Laurie Albrecht
CLASSES: Family and Consumer Science, Chef School
COACH: Cross Country, Volleyball and Track
EDUCATION: Western Washington University; B.A. Special Education K-12, Elementary Education K-8
INTERESTS: Golfing, Running, Gardening, Art, Cooking, Outdoors, Acting

Debbie Binder
ROLE: Office Assistant
EDUCATION: 4 years University (but no degree -- couldn't settle down and make up my mind!)

INTERESTS: My family, travel, reading

Debbie Burns
ROLE: Office Manager
EDUCATION: BA French,  MBA
INTERESTS: Reading, crossword puzzles, gardening
Phone: 425-431-4100

Janis Case
CLASSES: Social Studies, English
EDUCATION: Associate of Arts Degree: Edmonds Community College 1989, Bachelors Degree Magna Cum Laude from UW 1991, Teaching Certificate UW, 1992
INTERESTS: Reading, history, gardening, doing crossword puzzles, spending time with my family, and traveling as often as possible.

Sara Daley
CLASSES: Math & Algebra
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Arts, Southern Oregon University; Masters in Teaching, Seattle University

Thomas "Tom" Davis

Tom Fridge
CLASSES: 7 and 8 Grade PE/Health
EDUCATION: B.A. Physical Education/Recreation/Health from Whittier College, M.A. Education from Whittier College
INTERESTS: Spending time with my wife and two children, camping, hiking, bike riding, lacrosse, and golf.
COACHING: 8th Grade Football, Girls Basketball, and Track & Field

Sara Garner

ROLE: 7th Grade Counselor

EDUCATION: B.S. Psychology, University of Maryland; Master of Education, Lincoln University, Jefferson City, MO

INTERESTS: I love spending time with my husband and stepson.  Together we enjoy exploring, shopping, zoos, reading and watching movies.  I am also passionate about learning new things, especially those things that relate to my role as a school guidance counselor.  I coach Cross Country at Lynnwood HS and I play piano for my church.

Maureen Garrison
CLASSES: Medieval Studies

Role: Librarian
Education: BA in English from University of Washington, 1978. Teaching certificate earned at University of Washington, 1981. Library media specialist endorsement from Central Washington University, 2003.
Interests: Reading, writing, history, surfing the net, trips to Starbuck's.

Pam Granstrom
CLASSES: Science
EDUCATION: BA.SW 1983, U of W; Teaching Certificate, 4-12 Science Endorsement, 1997, U of W-Bothell
INTERESTS: Science/Nature, Hiking, Canoeing, Fibers/Fabrics (Spinning & weaving), and Family
 

Brian Grijalva
CLASSES: Alternative Education / "Transitions Program"
EDUCATION: Masters of Education, Special Education, Emphasis: Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities, University of Washington; Bachelor of Arts, History, University of Washington.

Dita-Erika Hagen
CLASSES: English, Social Studies, Skills for Success
EDUCATION: BA in German, Willamette University; Philipps Universitat, Marburg, Germany, Graduate work: University of California, Irvine; Western Oregon State College; University of Washington; Antioch University
INTERESTS: Design: interior, landscape, floral; sewing original designs interior, landscape, floral; reading for pleasure; nature
CAUSES: Human and animal rights; protecting the environment

Heidi Hess
CLASSES: 7th and 8th grade English, Reading and Social Studies Teacher.
EDUCATION: Ten years teaching experience at the middle school level,  K-12 Special Education degree with a minor in K-8 Elementary Education from Central Washington University, M. Ed. in Educational Technology, Currently working on special education school administrator certificate.
INTERESTS: teaching, learning, snow shoeing, reading, hiking, being creative/artistic, cooking, fly fishing, breathing fresh air, entertaining family and friends.

Gail Jeffery
ROLE: Registrar/Counseling Secretary
EDUCATION: North Seattle Community College - Executive Secretarial Degree
INTERESTS: Gardening, roses especially, reading and playing golf with my family.
Phone: ext. 7835

Todd Johnston
CLASSES: Learning Support Math
EDUCATION: Graduated Eastern Washington University 1993 Degree in Social Science Education
INTERESTS: Travel, cooking, gardening

Website

Karen M. Kasprzyk
CLASSES: English & Social Studies block

ROLE: English and Social Studies Department Chair
EDUCATION: Bachelors: State University of New York at Buffalo 1991; Teaching Certificate Buffalo State College 1998; Masters in Teaching Seattle Pacific University 2002
INTERESTS: Reading, spending time with family with family and friends, New York Yankees, and crossword and Sudoku puzzles.

Ann Kellett
CLASSES: Reading, English, & Social Studies
EDUCATION: I graduated from the University of Washington majoring in English with an emphasis in Creative Writing. I minored in History and Spanish. My extra- curricular activities included Women's Crew, swimming and sorority life. I have taught in Sunnyside, Raymond, Darrington, Tacoma and now in Edmonds. I have taught middle school, high school and alternative education. The subjects I have taught include: English, Journalism, Social Studies, Speech, Spanish, Drama, Creative Writing, Speech and Debate. I have coached cheer leading, dance and drama for 6 years and school newspaper for one year.
INTERESTS: traveling around the world to learn about different cultures. I love sports, reading and spending time with my family.

Jody Korneliussen
EDUCATION: I have two years of college and have taken a number of classes on child development and classroom management. I also have many years of  life experience raising four children, tutoring children with learning disabilities, and working at Brier Terrace for the past twelve years.
INTERESTS: Studying and teaching the Bible, reading, home decorating, landscaping, quilting.

Jennifer Kostelecky

Debbie Lasky-Fink
ROLE: Counselor 8th Grade
EDUCATION:

• B.A. Liberal Studies, Education; California State University, Northridge
• M.A. Special Education, Area of the Deaf: California State University, Northridge
• M.A. Psychology; Antioch University
• LMHC Licensed Mental Health Counselor

INTERESTS: My passion is working with students and families both at school and outside of school as I maintain a private practice. During my free time, I enjoy getting lots of exercise, spending time with my family, exploring new places, and connecting with friends.
PHONE: (425) 431-4104

Steve Laraway
CLASSES: English and Social Studies
EDUCATION: I graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in 1971 with majors in English and History.  I've been teaching in the Edmonds School District ever since!

INTERESTS: I enjoy reading, boating, the outdoors, and traveling the highways and byways of the United States.

Sarah Lucas

CLASSES: 7th grade Science with the Geek Squad (Team 7A)

EDUCATION:  Bachelor of Science, Biology, & Psychology. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Website

Amy McVay
ROLE: Attendance / ASB Secretary
EDUCATION: BS Interior Design Oregon State University
INTERESTS: Gardening, my girls, camping and canoeing

Kimberly Newman
CLASSES: Math and Geometry
EDUCATION: BA in Mathematics, St. Olaf College with a strong emphasis in Computer Science

INTERESTS:  I like dancing, singing, playing clarinet, flying, working with computers, and anything I can do outdoors.  I also love to travel and see new places.  I've studied abroad in Hungary and have traveled to many other countries and across the U.S.

Shirley Nicholson
CLASSES: I am a teacher of gifted (7th and 8th grade humanities block) and 8th grade intro to Spanish.  I am also the yearbook advisor and the Bulldog Way advisor.
EDUCATION: I earned my BA from Western in 1972 and have since taken many classes and workshops and training in the areas of gifted and social studies in particular.  My majors at Western were English, Spanish, and education.
INTERESTS: This is my 32nd year of teaching, and I really like working with middle school aged children, that’s why I am still here. My other personal interests are my family, both extended and my immediate family of husband and 2 college-aged sons. I also love gardening and landscaping, sailing, camping, anything outdoors.  I love to read and cook.

Michael Piper
CLASSES: Math & Algebra
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science, Southern Nazarene University
INTERESTS: Coaching Baseball

Scott Presho
CLASSES: Science & Computer Skills
EDUCATION: BA Communication, 1982; 4-12 Secondary teaching certification with a Natural Sciences endorsement, 1992; MA Educational Technology, 1996.
INTERESTS: rock climbing, woodworking

Jennifer Rivera
CLASSES: Science
EDUCATION: B.S. in Zoology (U.W.) and Masters in Education (U.W.) 
INTERESTS: hiking, reading, movies, and learning about science, especially animals. 

Jean Robbins
ROLE: School Psychologist / Behavior Specialist
EDUCATION: MS Special Education, ESA Certificate School Counseling and School Psychology. I've taught Special Education and been a School Psychologist at elementary, middle and high school levels. INTERESTS: white water rafting, sea Kayaking, hiking, skiing, all areas of natural history, reading, raising Bernese Mountain Dogs.
INTERESTS: white water rafting (have worked as a guide in California, Idaho, Arizona, Alaska), Sea Kayaking, hiking, skiing, all areas of natural history (just recently was a volunteer on a boat doing research on humpback whales), reading.  I also have raised Bernese Mountain Dogs. As you can see, I get far away from education/psychology when I have the chance.
Phone: 425-431-7311 ext. 1106

Aleta Russell
CLASSES: Physical Education Teacher & Health
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science Degree From Northeastern University, Boston MA
INTERESTS: Any sports team from Boston especially “The Boston Celtics”, love to play racquetball, ride my bike and on hot summer days go water skiing where ever there is smooth water.

Jennifer Schillen
CLASSES: Orchestra
EDUCATION: I received a Bachelors in Music Education from University of Denver in 1979. I received my Masters Degree in Music Education from Eastern Washington University in 1995.
INTERESTS: Viola is my major instrument, I also play violin. I am a member of the Cascade Symphony orchestra. I have been in the Edmonds School district for 9 years. I have taught at Woodway Elem., Westgate Elem., Alderwood MS, and am currently here at Brier Terrace, Madrona school, and Mountlake Terrace High School. In my spare time I teach private violin and viola lessons. I have 3 children. My daughter Sarah is a Freshman at the University of Washington, my son Greg is a Freshman at MTHS, and my youngest son David is in 7th grade at Madrdona. I love the sun, the color yellow and gardening.

Sue Schulz
CLASSES: 7 and 8 Grade PE/Health
EDUCATION: Bachelor of Science Degree in Physical Education from Central Washington University, 1987.  Master of Education degree in Educational Technology from Lesley University, 2007.  K-12 physical education endorsement and K-8 education endorsement.
INTERESTS: Faith in Christ, Family: especially my three beautiful nieces, camping and traveling around the US, skiing, swimming, softball, AWANA leader.

James Sullivan
James Sullivan graduated from Western Washington University in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science degree certified in Technology Education. He continued his education completing his Masters degree in Technology education from Western in 1999. James has received two internships with the Boeing Company in 1997 and 1999. As a member of the Washington Industrial Technology Education Association, James has held the post as president, conference coordinator and currently holds a position on the executive board. In 1998 James received the "Best Technology Program in the State" award while teaching at Mountlake Terrace High School. James Teaches SCI MA-TECH here at Brier Terrace Middle School, a class that applies each of the core subjects using a traditional wood shop facility. James' philosophy is "DOING IS UNDERSTANDING".

Dottie Szendre
CLASSES: Math, Algebra, & Spanish
EDUCATION: University of Idaho - B.S. in Education (math major, minors in English and Science); M.S. in Secondary Education with math emphasis Washington State University: additional endorsements in Spanish, Bilingual Education (English/Spanish), ESL
INTERESTS: reading, golf, the Mariners, spending time with my children and family, walking, traveling, plays, watching figure skating

Rob Tucker
CLASSES: English & World History
EDUCATION: B.A. History, Cum Laude, U. of Washington 1987; Phi Beta Kappa; Secondary Teaching Certificate (social studies & English), U. of Washington 1988
INTERESTS: History, writing, reading, running, backpacking & hiking, hanging out with my wife and son, sports in general, volunteer work through my church.

Allyn Turner
ROLE: Assistant Principal
EDUCATION: United States Marine Corps, Sergeant, 1979-83; Bachelor of Arts, Theatre and Art, Seattle University, 1987; Master in Teaching, Seattle University, 1991; Drama, Art and English Teacher at Mountlake Terrace High School 1991-99; Administrative Certification, Western Washington University, 1999; Assistant Principal, BTMS, 1999-Present
INTERESTS: Motorcycling, Sailing, Harmonica, Acting/Theater, Foosball, Juggling.
Phone: ext. 7838

Carole Wittmann
CLASSES: 7/8 grade Choir, Vocal Jazz
ROLE: I am the director of Choirs at Brier Terrace Middle School and Alderwood Middle School. This is my thirteenth year teaching middle school choir, and my 6th year at BTMS.

EDUCATION:  Bachelor of Music Education from Western Washington University in 1992; Master of Arts in Music Education from The University of Washington in 2000. 

INTERESTS:  Music, friends, and family.