Staff and Faculty
Head of School | Teachers and Assistants | Core Specialists | Administrative Staff
Jo Ann Yockey
Head of School
joanny@westsideschool.org
Education is my passion. Before coming to Westside School, I was Assistant Head of an Independent School in North Carolina. However my background is in teaching. I have taught in self-contained classrooms as well as presenting science as an elementary science specialist. I have a Master of Education in curriculum and instruction. I also have a bachelor degree in music and spent the early part of my career performing opera. Westside matches my personal philosophy of quality education: offers an engaging and exemplary child-centered curriculum that sets clear standards; fosters a caring and supportive environment that honors multiculturalism and builds character; presents a developmentally integrated curriculum which responds to the child as a cognitive, physical, social, and emotional being.
Teachers and Assistants
Nancy Levine
Preschool/PreK Teacher
nancyl@westsideschool.org
I have been teaching young children for over 15 years. I hold a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education from Rowan University , New Jersey . I have always loved the challenge of teaching preschoolers and believe that young children learn through play. I try to provide lots of opportunity for a “hands on” approach in my classroom. My two middle school age daughters keep me running around town with their various activities, and I am active in Girl Scouts.
Jhona Petit
Assistant Teacher–Preschool
jhonap@westsideschool.org
Magandang Araw! That means GOOD DAY in Tagalog, the official language of the Philippines . I was born and raised in the Visayan region of the Republic of The Philippines . After graduating from high school on the island of Bohol , I attended college in Manila , the capital city. My culture has always emphasized the importance of nurturing children and developing their minds at an early age.
I am proud to be a part of Westside School . I am committed to doing my utmost to help the teachers with their responsibility of preparing the young students for their future in school and I am delighted to have the opportunity to do that as Nancy 's assistant teacher.
Claudia Ross-Weston
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
claudiar@westsideschool.org
I have been teaching young children for 27 years and this year marks my 20th year at Westside School . In addition to teaching Pre-Kindergarten and Preschool I have served as Acting-Director and Assistant Director of Westside off and on during the past decade. I hold bachelors degrees from UW and Pacific Oaks College and am currently pursuing the completion of my Masters in Education. In addition to preparing the preschool students for kindergarten, I hope my students will have fun, gain the confidence to take risks and know how to solve problems Outside of school, I enjoy reading, sewing, knitting and cooking.
Ildi Strieker
Pre-Kindergarten Assistant
ildis@westsideschool.org
Stay tuned for more information.
Stuart Scolnik
Kindergarten Teacher
stuarts@westsideschool.org
Stay tuned for more information.
Maria Lidgard
Kindergarten Assistant
marial@westsideschool.org
Maria is starting her second year as the Kindergarten assistant. Prior to working with kindergarten students, she worked as an assistant in Westside's early education classrooms.
Marsha Lovely
Kindergarten Teacher
marshal@westsideschool.org
I live with my husband, and 2 sons in West Seattle. My husband and I moved here in 1989 from San Francisco. In my previous life I was involved in retail management. When my first son was born I decided to pursue the career that I had dreamed of since junior high school, teaching. I began my college career and ended up with my B.A. in Early Childhood Education and my teaching credential. I taught for 3 years and decided it was time to get my Masters. While pursuing my Masters I was a lead science teacher for Seattle Public Schools and taught science workshops for second grade teachers. I am passionate about teaching to each child’s learning style and believe that school should be a fun place where children feel free to express themselves. I am thrilled to be a part of the talented staff at Westside.
Margaret Wilkins
Kindergarten Assistant
margaretw@westsideschool.org
I have been an educator for over 15 years. I attended the University of Wisconsin majoring in Communications but started my employment career in manufacturing and sales and marketing. My entry into teaching began when my daughter entered preschool and continues today having taught in private, independent schools, and Montessori schools both in California and Washington for all elementary grades from K through 5 th grade. In addition to classroom teaching, I am also a tutor. I have been tutoring for six years, from Kindergarten to 9 th graders in math, reading, writing, language skills, test taking, and studying skills. Beginning my tutoring career at The Learning Enrichment Center in Bellevue where, besides individual tutoring, I taught classes in ISEE Test Skills and a Writing Skills class for 4 th through 6 th graders. In 2006, I received my National Para Educator Certification with a Perfect Score status. I had been a twelve year resident of West Seattle, but I currently reside with my husband, Hugh ,our daughter, Regina, our Shetland sheep dog, Annie, and our tuxedo cat, Figero, in the Renton Highlands.
Margie Carpenter
First Grade Teacher
margiec@westsideschool.org
This will be my tenth year working at Westside. I received my master’s degree from Queens College in New York . When my youngest son attended Westside for pre-school, I started out as a teaching assistant. Ten years later, after assisting in grades kindergarten through fourth, being the librarian and the admissions director, I am privileged to be Westside’s first grade teacher. I enjoy teaching first graders because they are very eager to learn and curious about the world around them. It is my job to create an environment where that eagerness and curiosity is both encouraged and satisfied.
Renee Smith
First Grade Teacher
arenees@westsideschool.org
Learning and teaching have been my life pursuits. My B.A. and post graduate work in education were completed at U.C.L.A. I have had the benefit of teaching diverse ages and cultures, both in this country and abroad. For the past 14 years I have lived in West Seattle with my four children. I believe that the integrated curricular approach at Westside School reflects the natural learning style of children, enhancing a love of self, life and learning.
Chris Reardon
First Grade Teaching Assistant
chrisr@westsideschool.org
childcare@westsideschool.org
After attending Eastern Montana College and having several years of preschool teaching experience at a private school in Florida , I was glad to find my niche at Westside. That was nine years ago. My experiences teaching the many wonderful students at Westside, as well as raising my own two daughters, has helped me develop and extend my passion for helping each child spark their own creativeness to grow and learn.
Laura Holmes
Second Grade Teacher
laurah@westsideschool.org
I am thrilled to be teaching kindergarten at Westside. Kindergarten is a community of active learners working cooperatively and responsibly. It is a place where children make choices and grow socially, emotionally and intellectually. It is here that the seeds of lifelong learning begin to grow. I have a B.A. in French and Economics from Kalamazoo College and have taught in a variety of settings. My husband, son, and I live in West Seattle and love to take advantage of all the outdoor activities the Northwest offers.
Erin Schlabach
Second Grade Teacher
erins@westsideschool.org
I am so happy to be teaching second grade at Westside School. I graduated from St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa with a BA in Elementary Education and an endorsement in reading. I moved to Seattle in May of 2005 but did not return to teaching immediately. After two years as an Event Planner for a non-profit company, I happily returned to my life’s passion: Teaching. I love fostering my students’ growth, interest, and understanding in the world. I would best describe our classroom as a thoughtful, fun, challenging, and laughter-filled community.
Joe Tutch
Third Grade Teacher
joet@westsideschool.org
I am a Pacific Northwest Native, and knew I wanted to be a teacher in 3rd grade! I graduated from Central Washington University with a teaching certificate, and taught my first class in Aberdeen, at St. Mary’s Catholic School. I’ve been teaching 3rd grade every since! I have been teaching over 10 years, including Soundview School in Lynwood and St. Patrick’s School in Tacoma. I have worked for some incredibly supportive administrators and this has allowed me to be very creative and inventive with my teaching style. Two summers ago, I went back to school and received my master’s degree. I hope to continue my education at the doctorate level in the near future.
When I am not teaching, I spend time with my family and friends. I am a HUGE Seattle Seahawks fan and competitively play all organized sports except for basketball. (I am a vertically challenged.) I like to use school breaks to get more experience working with kids. I have worked as a resident/day-camp counselor at the CYO and YMCA, traveled the world as a childcare leader on the Holland American Cruise Line, and worked at Club Med in Florida as a counselor/child-card coordinator.
I am very excited to begin my 10th year of teaching at Westside School!
Judith Arvidson
Fourth Grade Teacher
juditha@westsideschool.org
I began working with children in 1983, when I coached ski racing in New Zealand and New Mexico . In 1995, I earned my Masters of Education from Western Washington University. I taught middle school for several years before taking time off to be a full-time mom. I have been a full-time teacher at Westside School for a few years after filling in as a substitute. I am so happy to be part of this wonderful community.
Linda Turner
Fifth Grade Teacher
lindat@westsideschool.org
I have been at Westside since 1997. My belief is that high academic standards plus hard work and lots of laughter equals a happy, capable, challenged, inquisitive, productive, and companionable class of internally motivated individuals. I earned my Masters in Education from Antioch University and B.A. from Central Washington University . My passion is gardening and I love to read. I have two almost grown children.
Core Enrichment Specialists
Cathy Chutich
Music Teacher
cathyc@westsideschool.org
After earning my BA in music performance from the University of Minnesota
and a Masters in Music from the University of Wisconsin , I played French horn in the Hong Kong Philharmonic for eight years. I've been teaching music since 1977, including 12 years at the Hong Kong Academy for Performing Arts. My experience has taught me that music is not just an activity; it's an intelligence which needs early awakening. Everyone is musical, and children who have early music training reap rewards all their lives.
Apart from being married and raising a son, my great loves are my piano, my cat, and the outdoors.
Steven Whiting
Chinese Teacher
stevenw@westsideschool.org
Da jia hao! Hello everyone. My name is Steven Whiting - Bai Laoshi. This is my second year teaching Mandarin Chinese at Westside School. I am a native of Seattle and a graduate of the University of Washington’s Department of Chinese Language and Literature. I have taught English in Asia and Chinese and Japanese in Seattle. My teaching background includes all levels from toddlers to college students, but I particularly enjoy working with elementary school kids.
I am happy to share my love of the Chinese language with the students at Westside School and will strive to make their study of Chinese both fun and productive.
I am looking forward to another great year of Chinese.
Xie xie.
Margery Lamden
Art Teacher
margeryl@westsideschool.org
As an art educator I provide students opportunities to explore their creative potential and give form to their imaginations. My goal is to help them discover and nurture their own creative vision throughout life. I have an M.A. in education, a continuing elementary certification in Washington State , and a B.A. in painting and ceramics. I have been teaching art for 20 years and continue to get inspiration from children, explore new techniques and make art.
Donna Jornlin
Physical Education Teacher
donnaj@westsideschool.org
Children’s innate sense of play and love of movement inspire me to help each student develop a lifelong enjoyment of fitness and health, as well as a confidence in their abilities. Healthy, active bodies strengthen a child’s academic success in the classroom. I have a B.S. from Seattle Pacific University and a Washington state teaching certificate in elementary education, as well as a P.E. endorsement for K-12. In addition to raising two daughters, I enjoy coaching athletes in cross country, track and triathlons.
Sarah Wildflower
Librarian
sarahw@westsideschool.org
I love connecting children with books. I have greatly enjoyed working with the children at Westside School to find the books that they are interested in. I received a master’s degree in library and information studies from the University of British Columbia. No, I’m not Canadian – I went to UBC for the large number of classes they provide on children’s librarianship. I have previously worked in a preschool, at the University Bookstore, and for the Seattle Public Library.
Administrative Staff
Jana Riggan
Marketing & Development Director
JanaR@WestsideSchool.org
Spreading the word about Westside and raising money for the school are my two primary responsibilities. My BA in Public Relations and Journalism, along with my previous development and marketing experience, gives me the experience needed to try some innovative ideas, along with the tried and true. I work on many different projects and with many different people. It's truly a joy to spend time with parents and staff who care so much about this school and the success of the students.
Kathy Winans
Office Manager
kathyw@westsideschool.org
I have been involved in Westside School for over 20 years. All three of my children are alumni. As Office Manager, I will be the one answering the phone and fielding your questions in the office. I also see your children regularly when they come into the office for copies, supplies, a bandaid for a scrape or to have their temperature taken. My goal is to make the office a friendly, comfortable place for them to visit.
David Bergler
Director of Studies/Director of Admissions davidb@westsideschool.org
"The greatest achievements were at first and for a time dreams. The oak sleeps in the acorn." I often recall this quote by James Allen as I witness the joy of learning here at Westside. It is such a privilege to play a small part in the growth of all of these wonderful little acorns. As Director of Studies I am able to be involved at all levels of learning at Westside School. Each day brings a new opportunity to help the students and teachers at Westside grow and move towards the future.
Prior to his current position as Director of Studies, David was Westside's resident third grade teacher. He holds degrees in both Business and Education. David is a traveler, epicurean, lover of music, and a published photographer.
Catherine Lanham
Director of Finance
catherinel@westsideschool.org
Stay tuned for more information.
