Teachers & Admin

The people who make KapKa magical

Our incredible educators

KapKa teachers bring deep expertise and warmth - their classrooms are full of playfulness, rigor, and inspiration every day.

Nadine Smith

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
Years at KapKa: 12
Teaching Since: 2010
M.Ed Creative Arts in Learning - Lesley University; Recipient of multiple art grants (4 Culture, Safe Futures, Seattle Public Schools); Art Mentor and Educator, Seattle Public Schools 2008-2014
Lisa Berman

KINDERGARTEN TEACHER ASSISTANT
Years at KapKa: 1
Teaching Since: 2003
M.S. in Education - Canisius College; reading specialist program as part of Master’s
Jason Harris

1ST-GRADE TEACHER
Years at KapKa: 2
Teaching Since: 2011
Dual certification - early childhood education and special education; teaching experience in bilingual classroom / school; Master's in Teaching and Learning with a focus in Instructional Leadership - Harvard Graduate School of Education; instructional coach for teachers; featured in the book The Most Important Year about Pre-K education.
Shelley Curtis

1ST-GRADE TEACHER ASSISTANT
Years at KapKa: 4
Teaching Since: 4
Master’s in Public Health and Nutrition - UC Berkeley; yoga instructor for 10 years; math tutor; certified hula hoop teacher; preschool co-op parent for 7 years
Melissa Coffey

2ND-GRADE TEACHER
Years at KapKa: 3
Teaching Since: 2023
Parent of two KapKa alum; pursuing Master’s in Teaching - University of Washington
Julie Kosev

3RD-GRADE TEACHER
Years at KapKa: 12
Teaching Since: 2014
Master’s in Teaching - Pacific University; Science Educator and Curriculum Designer - Oregon Museum of Science and Industry
Nicki Bowen

4TH/5TH-GRADE TEACHER
Years at KapKa: 3
Teaching Since: 2007
BS Early Childhood Education - University of West Georgia; M.Ed. Instructional Design at Western Governors University; WA State Resident Teaching Certificate
Becca Foster

4TH/5TH-GRADE TEACHER
Years at KapKa: 3
Teaching Since: 2017
Master’s of Science in Biological Sciences for Science Educators - Clemson University
Laura Henneghan

ART SPECIALIST, LEARNING SUPPORT
Years at KapKa: 5
Teaching Since: 2014
M.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction - University of Washington; Education for Environment & Community at IslandWood Graduate Program; Trained in Wired for Reading (Advanced)
Laurel Bauer

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE, P.E., OUTDOOR EDUCATION
Years at KapKa: 8
Teaching Since: 2014
B.S. in Environmental Science - Colby-Sawyer College, Wilderness First Responder
Kate Berreth

PERFORMING ARTS SPECIALIST
Years at KapKa: 10
Teaching Since: 2007
Berklee College Of Music alumni with songwriting honors; Music Together certified teacher; 8 independent original records; songwriter for Bushwick Book Club Seattle
Jannie Lee

FLEX ASSISTANT, AFTERCARE
Years at KapKa: 3
Teaching Since: 2021
Caretaker of children of all ages for almost 20 years; multiple years as 1-on-1 aide

Leadership and administration

Our administration team is intentionally small so we can stay connected to our students and families - from supporting a classroom to singing a song with the whole community. Our doors are always open for conversation and collaboration.

Lisa Martinelli Norris

HEAD OF SCHOOL
Years at KapKa: 8
Lisa is a life-long Seattleite, and has been in education since 2001. Prior to her time at KapKa she worked in early education at local independent schools - including as a Teacher, Director, and Parent Educator at a co-op preschool for seven years. Lisa joined KapKa as a 1st grade teacher, and became a staff leader as well. Lisa has been in a leadership position at KapKa since 2020, beginning as the Director of Learning, and as Head of School since 2022.
Master’s in Teaching, Seattle University; Bachelor of Arts & Psychology with focus on Early Childhood, UW; Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator.
Morgan Murphey

DIRECTOR OF COOPERATIVE ADVANCEMENT
Years at KapKa: 4
Production Manager & Instructor - NYU Drama’s Playwrights Horizons Theater School Studio; parent of a KapKa alum and a current student
Angie Calvetti

BUSINESS MANAGER
Years at KapKa: 5
Degree in Accounting; Director of Finance - National American University