Faculty and Staff
The faculty and staff at Academy Schools share many years of experience and a passion for excellence in curriculum designed to meet the educational needs of all students. Many hold advanced degrees and are Washington State Certified.
In addition, Academy Schools is proud to have specialists in life-skills, theater and dramatic arts instruction, music instruction, library skills, technology, and more.
“All the teachers are intelligent, well-educated and comprise a mix of skills. They are excellent teachers and consummate professionals. They are genuinely sincere in their rapport with students and parents. My son’s educational development at Academy Schools has greatly increased intellect, creativity, and organizational skills. Chess, drama, homework club are productive and valuable experiences for his growth.”
~ Academy Schools Parent
Careers:
Academy Schools has the following openings for the 2023-2024 school year:
On-Call and Long-Term Substitute Teacher, All levels
American Sign Language Teacher PK-12, half time
If you are interested in one of these positions or being notified of future openings, please send your resume and cover letter to Cynthia Huber at director@academyschools.org
Administration
Lower School
Victoria Somsel (she/her)– PreK-Kindergarten Teacher
AA-Shoreline Community College
Early Childhood Education Certificate
Ms. Toria holds an AA and a certification in teaching Early Childhood Education. She was an assistant preschool teacher for 4 years and a lead Preschool teacher for 1 year at her previous school. She has nannied on and off for 5 years. She also tutors on the side for 2nd and 3rd grade. She obtained her degree and certification from Shoreline Community College. She believes that students thrive during independent choice and do their best work when paced at their own level. She is a big believer in teaching empathy to students and using that to help make decisions. Ms. Toria has 1 cat and enjoys reading, cooking and crafts.
Emily Paul (she/her) – Grade 1, 2, and 3 Teacher
BA – Dance and Theatre, Loyola University
Elementary Education K-8 Endorsement, Seattle Pacific University
paul@academyschools.org
Emily Paul (she/her) received BAs in Dance and Theatre from Loyola University Chicago and her K-8 education certificate with an English Language Learner endorsement from Seattle University. Ms. Paul believes in the power of play in education and includes lots of games and hands-on activities in her classroom. Ms. Paul has experience teaching early elementary grade levels, as well as providing theatre and dance classes/camps for all ages at Academy Schools and through local arts companies. She currently directs the annual Drama Club performance and runs the arts performances. A Chicago native, Ms. Paul loves spending time with her cat and dog and talking about Chicago.
Connie Guinn (she/her) – 3rd-4th grade Teacher
guinn@academyschools.org
Ms. Guinn is an experienced teacher who has worked with a lot of kids! She enjoys teaching and loves learning with the students. She likes to travel, relax and spend time with her family!
Ricky Daley (he/him) – 5th grade Teacher
daley@academyschools.org
Mr. Daley is a seasoned expert when it comes to students. Previously a principal, he has all the skills and tools to make learning fun and engaging for kids while still maintaining an amazing level of authority. He is beloved by students already! He enjoys spending time with his family, watching football, and annoying his son, Mr. Roycen.
Upper School
AJ Stuart (he/him) – Math Teacher
MA – Math Education, National University
BS- Engineering, United States Naval Academy
Teacher of the Year 2019. Navy Commendation Medal. National Defense Service Medal – Operation Desert Storm.
stuart@academyschools.org
Mr. Stuart is highly experienced in teaching all math levels in diverse educational settings. He utilizes his experience in Engineering through a hands-on approach to learning math concepts. His teaching methods infuse collaboration with critical thinking skills. As a former Engineer Officer, he brings interesting stories and real-world experiences in developing effective, innovative and practical application lessons. Students appreciate his calm, positive demeanor and enjoy his classes.
Zee Love (he/him)– ELA/WA State History Teacher
BA-Psychology & History
LL.M.- Trial Advocacy
J.D- Law
love@academyschools.org
Dr. Love is relatively new to education, bringing 3 years of experience. Prior to becoming an educator, he work in the legal field. Dr. Love has a BA in Psychology and History, a Master of Laws in Trial Advocacy, and a Judicial Doctorate in Law. Dr. Love is a teacher that believes every student has the ability to learn. Dr. Love aims to provide an environment for students to build their self-esteem and courage to try new things and to take advantage of their own learning. Dr. Love enjoys basketball, football, and other sports. He also enjoys outdoor activities like camping and fishing.
John Daughtery (he/him) – ELA/History/Skills Teacher
BA-Sociology
daughtery@academyschools.org
Mr. John teaches Social Studies, Language Arts, and Skills. Mr. John shares Academy Schools’ vision that education should be individualized for each student and creates a classroom that is both supportive and rigorous.
Pat O’Neill (she/her)– Science Teacher
AT – Secondary Science Education + Biology Endorsement , Western Governors University
BA- Spanish Literature, Boston College
oneill@academyschools.org
Ms. Pat holds a certification in Secondary Education with a Biology Endorsement. She graduated from Boston College with a BA in Romance Languages, specifically Spanish Literature. Working in the hospitality industry for many years, she had the opportunity to work with people from diverse backgrounds; this was both educational and extremely rewarding. Ms. Pat takes pride in her ability to establish and sustain interpersonal connections in which everyone feels they are genuinely listened to, cared about, and treated with respect and dignity. Her enthusiasm and curiosity as a science geek makes the love of science contagious and challenging to her students. Ms. Pat has two children and enjoys reading, gardening, and exploring beaches.
Specialists
Ryan Dispenza (he/him) – Art Teacher, Student Support Specialist
BA-Art-University of Washington
dispenza@academyschools.org
Mr. Ryan has been already a favorite for students. Along with sharing his passion for art with the students, he also shares his calm and logical nature with them. Mr. Ryan is affectionately known as “Ryan, Responding” to many of the students and staff because of his prompt and positive response to radio calls. Mr. Ryan enjoys being creative, learning new skills, and teaching his church youth group.
Darren Gu – PE Teacher, Lower School SEL Teacher
Gu@academyschools.org
Teacher G really enjoys engaging with kids’ creativity, imagination, and sense of play and being part of their growth through shared activities. They also really enjoy being active outdoors, and one of their favorite experiences before Academy Schools was working as a fencing counselor at an outdoors stay away summer camp. Some activities they like to do for fun are climbing, hiking, biking, reading (especially poetry), playing guitar, dancing, walking, and breathing.
Jennifer Older (she/her)– Library Manager, Student Support Specialist
older@academyschools.org
Ms. Older knows Academy Schools better than most! She plays many roles at Academy Schools, most notably the library manager and student support. Her calm, funny nature is often sought out by students. When she is not at work, Ms. Older likes to spend time with her family,
Gretchen Schmidt-Mertes (she/her) – Social/Emotional Learning Specialist, Special Education Teacher
MA- Special Education
BA – Elementary Education
schmidt-mertes@academyschools.org
Gretchen Schmidt Mertes is an Educational Specialist in Autism and Social Communication. She has over 30 years of experience teaching both general and special education students, training and consulting educators, and currently works as our Special Education Case Manager, also supporting social and behavior needs school wide. Ms. Schmidt believes that building a relationship with each student and allowing them to feel seen, heard and understood is the foundation for learning. Gretchen has a BA in Elementary Education, an M.Ed. in Special Education, summa cum laude. She received specialized training in Autism through the University of Washington Autism Center and extensive training from Michelle Garcia Winner as a member of the Social Thinking® Speakers and Trainers Collaborative. Ms. Schmidt and her husband love to sail and travel both near and far. If not at home spending time with friends, they are often on the road or at sea looking for adventure and local cuisine.
Andy Nazzal (he/him) – Music Teacher
My name is Andy Nazzal, and I am Academy School's new music teacher. I am a lifelong multi-instrumentalist and recording musician, teaching on the Eastside for 12 years. Coming from a family with decades-long time spent in the music business, I began playing piano at age 5, and through my world travels and time as a student of music, I have been fortunate to learn the history of, and ability to play, over 40 instruments.
In addition to more traditional music classes for children involving learning songs, theory, and providing the age-appropriate basics of music, my curriculum involves bringing in the over 30 instruments I have amassed over time to aid in my teaching of world instruments, and they will be shared with my music students throughout the school year. I am thrilled to begin this journey with the students of Academy.
Theresa Francomacaro (she/her) – Drama Teacher
francomacaro@academyschools.org
Description coming soon! Please welcome Ms. Theresa to our school!