Mrs. Cindy Duenas
Principal
Office Hours: By Appointment
Email: 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: Eleven years at International Community School, ten years at Environmental Adventure School, and two at Community Elementary
Philosophy: "Education truly is the great equalizer. Don’t waste it."
Mrs. Lili Hughes
Office Manager
Email: lhughes@lwsd.org
Ms. Kathy Comeau
Art and Academic Counselor
Office Hours: By Appointment
(Use schedule on door to sign up)
ail: 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.
Mr. John Heil
Honors Chemistry, General Physics, AP Chemistry, AP Environmental Science, AP Physics, Honor Society and Environmental Club 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.
Mr. 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
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)
Mr. Ted Over
International Studies, Business Las, 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
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 Test, 2008
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.”
Mark Bach
International Studies
Email: mbach@lwsd.org
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
BACKGROUND: International Educator in History and Drama
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
Mr. Paul Plank
Humanities, Culminating Project Coordinator
Key Club Advisor
Email: 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. 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.
Ms. Vickie Castañeda
Humanities and ASB Co-Advisor
Email: vcastaneda@lwsd.org
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
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.
Ms. Andrya Packer 
Humanities and 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!
Ms. Alicia Robertson
Spanish
Email: marobertson@lwsd.org
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
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.
Señora Diana Di-Tolla 
Spanish, Student Store Advisor
Email: dditolla@lwsd.org
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
University of Washington - B.S. Botany and BA Spanish
Western Washington University - Master's in Education
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.
Mr. Mark Rayder
Art History, Studio Art
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)
Mrs. Melissa Nelson
Art, Drama 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.
Ms. Nancy Sullivan
Math
Email: nasullivan@lwsd.org
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
Washington State University - BS Mathematics
Lesley University - M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction
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. Except for my childcare leave in 2007-08,I have been at ICS since its third year (1999-2000), and couldn’t imagine teaching anywhere else.
Ms. Lori Smith
Math, ASB Accountant
Email: 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
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.
Mrs. Nicole Winard
Librarian, Yearbook Advisor, Webmaster 
Library/Office Hours: Mon, Tues, Thurs, Fri: 8:30--2:15,
Wed 8:30--11:50
Email: nwinard@lwsd.org
EDUCATION/DEGREES:
University of Nevada, Las Vegas - BS Education
University of Nevada, Las Vegas - MEd, Library Science, Minor
University of Puget Sound, University of Washington - Continuing Education Coursework
Ms. Anne Love
Science
Ms. Helen Henry 
Mathematics
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.
Ms. Katie Hauser
Mathematics
Email: khauser@lwsd.org
Mr. Walt McKenzie
Head Custodian
Email: wmckenzie@lwsd.org
Philosophy: Keep it clean and check it twice! -Walt McKenzie
Mr. Larry Mahoney
Custodian
Email: 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.