Faculty Profiles

Catlin Gabel teachers are wise, dedicated, expert, approachable, and supportive. In a word, they are amazing. Our teachers are more than the sum of their credentials and previous work experience. We asked our teachers five questions that would reveal something about our their personalities. Each teacher chose one question to answer.

What was a great Catlin Gabel experience you've had lately?
What is your favorite movie, play, book, or pastime? Why?
What brought you to Catlin Gabel (if you are new to the school), or why do you like working at Catlin Gabel?
What is one surprising thing about you?
Who was an influential teacher?

Joanne Dreier, kindergarten teacher, at CG since 1987. Bachelor's in education, Portland State University.

In the Beginning School I get to be the teacher that I imagined I could be. I get to practice being my best self with those I respect and love: my colleagues, the children, the families. I get to be there when their stories are told. I get to make a difference. I get to feel grateful that my journey to "Ithaca" has included a kindergarten classroom at Catlin Gabel.

Sue Henry, kindergarten teacher, at CG since 1990. Bachelor's in education, Washington State University.

I have a passion for Native American art and culture that was ignited during a performance by the Lelooska Family when my son, who is in his 30s, was in third grade. They presented Kwakuital stories, masks, dances, and songs that were spellbinding. For many years, my husband and I have traveled on our own and with fellow members of the Portland Art Museum's Native American Art Council to learn about ancient civilizations and native peoples, and to meet artists who are steeped in the traditions and history of their tribes. I am drawn to Native American art and culture because of its exquisite beauty and its deep connection with nature. I enjoy sharing this interest with young children and find that it is a wonderful lens through which we can explore our relationship with our natural surroundings.

Jennifer Marcus, BS woodshop teacher, at CG since 2004. Bachelor's in art, Mills College.

I transferred to Catlin Gabel in the middle of my sophomore year of high school. This was not my decision. At first I was baffled by the friendly teaching style and the respect my new teachers gave me. I especially loved Paul Dickinson's biology class. I was inspired by the way he guided us through labs and discussions with stimulating and exciting challenges. "Mr D" taught by asking questions, not by answering them. This is the key to how I teach today.

Betsy McCormick, kindergarten teacher, at CG since 1983. Bachelor's in English, University of Oregon. Master's in education, Portland State University.

A few years ago I had never heard the names Soloway, Goren, Cohen, or Watson, all famous bridge players. I've become addicted to their game! Learning the strategies and systems of bridge has been an intellectual challenge. The reward for me as a teacher is that my struggles with the game have helped me become more empathetic with my students and to understand, firsthand, why using a variety of teaching methods is so important in the classroom

Chenoa Ohlson, preschool associate teacher, at CG since 2006.

As I make my way through life, my 7th grade English teacher, Mr. Palucci, is never far from my thoughts. At an age as precarious as thirteen, I felt seen and heard in a way I hadn't experienced in other classes. He introduced us to great literature, but it was our voices and ideas he encouraged most. When I stepped through his classroom door I entered a safe, warm harbor from the confusion of junior high. He put his whole heart into his work-and that is the kind of teacher I aspire to be every day.

Rhonda Patten, BS music teacher, at CG since 2006. Bachelor's in music, University of Wisconsin-Madison.

I love the writing of Margaret Mahy, a children's author from New Zealand. Her ability to play with words and language, sense of place, and her use of magic in the everyday world transport the reader (or me) to a place where the story so much more than the words and images. Reading her work is like listening to a well-crafted concert. The sound, emotion, and story wash over me and leave me feeling transformed.

Allen Schauffler, head preschool teacher, at CG since 1968. Bachelor's in music, Lake Erie College. Master's in education, Lesley University.

I had a teacher in college named Clive who was the head of the technical theater department. As he both pushed and led me through the intricacies of setting lighting and running the board he also gave me space to be an observer. The view from the catwalk over a stage is a great place to watch plays in rehearsal. I take my role as observer in the classroom seriously and with great humility. What I learn from keen observation is where to shine and focus the lights.

Kelly Stark, kindergarten teaching assistant, at CG since 2009. Bachelor's in sociology, University of Oregon.

Casi Ticer, kindergarten teaching assistant, at CG since 2009. Bachelor's in business, Pepperdine University.

Hannah Whitehead, beginning school head, at CG since 1982. Bachelor's in English literature, Reed College.

The teacher who influenced me most was my father. He was a professor who had come to education late in life, and so gave it special value. He was always on his students' side. With probing questions, he helped them do their best work, threw them lifelines when they froze during their orals, and mentored them after they left his care. He had a talent for making those around him look good. He was good at explaining things, had a wonderful sense of humor, and was sharp as a tack. His and my mother's greatest gift to me was to send me on a six-month trip home from Australia through Asia, the Suez Canal, and Europe to finish high school in the U.S. That trip was an amazing education in itself.

Rebecca Wirth, preschool associate teacher, at CG since 2008.