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Einstein Middle School
Preparing caring, creative and productive students!
19343 3rd Avenue NW • Shoreline, WA 98177 • (206) 368-4730

Janet Allison, Choir Janet Allison splits her time between teaching choir at Einstein and teaching music at Syre Elementary School. She has been teaching music at Einstein for
Deana Baldi, Art Deana Baldi has been teaching at Einstein for five years and has been in Shoreline since 1988 at both the Elementary and Middle School levels. She earned her BA in Education from Washington State University and her Masters in Teaching from the University of Washington. Art is one of her lifelong passions and she looks forward to sharing this passion with students. When she isn't teacing, she enjoys spending time with her family, working on her own art, camping, hiking and gardening.
Donna Baransky, Office Manager Ms. Baransky grew up in Arlington, Washington and graduated from Arlington High school. She then attended Peterson’s School of Business in Seattle. She worked as a secretary for the government and for private business before becoming a substitute secretary for the Shoreline School District in 1989. She became part of the Einstein staff in 1990. She has resided in Shoreline for more than 30 years. She has two children, both Shorecrest graduates, who went to Lake Forest Park Elementary and Kellogg Middle School. Her daughter, Lisa, graduated from Linfield College in 1999 with a BA in Finance. Her son Chad graduated from Arizona State in 2001 with a BA in Business. Donna feels very fortunate to have been a full time mom until her children reached high school. She has always been a strong PTSA volunteer/supporter and was awarded the PTSA Golden Acorn Award for her volunteer service to both PTA and the community while her children attended Lake Forest Park Elementary. She loves her job because of the inter-action with students, staff and parents. She says that what makes Einstein such a great place to work is the wonderful, caring staff and the involvement of so many great parent volunteers.
Eileen Berlin, Social Studies Eileen Berlin has been teaching at Einstein for seven years and has been teaching for over twenty years. She teaches because she loves learning and people. She views each life experience as an opportunity to learn and looks for new learning adventures all the time. She has three adult children, one grand-daughter, and two cats. When she is not teaching, Ms. Berlin loves to quilt/sew, read, create, hike, travel, garden and learn anything new. She received her BA from San Diego State University and Masters in Education from Lesley College.
Cristi Camp, Science Mrs. Camp grew up in Littleton Colorado and got her BS in Biology from the University of Colorado, Boulder. After spending time as a lab assistant, Mrs. Camp became a lab instructor at the university and discovered her passion for teaching. After receiving her teacher's certification at the University of Colorado. Ms. Camp moved to Seattle, where she spent two years teaching science on the Freshman Campus in Issaquah. This is her first year as a seventh grade integrated Science teacher on the Einstein team! When not teaching, Mrs. Camp enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, backpacking, fishing, snowboarding and soccer. She also enjoys spending time at home relaxing with her husband, two cats and dog.
Anna Crossland, Social Studies Ms. Crossland has been teaching at Eisntein for five years and she absolutely loves it! Ms. Crossland recieved her B.A. in History from South Dakota State University and is currently working on her Master's in Education at the University of Washington. When she's not at school, she enjoys spending time with her husband, her son, and her dog Garrison. She enjoys hiking, as well as snuggling up with a good book or movie.
Dan Crowley, Math Dan Crowley teaches 7th & 8th grade Math and Integrated I. In his spare time he enjoys snowboarding and sitting on Indianola Beach. He recieved his BA in Economics from Seattle Pacific University and his Masters from City University.
Ilana Cunningham, Social Studies Mrs. Cunningham has been teaching Social Studies at Einstein Middle School for the past three years. Before teaching at Einstein, Mrs. Cunningham taught high school in Palmer, Alaska. She recieved her Bacholer's degree from the Jackson School for International Studies at the Univeristy of Washington, and later earned her Masters in Teaching from Seattle University.
Heidi DiVirgilio, English Language Learners This is Mrs. DiVirglio's third year teaching ELL at Einstein and she feels fortunate to work with students who are international travelers, multilingual, rich in their cultural awareness and who have a wide perspective on the world. Mrs. DiVirgilio holds a BA in Art History and English, a Master's Degree in English, and a Master's in Teaching from Seattle University.
Robert Dong, Technology Mr. Dong is our Technology Specialist. He keeps the computers up and running!
Kelley Flatters, 7th Grade Counselor Kelley Flatters is the counselor for the class of 2013 and has been at Einstein since the 2003/04 school year. Ms. Flatters previously worked at Briarcrest Elementary and Shorewood High School. She recieved her B.S. in Sociology from Gonzaga University and her Master's in Education in Counseling & Development from Eastern Washington University. Ms. Flatters is the lead coordinator for Einstein's WEB program (Where Everybody Belongs), which strives to welcome in incoming 7th graders and help them transition to middle school.
Wendy Francis, Art This is Mrs. Francis' second year teaching art at Einstein. She teaches painting and drawing classes as well as ceramics and sculpture. She earned her B.A. from San Jose State Univeristy and a Master's in Teaching from City Univesity. When not in the classroom, she enjoys activities with her family like hiking, travleing and taking in the beauty of the Northwest.
Matt Gillingham, English This is Mr. Gillingham's fourth year teaching at Einstein. Prior to working as a teacher, Mr. Gillingham spend five years as a public affairs consultant for foundations, government agencies, and multinational corporations. He earned his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington, and his Master's in Teaching from Seattle University. When not at Einstein he is busy hanging out with his wife and son, reading, running or swimming.
Brandon Glasser, P.E. & Health Mr. Glasser is in his 8th year teaching PE/Health at Einstein. When not teachinig, he enjoys coaching basketball, volleyball and track for the Tigers. Some of his hobbies include playing basketball, bowling and golf. His most favorit time of the day is playing with his one-year-old daugther after work!
Frank Halferty, Music Frank Halferty has taught the Bands and served as Music Department Head at Einstein Middle School for the past ten years. He holds two Bachelor of Arts Degrees, (1976), from Seattle Pacific University in Music Education and Music Theory and Literature. The Master of Music in Composition from New Mexico State University was received in 1982 where he was granted the distinction of Crimson Scholar. Mr. Halferty has over eighty compositions and arrangements in print and has held numerous positions as director of choirs and community groups. The recipient of six ASCAP awards, he has also received Outstanding Educator Awards in both the Shoreline and Lake Washington School Districts. When not at Einstein, Mr. Halferty enjoys the time he spend on the board of the Shoreline Arts Council, as well as the time he spends with his wife and two grown sons.
Gary Harris, P.E. & Health Mr. Harris teaches all levels of PE and PE/Health in addition to coaching several select soccer teams.
Mary Jo Heller, Libriarian Extraordinaire Mary Jo Heller has managed the LIbrary Resource Center at Einstein since 1992 and has been a librarian for 24 years! She earned both her B.S. in Education with a major in English and her Master's in Library Science from Northern Illinois University. She has also worked in schools in California and Italy, as well as working for the Illinois Department of Corrections. When not at Einstein, Mrs. Heller enjoys spending time with her three daughters, playing with her grandchildren, volunteering her time on the Council of Neighborhoods in Shoreline, sailing, hiking, and making dollhouse furniture.
Andie Holsten, Math Mrs. Holsten has been teaching at Eisntein since 1998! Before working at Einstein, Mrs. Holsten taught math in Baltimore County Maryland, where she lived for the first 28 years of her life. Mrs. Holsten and her husband Brian were excited to welcome a beautiful baby girl named Malorie Rohan Holsten into their lives last February. When not at school or doting upon her daugher, Mrs. Holsten likes to cheer the Redskins in pro-football, show her dogs, read and watch TV.
Joan Kuhn, Reading Specialist Joan Kuhn is delighted to be at Einstein after teaching for the past several years at Highland Terrace Elementary. She has taught grades 1-8 in a multitude of settings from Queensland, Australia, to Bellevue, Issaquah, and Olympia. She enjoys skiing, beachcombing, and playing with her three children and husband. Her special interests include reading, cooking, and long distance swimming. She is proud to be currently working with Einstein Middle School students to enhance reading performance.
Deann Kurina, P.E. & Health Mrs. Kurina teaches both 7th and 8th grade P.E. and Health at Einstein. When not teaching, she enjoys spending time with her family.
Cathy Mader, Math This is Ms. Mader's second year teaching seventh-grade math as part of the Albert Einstein team. Before working at Einstein, she spent time teaching eighth grade math in Calfiornia. Ms. Mader earned her Bachelor's degree at the Univeristy of Washington in Math and French. She recieved her Master's in Education from University of California Davis. When not at school, Ms. Mader enjoys playing soccer and going on long runs. You may also find Ms. Mader playing the clarinet in the Alumni Band at a Husky's game!
Dan Mayer, Behavior Tech Mr. Mayer is a behavior technician for Einstein's PEACE program and the head coach for our football team. When not at Einstein, he enjoys spending time with his wife and baby son.
Jeff McDowell Mr. McDowell teaches 7th grade Social Studies and Technology class. He has worked as both a teacher and a specialist in the Shoreline district at Syre Elementary School and now Einstein. When not at school, he enjoys has a son in 4th grade and a daughter in Kindergarten.
Paul Monahan, Social Studies Mr. Monahan has been teaching at Einstein for the past 16 years! He has taught mathematics and technology, but currently teaches United States History in his 8th grade social studies class and hosts a trip to Washington D.C. and New York for 8th graders every spring. He earned his Bacholer of Arts in Education with a focus on Social Studies form Seattle University, and his Masters in teaching with an emphasis on technology from City Univesity. When not at school, Mr. enjoys spending time with his wife, who is also a high school teacher, and his three children.
Rebecca Moreno, Math Skills Ms. Moreno is returning to the middle school after spending eight years at Shorecrest High School. She has also spent time teaching in New Orleans, Austin and Snohomish. Ms. Moreno earned her Bachelor's in Elementary Education and Special Education from Louisiana State Univeristy. She recieved a Master's in Administration from Western Washington University.
Lori Morton, School Registrar Lori Morton is Einstein's Registrar and Student Services Secretary. She is married with three daughters.
Jen Nawrocki, Special Education Jen Nawrocki teaches Einstein's Special Education students. Her patience and sense of humor makes her a favorite with the students and staff.
Christina Nelson, Directed Studies Ms. Nelson serves as the Directed Studies Department Chair and teaches 7th grade English Skills. She earned her B.A. in Special Education and her M.A. in Administration from Western Washington University. When not teaching, Ms. Nelson enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Leslie Orme, Directed Studies Ms. Orme teaches 7th and 8th grade Study Skills and 8th grade English Skills, and acts as a co-director of Einstein's WEB program. She earned her B.A. in English, Teaching, and Special Education from Bringham Young University and her M.A. in Curriculum Instruction from the University of Washington.
Marian Osborne, Math Ms. Osborne has been teaching at Einstein for the past six years. She also spent 19 years teaching grades 5 and 6. She earned her undergraduate degree from Evergreen State College and her Master's degree from the University of Washington. When not at school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters.
Jenny Parks, Vice Principal Ms. Parks has been part of the Shoreline team since 1996. Before becoming an administrator, Ms. Parks taught in both Arizona and Washington. She earned her bachelor's degree in Biology and Secondary Education, her Master's in Special Education and her M.B.A. in Marketing and Finance from the University of Arizona. After spending time in the classroom, Ms. Parks earned her administrative credential at Seattle Pacific University. When not at school she enjoys spending time with her son and daughter.
Bridget Pearson, English Ms. Pearson joined the Einstein team this year after spending two years teaching Theatre and Communications/Speech in Houston, Texas. She recieved her B.A. in Communication with an emphasis on Public Relations and Theater from Pacific Lutheran University and her Masters in Teaching from Seattle University. When not teaching, Ms. Pearson enjoys hanging out with the drama club or spending time outside.
Larissa Pendergraft, Drug and Alcohol Specialist This is Ms. Pendergraft's second year as the Drug and Alcohol Specialist for both Einstein and Shorewood High School. She recently earned her Masters in Scoial Work from the University of Washington and has experience working with youth at a drug/alcohol treatment center.
Kim Pesik, English Ms. Pesik has been teaching English at Einstein for twelve years. She earned her B.A. in English from the University of New Hampshire, and Secondary Teaching Certification from the College of Santa Fe, and her Master's in Education from Antioch University. When not at school she enjoys spending time with her husband and daughter and reading (of course!).
Donna Reynolds, Family & Consumer Science Ms. Reynolds has enjoyed teaching Family & Consumer Science to Einstein students for years. She earned her B.A. in Family and Consumer Sciences and her Master's in Teaching from Seattle Pacifc University.
Ronnie Reynolds, English Mr. Reynolds joins Einstein after several years of teachiing 6th-grade English at a middle school in Albuquerque, New Mexico. He earned his B.A. in English and his teaching certification from The University of New Mexico. When not in class, Mr. Reynolds enjoys playing, watching and coaching basketball.
Joneen Riohards, Spanish Ms. Richards has enjoyed teaching Spanish I and II at Einstein for some years. She earned her B.A. in Spanish Education and Religion from Hamline University in St. Paul, Minnesota. When not at school, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two sons.
Linda Rittenhouse, World Languages Linda Myers teaches Spanish I, French I and French II at Einstein. She earned her B.A. in Education and French from SUNY at Cortland. When not teaching, Ms. Myers enjoys coaching softball and basketball or spending time with her two children.
Stacee Robinson, P.E. & Health Ms. Robinson has enjoyed teaching P.E. and Health at Einstein for some years. She now splits her time here with the P.E. Department at Shorewood High School.
Roger Rudd, Math This is Mr. Rudd's third year teaching math at Einstein. Before coming to Einstein, Mr. Rudd taught math in a middle school in New York City. He earned his B.S. in Engineering from Montana State University, and his Master's in Teaching from City College of New York. When not at school, Mr. Rudd is on his bicycle.
Amy Serra, Social Studies English This is Ms. Serra's second year at Einstein. She is currently teaching 7th grade English and 8th grade Advanced Social Studies. She grew up in Southern Califronia, where she earned a degree in Political Science with a focus on Foreign Policy from the California Polytechnic State University. She has a Master's in Teaching from City University. When not at school, Mrs. Serra enjoys spending time with her husband, and taking trips that involve looking at historical sites.
Ellen Smith, Science Ms. Smith has spent over twenty years in public education working in elementary, middle and high schools. Teaching science at the middle school level is her favorite place to be! She earned her B.S. in Education from Central Michigan University and her Master's in Ed. from the University of Washington. When not at school, Ms. Smith enjoys spending time outside with her husband.
Pam Stever, PEACE Program Ms. Stever has been working with the Einstein PEACE program for some time.
Sarah Strausborger, Behavior Technician Ms. Strausborger has enjoyed working with Einstein students since 2005. She loves working with students from all walks of life, especially those with special and different learning styles. She earned her B.A. in Psychology from Gonzaga University in 2004.
David Svrcek, Science This is Mr. Svrcek's third year teaching science at Einstein. When not at school, Mr. Svrcek enjoys spending time with his wife.
Diane Thompson, English Ms. Thompson has enjoyed working as a teacher for the past 24 years. She has spent the last seven years teaching English at Einstein after teaching at Syre Elementary School. Ms. Thompson currently teaches 8th grade English and Creative Writing, Illustration and Speech and Drama. She earned her B.A. in Social Science and Elementary Education and her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction at Seattle Pacific University. When not at school, she enjoys spending time with her two grown daughters, their husbands and her two grandsons.
Paul Turner, 8th Grade Counselor Mr. Turner is the counselor for the class of 2010 and works with students on academic, social and personal issues. Mr. Turner has been with the Shoreline School District since 1974 and has been a counselor at Einstein since 1990. He earned his B.A. in Industriial Arts from San Diego State University and his Teaching Certificate fromt he University of Washington. He recieved his Master's in Ed. in School Counseling from Seattle University. When not working with students in the counseling officem Mr. turner enjoys coaching cross country, track and wrestling or spending time with his family.
Michael Valentine, Science Mr. Valentine just joined the Einstein team this year! He teaches 8th grade science.
Pat Valle, Social Studies Ms. Valle has returned to Einstein this year to teach social studies after a year of leave. She has enjoyed teaching 7th grade social studies for some time. When not at school Ms. Valle enjoys spending time with her husband, son and daughter.
Dan Wing, Music Mr. Wing teaches Concert Orchestra for 7th graders and Symphony Orchestra for 8th graders at Einstein. He has been teaching in the Shoreline School District since 1988. He earned his B.A. in Music from Washington State University, and his Master's in Music with a focus in performance from Indiana University. He has enjoyed being a Professional Orchestra musician for the past 15 years. When not working with music, Mr. Wing enjoys spending time with his family.
Joni Wishar, School Nurse As the school nurse, Ms. Wishar is an indespensable member of the Einstein staff. Before working at Einstein, Ms. Wishar spent time working with the U.S. Navy, Harborview Medical Center, and working with other community hospitals and peer review work. She earned her B.S.N. from Washington State University, her M.B.A. from JF Kennedy University, and her School Nurse Certification from Pacific Lutheran University.
Marcia Wubbens, Science Mrs. Wubbens is still excited to have been teaching science at Einstein for some years. She recieved her B.A. in Botany and General Sciences from the University of Washington and her Master's in Creative Arts for Learning from Lesley University. Mrs. Wubbens is certified by the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards and a teacher-trainer for the Center for Inquiry Science. When not teaching or learning, Mrs. Wubbens enjoys spending time with her family.
Kathryn Zwack, School Psychologist Ms. Zwack is now in her second year at Einstein Middle School. This is her 12th year as a psychologist. She works with both general education and special education students to identify and solve learning and behavior problems. She recieved her M.S. from California State University and her B.S. from the University of California, Davis.