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/PreK 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,
Assistant Teacher–Preschool
marial@westsideschool.org
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.
Ildi Strieker, Pre-Kindergarten Assistant
ildis@westsideschool.org
Ildi has worked as Claudia's Pre-K assistant for several years.
Andrew DeLappe, Early Childhood Education Center Assistant
andrewd@westsideschool.org
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!
Tara Potter, Kindergarten Assistant and Extended Day Director
childcare@westsideschool.org, tarap@westsideschool.org
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 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.
Domie Brown, First Grade Assistant
domieb@westsideschool.org
Domie has a BA in Biological Anthropology from Northern Illinois University and additional studies in Experimental Psychology from Central Washington University. She has been a teacher at the Environmental Science Center and has led programs at the Woodland Park Zoo. In addition, Domie was an Environmental Education Coordinator for AmeriCorps. I am sure you join me in welcoming Domie to Westside School.
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
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 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.
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.
Kayoko Mathews, Second Grade Assistant
Kayokom@westsideschool.org
This is my second year at Westside. I grew up bilingual and bicultural in Tokyo, Japan. I began my road to teaching students as a tutor at Lummi Tribal School in Bellingham, WA. After I graduated from Western Washington University, I continued to work with students at the Lawton Boys and Girls Club as an after school counselor and preschool assistant. I am pleased to bring my international experience to this school and I look forward to another great year!
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.
Christina Gonzales, Second Grade Assistant
christinag@westsideschool.org
Hello! My journey to Westside began when I moved here from Tempe, AZ. Back home, I taught full-day Kindergarten for 3 years after completing a Masters in Elementary Education. Finding a teaching job in Seattle proved to be very difficult until I stumbled upon this opportunity. I am enjoying my classroom experience with Jill and the students are great! I miss the many sunny days in the valley, but love the climate of western Washington.
Stuart Scolnik, 3rd Grade Teacher
stuarts@westsideschool.org
Discovery and adventure is my calling! Teaching at Westside allows me to do both on a daily basis. Before Westside, I taught Kindergarten through sixth grade near Washington, DC, which was great because I was able to teach at the Smithsonian Zoo and research facility during the summers. DC was also great because of the diversity, so getting my ESL Teacher (English as a Second Language) certification was no only essential, but a useful addition to my Master of Education Degree. Westside creates an environment where learning is meaningful, and allows me to create a curriculum that enriches the whole child. It’s so cool that I get to teach my passions of engineering, flight, and the great outdoors!
Joe Tutch, 3rd 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.
Jen Circosta, Third Grade Assistant
jenniferc@westsideschool.org
Howdy! I'm Jen and I’m wicked (it’s a Massachusetts thing) excited to have "graduated" up to 3rd grade with my class from last year and be teaching with Stuart and Joe! I came to Westside from the Community School of West Seattle, teaching kids ages 2-5. I moved to Seattle a couple years ago from San Diego where I worked in the action sports industry. Before that, I spent four years in NYC, where I graduated from Fordham University. I grew up in a tiny town in Massachusetts, only one mile from a big buffalo farm. I miss the northeast but am enjoying my time in the northwest with my fiance and our son (of the canine variety), Casper.
Judith Arvidson, 4th 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, 4/5 Assistant
devinm@westsideschool.org
Linda Turner,
5th 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.
Ching-Hsien Shu,
Chinese Teacher
chings@westsideschool.org
This is my first year at Westside and my second year teaching in Washington state. I have been working as a Chinese teacher for 6 years.
Let me first introduce myself. I am Ching-Hsien Shu and I have lived in Bellevue since last April. Before that, my family and I had lived in Columbus Ohio for 15 years. We are enjoying the weather, food and people here. We still miss our home town, though.
I graduated in 1996 with a PhD degree in Education from the Ohio State University. I then returned in 2006 to get my Chinese teaching certification. I love to teach Chinese and feel very honored to be teaching here at Westside. I will do my best this year to help your kids enjoy the learning of Chinese.
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.
Ashley Kloess, Spanish Teacher
ashleyk@westsideschool.org
It was one of my elementary school teachers who first sparked my interest in learning Spanish and I hope to do that for my students. When I was in high school, I taught an after-school Spanish class for elementary students. That experience confirmed for me that I wanted to teach! I attended Pacific Lutheran University where I earned BA degrees in Education and Spanish. Spending a semester in Mexico studying and interning in a non-profit organization proved invaluable. After graduating, I worked as a long-term sub in a dual-language program and substitute taught in the Northshore and Seattle school districts. I am thrilled to be here at Westside!
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 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,
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.
Julie Jetland,
Director of Finance
juliej@westsideschool.org
Kevin Jones, Technology Coordinator
kevinj@westsideschool.org
I am very excited to return this year as Westside’s Technology Coordinator!
My role here is simple: I support Westside's mission to "prepare our students for the world" by helping our teachers "infuse" technology into their curriculum and their classrooms.
My background has helped me do this. Personally, I am the proud father of two Westside graduates: Tom and Dan. Professionally, I have 25 years of experience in the computing field, a K-8 Teaching Certificate, and a Master of Education degree from Antioch University.
I believe all technology should be “assistive”. It should enrich our students' classroom experiences without being burdensome to our teachers. I also believe that the strategic use of technology can improve student learning, as long as we are intentional about when and why we are using it.
I look forward to another exciting year with you and our wonderful students!