Meet Our 2008-2009 LEAP Instructors

• Justin Allen is an adjunct writing instructor at Portland State University and Mount Hood Community College. Language Arts
• Theresa Alexander has a BS in physics and computer science from Carnegie Mellon University and an MS in computer science. She worked for Intel as a software engineer for over 10 years. Computers, Science
• Kiera Asay is a graduate of Arizona State University. She designs curriculum for environmental education, teaches advanced Mathematics and volunteers for the Pangaea Project. Math
• Turiya Autry’s work takes the form of slam poetry, hip-hop rhymes, and soulful singing. As an instructor at PSU, she teaches a wide range of courses. She tours as the “good” half of the spoken-word dynamic duo Good Sista/Bad Sista. Language Arts
• Claudia Baskind has an MFA from the University of Iowa Writers’ Workshop and has taught writing at the precollege, college and graduate levels. Language Arts
• Christina Brewer is a biology PhD candidate at PSU. Her area of expertise is in birds, parasites, mosquitoes and the West Nile virus. Science
• Kathleen Bryson has a degree from the London Institute in film and video. Kathleen has published three novels, numerous screenplays, short stories, articles, and nonfiction. Her first feature film is in post-production and she has produced several film shorts and a documentary. Computers, Language Arts
• Mary Carroll has taught high school math for more than 20 years, including 13 years overseas. She has written and taught curriculum for AP Calculus, probability and statistics, pre-calculus, and Algebra I & II. Math
• Brian Christopher is the publisher and editor for Quiet Lion Press and has produced three collections of poetry. His work has appeared in many publications. Language Arts
• Nancy Coffelt is an illustrator/writer with eight children’s books to her name, most notably Dogs n Space. She has been an artist in residency in hundreds of local schools and her wild and whimsical oil pastels are sold all over town. Language Arts & Creative Arts
• Lindsey Dotson is a firmware engineer for Electro Scientific Industries. She has been a volunteer teacher for TWIST, Teen Women in Science and Engineering, Junior Achievement and National Engineering Month. Computers, Math, Science
• Roger Eiss, a former chemistry professor, has worked as a computer consultant, and at Mentor Graphics, Oregon Department of Economic Development and Oregon Graduate Institute. Computers, Math, Science
• Stephanie English is currently a chemistry and math tutor at Mt. Hood Community College. She’s taught high school level chemistry, physics, physical science, and earth and space science in the Portland area. Science
• Barbara Fujino-Lemon is a graphic designer who specializes in packaging, product development and marketing strategies. She was the Creative Design Manager for Moonstruck Chocolates and Senior Designer for Integrated Bakery Resources, Inc. Creative Arts & Computers
• Debra Galaty, the community art class coordinator at Grace Institute, produces her beautiful fused glass creations in Portland. Creative Arts
• Tom Giese has both a BA and MA in chemistry as well as a masters in environmental biology. He teaches biology, chemistry, and physics at Northwest Academy. Science
• Caren Graham, a prior recipient of the Drammy Award, is a professional actor, a freelance vocal and acting instructor and teaches for Young Audiences. Creative Arts
• Rich Harris has been a professional graphic designer and illustrator for 20 years. He is also a columnist for Photoshop Fix magazine. Computers
• Soenke Hollstein has a double major in physics and Mathematics from Westfaelische Wilhemlms-Universitaet in Muenster, Germany, where he is finishing his masters in nuclear physics. He has taught extensively in Germany in a variety of subjects. Science
• Walidah Imarisha is an historian, reporter, poet, and spoken-word artist. She has shared the stage with folks as different as Ani DiFranco and John Irving and is the author of two chapbooks. She is the bad sister in the spoken-word duo Good Sista/Bad Sista. Language Arts
• Jean Horn is a freelance writer and journalist. She has a Master of Arts degree in Teaching. Language Arts
• Scott Isler has been involved in science education for over 20 years. Science
• Dave Jarecki is a freelance writer and owns and operates Breaker Boy Communications. He facilitates writing workshops at treatments centers and through Write Around Portland.  Language Arts
• Lisa Kagan is a freelance visual artist who has administered and taught in youth art programs in the Portland area for the last eight years. She served as Director and Art Teacher at Augustana Academy. She has also taught at the Oregon College of Art and Craft, the Willowbrook Center, the Children’s Museum and several local elementary schools. Creative Arts
• Cibyl Kavan shows her artwork in galleries throughout the northwest and teaches drawing, painting, ceramics, and printmaking at elementary schools in Portland. Language Arts
• Sherrie Kendall has a BA in elementary education from Whitworth College and M. Ed from the University of Missouri. She currently teaches pre-K - 2nd grade science classes and elementary enrichment classes. Science, Language Arts
• Jennifer Kenworth is a sculptor and painter who has shown work in various art shows, events and guest artist/lectures for more than 10 years. She earned a BFA in ceramic sculpture from California College of the Arts. Creative Arts
• Barbara Kerr is a high school math teacher with a master’s degree in education and a math tutor for 5th–12th grade students. Math
• Diana Mati, a technology consultant with 15 years experience in instructional and technical support, owns and operates C.I.E. (Computers in Education). Computers
• Amy Minato is an English instructor at Washington State University in Vancouver. She teaches creative writing to all ages through Community of Writers, Mountain Writers, and Literary Arts. Language Arts
• Laura Moulton is a published author and teaches writing through Literary Arts Writers in the Schools program. She earned a BA in English Literature and an MFA in writing. Language Arts
• Ashley Neese has an MFA in visual art from California College of the Arts in San Francisco. She has shown work in the US in the Bay Area, Atlanta, Miami, Portland and New York and in Canada in Toronto and Regina. Computers, Creative Arts
• Dawn J. Nilson is an environmental consultant with over 23 years experience specializing in natural resources management and assessment. She has been an avid amateur astronomer since the age of six, and one of the growing numbers of “sidewalk astronomers” in Portland. Science
• Rosanne Parry is a teacher for public and private schools who specializes in reading and Math. She has taught study skills for Saturday Academy for 9 years. Language Arts
• Edwin Pilobello has been a programmer for the past 25 years. He is a Microsoft and Visual NQC Developer and a Robolab beta tester. Computers
• Mark Pomeroy is the author of The Brightwood Stillness, for which he won an Oregon Literary Fellowship. He taught middle school humanities for four years. Language Arts
• Donna Prinzmetal has been teaching creative writing and poetry since 1982. Her poetry has appeared in many small press publications. Language Arts
• Bob Rawson has directed more than 15 high school productions and appeared in numerous productions in Oregon and California. Creative Arts
• Kirsten Rian’s poetry has appeared in Rhino, Upstreet, and other literary journals. She is a Poet-in-Residence through the Literary Arts Writers-in-the-Schools program, teaching poetry to high school students. She also leads poetry workshops through Multnomah County Library. Creative Arts, Language Arts
• Martha Royster received a BA in Biochemistry and German from Mills College. She has worked as an analyst/chemist with Brown and Caldwell Analytical Laboratory and at the Endocrine Research Unit at the University of San Francisco. Science
• Barbara Shaw earned her PhD at Portland State University. She has taught science for over 16 years for youth organizations, science museums, national wildlife organizations and PSU. Science
• Danielle Smith is an artist whose mediums include sculpture, painting, pottery and graphic design. Her BFA is from Alfred University School of Art & Design. Creative Arts
• Wendy Thompson taught writing at the Vancouver School of Arts & Academics for six years. She is currently a freelance writer and arts education consultant. Language Arts
• Stephanie Viaene, with a BS in Mathematics and an MS in Interdisciplinary Mathematics, has taught math, computer programming, web design and tech support at the junior high and high school level for 38 years. Computers, Math
• Jennifer Wells is a glass and jewelry artists who teaches and creates her own work at her studio in Northeast Portland. She received a degree in Special Education from Radford University. Creative Arts
• Linda Womack is an artist and art instructor who shows her work in galleries throughout the US and on Home & Garden Television (HGTV). Creative Arts
• Veronica Zonick has a PhD in molecular biology. She has taught high school biology and developed curriculum and learning assessment products. Science