Staff and Faculty
Head of School | Teachers and Assistants | Core Enrichment Specialists | Administrative Staff
Head of School
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 Teacher
nancyl@westsideschool.org
I hold a B.A. degree in Early Childhood Education from Rowan University in New Jersey. I've been teaching at Westside since the fall of 1998, but have worked with preschoolers in a variety of programs for over 25 years. I believe that young children learn through their play and therefore I try to provide lots of opportunities for a "hands on" approach in my classroom. Outside of school, I am the mother of two "big girls"- both close to the end of their formal education careers. In my spare time, I enjoy a good movie or going for a brisk walk.
Maria Lidgard,
PK Teaching Assistant
marial@westsideschool.org
When I’m not playing with Nancy and the preschoolers I can be found living in West Seattle with my husband Mike, and daughter Bethany. My son Ben is off at UW but comes home on a semi-regular basis to raid the refrigerator. Two cats, Tigger and Lucifer, complete my local family.
Claudia Ross-Weston,
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
claudiar@westsideschool.org
I have been teaching young children since 1973 and this year marks my 24th 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 learn how to solve problems. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, sewing, knitting and cooking.
Chris Reardon,
Pre-Kindergarten Teaching Assistant
chrisr@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 over 15 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.
Sarah Howard, Kindergarten Teacher
sarahh@westsideschool.org
I am so excited to be here at Westside! I have a Bachelor degree in Business (from the University of Portland), a Culinary degree (from the Culinary Institute of America) and a Masters in Teaching (from Seattle Pacific University). I am originally from Seattle, but my different careers and love of travelling have taken me around the world and back! I enjoy food, travel, reading, movies and being active in the outdoors. Teaching has been part of my family for many generations and I am excited to continue this tradition. I am thrilled to be able to grow with your children as we explore, learn and giggle our way thru kindergarten!
Ildi Strieker, Kindergarten Teaching Assistant
ildis@westsideschool.org
Ildi has been a teaching assistant at Westside School since 2004, first in Pre-Kindergarten, and now in Kindergarten.
Kelley Overstreet, Preschool Teacher
kelleyo@westsideschool.org
After graduating from Saint Louis University with a Bachelors in Education, specialty in Early Childhood, I decided to move to Seattle, WA. When I first arrived here I worked at Kids Co in Seward Park as a pre-school teacher. With a desire to work in West Seattle, where I currently live, I continued my career search until I found Westside School! I have a special interest in the outdoors, literature, and sustainability, and love sharing these passions with the children each school day. I am very happy to be a part of the WSS family and look forward to many, many great moments working with the children.
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 Teaching Assistant and Tutoring Coordinator
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, sales and marketing. My entry into teaching began when my daughter entered preschool, and it continues today. I have taught in private, independent schools and Montessori schools both in California and Washington for all elementary grades from K through 5th grade. In addition to assisting in the classroom at Westside, I coordinate the Tutoring Program. I have been tutoring for over 10 years, and have tutored students from Kindergarten to 9th grade in math, reading, writing, language skills, test taking, and studying skills. I began my tutoring career at The Learning Enrichment Center in Bellevue, WA, where, besides individual tutoring, I taught classes in ISEE Test Skills and a Writing Skills class for 4th through 6th graders. I went on to create my own tutoring business, before starting at Westside School in September of 2006. In May of 2006, I received my National Para Educator Certification with a Perfect Score, President’s Excellence 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, Figaro, in the Renton Highlands.
Margie Carpenter,
First Grade Teacher
margiec@westsideschool.org
This will be my twelfth 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.
Andrew DeLappe, First Grade Teaching Assistant
andrewd@westsideschool.org
Renee Smith,
First Grade Teacher
renees@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.
Theresa Madison, First Grade Teaching Assistant
theresam@westsideschool.org
Theresa Madison is certified in elementary Education; with a BA in elementary education from University of Central WA; she has recently been the Child Care Director for the Boys & Girls Club.
Laura Holmes,
Second Grade Teacher
laurah@westsideschool.org
My husband, son and I live in West Seattle. We love to travel and participate in outdoor activities--esp. hiking and kayaking. I have a BA in French and Economics from Kalamazoo College and I received my teaching certification at Pacific Oaks College. My teaching experiences include: outdoor environmental education, teaching English in France and Kindergarten or 2nd grade classrooms in public and independent schools. I have been teaching at Westside School since 2003. I enjoy creating curriculum which is project-based and integrated with multiple subjects.
Kristin Otto, Librarian
kristino@westsideschool.org
Having recently completed her Masters in Library Science, Kristin is enthusiastic about her first year as the Librarian/School Media Specialist at Westside School. She hopes to share her passion for books and reading with the students from Westside, while also teaching them the important skills of information literacy. She moved to Seattle from New York City, where she worked as a Librarian Trainee in a bustling branch of the New York Public Library. Her work there inspired her to pursue her degree in Library Science. Kristin also obtained her Bachelor of Science in environmental studies and has had numerous experiences working with children in nature, from her role as Naturalist on a remote farm in Northern California to heading up an outdoor summer camp at a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Center. Kristin loves to travel, cook, knit, quilt, take photographs, and much more. Kristin lives here in West Seattle with her husband, Kyle, and her fluffy cat, Hazel.
Jill Weaver,
Second Grade Teacher
jillw@westsideschool.org
Jill holds a Master of Education in Elementary Ed, with a Specialization in Reading, from Lamar University on Beaumont, TX. She also has a BA in fine arts. Her recent teaching experience was in third and fourth grades at the Dubai American Academy in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. She has 8 years of teaching experience, with experience in both the classroom and as an art specialist in Texas and Louisiana. Jill is an enthusiastic, caring educator who believes that all children can learn and thrive in a learning environment that is stimulating, comforting and appropriate to children’s abilities.
Tara Potter, Extended Day Coordinator
childcare@westsideschool.org, tarap@westsideschool.org
I live in Ballard with my husband, Josh, and cat, Action Jackson. I like to knit, sew, and bake vegan cookies. Some day I’d like to have goats, and make goat cheese in my basement. I have BA in Ecology from the University of Washington and I’m currently working on a MA in Environmental Justice and Community Development from the Center for Creative Change at Antioch University Seattle. I have helped 5th graders release salmon into Piper’s Creek, tasted flowers with city kids (“the pink ones taste like pink”), dissected owl pellets, run through meadows, tracked deer through the forest, climbed mountains and discovered all kinds of bugs.
Cindie Weldon, Third Grade Teacher
cindiew@westsideschool.org
Cindie became a teacher when her two sons were in elementary school. As a classroom volunteer, Cub Scout leader and soccer coach, she discovered she enjoyed working with children and the ability to make learning fun. Although her first degree is in Economics and her experience was inthe business field, she decided to change her career path and went back to school to each a teaching credential and a Masters in education Administration. She has taught grades 2nd through 5th and has taken on many leadership roles, but still finds teaching to be most rewarding.
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 have been a full-time teacher at Westside School since 2004, after filling in as a substitute. Before Westside School, I taught 6th grade Integrated Studies with a focus on Science in the Seattle Public Schools and 7th grade Science and Ancient Civilization and Literature in the Battle Ground School District. I am so happy to be part of this wonderful community.
Devin McQuiston, Middle School Athletic Director
devinm@westsideschool.org
Devin McQuiston has been with Westside since 2007. He started as an assistant teacher, moved into the role of Middle School Athletic Director. Devin is former Westsider, having attended Pre-Kindergarten here. Devin holds a BA in Humanities from Seattle University. Those of us who know Devin are not surprised that he was voted “Most Inspirational Student” by his peers in high school and voted “Most Valuable Player’ by Seattle Prep Varsity Soccer Team in 2001.
David Preston,
Middle School Mathematics
davidp@westsideschool.org
David has been teaching four years with a degree in elementary education from Northern Arizona University. His experience includes teaching multi-age classes and science education.
Kim Valenzano, Substitute Teacher
kimv@westsideschool.org
I’m so excited to begin work at Westside school, where I will have the opportunity to work with a dynamic and creative team of educators. I have a Bachelors in Chemistry from UC Davis and spent 12 years advancing my career in research and development, management and leadership positions in the growing biotech industry. After transitioning out of biotech, I spent several years growing a successful startup in Seattle before taking a leave to start our family. Since the birth of our two children, I have been actively involved in their early education (cooperative preschool) and extracurricular activities. I have coached children’s sports teams since 1999 and especially enjoy watching the development of each child from year to year. I love to play all sports but especially like to hike, bike and take long walks along Alki Beach. My partner and I live in West Seattle with our two children who both attend Westside School. I’m very excited about this coming school year and look forward to a new career in teaching.
Linda Turner,Fourth 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
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.
Music took me around the world, introduced me to wonderful people and experiences and has made my life very rich. I remember what excited me about music when I was little, and I try to bring that joy, beauty and fun to the kids at Westside.
After earning my BA (University of Minnesota) and a Masters in Music (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, and also have a Master of Arts in Teaching and K-12 certification from Seattle Pacific University.
My son attended school here with his cousins. I’ve been teaching at Westside School since 2000. I have a husband, son, and a big white cat. I love to teach music, eat, hang with friends, swim, hike, read, and garden.
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 over 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.
Steven Whiting, Chinese Teacher
stevenw@westsideschool.org
After a one-year "sabbatical" I have returned to Westside School to continue teaching Mandarin Chinese. I am very happy to be back and have grown fond of our new campus.
With the addition of some new Chinese songs to our repertoire, as well as some new games, cultural activities and art projects. I will do my best to keep the kids enthusiastic about learning Mandarin Chinese through making the lessons fun as well as intellectually engaging. Research has shown that the earlier a person begins to acquire a new language, the more natural and ingrained their language proficiency becomes. At Westside School we aim to make the most of this "language acquisition window" to give our students language skills that will help them understand and value other cultures.
Administrative Staff
Don Cunningham,
Assistant Head of School
donc@westsideschool.org
My wife Heather and I have two young children and we are greatly enjoying living in West Seattle. I hold two degrees from the University of Idaho and a Master's from Cal State Sacramento. For the last 17 years I taught Spanish and Social Studies, helped lead many outdoor trips and held administrative duties at an independent school in Idaho . A challenging, child-centered curriculum with significant opportunities for enrichment is an important part of my educational philosophy and Westside's values and mission meld well with my beliefs and experiences. Westside School is at a dynamic juncture with new facilities, a growing student population and opportunities for refinement of program and expansion of offerings. I am excited about the opportunities and challenges that this position provides.
Kathy Winans,
Office Manager
kathyw@westsideschool.org
I have been involved in Westside School since 1983, when my oldest child attended PK here. All three of my children are alumni. I am originally from Traverse City, Michigan and have a Bachelor's degree in Biology from Michigan State University and a Master's degree in Speech Pathology and Audiology from the University of Hawaii. After spending so much time here as a parent, I thought Westside would be a great place to work too! As Office Manager/Registrar, I wear many hats and 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 band aid for a scrape, or to have their temperature taken. My goal is to make the office a friendly, comfortable place for them (and you) to visit.
David Bergler,
Admission Director
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 Admission Director 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, 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.
Julie Jetland,
Director of Finance and Operations
juliej@westsideschool.org
Julie has been part of the Westside community for 12 years -- 9 years as a parent, and 3 years managing the business office and campus facilities. Julie has 20+ years experience in business and operations, and had her own accounting services business prior to coming to Westside. She has a BS in Business Administration from Valley City State University. Julie has two daughters in high school.
Jana Barber, Director of Communication and Development
janab@westsideschool.org
Jana joined the Westside team unofficially in 2000, when her oldest daughter began preschool at Westside. After 10 years as a parent and a member of the Board of Trustees for seven, Jana joined the Westside Administration team as Director of Communication & Development. Jana has 25+ years experience in marketing, development and communications. Most recently, Jana was the Director of the Pinnacle Foundation, the Philanthropic arm of the Pinnacle Family of Companies. Jana is a communications graduate of Washington State University and holds a MS in Management from Antioch University.
Jana lives in West Seattle with her husband and two daughters, one currently a student at Westside.