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?

Carissa Albin, 2nd grade intern, at CG since 2009.

Teressa Barsotti, 4th grade teaching assistant, at CG since 2009. Bachelor's in anthropology, Portland State University.

Maggie Bendicksen, 5th grade teacher, at CG since 2002. Bachelor's in English, Amherst College. Master's in education, Lewis & Clark College.

Carrie Blank, LS PE teacher, at CG since 2005. Bachelor's in anthropology, Humboldt State University. Bachelor's in physical education, Illinois State University. Master's in education, Lewis & Clark College.

Scott Bowler, LS science teacher, at CG since 1984. Bachelor's in anthropology, Humboldt State University. Master's in education, Lewis & Clark College.

Twenty-five years ago I was asked to come and interview for a fledgling Lower School science program. The idea was for me to create the program, collect resources, put a lab space together, work with homeroom teachers to design and enhance curriculum, and then to leave at the year's end. As I got to know the kids and teachers, it soon became clear that there was far more work and interesting things to do than was originally envisioned. That year, I went on more than 20 class trips, helped build go-carts and motors, designed a castle and drawbridge made from milk cartons, collected a 600-volume science library, drew sea life murals, set out bird feeders, started a garden, surveyed the woods, explored mystery powders, and attended a medieval banquet. Here I still am, still developing the program, and still having a great deal of fun

Leondra Brackett, 1st grade teaching assistant.

Emily Brooks, 3rd grade intern, at CG since 2009.

Francine Chough, LS French teacher, at CG since 1999. Bachelor's in English, Lewis & Clark College. Bachelor's in English, Universite de Dijon, France. Master's in education, Loyola College.

I like working at Catlin Gabel because I am surrounded by inquiring students who are all getting a chance to learn at their own pace and are allowed to develop their creative minds, thanks to an environment of caring and nurturing adults. What a joy! I did not have that chance in the school I went to and wish I could have had that opportunity when I was younger.

Michael de Forest, LS woodshop teacher, at CG since 1996. Bachelor's in sociology, Lewis & Clark College. Master's in visual studies, Minneapolis College of Art & Design.

In 1970 I made a bookshelf out of leftover 2 x 6s using a handsaw, a hammer, and nails. My friend Lee admired my work. I was very pleased. Four years later, I was a youth counselor looking for a career change. Lee, in the meantime, had begun designing and making hardwood furniture. After I begged and pleaded, Lee relented and hired me as his apprentice. Decades later, I bumped into Lee. He told me that when he had admired my 2 x 6 bookshelf, made with only hand tools and no training, he decided that woodworking might be something he could do. He had approached two furniture makers, begged them for a job, and was hired as an apprentice. When he hired me as an apprentice, he was working for the guys who took a chance on him. No wonder he took a chance on me, a chance that launched me on a 35-year journey as a woodworker and a teacher of woodworking.

Lisa Ellenberg, LS librarian, at CG since 1991. Bachelor's in education, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. Master's in education, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque.

Enrique Escalona, LS Spanish teacher, at CG since 2006. Bachelor's in journalism, University of Seville. Master's in Spanish, Stony Brook University.

In the early ’90s, while studying journalism in college, I directed a television weather show that aired at 2 p.m. No one in Spain dares to take a siesta without watching the weather information first. That’s how I learned that “the rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain” is a fallacy. Before directing the weather program I had spent several months in Bosnia-Herzegovina, covering the war for the same TV channel. Between the war experience and the tedious weather reports (in southern Spain the weather is always sunny and warm with blue skies) I decided journalism wasn’t my thing and that education is the pillar for a more civilized world.

Jackie Fuller, 5th grade teaching assistant, at CG since 2008.

Zalika Gardner, 2nd grade teacher, at CG since 1997. Bachelor's in psychology, Scripps College. Master's in psychology, Columbia College.

I admit it, I like Spam. I can't help it. I was raised on it. Alas, I don't eat it much any more. My husband, the cook in our family, laughs me to scorn at the mere mention of the word. My son pleads with me to revise my position, citing ingredient lists and other useless information. Still, my affection for the oddly shaped canned meat stands strong. I feel that way about teaching. I like it. It is good. When I retire and don't teach much anymore, I expect I will still love it, defend it, and remember it as the most important work I could ever do. I stand strong. I like teaching. It is good. Almost as good as Spam.

Marcelle Gonzalez, 5th grade intern, at CG since 2009.

Jordan Heintz, 5th grade teacher, at CG since 2004. Bachelor's in psychology, Whittier College. Master's in education, Whittier College.

It’s 40 degrees outside. I’m on a bicycle looking down a two-mile mud track complete with bogs and hurdles. The guy next to me is wearing a chicken suit. Someone rings a cowbell and a Portland cyclocross race launches to life. For 45 minutes our lungs will burn, we will force our cycles through thick mud, and then throw our bikes over our shoulders as we scramble up hills too steep to pedal. None of the cyclists will win anything but smiles from this ride. All of us will be in pain — laughing and helping each other. As a teacher you have to embrace joy. Delight is alive in children and in the best of teachers. That’s what makes me seek out things like cyclocross racing. It’s a race much like teaching: someone will be the fastest, but that is not the main thing. Savoring the experience is what counts.

Mariam Higgins, 4th grade teacher, at CG since 2006. Bachelor's in medical illustration, Ohio State University Medical School. Master's in education, Lewis & Clark College.

Carefully striding down the rock-strewn path, I revel in the electricity in the air and gusting wind of an impending storm. Admonishing, finger-wagging Haitian women, old uncles, even children would run up to me, always with a smile, warning me again of the obvious and ominous dark clouds. I adore exploring, particularly in foreign environments. I am well prepared, but impulsive, open to new opportunities. This engaging pastime has taken me to the deepest rainforests of Malaysia, remote islands off Mexico, mountains of Haiti, swamps of Florida, rivers of China, ruins of Malta, and coasts of Ireland, not to mention many not-so-civilized pubs and cafés around the world. Nearly every weekend I discover a new trail somewhere in the Oregon woods. I hope the feeling I enjoy is similar to that of my students’: curious, alive, observant, and eager to experience more.

Leslie Hillman, 2nd grade teaching assistant.

Herb Jahncke, 2nd grade teacher, at CG since 2007. Bachelor's in biology, Rollins College. Master's in teaching, Lewis & Clark College.

My animal physiology teacher in high school, Mr. Scarano, had an easy way of being in the classroom, a sense of humor, a gentle playfulness about him, and high expectations for his students. I learned from him to enjoy time and interactions with the students, without sacrificing academic expectations. Serious learning can be fun.

Kathie Kimmy, LS learning specialist, at CG since 2007. Bachelor's in English, Whitman College. Master's in education, Boise College.

Susan Lazareck, 3rd grade teacher, at CG since 1994. Bachelor's in education, Cornell University.

I left a traditional school with a hardtop playground for a beautiful campus, a fir grove, wide grassy fields, and a view of the changing seasons right out my classroom window. I found a community of excited and energetic teachers, children, and families. Smiles, warm welcomes, and offers of help and encouragement from every side. It felt like coming home! I have always believed in the power of children to engage in wonder, and to question and wrestle with big ideas. I love how we teach children that with freedom comes responsibility. Families are the key to making school a place to love, and at Catlin Gabel they are all about making connections and building community. My colleagues are passionate about teaching and curriculum and books and ideas. I have so many opportunities to take classes and expand my repertoire. I feel invigorated and engaged, a wonderful feeling for a veteran teacher!

John Mayer, 1st grade teacher, at CG since 2006. Master's in education, Lewis & Clark College.

My most influential teacher was a whimsical wonder woman named Nura Yingling, who taught my 11th and 12th grade English and writing classes at a small Quaker school in Virginia. After going to school in a series of large public schools, everything about my new school felt different on my first day. Nura's room was organized in a circle of large tables with no assigned seats, instead of the desks in rows that I was accustomed to. The other kids were filing in and hugging each other while catching up on their summers. I quickly felt like I did not belong. Nura strolled into class, finding the last chair open and settling down to chat with the kids to either side of her. I didn't understand. Wasn't she the teacher?! Why wasn't she at the front of the room? A minute or two later she quietly said, "For those who don't know me, I'm Nura, I love writing, and I can't wait to learn from you all about how to make my writing better." I remember thinking, "I'm John, I love writing too, and I've never been asked to teach a teacher anything." This sharing of the direction of the classroom was a new concept to me, and I was thrilled to be a part of it. I credit Nura for inspiring me to want to be a teacher in her image.

Peggy McDonnell, LS music teacher, at CG since 1978. Bachelor's in education, University of Maryland. Master's in curriculum & instruction, Portland State University.

Rieko Mine, LS Japanese teacher, at CG since 1997. Bachelor's in English literature, Rissho University, Japan.

Rebecca Plaskitt, 4th grade teacher, at CG since 2004. Bachelor's in education, Eastern Oregon State College.

Having lived in England for 10 years, working in international schools, I was fortunate to explore many beautiful landscapes in Britain with my family. Most memorable was hiking the Monroes of Scotland. We spent a couple weeks each summer adventuring at the lakes and mountains in the Highlands. I remember a morning climb up Ben Lawers, one of the highest mountains in the southern part of the Scottish Highlands. We arrived at the top, singing “Highway to Heaven,” and could see all the way to Ben Nevis in the north. Every hike was a new adventure. I love adventures, taking risks, and finding new paths.

Suzie Roane, 3rd grade teaching assistant.

Vicki Roscoe, lower school head, at CG since 2002. Bachelor's in early childhood, Central Washington University. Master's in teacher education, Bank Street College of Education.

What keeps me here? The students' genuine love of learning keeps me here. I love working with truly outstanding teachers who know how to engage students deeply in learning. I have seen some of the strongest parenting skills in my career right here. The strong sense of community continues to amaze me since our families are spread all over the greater Portland area. There is magic here every day and it warms my heart.

Sue Sacks, LS learning specialist, at CG since 1991. Bachelor's in special education, NW Nazarene. Master's in learning disabilities, Northwestern University.

As a volunteer at a shelter for women and children I was asked to teach computer skills. I met Susan, a recovering meth addict trying to stay clean and restart her life. She had limited schooling and no confidence in her abilities. We sat together at the computer and she told me that she knew nothing. Susan had become frustrated and unsuccessful with an earlier typing assignment. Together we found an online typing program that turned out to be perfect for her. She bravely began practicing. The look on her face when she saw her first score of 10 letters a minute with 89 percent accuracy was amazing. Priceless, even. That is why I teach. Whether working with a 4th grader learning to solve algebraic equations, a struggling reader who figures out a challenging word by herself, a parent or teacher who gains understanding about why a child learns the way he does, or a middle aged woman learning to type four letters on the computer, being a part of those “aha” moments is why I am here.

Peggy Schauffler, LS art teacher, at CG since 1994. Bachelor's in art education, University of Oregon. Master's in education, Portland State University.

I first came to Catlin Gabel riding on the shoulders of my father, choir and woodshop teacher Dave Schauffler. I was three — a little transplanted fish from an Illinois farm. From that squirmy young age until I was 18 years old I received the most amazing education a little Illinois fish could ever ask for. The greatest teachers of my life (my father at the top of the list) nourished and challenged me until I was ready to swim. My destinations were Europe, the East Coast, West Coast, and many places in between, until I was drawn back to Portland, my home. With my own children in arms, I looked for the best education I could find for them. I looked for the most challenging and nourishing teaching environment I could find for myself. I was very fortunate to find Catlin Gabel again. Now, young students look into my eyes every day, asking for nourishment and challenges. I teach them, as I was taught, so many years ago.

Hsiao-Yun Shotwell, LS Chinese teacher, at CG since 2008. Bachelor's in Chinese, Chong Hsing University, Taiwan.

Dr. Pease, my Chinese professor at Portland State University, has influenced my professional and personal growth ever since I started teaching Mandarin. Learning languages is not about improving skills. It is about the excitement and joy of learning another culture and meeting people from other countries.

Richard Snell, 3rd grade teacher, at CG since 2000. Bachelor's in social sciences, San Jose State University. Bachelor's in education, University of Oregon. Master's in education, Oregon State University.

When I was eight years old, I was famous for one day in Redwood City, California. I stepped in a posthole and got my foot so stuck the fire department had to free me. The next day I was on the front page of the local newspaper ringing the fire engine bell resplendent in a fireman's hat. Ah, the good old celebrity days.

April Stephens, 1st grade intern, at CG since 2009.

Mimi Tang, 1st grade teacher, at CG since 2005. Bachelor's in English, University of Washington. Master's in education, University of Washington.

Although my memory of what my 3rd grade teacher looked like or sounded like has faded, I will never forget how Mrs. Cleveland made me feel. When she looked at me, she saw me. She truly saw me. As a shy, introverted, voiceless child, I was never invisible in Mrs. Cleveland’s universe. She succeeded in drawing me out of my typical way of being, challenging me and including me in the culture of the classroom seamlessly and respectfully. Many of her former students became teachers. Her spirit of kindness and ability to include all children lives on in us. I feel so fortunate to have learned from a master teacher and memorable human being.

Bich Trinh, 4th grade intern, at CG since 2009.

Jonathan Weedman, LS counselor, at CG since 2008. Bachelor's in psychology, Lewis & Clark College. Master's in counseling psychology, Lewis & Clark College.

When I was in graduate school, I had the joy of working with a professor named Greg. I was in the second year of my program and feeling overwhelmed working and going to school full time. I considered quitting. Greg, as the brilliant teacher and therapist he is, sent me a card that said that he felt I was born to do this work and that I needed to remember this in times of doubt. His words changed my outlook, and I came back to the program with renewed vigor and passion. To this day, when I doubt myself, I read that card.

Sheila Williams, LS PE teacher, at CG since 1990.

Daniel Woytek, LS library assistant, at CG since 2008.