Dr. Matthew Livingston
Principal
Office Hours: By Appointment
Email: mlivingston@lwsd.org

EDUCATION/DEGREES:
University of California, Berkeley; Doctorate: Leadership in Education Equity
San Francisco State University; MA: School Administration
University of California, San Diego; BS: Management Science

 

Lili Hughes
Office Manager
Email: lhughes@lwsd.org

Harriet Peterson
Office Manager
Email: hpeterson@lwsd.org

Kathy Comeau
Art and Academic Counselor
Office Hours: By Appointment
(Use schedule on door to sign up)
Email: kcomeau@lwsd.org

EDUCATION/DEGREES:
Northern Illinois University- BS Art Education/Speech/Drama
University of Washington - M.Ed. Counseling

College preparation: One aspect of counseling work is in preparing the ICS students for college admission. I encourage the students 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 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.

John Heil
Chemistry, AP Chemistry, Honor Society and Environmental Club Advisor, Culminating Projects Co-Advisor
Office Hours:
Email: jheil@lwsd.org
Web page: http://publicportal.lwsd.org/schools/ICS/jheil/default.aspx

EDUCATION/DEGREES:
Worcester Polytechnic Institute-BS Chemistry emphasis synthetic organic chemistry
San Diego State University/UCSD-MS Chemistry emphasis Biochemistry
West Georgia College- Teacher Certification

Years Teaching: After working several years of long hours as a research biochemist with the Peptide Biology Group at the Salk Institute for Experimental Biology, the birth of my son, Misha, inspired me to shift my direction, staying involved in science by teaching. I taught in public and private high schools in the Atlanta area for fifteen years prior to moving to Seattle to help establish ICS.

ICS Beginnings: My first years of teaching at ICS were “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 especially enjoy watching the “eureka” moments, as students begin to make significant connections. 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 know I've reached a student when they are not afraid to ask questions.

Tim McFaul
Biology, Frisbee Club, Mentor Advisor, Debate Club Advisor
Email: tmcfaul@lwsd.org
Web page:http://publicportal.lwsd.org/schools/ICS/tmcfaul/default.aspx

EDUCATION/DEGREES:
Occidental College- BA: Marine Biology
Montana State University Teaching certificate University- Teaching certificate

BACKGROUND: 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.

Mark Elliott
International Studies, Culminating Projects Co-Advisor, Drama Advisor
Email: melliott@lwsd.org
Web page:http://publicportal.lwsd.org/schools/ICS/melliott/default.aspx

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)

Ted Over
International Studies, Business Law, Criminal Justice, Mock Trial Advisor
Email: eover@lwsd.org
Web Page: http://publicportal.lwsd.org/schools/ICS/eover/default.aspx

EDUCATION/DEGREES:
Yale University, Connecticut - BA, English Literature, cum laude, also studied Political Science and Classical Civilizations; 1st place in Freshman Essay Contest, Played Varsity Soccer
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, Future Teacher Conditional Scholarship
Bates Technical College – Career and Technical Education Teacher Certification for Criminal Justice and Business Law
College Board, Education Testing Service - Reader for the Advanced Placement Comparative Government and Politics Examination, 2008 through 2010

Beginnings: The first turning point in my life took place in the early 60’s when my folks split up and we moved to a new city. 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 admiralty, medical malpractice and 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 be a part of this ICS faculty; where I have now taught for half of my 22 years in teaching.

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. Welcome to this year's new 7th grade students and transfers; may everyone in our student body and PTSA maintain his or her balance and curiosity, and good luck to our alumni!

Mark Bach
Email: mbach@lwsd.org
International Studies, Model UN Advisor

EDUCATION/DEGREES:
· B.A. (German/History/Religion) – St. Olaf College
· M.A. (Education & Curriculum) Michigan State University
· Doctoral Work (International Curriculum) Bath University U.K.
· Professional Teaching Certificate – Arizona and Washington

“Teaching has taken me all over the globe so it is fitting that I would return to an international school. I grew up in a Lutheran parsonage in Wisconsin, California, and Minnesota which was my own tour of the United States growing up. I enjoyed my own high school experience immensely as an athlete (football and tennis), dramatist, and student leader. Students here work a lot harder than we had to but they receive a rich intellectual diet which prepares them for any academic reality they might chose later on. ICS has also wisely chosen to take part in great programs like National History Day and Model United Nations which I have personally seen change the lives of young people.

In my off hours I am reading, skiing, flying, and spending time with my family which includes my three children. My heroes are Dietrich Bonhoeffer, John Muir, James Bond, and Helen Mirren.

Affiliated Faculty: Taipei American School, Osaka International School, American Embassy School.
On Line Learning: Faculty member of APEX Learning Virtual High School in History, On Line Teacher Trainer, Course Writer                               
Other experience: College Board Faculty Consultant and AP Reader, Asst. Examiner International Baccalaureate in History
Computer Sales J.E.C. Computer, Mountain Guide, Tennis Instructor, rated pilot/mechanic

Paul Plank
Humanities, Key Club Advisor
Email: pplank@lwsd.org
Web page: http://publicportal.lwsd.org/schools/ICS/pplank/default.aspx

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. Like many teachers and students, I know that I take ICS and the benefits of teaching here for granted. Students here are respectful, intelligent, and self motivated, and the staff members are just as dedicated to inspiring our students as students are eager to learn something about the world or themselves. I tell friends that ICS is a teacher’s Mecca.

Victoria Castañeda
Humanities and ASB Co-Advisor
Email: vcastaneda@lwsd.org

EDUCATION/DEGREES:
National Board Certification
Seattle University- BA English and History
Western Washington University—M.Ed. in Secondary Education, certified in English and History

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.

Andrya Packer
Humanities, Psychology
Email: apacker@lwsd.org

EDUCATION/DEGREES:
Utah State University--BA English Education
Lesley University—M.Ed

Beginnings: I was born and raised in a small town called Rigby in southeastern Idaho. I enjoyed camping with my large extended family, but spent the majority of my time reading and writing.

Years Teaching: Before coming to ICS six years ago, I taught for a year as a substitute and at Interlake High School in Bellevue. This year my first group of seventh graders will graduate!

Señora Alicia Robertson
Spanish
Email: marobertson@lwsd.org

EDUCATION/DEGREES:
National Board Certification
Georgia State Univeristy - M.Ed.
University of Georgia – Bachelor of Arts - Psychology
Pacific Lutheran University - Spanish Teaching Credentials

Beginnings: Born and raised in Lima – Peru –Native language is Spanish. Ms. Robertson began her career by teaching underprivileged children in her native country of Peru.

Her teaching experience includes teaching Spanish I through AP Spanish, and also teaching to businesspeople and students at the university level. Ms. Robertson has
been teaching at ICS since 2001.

Mark Rayder
Art History, Studio Art, National Art Honor Society
Email: mrayder@lwsd.org

EDUCATION/DEGREES:
Western Washington University- BA Graphics Technology
Western Washington University- BFA Graphics Design, Minor: Art History
Western Washington University- Teaching Endorsements include K-12 Art Specialist, 4-12 History, and 4-12 Psychology Vocational Certification in Graphics Communication (trade and industry)

Melissa Nelson
Art, ASB Advisor
Email: menelson@lwsd.org

EDUCATION/DEGREES:
University of Washington- BA Art (concentration in sculpture)
Western Washington University- MIT (Master's in Teaching)

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.

Lori Smith
Math, Econ and FBLA Advisor
Email: lzebrack-smith@lwsd.org

EDUCATION/DEGREES:
University of California, Los Angeles - BA Psychology, Minor - Accounting Certified Public Accountant
California State University, Northridge - Teaching Cert. in Mathematics

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 amaze me on a daily basis.

ICS: I came to work in the Fall of 2002. I am impressed with the staff and the students. I look forward to the many years ahead.

Ashley Dies
Email: adies@lwsd.org
Earth Science, Physics, AP Physics

Education:
Michigan State University – BS Interdepartmental Physical Science (emphasis in Chemistry and Physics), Minors: Earth Science, Biology
Michigan State University – Teacher Certification
Western Governors University of Washington – M. Ed in Mathematics (projected Summer 2013)

BACKGROUND:

Born in Lansing, MI, I grew up just southwest of there in Charlotte. My mother knew from the time I was in elementary school that I was going to be a teacher, but I disagreed, setting my sights on being an architect, engineer, or research scientist of some nature (or at one point, for two months, a senator or an accountant). It wasn’t until years later that I realized that my mom may have been right about my future career.

At Michigan State University I spent my time playing trumpet in the Spartan Marching Band and taking any science course for which I met the prerequisites while dabbling in educational psychology and computer science. I was also able to renew my interest geology and became truly interested in physics during my time there. At the end of my second year at Michigan State that I decided that Mom had been right all along and decided to pursue teaching as a career. For the next two years I incorporated a number education courses into my normal diet of chemistry, physics, biology, and geology, and then took on a year-long teaching internship.

After graduating from Michigan State University, I took a couple long-term substitute positions in school districts in mid-Michigan – one in Grand Ledge and one in Pewamo-Westphalia – before moving to Washington in 2009. I then spent a year substitute teaching before being hired at Meadowdale High School in Lynnwood, WA, where I taught 9th Grade Physical Science. I was then hired at ICS for the 2011 school year.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, hiking, biking, trivia, movies, and spending time with friends.

Helen Henry
Mathematics
Email: hhenry@lwsd.org

EDUCATION:
University of California, Davis. B.S. in Computer Science and Mathematics
City University, Bellevue, WA. Masters in Teaching

Background: When I first graduated from college, I worked for Hewlett Packard as a systems engineer. Upon moving to Seattle, I started work as an International Systems Engineer for Attachmate Corporation. My career path changed significantly with the birth of my first daughter in 1993. After volunteering in local schools and serving as PTA president for several years, I decided that I ought to put my love of math and teaching together.

Teaching Experience: I’ve taught math at ICS since 2006. I teach 7th and 8th grade math and love the middle school students.

Nancy Sullivan
Mathematics
Email: nasullivan@lwsd.org

EDUCATION:
Washington State University: Bachelor of Science in Mathematics
Lesley University: Masters in Education
National Board Certification in Mathematics (Adolescent and Young Adult), 2009

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. After graduating from WSU, I moved to Germany with my husband (a native German) for six years, and returned to the Seattle area in 1999 and started teaching at ICS.

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 immensely enjoy teaching, and find my subject so fascinating 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 exciting when everything comes together. I hope I am able to pass on some of this exuberance in mathematics to my students, and wish they also find a career that brings them equal happiness and fulfillment.

ICS: I have been at ICS since its third year (1999-2000), and am excited to be back after an extended childcare leave for the past two years. When I first learned about ICS online, I was thrilled that there was an opening and accepted a partial position my first year because I knew this was the school I wanted to be at. I look forward to again introducing students to proofs and trigonometry and many more wonderful concepts and ideas, and I couldn’t imagine teaching anywhere else.

Mike Ensign
Custodian
Email: mensign@lwsd.org