Student Bios
Danforth 25, 2012-2013
Robert Aguilar
Certification:
Initial Principal Certification
Internship Site:
Redmond Middle School, Lake Washington School District
Academic Background:
♦ University of Washington, BA History
♦ University of Washington, Masters in Teaching
Professional Experience:
I have taught 9th grade World History, 12th American Government, and middle level 6th-8th grade LA/SS and Drama in the Lake Washington School District for the past eight years. I am a National Board Certified teacher in Adolescence/Young Adulthood Social Studies/History. I have served as a member of Redmond Junior High’s Building Leadership Team and Social Studies Department Chair for the past several years. I have been a member of district level curriculum and technology teams and currently serve as the school’s Integrated Technology specialist. As a PLC teacher leader I have also been heavily involved in the creation of a RTI model “Homework Lunch” program, and worked with administration on creating a new building schedule, and blocking and co-teaching instructional models. I have also coached basketball, soccer, and football both at the high school and community club level.
Internship experiences include: designed and lead creation of a P.A.C.E advisory period, initiated evening outreach program for our Hispanic families, instituted a new teacher building support program, trained in TPEP, CCSS, and Standards-Based Grading, worked with ASB and La Chispa/Diversity Club students on positive school climate programs, created a new discipline data collection model and student recognition program, and lead the roll-out of our 1-1 student laptop initiative that included a new learning management system.
Professional Goal:
I am eager to bring my background experiences and leadership skills into a school community as a middle/ high school level building administrator. I believe that we need to re-evaluate traditional educational practices, structures, and systems to see if they truly meet the needs of the 21st century learner. As an administrator I want to help keep teachers focused on what is best for student learning. I believe that through collaboration, rich professional development, and effective leadership schools can become rich educational centers that prepare students for success in their future educational endeavors, the global market, and their personal lives.
Catherine Brown
Certification:
Principal
Internship Site:
Cleveland High School, Seattle Public Schools
Academic Background:
♦ Seattle University, B.A. English
♦ Teachers College, Columbia University, M.A. Teaching of English
Professional Experience:
I began my career in 1993 in the New York City Public Schools, where I taught in newly formed small public high schools. I returned to Seattle, and in 1997 worked at Seahawks Academy, a Seattle Public Schools alternative middle school designed to support middle school students toward high school success. In 2004, I accepted a position at Cleveland High School in South Seattle, teaching humanities. Since 2009, I’ve served as part of Cleveland’s administrative team in my current role as Academic Dean. My leadership opportunities at Cleveland have included: facilitation and design of school-wide professional development, coordinating significant partnership work with the University of Washington, chairing the Student Intervention Team, designing and advising a student group that provides feedback for teachers on their instruction, and a leading role on the committee that re-designed the school into it’s current STEM model.
Professional Goal:
I want to lead an urban secondary school. My passion is to reduce the opportunity and education gaps that face many of our students. In a new role as a building leader, I will continue to learn from and partner with students, families, teachers, staff, and the community in order to provide all students a path toward power.
Sena Camarata
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
M. Ed.
Internship Sites:
Hazen High School, Renton School District
KEC (Central Office), Renton School District
Academic Background:
♦ Western Washington University, B.S. Chemistry
♦ Pacific Lutheran University, Secondary Education Certificate: Chemistry, General Science, Mathematics
♦ Seattle Pacific University, Professional Teaching Certificate
♦ Central Washington University, Career & Technical Education (CTE) Certificate
Professional Experience:
I have been a high school science and math teacher in the Renton School District for the past eight years. I was recently awarded the 2012 Secondary Teacher of the Year award from the Renton School District. My educational leadership experiences stem from my involvement in district and building educational reform efforts, leading building professional development, coaching colleagues in SIOP strategies and mentoring new teachers. Over the past 2 years I have worked to develop an Environmental Science program at our school. In an effort to reach underrepresented students in the higher level science classes, I introduced and teach an AP Environmental Science elective, with no prerequisites beyond passing the first two years of required science. I also have 10 years of industry experience that I bring to my teaching and leadership.
Professional Goal:
I aspire to successfully prepare every student to be college and career ready. As an educational leader at the building and district levels, I will enthusiastically bring my dedication, teaching expertise, leadership skills and industry experiences together to drive academic excellence. I want all students to know that they can achieve success academically, socially and personally; and I want all teachers to believe this for their students. I will support my staff, and therefore students, by supporting and providing focused professional development, data-driven decision making and sound allocation of resources.
Tino Castaneda
Certification:
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
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Professional Experience:
Professional Goal:
Kindra Clayton
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
Lake Hills Elementary School, Bellevue School District
Academic Background:
♦ Eastern Washington University, B.A. Elementary Education and Special Education K-8
♦ City University, M.Ed Curriculum, Instruction, and Technology
♦ National Board Certification, Middle Childhood Generalist
Professional Experience:
Current
♦ Instructional Technology Curriculum Leader (ITCL) - Lake Hills Elementary, Bellevue School District
Previous Experience
♦ Classroom Teacher: 2nd, 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade - Lake Hills Elementary, Enatai Elementary, and Eastgate Elementary, Bellevue School District
Professional Goal:
My professional goal in education is to obtain a school leadership position at the elementary level. My passion in education is to blend my background experiences working with diverse populations with current pedagogy, high expectations, and a collaborative learning community which will be devoted to making a positive impact on all learners. Establishing and maintaining a highly effective professional learning community, which is student-centered and promotes equity in excellence for every learner, will be at the forefront of our work. Working effectively with staff, students, families and the community, we can create empowered students who gain awareness and knowledge of how they can best reach their full potential.
Alex Crane
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
Archbishop Murphy High School
Academic Background:
♦ Purdue University, 5-12 Certification
♦ Purdue University, B.S., Mathematics Education
♦ University of Washington, M.Ed. Educational Communication and Technology
Professional Experience:
I have taught Math at Archbishop Murphy High School for the past 6 years, teaching from Algebra I through AP Calculus AB. I also worked this past year as the Director of Student Services, placing me in charge of Student Life and Student Discipline at the school. I am a coordinator for the Link program, am active in our school retreat and service program, and have moderated the Chess and Ultimate Frisbee Clubs in my time at AMHS.
Professional Goal:
It is my goal to be a principal at the secondary level. I have a passion for developing young men and women who are servant leaders and highly academically prepared, and I believe that my past experiences have prepared me well for leading a school to that end.
Dedy Fauntleroy
Certification:
Initial Principal Certification
Internship Site:
Beacon Hill International School
Academic Background:
♦ Smith College, B.A. in Economics
♦ University of La Verne, Masters in Education
Professional Experience:
Eighteen years ago, in Azusa, CA, I began my professional career as a 3rd grade bilingual teacher. I remember how excited, optimistic and more than a little bit nervous I was on that day. Since that momentous day I have gone on to enjoy a fascinating and rewarding career. I have taught every grade from 3rd to 8th – spending half my career in elementary and half in middle school. I have had the pleasure of serving in school and district leadership roles as a mentor, master teacher, peer support provider, union representative, curriculum selection committee member, department head, math demonstration teacher, ELL specialist, member of the Seattle Teachers’ Advisory Council (district teacher leadership organization) and an instructional coach. I have also had the privilege to have represented my profession on the national stage as a trainer of the congressional Project Citizen program, a contributor to the writing of the Project Citizen teachers’ guide, a participant in the item review committee for the NAPE Civics exam, program review committee member for the Council of Great City Schools, participant in national conversations about ELL sponsored by the US Department of Education and most recently as a teacher leader in the Center for teacher Quality’s National Millennium Institute (a national educational leadership organization).
I feel very fortunate to have had a career with so many enriching experiences. I have thoroughly enjoyed every teaching and leadership role that I have experienced—each one has made me a better teacher, a better leader and a better human being. Now I look forward with excitement, optimism and confidence to that next momentous occasion of my life—my first day as an administrator.
Professional Goal:
Equity.
I will not relent until every student, teacher and staff member has not only the opportunity to learn but the opportunity to excel.
Every student will have access to the resources they need to remove barriers to achieving a high quality education.
Every family will see our school as a hub of information that can teach them to successfully navigate the system for the benefit of their child’s education.
Excellence.
Every student has a right to excellence in an academic and social-emotional education.
Every teacher will be supported with high quality teacher evaluation and professional development. Every teacher will have the opportunity for leadership.
Every staff member and community member will be an integral part of achieving this excellence. All voices will be solicited and heard.
Joy.
As we strive to achieve our goals, we will take time to enjoy the journey.
Tia Fields
Certification:
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
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Professional Experience:
Professional Goal:
Kellie Hernandez
Certification:
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
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Professional Experience:
Professional Goal:
Tracie Holiday-Robinson
Certification:
Principal
Internship Site:
South Shore PK-8, Seattle Public Schools
Another site to be determined
Academic Background:
♦ University of Washington, B.A. English
♦ University of Washington, B.A. American Ethnic Studies/African American History
♦ University of Washington, M.S.W.
Professional Experience:
My professional career began at The Atlantic Street Center as a Case manager. I worked with adjudicated youths ages 11-18. After working there for four years it became apparent to me that I wanted to reach the children at a younger age so they don’t end up with probation officers. I came to Seattle Public Schools in 1998 to start working as a Family Support Worker. As a Family Support Worker(FSW) your job is to connect families with services that are going to help their children have academic success. The work has been wonderful, however I have always wanted to help more children, than the caseload I was assigned every year. I have had many opportunities to begin the process of being a leader. I have been a team lead(FSW), building leadership team member, principal designee, PTA president and a board member, gaining comprehensive knowledge on how to manage individuals.
Professional Goal:
I would love to be a principal of a elementary, middle, or high school. I don’t have a preference. I want to pour all of my prior knowledge into what I’m going to learn in the Danforth program and combine it all together to make a terrific leader. A leader ready to fight to get rid of the achievement gap, the digital divide and low graduation rates for African American, Latino and Native young men.
Jacqueline Kamm
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
West Seattle High School, Seattle Public Schools
Academic Background:
♦ University of Colorado Denver, M.A., Curriculum and Instruction: Pedagogy for Urban Leadership
♦ Whitman College, B.A., Sociology and Music
Professional Experience:
Teach For America English Language Arts Teacher, Denver Public Schools, 2010-2012
♦ Taught and created yearlong plans, unit plans, and all curriculum materials for middle school English Language Arts and Reading Intervention courses.
♦ Founded student council at a newly re-opened, turn-around school and served as the Adviser for StudentCouncil, Community Meetings Coordinator, and Challenge Day Coordinator.
♦ Served on Positive Behavior Intervention and Support Team, School Culture Committee, Response to Intervention Team/Student Intervention Team and assisted in the establishment of Saturday school.
Professional Goal:
I grew up attending Issaquah Public Schools and received a highly quality education. After teaching in an under-resourced, low-performing public school in Denver, it is my goal to serve as a leader in a low-income school to truly ensure equity and excellence for all students.
Byron Lillie
Certification:
Initial Principal
M. Ed.
Internship Site:
Newport High School, Bellevue School District
Academic Background:
♦ Pacific Lutheran Univeristy, B.A. Secondary Education
♦ Pacific Lutheran Univeristy, B.A. History
Professional Experience:
I have been a high school Social Studies teacher at Newport High School in the Bellevue School District for the past six years. In that time I have taught eight different courses (including some electives) to all four grades. Prior to Newport, I also taught 7th and 8th grade Social Studies for one year at Highland Middle School. During my time in Bellevue, I’ve worked in a highly collaborative environment alongside colleagues committed to improving the quality of learning well beyond the established State standards. While at Newport, I’ve also had a unique opportunity to serve in the position of Activity Coordinator and ASB Advisor, overseeing the Student Government and contributing to a high level of morale experienced in our school environment.
Professional Goal:
I firmly believe that building leadership is an important next step for me, and am excited at the prospect of becoming a Secondary Principal. The opportunities I've had working outside the classroom have highlighted a drive and desire I have to see an entire organization come together to implement positive change. The professional community of a middle or high school and how each player has a part to keep the entire structure functioning, really fascinates me. However, I have to say I'm more interested in working with the players, rather than the parts. Don't get me wrong, I love working with 30+ adolescents in a classroom, but I want to take that experience and work with a group of 30+ (or even 70+) professionals to better understand how a group of dedicated professionals can collaborate to better serve a singular purpose: educating and developing children. My supervising Principals were the ones to really show me a possible future beyond the classroom, and I am excited for the opportunity to develop my experience and skills to become a greater educational leader in our local community.
Leif Moe-Lobeda
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
♦ Marquette University, M.Ed.
♦ St. Olaf College, B.A. Mathematics & Physics
Professional Experience:
For the past 3 years, I have taught high school mathematics in the Milwaukee Public School District. As a staff member at small, teacher-led schools, I have been able to gain pseudo-administrative experience, as well as observe first-hand the effects that district and administrative decisions, policies, organization and systems can have on student learning. I took part in portions of this process as a member of the school’s Learning Team, co-leader of the PBIS committee I also administered the MAP test, led student clubs, and compiled, analyzed and distributed student data to the staff, as well as created an honor wall based on the data.
Professional Goal:
As a organizationally oriented person, I hope to bring my mathematical mind to bear in creating systems for efficient dissemination of quality information to staff members, students, families and community members, as well as to create systems of communication among staff members to better promote collaboration and students learning. As a life-long learner, I also hope to bring to bear my love of learning to help create a Learning Community, where all members involved work towards the improvement of the whole human being through various modes of learning. In the long term, my professional goal is to ensure equal educational opportunity for all youth.
Michele Nishioka
Certification:
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
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Professional Experience:
Professional Goal:
Ed Roos
Certification:
Initial Principal Certification
M. Ed.
Internship Site:
Green Lake Elementary, Seattle
Academic Background:
♦ University of Washington, Principal Certification
♦ Antioch University, Masters in Education
♦ Western Washington University, B.A. Business
Professional Experience:
• 10 years of experience in business
o Created and ran own import/export business
o National Sales Representative
o Five years as a Sales Manager
• 10 years of experience as an educator
o Current Principal Intern at Green Lake Elementary and RTI coordinator for Daniel Bagley
o Taught for three years in a Title-One School in South Seattle
o Taught for six years in a Level five school in North Seattle
o Rated as “Innovative Teacher” using the Danielson Framework at a Level 5 school. Highest teacher rating possible.
o Member of district-wide Teacher Advisory Council for SEA and SSD
o Member of Building Leadership Team for five years
o Math Lead for Daniel Bagley for two years
o Social Studies Lead for Daniel Bagley for three years
o Building Union Rep for two years
o Manage and run soccer clinics for up to 50 students
o Created and ran Special Olympic’s Unified Sports Program
Professional Goal:
My professional goal is to utilize the skills I’ve acquired from 10 years of business experience and 10 years as an educator to be an effective principal of an elementary school.
Melissa Rysemus
Certification:
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
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Professional Experience:
Professional Goal:
Tim Snyder
Certification:
Initial Principal
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
♦ Seattle University, M.I.T.
♦ Western Washington University, M.A., American Government/Comparative Politics
♦ Western Washington University, B.A., Political Science
Professional Experience:
I have been a social studies teacher at Eckstein Middle School for ten years. At Eckstein I am the co-chair of the Social Studies department and a former co-chair of the Eckstein Anti-Bullying and School Climate committee. At the district level I have served on the Washington State History alignment and text book adoption committees. I was also a member of a committee that applied the Common Core Standards to the Washington State History aligned curriculum. I have also been a Seattle Education Association building representative for nine years as well as the Chair of the SEA Grievance Review Commission and a middle school representative to the SEA Board of Directors.
Professional Goal:
Students need to be prepared to function in the world academically, socially and in the future they choose. Students need a sense of responsibility for the places and institutions they are a part of, including the natural environment and the people in it. Stewardship of people, places, the environment and ideas are important for creating engaged and active citizens. Many of the issues and ideas that current students will deal with in their adult lives are still unknown to us. We must ensure that students are able to analyze and evaluate information so that they can use their skills to solve problems, create new ideas and become future leaders. I look forward to supporting students, faculty and staff in achieving these goals.
Duke Truong
Certification:
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
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Professional Experience:
Professional Goal:
David Updike
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
Internship Site:
Oak Heights Elementary, Edmonds School District
Central Office, Northshore School District
Academic Background:
♦ Brigham Young University, B.S. Psychology
♦ Seattle University, Ed.S. School Psychology
Professional Experience:
My passion for instruction began when I was a volunteer English teacher for children and adults in Russia in 1998. When I returned to the United States in 2000, I continued to work and volunteer in various instructional roles. Through some experiences teaching at-risk youth, I became highly interested in understanding the science of effective teaching. I wanted to learn how to remove barriers for struggling students. I studied disabilities and assessment, eventually earning a degree in psychology and music. I took a full-time teaching job at a private K-12 school in Seattle followed by a campus manager position at the same school. After obtaining a graduate degree, I worked as a school psychologist in the Sequim School District for five years. While there I coordinated and taught summer school. I also served as the Sequim Education Association President for three years. Having recently moved back to Seattle, I'm excited to be working as a behavior specialist part-time while furthering my own knowledge in the Danforth Educational Leadership program.
Professional Goal:
My goal is to be a reflective, lifelong learner. My vision includes serving as a leader who rigorously promotes excellence and equity for every child. I believe this will require integrity and an intense focus on the continual improvement of instruction. Personally, I want to be an elementary school principal, one who is passionate about creating a culture of learning for all students. I find the current local and national education reform discussions fascinating, and I hope to be a leader in my community for thoughtful public discourse and educational policy-making.
Kent Webb
Certification:
Initial Principal Certification
Internship Site:
Sammamish High School, Bellevue School District
Academic Background:
♦ University of California State, Chico, B.A. History, B.S. Political Science
♦ University of Washington, M.A. History
♦ Antioch University Seattle, Secondary Education Certificate, Social Studies, Language Arts
♦ National Board Certification, Adolescence and Young Adulthood, Social Studies - History
Professional Experience:
I have taught AP World History at the International School in the Bellevue School District for the past eight years. Prior to that I taught in the Department of History at the University of Washington for seven years. At the International School I have served as the Chairperson of the Department of International Studies, a staff representative on Program Delivery Council, a staff representative on the Instructional Leadership Team, and the staff representative on the Executive Board of the PTSA. I have also chaired various committees which have, among other things, created a new vision and mission statement for the school and restructured the school's world language program. At the district level, I have written curriculum for various social studies classes, created modifications of social studies curriculum for special education students, and worked on a staff design team creating a problem based learning curriculum for the AP World History classes at Sammamish High School.
At my internship site I am a member of the school's Building Leadership Team. I have also been heavily involved in working with the school's $4.1 million i3 grant. More specifically, I have led the Sammamish staff in developing a set of principles and a common process for student research which aligns with school's transition to a problem based learning curriculum. I have also worked with students and the community relations directors in promoting the school's transition to a STEM focus to the larger community. I have furthermore worked closely with the Math Department in developing practices for addressing the achievement gap with the school's Hispanic student population and ELL students in particular. In addition, I have engaged in outreach to different parent communities in organizing the SHS Latino Parent Night, the SHS Showcase night, and creating a coordinated information night for the parents of students who attend the elementary and middle schools that feed into SHS. I have been trained in TPEP and have undergone extended training in the 5-D framework for learning and teaching.
Professional Goal:
I aspire to serve as a building principal at the secondary level for the purpose of realizing the promise of social justice and individual transformation that education holds. Accordingly, I intend to bring to this position a deep commitment to an excellent and equitable education for every student, based upon a highly collaborative and progressively oriented staff, which is dedicated to implementing a rigorous and relevant curriculum. I believe that every student deserves an education that fully prepares him or her for success in college, career and life. I hope to realize this goal as an educational leader by helping to create a school environment in which the ideas and efforts of all staff members are valued, and to which all students, regardless of their circumstances, have access to a curriculum that is student centered, differentiated, culturally responsive, and grounded in best teaching practices.
Blythe Young
Certification:
Initial Principal
Initial Program Administrator
M. Ed.
Internship Site:
Puesta del Sol Elementary, Bellevue School District
Tyee Middle School, Bellevue School District
Curriculum Department, Bellevue School District
Academic Background:
♦ University of Puget Sound, Master of Arts in Teaching
♦ University of Puget Sound, BA, Spanish
♦ National Board Certified, World Languages
Professional Experience:
I have been working as a Spanish teacher, World Language Curriculum Developer, International Spanish Academy Coordinator and Instructional Technology Curriculum Leader for the Bellevue School District since 1995. I have consulted for educational technology companies and the Spanish Embassy and continue to cultivate partnerships with outside organizations, both domestic and abroad, to enrich the school and community locally. I have taught at several high schools, at the middle school and currently work as an instructional coach and principal intern at a Spanish immersion elementary school. I also intern in the Bellevue School District curriculum department and at a local middle school. My fortes include instructional practice and second language acquisition theory and research. I am a national board certified teacher and I am currently obtaining a second master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies.
Professional Goal:
My professional goal is to work as a principal or assistant principal at an elementary or secondary school. I have a strong commitment to social justice and a positive inspirational work environment. I am committed to the professional development of teachers and staff in the pursuit of offering all students the education they deserve to become college, career and life ready.
Miriam Yovetich
Certification:
Internship Site:
John Stanford Center for Educational Excellence, Seattle Public Schools
Academic Background:
♦ University of Washington, B.S. Kinesiology
♦ Texas Woman's University, B.S. Physical Therapy
♦ Pacific University, DPT Physical Therapy
Professional Experience:
♦ Physical Therapist at Harborview Medical Center: primarily in rehab medicine, orthopedics, in both inpatient-acute care, and outpatient care.
♦ Phystical Therapist for Seattle Public Schools: ranging from preschool to secondary education for students with IEPs and receiving services in physical therapy.
Professional Goal:
Program Administration with an emphasis on special education and addressing issues of equitable access for students and providing students with a learning environment which fits their individual needs as students. I hope to be a leader in providing educators and related service providers with meaningful evaluations and valuable opportunities for professional development.
Jerry Zander
Certification:
Internship Site:
Academic Background:
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Professional Experience:
Professional Goal:
If you would like to make any changes to your biography please email Brieanne Hull at k12admin@u.washington.edu