Exceptional Teaching

3rd-5th grade Teacher, Math

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Teaching since 2011, Carolyn joined University Cooperative School in 2015. Carolyn believes that students and teachers walk a path of learning side by side, making discoveries together. She sees teachers as guides, helping students find their next road.

Carolyn spent her formative years on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, and has been living in the Seattle area for the last 12 years. In her free time, she enjoys running, cross-stitching, roller-blading, and spending time with her husband and cat.

Assistant Teacher, PK | EDP Lead

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Dora has been teaching since 2019 and joined University Cooperative School in 2023. She is a teaching assistant and also brings fun and creativity to the Extended Day Program as the EDP Lead. Dora’s favorite U Co-op traditions are the Halloween festivities.

Assistant Teacher, 3rd-5th | PE Specialist

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Ed has taught at University Cooperative School since 2019, when he joined as an assistant teacher. He currently works as an assistant teacher and PE specialist for 3rd through 5th grades.

Ed is a Philadelphia native and cat enthusiast. He likes to play softball, wiffleball, and flag football in his free time!

Music Specialist

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Sandy has over three decades of experience teaching music and joined University Cooperative School in 2013. In the classroom, she implements a kodäly pedagogy focused on beat, rhythm, and melodic elements, incorporating a repertoire of folk, classic, and modern culture.

In her free time, Sandy plays guitar in a rock band and tours with her marionettes in the summer. She has a giant rabbit named Stewart, who can sometimes be found hopping around the music room at school.

Assistant Head of School

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Kyra has more than two decades of experience teaching and joined the faculty of University Cooperative School in 2005. Throughout her time at the school, she has taught 3rd through 5th grade literacy, served as the Lead Teacher and Board of Trustees member, and in 2024 became the Assistant Head of School. Kyra is a member of the 2023-2025 cohort of NWAIS Pathways to Leadership program.

Kyra is a dog-loving, book-reading, nature-seeking, proud mother of two U Co-op alumni.

Assistant Teacher, Pre-K | PM Lead

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Casidhe joined University Cooperative School in 2023 as an Assistant Teacher. She believes that students learn best when they have opportunities to engage in learning in fun and creative ways.

Casidhe loves to create in many forms; art, knitting, sewing, anything that entails making something new, usually out of something old. She loves animals and has a soft spot for German Shepherds, having raised them for 14 years.

Business Office Assistant

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Molly joined the administrative staff in 2023 as the Business Office Assistant. Her favorite University Cooperative School traditions are the 3rd through 5th grade fall trip and Ski Thursdays.

Molly loves animals, gaming, learning, and being with people she cares about.

Parent Educator, Pre-K

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Kristin joined University Cooperative School in 2023 as the parent/guardian educator for Pre-K. She believes EVERYONE learns better with play and kindness. She loves going with Pre-K on “veggie adventures” when they cook in class, or joining PK on local field trips. She is a hockey mom of three and enjoys growing her own food.

Teacher, Pre-K

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Christi has taught Pre-K at University Cooperative School since 2020. She began teaching in 2008, holding prior teaching positions at Woodland Park Cooperative, Wallingford Cooperative, and University Ravenna Cooperative Preschool.

An actor and arts educator with more than 20 years of experience, Christi owns Wedgwood Drama Studio, where she teaches drama at many local schools and hosts drama camps for preschool and elementary students.

Financial Manager

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Jenny joined University Cooperative School as the Finance Manager position in 2019 and served as the U Co-op Board of Trustees Treasurer from 2014-2019. In addition to keeping U Co-op’s finances in order, she owns a business that provides bookkeeping and planning services for Seattle-area co-op preschools.

Jenny is a twin mom of U Co-op alums. She loves animals (especially cats!) and enjoys spending time outdoors.

Admissions Manager

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Elyse became the Admissions Manager in 2021, having chaired the University Cooperative School Admissions Committee from 2017-2020. Prior to U Co-op, Elyse was an active member of University-Ravenna Co-op and FTCNS Co-op in Chicago, serving as Admissions & Marketing Committee Chair and a board member there. Elyse has 20+ years of experience as a marketing professional, primarily in the tech sector.

Elyse is a Karaoke lover, proud mom and teen chauffeur, and SciFi/Fantasy nerd.

Assistant Teacher, K-2

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Susanne has more than 25 years of experience working in early childhood education. She joined the University Cooperative School faculty in 2021 and is currently an assistant teacher in K-2. “Science with Susanne” is a favorite class for K-2 students, offering plenty of opportunities for hands-on experimentation, learning, and fun.

Susanne is mom to two boys, an indoor cat, and many, many neighborhood squirrels, thanks to her enthusiasm for squirrel picnic tables. She loves to watch F1 and is an avid puzzler.

Capoeira Specialist

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Silvio joined University Cooperative School in 2021. He began practicing Capoeira Angola in his hometown of Belo Horizonte, Brazil where he worked with children in public and private schools and in social programs for adults and homeless youth.

Since 2004, Silvio has directed the International Capoeira Angola Foundation (ICAF) and taught Capoeira classes at ICAF Seattle, University of Washington, Evergreen State College, and Western Washington University.

3rd-5th grade Teacher, Science

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John started teaching in 2007 and has been at University Cooperative School since 2011. He believes children need safety, acceptance, and joy to be able to take risks and reach their potential. In science, students grow through the natural wondering of asking and answering questions about the world, learning to do so in increasingly rigorous ways.

John loves reading, running, and walking his dog and is active in local politics. John enjoys spooky season and his house now features a year-round 12-foot tall skeleton.

Custodian

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Cruz joined the University Cooperative School’s staff as a Custodian in 2024. His previous work experience in educational environments included custodian positions at Seattle Hebrew Academy and Seattle Central College.

An outdoor enthusiast, Cruz loves biking and kayaking. In his free time, you can find him spending time with his family. Cruz’s favorite U Co-op tradition is Fun Fantastic Fridays!

Co-Head of School

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Jeanne joined University Cooperative School in 2006. Before U Co-op Jeanne worked in non-profit organization management. She believes U Co-op’s community orientation and the wide range of contributions from our amazing families make the school a special place to learn and grow.

Jeanne is a Lake-Michigan-born, March Madness aficionado, seeker of dog-friendly travels, lover of literature, movies, and theater, and mom of two awesome boys.

Drama/Dance/SEL Specialist

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Molly has been at University Cooperative School since 2014 and has taught for 25+ years. Molly believes in caring for children's hearts first – and everything else springs from that. She loves creating an environment rich with enchantment, positive energy, and playfulness while creating a space where all are free to discuss, create, and express.

Molly is an actor, choreographer, and dialect coach for many theatres and schools. She loves to play guitar and sing harmony with her musical family, including two U Co-op alum who still consider the school their second home!

Art Specialist

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Claire joined University Cooperative School as an art specialist in 2007. With a background in Art Therapy, Claire brings a heart-forward approach to her teaching and creates a learning environment where students can take creative risks and embrace mistakes. She believes if kids are given space and support to express themselves fully, they will find their inner artist.

Claire is the mom of two incredible kids, a giant dog, and a tiny cat. She loves visiting family, traveling, and doing anything outdoors – especially hiking, paddle boarding and skiing.

Teacher, K-2

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Randi has more than 15 years of experience teaching and joined University Cooperative School in 2013. She believes early childhood education should be filled with laughter, potions, puppies, wonder, and surprises. Learning to create friendships, understand emotions, and express oneself are important values in her classroom.

Randi grew up in a small ski town in Colorado. She loves being close to the water and the lush PNW forests, but she also enjoys being cozy at home with her dog and cat, creating art, trying new recipes, and planning her next trip.

Assistant Teacher, 3-5

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Eliot has been an educator since 2019 and joined University Cooperative School faculty in 2023 as a TA.

In his free time, Eliot enjoys playing music, paddle boarding, reading science fiction, and watching scary movies. His favorite U Co-op traditions are 5th grade haunted house and 3-5 Rock Band.

EDP Instructor

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Tiffany joined University Cooperative School in 2024 in the Extended Day Program.

3rd-5th grade Teacher, Literacy

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Claire has more than a decade of experience teaching and joined the faculty at University Cooperative School in 2022. She believes learning requires courage and strives to create learning experiences where children feel safe enough to try hard things and risk the chance of failure because they know they are surrounded by a community that will lift them up, no matter what.

On the weekends, you can find Claire running, rock climbing, backcountry skiing, or backpacking with her husband. She loves yoga, reading, cooking, woodworking, and spending time with friends, family, cats, and her puppy.

Assistant Teacher K-2

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Nick began teaching in 2019 and joined University Cooperative School as a TA in 2023. He loves that U Co-op fosters students’ creativity and allows them to be themselves! He also loves the community and that parents can be an integral part of not only their own child's elementary experience, but the experience of all the students!

When not at school, you will find Nick backpacking or hiking around the PNW. He is also a huge basketball fan and has the dubious honor of watching all 82 Detroit Pistons games every year. Go Pistons!

Co-Head of School

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Jim founded the 3-5 program at University Cooperative School in 2000, and now serves as Co-Head of School. He has held teaching and leadership positions for 35+ years in public and private schools. Jim believes in creating an environment where learning is fun, where students feel empowered to ask many questions and take on educational challenges – one in which each student feels supported and recognized for their gifts and talents.

He is passionate about being outdoors and enjoys hiking, biking, fishing, skiing, reading, playing cards, woodworking, and taking long road trips to new places.

Advancement Associate

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Selina joined University Cooperative School in 2023 as an Advancement Associate. With a background in recruiting, she helps welcome prospective families and students into the community. One of her favorite things about U Co-op is how students are celebrated for who they are. She believes watching students grow and thrive in such a safe and supportive community is a beautiful thing.

Selina is a first-generation Mexican-American from a small town on the Texas-Mexico border. She loves camping, biking, and traveling. She is also a U Co-op parent to a Pre-K student!

Spanish Specialist

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Gaby joined University Cooperative School in 2024 as a Spanish Specialist. She's excited to bring cultural studies and Spanish language to the classroom and afterschool enrichment classes. Gaby is from Maracaibo, Venezuela, known for Lake Maracaibo, the world's lightning capital! Her previous roles include serving as a Spanish Medical Interpreter.

Gaby is a self-described Venezuelan cat lady. She is passionate about languages, antiques, and spooky stories.

Assistant Teacher, K-2

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Lexi has taught since 2015 and joined University Cooperative School in 2018. When not working as a teaching assistant, she is studying to pursue a graduate degree in occupational therapy.

Lexi loves being outside, whether to ski, forage, swim in alpine lakes, or lay in squishy moss. She enjoys concerts, local art events, cooking, and trying new things.

1st and 2nd grade Teacher

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Josie has 25 years of experience as an educator and has worked at University Cooperative School since 2011. Her favorite part of teaching is helping children develop their own ideas. In the classroom, she makes space for each child's voice and creativity. She loves that at U Co-op, we dream big and work together to create amazing experiences.

In her free time, you will find Josie spending time with her family, walking around her neighborhood, and spending time in different coffee shops.

Learning Support Specialist

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Julie has 30+ years of experience as an educator and has worked with U Co-op students since 2015. She provides academic support in the classroom and in small group sessions or with individual students as a tutor. Julie believes all people are learners who have the potential to stretch, grow, and be the people we are meant to be.

She is a daughter, sister, wife, mother, friend, colleague, and most recently, grandma. She enjoys coffee, walks with her friends, and puzzling on blustery days.