PK-5TH GRADE
Faculty & Staff
Teaching at The Island School is as much a passion as it is a profession. Caring and accomplished educators model a love of lifelong learning. Our teachers know each child deeply and devote tireless effort to meeting children’s “different needs and different speeds." We stand in awe of the courage of our young learners and are honored to be part of their educational journey.
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Faculty and staff whose names are followed by ‘P’ and a year indicate that they are parents of children who have attended or are currently attending The Island School, with the year indicating the graduation year if applicable
Aleta Schuelke
1st Grade Teacher
Joined TIS in 2021
Master of Arts in Education, University of Japan
Aleta first joined TIS as a parent in 2003 when she volunteered as Room Parent and then eventually was hired as an assistant teacher. When she's not in the classroom, Aleta can be found singing with the Corale Singers, knitting, doing home projects and playing with her kittens.
Betsy Griggs
Teaching & Library Assistant
Betsy Griggs
Joined TIS in 2021
B.S. in Recreation, Parks & Leisure Studies with Outdoor Recreation Emphasis, University of Minnesota
"It brings me great Joy to engage with all the students and support all the staff in my dynamic position at The Island School."
Betsy enjoys crafting, thrifting, gardening and spending time outdoors with her husband, son, daughter, and their two dogs.
Christine Newkirk
3rd Grade Teacher
Christine Newkirk, P '17 & '20
Joined TIS in 2015
M.A. in Teaching & B.A. in History, University of Puget Sound
Francesca De Luna-Valencia
Assistant Preschool Teacher
Francesca De Luna-Valencia
Joined TIS in 2025
Kari Wetzler
Librarian
Kari Wetzler, P '20
Joined TIS in 2023
M.A. in Education, Seattle Pacific University
B.A. in Elementary Education with Endrosements in Special Education, Library Media, 4-12 English
"I love watching a child's excitement when they hear the "best story ever" or when they find that perfect book that makes them fall in love with reading (again)."
Kari enjoys open-water swimming, spending time with her family, doing puzzles, and, of course, cozying up with a good book!
Matthew Reimer
Teaching Assistant
Matthew Reimer
Joined TIS in 2020
Rebecca Larson
Art Teacher
Rebecca Larson
Joined TIS in 2022
BFA Graphic Design
"I love being a part of the creative process for children and seeing the joy and anticipation on their faces as they create."
Rebecca is happiest on long walks and short runs, trading volleys with her husband on the pickleball courts, kayaking into golden sunsets, and hunting down chocolate chip cookies at every possible opportunity.
Shannon Kennedy
Operations Director
Shannon Kennedy
Joined TIS in 2024
B.A. in Education with Endorsements in K-8, Reading K-12 and Special Education, Pacific Lutheran University
Shannon is a keen crafter, sewer and painter in her spare time.
Willie Richards
Extended Day Coordinator & Summer Camp Co-Director
Willie Richards
Joined TIS in 2023
St. Olaf College
BA in Environmental Studies
Amanda Mace
4th Grade Co-Teacher & Reading Specialist
Amanda Mace
Joined TIS in 2022
B.A. in Elementary Education & Special Education with Minor in Reading, Whitworth University
"I love working with students as they discover new ideas or alternative ways to approach tasks and projects, especially when their excitement for learning shines through for everyone to see."
Outside of the classroom, Amanda enjoys spending time on the beach and discovering new places with her husband and two boys.
Capri Arias
Advancement Director
Capri Arias, P '31
Joined TIS in 2024
M.A. in Education Curriculum & Instruction, University of Washington
Certificate in Environment, Education & Community, IslandWood
When she's not recruiting or fundraising, you can find Capri listening to podcasts, researching where to find the best pastrami sandwich, and dicussing the deeper meaning of Bluey episodes with her partner and two kids.
Danielle Gordon
Morning Care Coordinator & Extended Day Assistant
Danielle Gordon
Joined TIS in 2023
Dual B.A. in French & Quebec Language & Literature and Film Studies, McGill University
Outside of her work at The Island School, Danielle is also a death doula and hospice volunteer. She is an avid knitter, a cat lover, and loves traveling.
Henry Guterson
PE Teacher
Henry Guterson
Joined TIS in 2022
B.A., University of Washington
Kelly Jungnitz
Administrative Support
Kelly Jungnitz, P '25
Joined TIS 2022
Kelly loves to travel and explore new places with her family, especially in nature.
Megan Cramer
Kindergarten Teacher
Megan Cramer, P '26 & '28
Joined TIS in 2023
M.A. in Teaching, Western Washington University
Robin Miller
Social Emotional Learning & Student Services Coordinator
Robin Miller, P '15 & '20
Joined TIS in 2020
M.A. Speech & Hearing Sciences, Washington State University
B.A. Speech & Hearing Sciences, University of Washington
Taya Hall
Office Manager & Registrar
Taya Hall
Joined TIS in 2019
M.A. in Counseling Psychology, University of Puget Sound
When she's not exploring new places with her husband and son, Taya stays busy with her family's two dogs, Pippi and Ramona, and two guinea pigs, Cookie and Cream.
Amanda Ward
Head of School
Amanda Ward, P '13
Joined TIS in 2019
M.A. in Teaching, Seattle University
Washington State Administrator Certificate, University of Washington
National Board Certified Teacher
"There's nothing better than seeing a student beam with pride when they accomplish a task that they weren't sure they could do whether that is climbing across the monkey bars, performing in front of the school, completing a math problem or writing an essay - their courage and joy is inspiring!"
Carla Wiemers
Lead Preschool Teacher
Carla Wiemers
Joined TIS in 2023
M.A. in Elementary Education & Certificate in Early Childhood Education, University of Guam
"Being able to share in the wonder over the little things we as adults often over look- whether it's a new type of bug, an interesting rock, the perfect muddy puddle, or a new found ability to climb a tree- the joy is contagious."
Carla loves tide-pooling, reading on her porch with her cats and crocheting.
David Solomon
Music Teacher
David Solomon
Joined TIS in 2025
M.A. in Music Performance, University of Washington
K-12 Teaching Certification, University of Iowa
"I love sharing my passion for music with students; I especially enjoy when students hear a new song, instrument or sound for the first time."
In his free time, David plays in several bands and enjoys finding new vegan recipes.
Jessie Dameron, '88
Spanish Specialist & Teaching Assistant
Jessie Dameron, '88 & P '17 & '20
Joined TIS in 2000
B.A. in Cultural Anthropology with Spanish Minor, Western Washington University
Lana Fuller
4th Grade Co-Teacher
Lana Fuller
Joined TIS in 2018
B.S. in Environmental Studies & Geology, Middlebury College
Lana loves being outdoors and spending time in nature with her family.
Mike Derzon
Roving Resource
Mike Derzon, P '10 & '13
Joined TIS in 2002
M.A. in Education, Antioch University
B.A. in Geography & Environmental Studies, Dartmouth College
"I love creating opportunities for learning with joy, for sharing music, for building community, and for supporting the school in any way I can."
Mike is an avid outdoor adventurer who is almost always planning his next canoeing, skiing, hiking, or biking trip.
Shannon Boss
5th Grade Teacher
Shannon Boss, P '25
Joined TIS in 2019
M.A. Education, Concordia University
"I love creating spaces where kids feel safe to take risks leading to them realizing just how capable they really are."
Ursula Pontieri
2nd Grade Teacher
Ursula Pontieri, P '15 & '20
Joined TIS in 2004
B.A. in English, Middlebury College
"Second graders are full of wonder, affection for their peers and teachers and excited about becoming more independent - I feel lucky to spend my days with a room full of them."
Ursula enjoys spending quality time with her husband and two kids (both Island School grads!) going camping, hiking and swimming. She is also known to cut a rug when the mood strikes!