Marcia Balkin, First and Second Grade Teacher

• BS in Early Childhood and Elementary Education, Summa Cum Laude from the University of Missouri, Columbia
• Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus in Literacy from the University of Missouri, Columbia
• Certified teacher

Marcia Balkin joins the KapKa team after teaching first grade for six years at an expressive arts elementary school in Columbia, Missouri. Working at a school that used the arts to enhance student learning has shown her, first hand, how hands on experience and realistic tasks can take student learning to the next level. She looks forward to using the Seattle community as her classroom, and the unique opportunity to partner with parents to provide a more comprehensive classroom and life experience. Marcia’s personal love of reading and the thrill of seeing new readers surprise themselves led her to earning her Masters in Education in 2010. Additionally, she was on the Executive Board of Mid-Missouri Teachers Applying Whole Language and served on her school district’s Professional Development Committee. Marcia moved to Seattle with her husband, a post-doctoral fellow at the University of Washington, in the summer of 2011. They are currently using their free time to explore Seattle and the greater northwest region. She can often be found with her camera in hand to make sure she has many of photos for her scrapbook pages. “Along with her humor and dedication to the educational process, 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, Principal at Lee Expressive Arts Elementary

Richard Gawne, First and Second Grade Teacher

• BA in English and American Studies with Honors from the University of Wales, Swansea, United Kingdom
• Masters in Teaching with Presidential Honors from City University of Seattle
• Certified teacher

Throughout his career, Richard Gawne has enjoyed teaching diverse groups of students. For the past ten years, he taught Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten at a local school serving the gifted and talented. No matter the group, his constant goal is making sure his students are challenged academically while encouraging a love of learning. He believes each student should be recognized as an individual with unique skill levels and talents, and strives to differentiate his teaching in order to meet each student with challenging and meaningful learning experiences. Richard is loved by parents and colleagues and is recognized as a teacher with distinguished talents and capabilities. Richard enjoys mentoring other teachers and taking on various leadership roles within the school. Richard’s interests outside of school include supporting the Seattle Sounders and keeping up to date with the Seattle music scene. “Richard has an extraordinary talent for bonding with children of all personality types and communicating well with parents. Parents know that he cares deeply for each of his students and will do what it takes to provide the right degree of nurturing and support for each child.” Wilder Dominick, Head of School at Open Windows School

Erik Rosenkranz, Third through Fifth Grade Teacher

• BA in Science, Mathematics, and Elementary Education from the University of St. Thomas, St. Paul, MN
• Masters of Education from the University of Washington
• Certified teacher

Erik Rosenkranz joins KapKa with 15 years of teaching in both general public and Montessori private school settings. During his teaching career, Erik has been able to explore and integrate numerous learning methodologies to support learners of various abilities and styles within a myriad of classroom settings, many of which have been multi-aged learning environments. As a teacher, he feels a strong sense of responsibility to identify, explore and inspire each child's ability to its fullest potential. Erik firmly believes that once a learner's genius is revealed it can be leveraged, not only to the greater interest of the learner, but in the interest of the classroom, the student's peer group, family, community, and ultimately the world at large. He is known to create a learning environment that is safe and nurturing: one that encourages students, parents, and staff alike to become excited about their potential. Erik is also 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. “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

Susan Sasnett, Kindergarten Teacher

• BS in Occupational Therapy from the University of Washington

Susan Sasnett’s history at KapKa began as a founding parent in 1989. She has served as treasurer, administrator, sewing and substitute teacher before joining the teaching team in 2001 as the first grade teacher. Since then she has transitioned into the Kindergarten classroom, where she loves the joy and energy of the K’s and helping them in the process of becoming students. Sewing is a passion she continues to bring to the children. Susan is instrumental in holding and passing on the traditions that KapKa has developed over the years. For the past 5 years she has been studying fabric art in an intensive program where she has learned to dye her own fabric and threads and to design from an inspirational source. “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

Jamie Shilling, Music and Art Teacher

• BA in Art and Education from Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR
• Study in visual arts at The Art Institute of Chicago

Jamie Shilling, our art and music teacher, has been at KapKa since its beginning. Drawn to create in transformative ways within community, she believes it is essential children have their creative spirits acknowledged and be able to experiment with and practice making their ideas visible. She most enjoys the collaboration with the teachers and students to integrate the curriculum with visual arts and music. Jamie was a vital staff member who helped create the first studio-recorded album of KapKa students, which is now a long-standing triennial tradition. Many of the well-loved KapKa songs have been co-written by Jamie and students of the time. Jamie finds deep joy in creative expression through vocal music and her own painting and drawing. “Jamie brings great joy, positive energy and a deep understanding of the essential learnings as she teaches children how to collaborate, innovate and share. She is masterful at weaving art and music into the learning experience, helping children discover how to add layers into their art and write songs that reflect what they’ve learned.” Kathi Bulfin, Head of School at KapKa

Administration

Kathi Bulfin, Head of School

• Masters in Education from the Danforth Educational Leadership Program, University of Washington
• BS in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin, Madison
• Washington State Teacher Certification with endorsements in K-8 Education, 4-12 Social Studies
• National Board Certified Teacher in Early Adolescent History/Social Studies
• Washington State Principal Certification

More than 30 years ago, Kathi Bulfin found her passion for progressive, alternative education with her university studies which grew throughout her teaching career. After spending thirteen years as an elementary and middle school classroom teacher, she entered the University of Washington’s prestigious Danforth Education Leadership program for school administrators. During her time as a Danforth graduate fellow, Kathi continued to develop her interest and understanding of emergent, child-centered curriculum that supports both the academic and social needs of children. In 2008, Kathi joined KapKa as Education Director and was recently renamed as Head of School. At KapKa, Kathi works with staff to ensure and develop an integrated curriculum, rich in hands-on learning opportunities. She is committed to providing an innovative learning environment based on partnerships with our children, parents, teachers and the greater community. The energy and flow of ideas that go into creating an emergent, child-centered, learning community, and a love for helping children become life-long learners is what drew her to KapKa. In her spare time, Kathi enjoys reading, gardening, camping, beading, yoga, hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Signe Roscoe, Office Manager

Office Manager Signe Roscoe joined the KapKa community 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 part-time 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.

Specialists and Consultants

Katherine Cook, Math for Love, http://mathforlove.com/

• BS in Math from Evergreen State College, WA
• Masters in Mathematics from the University of Washington
• Math Fellow for the Settle Public Schools
• Teacher at The Robinson Center, University of Washington
• Regular contributor to the New York Times Numberplay Blog

Dan Finkel, Math for Love, http://mathforlove.com/

• BS in Math from Swarthmore College
• PhD in Algebraic Geometry from the University of Washington
• Excellence in Teaching award at the University of Washington
• Math Fellow for Seattle Public Schools