About Me

Spokane is home. My parents moved here from southern Idaho in 1970, and my three siblings and I grew up in the Spokane Valley. We started out in parochial school and transitioned to public school in fourth grade. I graduated from University High School and went on to earn a Bachelor of Science in Nutrition/General Dietetics from Eastern Washington University. I spent a decade working as a registered dietitian in Spokane hospitals and clinics.

I met my husband—also a healthcare worker—on a blind date, and we’ve now been married for over 25 years. We raised our two daughters here, except for one amazing year living in Australia. Both girls attended Spokane Public Schools. Our eldest graduated from Lewis and Clark High School, earned her degree at the University of Oregon, and now lives in Portland. Our younger daughter graduated from The Community School and, after some time at Spokane Falls Community College, chose to focus on building her career. Both are employed, each with a beloved dog, enjoying early adulthood.

“I, like all moms, want the best for both my children and want them to live up to their potential.”
— Nikki Lockwood

Our younger daughter is neurodiverse and lives with us as we continue to navigate the support systems she needs to thrive. That ongoing experience shapes so much of my perspective and commitment to equity, inclusion, and student support.

Before joining the school board, I dedicated myself to advocacy work, particularly in special education reform, to ensure all students received the support they needed. I’m proud to have worked with local families, educators, and organizations to bring real change to Spokane’s public schools.

In 2021, we downsized from our big old house on Manito Boulevard and moved into Haystack Heights Cohousing, a project we helped found and develop over many years. We’re proud to be part of this vibrant, intentional community.

Last year, I donated a kidney to my husband—strengthening our bond and supporting his health after a long journey with a genetic kidney condition. It was a medical success, and a deeply meaningful experience for both of us. These days, we enjoy cooking, biking, sailing, and quiet nights at home with our streaming queue!

 

Trusted to Lead at Every Level

In addition to serving nearly six years on the Spokane Public Schools Board of Directors—including two consecutive terms as Board President—I’m proud to have been part of a board recognized as a WSSDA Board of Distinction every year we applied (2021, 2022, and 2024).

My peers across Spokane County twice elected me as the Large District Representative for the Spokane County School Directors Association. At the state level, school board directors across Washington elected me Vice President of the Washington State School Directors’ Association (WSSDA), where I help shape policy and advocate for students and public schools statewide.

 

Educational Background

  • Graduated from University High School, 1986

  • Graduated Eastern Washington University 1991, cum laude, Bachelor of Science in Nutrition and Dietetics

Work Experience

  • Registered Dietitian, Deaconess Medical Center, 1991-2000

  • Regional Organizer, American Civil Liberties Union of Washington 2018 to current, continuing to lead the Every Student Counts Alliance

School Volunteer Experience

  • Classroom volunteer throughout elementary school years for both my daughters at Jefferson and Hutton Elementary

  • Board Vice Chair, Community of Montessori Parents at Jefferson Elementary - 2010-11 school year

  • Board Chair, Community of Montessori Parents - 2011-2013

  • Food Manager, Montessori Campout - 2011, 2012, 2014

  • Director, Jefferson Variety Show - 2013, 2014, 2015

  • Weekly Book Room volunteer at Sacajawea, 2014 -2015

  • Core Parent Leader, Special Education Parent Advisory Committee - 2013-16

  • Member at Large, Human Growth and Development Citizens Advisory Committee - serving the past three years to present

  • Parent Leader, Superintendent’s Work Group on Restorative Practices - 2016-18 (continue this role, as an employee of ACLU of WA)

Community Volunteer Experience

  • President-Elect, President and then Past President of Greater Spokane Dietetic Association, 1995-1997

  • Fuse Washington - Spokane Council Leader 2014 to present

  • Research Action Team Member, Spokane Alliance campaign for Sick and Safety Leave Ordinance - successfully approved January of 2015

  • Steering Committee Member, Spokane Community Against Racism - 2017 to present

  • Board Member, Holiday Shores HOA 2010-2016 (last three years as Secretary)

  • Board Member, Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and North Idaho 2015 to present

  • Founding Member, Spokane Cohousing Development

  • Parent Leader, Every Student Counts Alliance 2016-18 (currently continue this role as an employee of ACLU of WA)

Recognitions 

  • Recognized as the Washington State Registered Young Dietitian of the Year, 1997

  • Civil Libertarian Award from the ACLU of WA was awarded to the Every Student Counts Alliance, when I was a parent volunteer leader in 2017, I was asked to accept the award

  • Champion of the Arc Advocate Award, 2018

  • Certificate of Appreciation from Spokane Public Schools for the work of the Every Student Counts Alliance, 2019