Marcia Balkin, First and Second Grade Team Teacher

Marcia is a highly skilled and experienced elementary teacher and literacy specialist. She is passionate about engaging and motivating students to be active partners in their learning. Marcia's prior experience at an expressive arts elementary school has shown her how hands-on experience and realistic tasks can take student learning to the next level.

“Marcia brings the love needed for long term success. There is no doubt in my mind that children flourish, grow and learn in Marcia’s room.” - Karen Burger

Working primarily with our first and second graders, Marcia inspires children to learn how to ask and answer the questions that matter to them, as well as master the academic fundamentals for on-going learning.

Marcia’s personal love of reading and the thrill of new readers led her from her BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education to a Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, emphasis in literacy, in 2010.

Marcia is a dynamo of vision and focus and enjoys working with the team developing progressive curriculum that makes KapKa so special.

Erik Rosenkranz, Second and Third Grade Team Teacher

Erik is one of those teachers that people remember. Kids warm to his genuine curiosity about the world while parents trust his experience and vision. Erik has over 15 years of experience teaching in public and Montessori private school settings in a variety of multi-aged learning environments. He is known to create a safe and nurturing community: one that encourages students, parents, and staff alike to become excited about their potential.

“Erik is undoubtedly one of those rare individuals that have a true calling for teaching and a clear vision of how to achieve his goals regarding his students. It would not be unreasonable to refer to him as being an inspirational teacher; one that students, lucky enough to have him, will remember throughout their lives.” - Maria and Andrew Haslam, Parents of two former students

Erik helps each child to recognize his/her potential. He believes that once a learner’s passion is revealed, it can be leveraged—not only to the greater interest of the learner, but in the interest of the classroom, family, community, and ultimately the world at large.

Erik is passionate about woodworking and wire art. He is a NCAA Division Three Decathlon Champion as well as a two-time NCAA All American title-holder. He holds a BA in Science and Mathematics and a Masters in Education.

Susan Sasnett, Kindergarten Teacher

Susan loves the energy of Kindergarten and believes her work is to channel students’ natural joy of learning in their first school environment. As a bridge between preschool and more academic work, Susan’s K-year is about the quality of school life as well as the wealth of new skills children master. Susan weaves academic learning into fun activities.

From her long experience as parent and teacher at progressive schools, Susan brings a deep understanding of what it means to educate the whole child. As well as building on the foundations of inquiry, math and literacy, Susan is instrumental in helping children to find their voices in the class and community.

“Children’s ideas come to life in the most artful way through Susan’s creative guidance. From learning letter formation with watercolors to building room-sized castles, Susan weaves academic learning into fun activities." - Kathi Bulfin, Head of School at KapKa

Susan was a founding parent of KapKa in 1989. She served the school in numerous roles including sewing instructor and substitute teacher before joining the teaching team in 2001. She received a BS from the University of Washington.

Susan is studying fabric art in an intensive program; she is learning to dye fabric and thread and to design from an inspirational source. She shares this passion for fabric arts with the children—many alumni kids continue to treasure creations they have sewn with Susan’s guidance.

Jamie Shilling, Music and Art Teacher

Jamie, our art and music teacher, fans the creative flame in our children. She has been at KapKa since its foundation in the late 80s. Drawn to create in transformative ways within community, she believes it is essential children have their creative spirits acknowledged and be able to practice making their ideas visible. Art done by the children in Jamie’s program hangs framed in family homes for years to come.

Jamie facilitates collaboration between teachers and students to enrich the curriculum with visual arts and music. Many of the well-loved KapKa songs have been co-written by Jamie and our students.

Jamie finds deep joy in creative expression through vocal music and her own painting and drawing. She has a BA in Art and Education.

Signe Roscoe, Office Manager

Office Manager Signe Roscoe joined the KapKa community as a parent in 1998 when her eldest daughter enrolled in Kindergarten. Two years later, her younger daughter excitedly began school at KapKa and in 2002, Signe became the school’s office manager. She had prior careers in the graphics and real estate industries and brings both keen attention to detail and a passion for community to her role.