|
MEET THE STAFF
|
Click below to access a
staff biography
Staff Emails located
here
|
Mrs.
Duenas:
 |
Ms.
Cindy
Duenas |
|
Principal |
|
Office Hours: By Appointment
Email:
Cindy Duenas
cduenas@lwsd.org |
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
-
University of California,
Santa Barbara;
BA:
English
-
Seattle University;
MA:
School Administration
Continuing Education: Seattle
Pacific University; School Improvement Planning, Leadership, Curriculum
Design and Implementation, Instructional Leaders– Ensuring Best Practices
BACKGROUND:
Years
Teaching:
15 at the secondary level in
grades 7 through 12
Administrative Experience: 7 years at International Community School, 5
years at Environmental School
Philosophy: "Education
truly is the great equalizer. Don’t waste it." |
| |
Back to the top...
Mrs.
Hughes
:
Back to the top...
Mr. McKenzie:
Back to the top...
Mr.
Mahoney:
 |
Mr.
Larry Mahoney |
|
Custodian |
|
Email:
Larry
Mahoney
lmahoney@lwsd.org |
|
Philosophy: When you're young you want to
be a grown up and when you're grown up you want to be young and when you're
old you realize you can be any age you want to be. |
Back to the top...
Mrs.
Comeau
Biography:
|
|
Ms.
Kathy Comeau |
|
Art and
Academic Counselor |
|
Office Hours:
Mon-Fri
7:20-7:40 am
Mon & Tues
2:20- 4:00 pm
Email:
Kathy Comeau
kcomeau@lwsd.org |
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
 |
Northern Illinois University-
BS Art Education/Speech/Drama |
|
|
University
of Washington - M.Ed. Counseling |
BACKGROUND:
College preparation:
One aspect of counseling work is in preparing the ICS students for college
admission. I encourage the kids to avoid the pressure of defining
their majors at this early time when they just don't know enough.
Students are so focused on college and being 'successful' that they forget
just to be kids and that's such an important part of growth. I want
them to be open to new experiences, to do their best always, and enjoy their
endeavors even if they think those experiences are irrelevant to their
futures.
ICS: I love this school
because I can do a little bit of everything- I'm not slotted into one
category. |
Back to the top...
Mr.
Heil Biography:
 |
Mr.
John
Heil |
|
Chemistry, Physics, Honor
Society and Environmental Club Advisor
|
|
Office Hours:
Monday
through Thursday 6:45 - 7:15 A.M
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday 2:30 – 4:00 P.M.
Friday
by appointment
Email:
John Heil
jheil@lwsd.org |
-
|
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
-
Worcester
Polytechnic Institute-BS Chemistry emphasis synthetic organic
chemistry
-
San Diego
State University-MS Chemistry emphasis Biochemistry
-
West
Georgia College- Teacher Certification
BACKGROUND:
Years
Teaching:
After
working several years of long hours as a research biochemist with the
Institute Peptide Biology Group, the birth of my son, Misha, inspired me
to add balance to my life and pursue a teaching career. I taught
in a public high school in Atlanta and came to Seattle to take a job with
ICS.
ICS Beginnings:
My first
couple of years of teaching at ICS as “wonderfully difficult.” ICS’s
first lab consisted of nothing but a sink and some water. We focused
on the environment of the Puget Sound region. We did plant keying
around ICS as well as studying the ecosystem of the area.
ICS:
I am particularly gratified
by how empowered students feel as they start to comprehend the lessons of
science.
I had one student come back
and tell me that my classes had taught her to think. Another told me
that what she had learned about electricity made it possible for her to
repair the outboard motor on her uncle’s boat during a fishing trip.
I knows when I've reached a
student when they are not afraid to ask questions. |
|
|
Back to the top...
Mr.
McFaul
Biography:
 |
Mr.
Tim McFaul |
|
Biology, Frisbee Club, Mentor Advisor, Debate Club Advisor |
|
Office Hours:
M/T/W/Th/F
6:45-7:45
W 2:30-3:30
Parent meetings afternoons by appt.
Email:
Tim McFaul
tmcfaul@lwsd.org |
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
- Occidental College- BA: Marine Biology
- Montana State University Teaching
certificate University- Teaching
certificate
BACKGROUND:
Beginnings:
I began my journey as a
zygote in Montana. Six years later I decided upon a life-long career; marine
biology. I cannot really say what inspired my love of the ocean coming from a
landlocked state, but I was unwavering in my aspirations.
Education:
After my high school graduation, I looked to relocate on the West Coast. I
attended Occidental College in Los Angeles to continue my Marine biology
education. After graduation, I worked for a marine research group as a
research assistant. During this time I also became a resident advisor and a
teaching assistant in Occidental’s
Oceanology
program. Despite the word being absent from the dictionary, it was a popular
program that allowed high school students to attend Oxy and take a marine
biology course. Those high school students inspired me to teach. I then
immigrated back to Montana to receive my teaching certificate.
ICS Beginnings:
I began my teaching career in Tacoma, Washington where
I taught 5 sections of 7th grade science. After my first year, I was
recruited to ICS, a school I did not know even existed. I am still here
after 4 years and enjoying every minute, well, maybe not EVERY minute, but
at least every year.
I still have not lost the passion for marine biology
as evidenced by the aquaria in my room and my focus week expedition to
Catalina Island.
|
Back to the top...
Mr.
Elliott
Biography:
 |
Mark
Elliott |
|
International Studies
|
|
Office Hours: W/Th
2:15-4:30
Every
Other
F 2:15-4:30
Email:
Mark Elliott
melliott@lwsd.org |
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
-
B.A. (Political Science/Prelaw)
– Washington State University
- Professional Teaching
Certificate – University of Washington & Washington State University
- Minor in Communications
(TV Broadcasting)
BACKGROUND:
President, COO;
RezTech, Inc. – Private company devoted to design, installation and
integration of sophisticated home technologies, including home theater,
distributed audio, security, and smart home system integration
Director of
Television Services; Bellevue Community College – Manager of
the College Channel, the campus TV channel devoted to producing and
presenting distance education programming
Affiliated Faculty:
Bellevue Community College & Seattle Central Community College
– Subjects included all aspects of field and studio video production,
non-linear editing, lighting
Director,
Bailie School of Broadcast, Seattle
Other experience:
Centennial Olympic Games (Atlanta, TV), Goodwill Games (Seattle, TV), KOMO-TV
(field production, TV), KNUS-Talkradio (Denver, radio), KWSU-FM (NPR radio);
KZAM-FM (radio news) |
Back to the top...
Mr. Over
Biography:
|
|
Mr. Ted Over |
|
International Studies, Chess Club and Mock Trial Advisor
|
|
Office Hours:
T/W/Th 6:45-7:45
Email:
Ted Over
eover@lwsd.org |
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
- William Penn Charter School, Philadelphia – High school diploma, won a four year, partial scholarship
- Yale University, Connecticut - BA, English Literature, cum laude, also studied Political Science and Classical Civilizations
- Peace Corps, Chad, Africa – Completed training in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and in a submersion French program
- McGill Law School, Montreal, Canada – LLB, Canadian law degree
- Rutgers School of Law – JD, American law degree
Seattle Pacific University- Teacher Certification in Political Science and English, won a Future Teacher Conditional Scholarship
- Bellevue and North Seattle Community Colleges – Teaching endorsements in History and Social Studies
- Bates Technical College – Career and Technical Education Teacher Certification in Criminal Justice
BACKGROUND:
Beginnings: The first turning point in my life took place in the early 60’s when my folks split up, my mom took us across Pennsylvania, and we moved into my grandparents’ house. I was disoriented. My new school, Penn Charter, became my new family, and I enthusiastically took part in every activity and course open to me for the next seven years. Penn Charter gave me so much in so many ways; I am hopeful that ICS can provide a similar, familiar base and opportunity to grow to all of our students.
My second turning point came in the mid ‘80’s. By this time I had spent six years practicing first admiralty, then medical malpractice and finally real estate law. I came to the conclusion that neither my strengths nor my calling lay in high priced confrontation. So I switched from law to teaching, a career I had greatly enjoyed in the Peace Corps. I consider myself lucky to now be a part of the ICS faculty.
ICS: It is a pleasure to work in a community so dedicated to excellence. Here at ICS, by and large, to paraphrase Baudelaire, the more we work, the better we work, the more we enjoy working. While many of our students may find that good instruction provides a path to riches, others, like Isaiah, may conclude, “good instruction is better than riches.”
|
Back to the top...
Mr.
Plank Biography:
|
|
Mr.
Paul Plank |
|
Humanities,
Senior Project Coordinator, Film Club and Key Club Advisor |
|
Office Hours:
Mon,
Tu, Th, Fri 2:30-4:00
Email:
Paul Plank
pplank@lwsd.org |
|
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
-
University of Washington-
BA English
-
Western Washington
University- M.Ed. Education
Beginnings:
I first thought about
teaching as a possible profession when I was a junior in high school, before
that my mother swore that I would be a lawyer or an actor, and I still harbored
thoughts of continuing my professional DJ career. My high school had a great
honors English teacher named Mrs. Gallagher; she challenged me and helped me
find my passion for literature. Before her class English had always been too
banal, too insipid.
Teaching:
My decision to teach high
school was solidified at the University of Washington where I got to know a
couple of other great teachers (I did have my share of awful ones as well,
though). After receiving a bachelor’s degree in English at UW, I went to
graduate school at Western.
Passion:
In my spare time I watch
as many films as humanly possible. And I purchase probably too many DVDs
(love those extra features!). I love to watch films by Orson Welles, Wong
Kar Wai, Hitchcock, John Ford, David Lynch, Fritz Lang, Jim Jarmusch, Akira
Kurosawa, the Coen Brothers, Francios Truffaut and Steven Soderbergh.
|
Back to the top...
Ms.
Castañeda
Biography:
|
|
Ms. Vickie Castañeda |
|
Humanities, International Studies and
ASB Advisor
|
|
Office Hours:
Mon-Fri 7:10 am-7:45 am
Tu, Th,
Fri 2:20 pm-3:00 pm
Email:
Vickie Castañeda
vcastaneda@lwsd.org |
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
|
|
Seattle University- BA
English and History |
|
|
Western
Washington University—M.Ed. in Secondary Education, certified in English and
History |
BACKGROUND:
Beginnings:
I was born and
raised in the South Sound region where I built up immunity to the Tacoma Aroma.
I determined my future career at the tender age of six; I adored my kindergarten
teacher, Ms. McCarthy, and my first grade teacher, Ms. Alexander, and later Mr.
Burreson, Mr. Wagner, and Mr. Shelton, and Mrs. Wiley, Mrs. Levenseller, and Mr.
Holmgren. Is it any wonder I became a teacher?
ICS:
One week after my student teaching was completed in June of 2001, I had two
secure job offers and turned them both down on the chance that I would get a
position at ICS. I had been so impressed with the block curriculum outline
(which was basically the same curriculum I learned in my university honors
program) and the friendliness of the staff I met in my interview that I knew
without a doubt that I wanted to be here. Despite the fact that I’m writing
this message at 5:53 pm on a Saturday night during my winter break, I do not
wish to entertain the idea of teaching anywhere else. |
Back to the top...
Ms. Packer
Biography:
 |
Ms. Andrya
Packer |
|
Humanities
|
|
Office Hours:
Mon,
Tues
Thurs 7:15-7:45
2:20-2:50
Fri
7:15-7:45
Email:
Andrya
Packer
apacker@lwsd.org |
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
-
Utah
State University--BA English Education
-
Currently working on my M.Ed through Lesley University
BACKGROUND:
Beginnings:
I was born
and raised in a small town called Rigby in southeastern Idaho. I guess you could
say that school was my life, more or less. My main source of entertainment was
reading, and I was a well-known figure at the local library. Although I had many
other interests, school, reading, singing, and writing were the focus of my
teenage years.
Years
Teaching:
I didn’t really think I would be a teacher, but was encouraged to do so by
my grandfather. I decided firmly on teaching when I was a junior in college,
and worked very hard to get all of the requirements accomplished to graduate
in four years. It wasn’t until I had a classroom of my own that I felt
certain that I had chosen my profession well. I worked for a year at
Interlake High School in Bellevue, followed by a year as a substitute. When
I was interviewed for and then offered a position here at ICS I was
thrilled. I knew immediately that this was a great fit for me. |
Back to the top...
Señor
Pizzuto
Biography:
 |
Señor
Lauro Pizzuto |
|
Spanish,
Senior Advisor
|
|
Office Hours:
M/T/W/Th/F
7:15-7:45
and
2:15-2:45
Email:
Lauro Pizzuto
lpizzuto@lwsd.org |
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
- Seattle University- BA
in History
- Seattle University- Teacher Certification
in History and Spanish
BACKGROUND:
Beginnings:
attended Our Lady of Mt. Virgin Elementary School. In those days bilingual
education and multiculturalism were unheard of. "I was so confused
when I first started school here. The Irish nuns were always keeping
me after school. Of course, they were just trying to teach me
English."
ICS:
My colleagues are the hardest-working faculty I've ever seen and
the students are eager to learn. Together, these two things spell
success.
|
Back to the top...
Señora
Di-Tolla
Biography:
 |
Señora
Diana Di-Tolla |
|
Spanish, Student Store Advisor |
|
Office Hours:
M/T/W/Th/F
7:00-7:30
M/T
2:15-3:15
Th
2:15-2:45
Email:
Diana Di-Tolla
dditolla@lwsd.org |
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
- University of Washington - B.S. Botany and BA Spanish
BACKGROUND:
Teaching:
I was very attracted to
pursuing a career in botany but I decided to become a teacher instead.
I participated in the "Kid Reach" program, whereby college students are sent
to inner-city schools with strong minority representation, and assisted in
Spanish and biology classes at Rainier High School and Ballard High School. ICS:
I am drawn to ICS because of its goals and philosophy of education.
|
Back to the top...
Señora
Robertson
Biography:
 |
Señora Alicia Robertson |
|
Spanish
|
|
Office Hours:
Mon, Tu,
Th, Fri 7:30 – 7:45,
1:15 - 11:45 a.m.
2:20 p.m. – 2: 35 p.m.
or by appointment
Email:
Alicia Robertson
marobertson@lwsd.org |
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
-
University of Georgia – Bachelor of Arts
- Psychology
-
Pacific Lutheran University - Spanish
Teaching Credentials
-
Georgia State University – Master of
Education
BACKGROUND:
Beginnings:
Born and
raised in Lima – Peru –Native language is Spanish. Started
teaching career by teaching underprivileged children in native country of
Peru.
Lived and
taught school in Georgia, Utah and now Washington, in addition to having
lived in Seoul, Korea for eight years.
Teaching:
Teaching
experience includes teaching Spanish I through AP Spanish, and also
teaching to businesspeople and students at the university level.
|
Back to the top...
Mr.
Rayder Biography:
|
|
Mr.
Mark Rayder |
|
Art, FBLA Advisor
|
|
Office Hours:
M/T/W/Th/F
7:15-7:45
T/Th
2:15-3:30
Email:
Mark Rayder
mrayder@lwsd.org |
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
-
Western Washington
University- BA Graphics
Technology
-
Western Washington University- BFA Graphics
Design, Minor: Art
History
-
Western Washington University- Endorsements:
History, Psychology
-
Vocational
Certification in Graphics Communication (trade and industry)
|
| |
Back to the top...
Ms.
Nelson Biography:
|
 |
Mrs.
Melissa Nelson |
|
Art, Drama Advisor |
|
Office Hours:
T/Th
2:15 –
4:00
Email:
Melissa Nelson
menelson@lwsd.org
|
| |
|
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
- University of Washington- BA
Art (concentration in sculpture)
- Western Washington University- MIT (Master's
in Teaching)
BACKGROUND:
Beginnings:
My work career has included: 3 years as a police dispatcher/booking officer
in Sitka, Alaska, 13 years as a Scientific Computer Programmer at
Boeing, 10 years as an artist/craftsman working for
myself.
|
Back to the top...
Ms. Sullivan Biography:
 |
Ms. Nancy Sullivan |
|
Math
|
|
Office Hours:
M/T/W/Th/F
7:15- 7:45
M
2:15-3:15 pm
T/Th 2:15-2:45pm
Email:
Nancy Sullivan
nasullivan@lwsd.org |
| EDUCATION/DEGREES:
BACKGROUND:
Beginnings:
Raised in Redmond (the
part now known as Sammamish), I was one of the first students to attend the then
new Margaret Mead Elementary and Evergreen Junior High, and graduated from
Redmond High in 1988. I was also a foreign exchange to Germany for one
semester during my junior year. I then attended Washington State University in
Pullman and received my Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, with a minor in
German, along with completing the requirements for a teaching certificate.
Teaching:
While still in high school, the idea of becoming a math teacher was planted, as
I enjoyed helping my friends with their math homework. I knew right away while
student teaching that I picked the right career for me. I enjoy teaching
greatly, and find my subject so invigorating, that I am sure I am a big math
geek to my students when I mention that a particular proof is really elegant, or
how it can be thrilling when a trig identity unfolds itself, or how in calculus,
it is so interesting when everything comes together. I hope I am able to pass
on some of this exuberance in mathematics to my students, and hope they will
also find the career for them that leaves them as happy and fulfilled.
ICS: After living in Germany for six years
after college (my husband is German), I learned about ICS online, and was
thrilled that there was an opening at ICS, and accepted a partial position
my first year because I knew this was the school I wanted to be at. I have
been at ICS since its third year (1999-2000), and couldn’t imagine teaching
anywhere else. |
Back to the top...
Ms.
Smith Biography:
 |
Ms.
Lori Smith |
|
Math, ASB Accountant
|
|
Office Hours:
Monday,
Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
11:40-
12:25
Email:
Lori Smith
lzebrack-smith@lwsd.org |
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
-
University of California,
Los Angeles - BA Psychology, Minor - Accounting
-
Certified Public
Accountant
-
California State
University, Northridge - Teaching Certificate in Mathematics
BACKGROUND:
Beginnings:
I
always enjoyed my math classes when I was a student so I thought I would enjoy
accounting because it deals with numbers. But when I was working as a CPA until
midnight or later during busy season I realized those were not the hours I
wanted to keep. So I turned to my true interest, becoming a teacher.
Teaching:
My first teaching job was in
Beverly Hills, California. When I moved to Washington I thought I would never
find a job as wonderful as the one I was leaving behind. Eventually I arrived
at ICS and I was proven wrong. The dedication of the staff and the motivation
of the students simply amazes me on a daily basis.ICS: I came work in
the Fall of 2002 here at ICS. I am impressed with both the staff and
the students. I look forward to the many years ahead.
|
Back to the top...
|
