WEST SOUND ACADEMY - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Community Committee Co - Chair
Capri grew up in a large Southern California suburb called Rancho Cucamonga. After completing her undergraduate studies at Cal Poly Pomona, she decided to pursue a graduate degree in education at the University of Washington in Seattle. Once there, she opted to spend her first year of study at IslandWood. Since completing her master's degree, Capri has had the joy of working with several independent schools in Washington State and California in various roles. She is excited to be joining the West Sound Academy community, and is looking forward to leading the fundraising efforts. She lives with her husband, son and daughter, and sweet pup Nola on Bainbridge Island. She is a self-professed sandwich enthusiast and avid coffee drinker, and can often be found immersed in an audiobook or podcast.
Job Titles:
- Dean of Students and Theory of Knowledge
Cari grew up on Bainbridge Island, and earned her bachelor's degree from Wellesley and her master's degree from Lewis & Clark. Cari completed her certification from the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards while teaching IB Psychology at Skyline High School in Sammamish. In 2016 she completed her Ph.D. in Education from Seattle Pacific University. Her dissertation explored the relationship between specific aspects of teacher professional development and student achievement. Cari is committed to honoring the student experience and advocating for their growth both as a person and a learner. Honing her students' ability to thrive, grow, and learn are the fundamental tenets of her work across her many education roles and settings.
I love seeing students learn and gain confidence through the pursuit of knowledge. Through the supportive and thoughtful leadership of the faculty and staff, I strive to foster authentic opportunities for students to grow and attain the skills that ensure they are prepared for any academic or life journey.
Catherine Freeman has been serving West Sound Academy since 2007. Beginning as a teacher and moving into administration, Catherine deeply understands both.
Devoted to maintaining and increasing West Sound Academy's excellence in education, she is committed to helping students and faculty grow in their knowledge, skills, and confidence.
Job Titles:
- Director of Enrollment and Middle School Math
Crystal has been a part of this community since her oldest child enrolled in 2015. Crystal served on the West Sound Academy Board of Trustees, including as board chair, for six years. From leading an afterschool chamber music ensemble to teaching a June Term class, Crystal has been involved with West Sound Academy in many ways over the years. As a long-time trustee and parent, Crystal has become well acquainted with the school culture and its families.
As Director of Enrollment at West Sound Academy, Crystal works with current families to improve their experience as well as identify and welcome new families. From a student's first inquiry through their graduation, she enjoys fostering relationships between students, families, and faculty.
Education:
Master of Arts in Teaching, Elementary Education (K-8), Washington Governors University
Bachelor of Music, Performance, Christopher Newport University
Washington State Residency Teacher Certificate, Elementary Education (K-8) Endorsement (pending)
As a WSA teacher, I see my primary role as empowering them by cultivating the habits and skills they need to become confident and capable self-directed learners in pursuit of their respective academic, professional, and personal goals. My passion for the humanities is a precious gift handed down by my own teachers who inspired and challenged me to think beyond the narrow confines of my own personal experience and explore the diversity of the human experience in general.
How people use language to communicate began a passion for Emma. A language can unite or divide us. It becomes part of our identity. To watch students grow and use a new language, to have it become part of their identity inspires her as a teacher. Emma was fortunate to attend a French university, but eventually earned a BA in French language and literature from the University of Washington. Teaching was a second career for her. She worked for a few years for an airline and was able to travel the world before deciding to teach. In preparation, she attended Western Washington University for her Master's in Teaching. The Kitsap Peninsula (Port Orchard) became her home with her first teaching job for the Bremerton School District. She has spent most of her teaching career in Mukilteo but has always come back to Kitsap during the non-teaching season. Emma is delighted to be back in the area full-time and to continue teaching language at WSA.
Luca received a B.S. in biological sciences from Marshall University Summa Cum Laude with minors in English, Chemistry, and Religious Studies, and just earned his M.Phil. in Biomedical Sciences from the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai last month. Luca grew up in Italy and came to the US as an exchange student for his junior year of high school. He returned to the US for college.
Luca has over 6 years of laboratory research experience in the biomedical field as an undergraduate and graduate student which allowed him to train, educate, and mentor several fellow students and trainees along the way, sparking his growing interest in a career in education. He is excited to be joining Karen and Katelyn in the WSA science department.
I strive to create an environment that fosters healthy collaboration and allows students to feel free to explore their own individual passion and curiosity for playing music. I became a music teacher because there is nothing more inspiring to me than seeing young people work together towards a common goal and find a healthy outlet for their creativity.
Job Titles:
- Administrative Coordinator
Shay loves building connections with our students and families: supporting them, encouraging them, and helping them discover ways they can have a meaningful impact on our community. Shay also running the afterschool Dungeons & Dragons club. In her words: "I enjoy as much time outdoors in nature as I can get away with, and I spend lots of time creating things: I love sewing, writing and drawing, playing games with friends and family, gardening, and arts & crafts of all kinds. I believe that kindness (with a hefty sprinkle of humor) makes the world go round!"
Susan helps students and teachers search for, find, and explore information and ideas, with the goal of creating lifelong learners and readers. Her passion is guiding others to the "Aha!" moment of discovery - of a wonderful book or the perfect reference source. Inspired by the dedicated and creative librarians at my children's schools, Susan became a librarian herself so that she could share her love of books and reading with young people.
Susan's other roles at WSA include working with the juniors and seniors on their Extended Essays for the IB Diploma, editing the Hawk Talk - the school's weekly newsletter, and coaching the WSA Knowledge Bowl team.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, Accounting, University of Washington
strower@westsoundacademy.org
Job Titles:
- Community Committee Co - Chair
Terry returned to West Sound Academy in the fall of 2022 as the Business Manager. She served in this role from just after the school opened in 1998 until 2008. She is thrilled to be back at WSA.
Job Titles:
- Chairman of the Development Committee