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Administration
 Maria Ling
Latona School Associates has been my professional home since 1989, when I moved to Seattle from Los Angeles. I was hired as the Extended-day Kindergarten Teacher and Assistant Director, back when SPS was offering only morning kindergarten!
I was born and raised in Greece and graduated from the Aristotelian University of Thessaloniki, with a BA in Psychology and Philosophy and a minor in Education. I attended Boston University for graduate studies in Counseling. Prior to coming to Seattle, I worked in primary and secondary schools in Los Angeles. I arrived to this country at age 22, and as an immigrant, setting roots, belonging to a community, appreciating diversity and enjoying the privilege of choice, are all important to me. Being a mother of Natalia, now in a college, I regard the trust you have placed in us to care for your children, as a tremendous honor. Every day, as I share in the journey of your loved ones’ development, I revel in how special my job is! |
 Dallas Artz
I began my time at LSA as a substitute Assistant Teacher when I was 19. After 15ish years, I'm still here, and enjoying everyday. As the program has grown, so have I, completing my BA at the UW in Environmental Studies, and a Masters' of Public Administration at Seattle University. I even met my now wife, Anna, at LSA. We welcomed our first child in February of 2017.
What originated as an interest in environmental education, slowly transitioned into a passion for organizational development and leadership as my studies, personal interests, and responsibilities at LSA changed over time. Whether working with children or adults, the focus of what I do will always be to encourage and advocate for smart, sustainable, responsive growth and development in individuals and organizations alike. When I'm not working, I enjoy writing, photography and film making, mountain biking, and camping. Lastly, I am thankful to the JSIS/LSA community for the tremendous support, faith and trust that it has, and continues, to instill in me. |
Lead Teachers
Phoebe Muth, Kindergarten Lead
I have been working with kids for almost fifteen years. I grew up in Seattle and currently live in Wallingford. I have a BA in fine arts from The Evergreen State College and an AAS in graphic design from Seattle Central Community College.
Throughout the years I have worked at several area schools, mainly with preschool aged children. I was most recently at The Children's School, a Montessori preschool. Now I return to LSA, where I began years ago shortly after graduation as the dedicated kindergarten assistant. I have always had such fond memories of JSIS, having grown up in the neighborhood and with my sister having attended back in Escuela Latona days. I love the strong community surrounding the school, and am a big advocate of Seattle Public Schools having attended throughout childhood on up through high school.
I am so happy to be back here at LSA for my second year now, as a lead in the first grade classroom. I am really interested in student driven curriculum, lots of art projects (!) and above all, just having fun. In my free time I like making my own art, knitting, music, and road trips.
I have been working with kids for almost fifteen years. I grew up in Seattle and currently live in Wallingford. I have a BA in fine arts from The Evergreen State College and an AAS in graphic design from Seattle Central Community College.
Throughout the years I have worked at several area schools, mainly with preschool aged children. I was most recently at The Children's School, a Montessori preschool. Now I return to LSA, where I began years ago shortly after graduation as the dedicated kindergarten assistant. I have always had such fond memories of JSIS, having grown up in the neighborhood and with my sister having attended back in Escuela Latona days. I love the strong community surrounding the school, and am a big advocate of Seattle Public Schools having attended throughout childhood on up through high school.
I am so happy to be back here at LSA for my second year now, as a lead in the first grade classroom. I am really interested in student driven curriculum, lots of art projects (!) and above all, just having fun. In my free time I like making my own art, knitting, music, and road trips.
Jillian Kessell, First Grade Lead
I grew up in San Diego, California and moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington. In June 2018, I graduated with a BA in Early Childhood and Family Studies. While working towards my degree, I volunteered at Licton Springs K-8 for three years in a kindergarten classroom. I have worked at LSA since March 2017 as an assistant teacher, and I am excited for a new challenge as the first grade lead teacher.
In addition, I began teaching preschool in the mornings in August 2018. My teaching philosophy centers around fostering inclusive and welcoming learning environments for all children and families. This year, my goals are to create a safe classroom community while engaging with the students in various projects—art, science, cooking and active games! Outside of work I enjoy reading, spending time with friends, visiting extended family in Washington, and watching sports events.
I grew up in San Diego, California and moved to Seattle to attend the University of Washington. In June 2018, I graduated with a BA in Early Childhood and Family Studies. While working towards my degree, I volunteered at Licton Springs K-8 for three years in a kindergarten classroom. I have worked at LSA since March 2017 as an assistant teacher, and I am excited for a new challenge as the first grade lead teacher.
In addition, I began teaching preschool in the mornings in August 2018. My teaching philosophy centers around fostering inclusive and welcoming learning environments for all children and families. This year, my goals are to create a safe classroom community while engaging with the students in various projects—art, science, cooking and active games! Outside of work I enjoy reading, spending time with friends, visiting extended family in Washington, and watching sports events.
Micah Berg, Second Grade Lead
I was born in Minnesota and then raised in eastern Washington. After graduating from high school in the Seattle ‘burbs I studied astronomy and physics at the University of Washington. I now find myself at LSA in the next adventure of my life. After being recommended this job by a former LSA lead teacher and working for a year as an assistant, I have fallen in love with the program and have returned this year as the 2nd grade teacher! It was a wonderful year of learning and growth, and I am incredibly excited to be back this year and have even more fun. The second grade class is aiming to be laser-like focused on creative thinking, responsibility, and community.
Outside of LSA, I ride the bus home reading as many books as I can and then I play board games and listen to KEXP. Home is in Ballard with my partner, a fresh pot of coffee, and our two cats, Minerva and Simon.
I was born in Minnesota and then raised in eastern Washington. After graduating from high school in the Seattle ‘burbs I studied astronomy and physics at the University of Washington. I now find myself at LSA in the next adventure of my life. After being recommended this job by a former LSA lead teacher and working for a year as an assistant, I have fallen in love with the program and have returned this year as the 2nd grade teacher! It was a wonderful year of learning and growth, and I am incredibly excited to be back this year and have even more fun. The second grade class is aiming to be laser-like focused on creative thinking, responsibility, and community.
Outside of LSA, I ride the bus home reading as many books as I can and then I play board games and listen to KEXP. Home is in Ballard with my partner, a fresh pot of coffee, and our two cats, Minerva and Simon.
Kit Fellner, Third Grade Lead
This year, I am very excited to be the third-grade teacher. I am committed and passionate to provide a safe, inclusive, engaging and fun environment for all children.
I discovered my love for teaching and childcare while attending Evergreen State College starting in 2012, where my studies in performance arts and cultural anthropology quickly transitioned into an interest in education. During my first two years working with children, I held the position of Site Director for the YMCA in Thurston County, providing before and after-school programs for children in kindergarten through fifth grades. In addition, I have orchestrated numerous YMCA camps including music, nature, academic skills, and sports. This will be my third year working at LSA and I am very happy to be back and working with third graders! My mission for this year is to create a community founded on respect and responsibility with a focus on problem-solving.
Outside of work, I spend my free time studying dance, playing capoeira and performing. I also enjoy playing tennis, competing in Tough Mudder races and hiking.
This year, I am very excited to be the third-grade teacher. I am committed and passionate to provide a safe, inclusive, engaging and fun environment for all children.
I discovered my love for teaching and childcare while attending Evergreen State College starting in 2012, where my studies in performance arts and cultural anthropology quickly transitioned into an interest in education. During my first two years working with children, I held the position of Site Director for the YMCA in Thurston County, providing before and after-school programs for children in kindergarten through fifth grades. In addition, I have orchestrated numerous YMCA camps including music, nature, academic skills, and sports. This will be my third year working at LSA and I am very happy to be back and working with third graders! My mission for this year is to create a community founded on respect and responsibility with a focus on problem-solving.
Outside of work, I spend my free time studying dance, playing capoeira and performing. I also enjoy playing tennis, competing in Tough Mudder races and hiking.
Miguel Padilla, Fourth Grade Lead
I graduated from the University of Washington in 2017 and shortly after joined the LSA team as a teacher assistant. I have a wide spectrum of experience working with children. I have volunteered in the Seattle Aquarium for four years and was also a tutor for northgate elementary during my last year as an undergraduate. Through those years of volunteering I developed a passion for working and engaging with children. Working at LSA has continued to cultivate my passion but LSA also gives me the opportunity to create an engaging and fun environment for children.
I was born in the Philippines but my family moved to the U.S when I was very young. I attended middle and high School in Seattle and have always loved living here. I received my BS in biology and minor in marine biology. I love science and I hope to incorporate it in my classroom. Outside of work I like to keep busy through volunteering, hiking, movies, and bouldering.
As a lead I strive to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging community in my classroom. My goals are to create a space where children are free to express themselves, explore their interests, and to have fun.
I graduated from the University of Washington in 2017 and shortly after joined the LSA team as a teacher assistant. I have a wide spectrum of experience working with children. I have volunteered in the Seattle Aquarium for four years and was also a tutor for northgate elementary during my last year as an undergraduate. Through those years of volunteering I developed a passion for working and engaging with children. Working at LSA has continued to cultivate my passion but LSA also gives me the opportunity to create an engaging and fun environment for children.
I was born in the Philippines but my family moved to the U.S when I was very young. I attended middle and high School in Seattle and have always loved living here. I received my BS in biology and minor in marine biology. I love science and I hope to incorporate it in my classroom. Outside of work I like to keep busy through volunteering, hiking, movies, and bouldering.
As a lead I strive to create a safe, welcoming, and engaging community in my classroom. My goals are to create a space where children are free to express themselves, explore their interests, and to have fun.
Kelli Carnes, Fifth Grade Lead
I am so excited to return to LSA this year as a lead teacher. This is my second year at LSA, and my third year with after school programming. I have also taught creative dance, beginning ballet, and beginning hip-hop at several studios in Washington State and Hawaii. I am currently in school working on a Masters of Science in Education for High School Science. I have my BA in Exercise Science and Minor in Dance from Gonzaga University. Prior to 2017 I have working at Boeing as an Exercise Physiologist in the Industrial Athlete program- dedicated to teaching Job Conditioning classes that emphasize personal health and physical resilience to prevent injury for at-risk machinists on the factory floor.
I believe that in a classroom it is essential to provide a safe, creative, supportive environment that promotes discovery, imagination, and exploration. I am dedicated to creating a class that helps my students create valuable social and emotional skills that are aligned with the standards and goals for early childhood education. As teacher I will be bringing my experience to the classroom to help encourage my students to challenge themselves to grow and develop their own personality.
Outside of LSA I am in the semi-professional dance ensemble N.E.W. (Never Ending Work) under PRICEarts, which is dedicated to promoting equality and diversity in dance. As dancers we perform at community centers, schools, as guest artists, and full length productions that encourages and supports community conversations on the importance of youth depression, and outreach programs available to at-risk children and teenagers- particularly with minority groups. My hobbies include sailing, hiking, camping, and crafting. I volunteer occasionally with Sea Scouts B.S.A, and at the Center for Wooden Boats
I am so excited to return to LSA this year as a lead teacher. This is my second year at LSA, and my third year with after school programming. I have also taught creative dance, beginning ballet, and beginning hip-hop at several studios in Washington State and Hawaii. I am currently in school working on a Masters of Science in Education for High School Science. I have my BA in Exercise Science and Minor in Dance from Gonzaga University. Prior to 2017 I have working at Boeing as an Exercise Physiologist in the Industrial Athlete program- dedicated to teaching Job Conditioning classes that emphasize personal health and physical resilience to prevent injury for at-risk machinists on the factory floor.
I believe that in a classroom it is essential to provide a safe, creative, supportive environment that promotes discovery, imagination, and exploration. I am dedicated to creating a class that helps my students create valuable social and emotional skills that are aligned with the standards and goals for early childhood education. As teacher I will be bringing my experience to the classroom to help encourage my students to challenge themselves to grow and develop their own personality.
Outside of LSA I am in the semi-professional dance ensemble N.E.W. (Never Ending Work) under PRICEarts, which is dedicated to promoting equality and diversity in dance. As dancers we perform at community centers, schools, as guest artists, and full length productions that encourages and supports community conversations on the importance of youth depression, and outreach programs available to at-risk children and teenagers- particularly with minority groups. My hobbies include sailing, hiking, camping, and crafting. I volunteer occasionally with Sea Scouts B.S.A, and at the Center for Wooden Boats