me to pursue my long-held passion for education.
Eventually, that dream became Best Brains Redmond Northeast. While we help students build strong academic foundations, my vision extends beyond academics. I want to create an environment where children develop confidence, curiosity, leadership, creativity, and communication skills—qualities that prepare them not just to succeed in school, but to make a meaningful impact in the world. This is only the beginning of a much larger mission to help shape the next generation of well-rounded, purpose-driven leaders.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all. Building a business while maintaining a full-time corporate career has been one of the most challenging—and rewarding—experiences of my life. It often means starting my second job after my first one ends, balancing strategy meetings with school pickups, and finding time to build something meaningful without compromising my responsibilities at work or at home.
As a mother of three young children, there have certainly been moments of exhaustion and self-doubt. I’ve had to become intentional about how I spend my time, prioritize what truly matters, and accept that progress doesn’t always happen as quickly as I’d like. At the same time, keeping my corporate career has allowed me to thoughtfully invest in and grow my business without losing sight of the long-term vision.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that meaningful impact takes patience. Building trust within the community, earning the confidence of families, and creating a place where children can truly thrive happens one relationship at a time. Every challenge has strengthened my resilience and reinforced why I started this journey—to create opportunities that help children discover their potential and become confident, well-rounded individuals.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Best Brains Redmond Northeast?
Best Brains Redmond Northeast is an after-school learning and enrichment center for children ages 3 to 14. While we provide strong academic foundations through Math, English, Abacus, Coding, and CogAT test preparation, our vision extends far beyond academics.
We believe every child has incredible potential, but not every child learns—or shines—in the same way. Our mission is to help children discover their unique strengths by creating opportunities to build confidence, creativity, leadership, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills alongside academic excellence.
What truly sets us apart is our commitment to innovation with purpose. We listen closely to the needs of our families and the community, then develop high-quality programs that address those needs in meaningful ways. We don’t believe learning should be one-size-fits-all. Instead, we continuously introduce engaging, thoughtfully designed experiences that complement our academic programs, including Public Speaking, Creative Writing, STEM, Science Labs, Chess, Art, leadership workshops, and after-school care with school pick-up. Our goal is to ensure that every hour a child spends with us is enriching, inspiring, and well spent.
As a parent myself, I understand that families are looking for more than just academic support—they’re looking for a trusted partner in their child’s growth and development. That perspective influences every decision we make, from the programs we offer to the culture we create.
What I’m most proud of isn’t a single program—it’s the culture we’re building. We want every child who walks through our doors to feel seen, challenged, encouraged, and excited to learn. If a child leaves our center believing in themselves a little more than when they arrived, then we’ve accomplished our mission. My long-term vision is to redefine what an after-school learning center can be—not just a place where children prepare for the next test, but a place where they prepare for life.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m excited about the future because I believe we’re only getting started. My vision is to continue growing Best Brains Redmond Northeast into a place where children can discover and develop their full potential—not just academically, but as confident, creative, compassionate, and capable individuals.
In the coming years, I plan to expand our portfolio of innovative enrichment programs that complement traditional academics, giving children opportunities to explore leadership, entrepreneurship, public speaking, creativity, STEM, financial literacy, and life skills. I also hope to build stronger partnerships with schools, community organizations, and local businesses so we can make these experiences accessible to even more families.
Long term, my aspiration extends beyond a single center. I want to create a model for holistic child development that can be replicated in communities everywhere. I also hope to make quality enrichment and educational opportunities more accessible to children who may not otherwise have them, because I believe every child deserves the chance to discover their strengths and realize their potential.
At the heart of every future plan is the same purpose that inspired me to start this journey: helping children become not only successful students, but confident, well-rounded individuals who are equipped to make a positive impact in the world.
Pricing:
- After school learning starting at $159 per subject
- After Care with school pick up with flexible scheduling options
- Day camps and summer camps
- CogAT Test preparation
- Special enrichment programs
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bestbrains.com/redmond-northeast
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bbredmond/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BBRedmondNortheast/
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