“Our
STEM classes provide opportunities for kids to ‘think with their hands’ while problem-solving. They allow learners to have direct experiences and engage in real-world problems.”
—Becky Ginn, STEM Specialist Teacher
SHINE TOGETHER
STEM learning at Epiphany looks different at every grade level. Fifth graders program servo-motor robots, third graders build electrical circuits, and pre-k students do experiments with magnets and “clouds” made from shaving cream and water.
In my ninth year as Epiphany’s Head of School, I continue to feel a deep sense of gratitude for the opportunity to be part of such a warm and generous community. In an era when it feels like there are endless demands on our time and attention, so many of you continue to show up every day for our students. I want you to know your contributions don’t go unnoticed.
Whether you are a teacher going above and beyond in your classroom, a parent or grandparent who finds time in their day to spark joy volunteering on campus, an alumni family member staying connected, a board member steering the school’s strategic direction, or an alumni who returns to say hello or give back to the community that gave them so much—this community’s commitment to what we stand for at Epiphany is clear.
And now we find ourselves at an exciting, pivotal moment. Throughout 2025, a dedicated steering committee of faculty, staff, current parents, and Board members worked to chart our future. Drawing on a number of studies, surveys, and other community input, we created and launched Epiphany’s new five-year strategic plan, Together We Shine. This plan provides a roadmap for our decision-making in the coming years.
We envision a world where exploring together fosters courageous learners and compassionate leaders. Our renewed mission is to be a welcoming community that embraces its diversity, celebrates the joy of childhood, and ignites lifelong curiosity. To meet our mission, we commit to living five core values:
• Learn Joyfully: to preserve childhood to foster a lifelong love of discovery.
• Try New Things: to cultivate a growth mindset through experimentation and innovation.
• Act Responsibly: to instill integrity and stewardship, recognizing our impact on others.
• Invite Everyone In: to actively expand our reach to ensure a diverse, inclusive environment.
• Shine Together: to strengthen a supportive culture where every member contributes and benefits.
Additionally, I’m pleased to share an exciting update about our ongoing campus master planning work. This summer, we will begin the first phase of the plan: renovating several administrative offices in Madrona Hall to make way for two new classrooms. Construction is slated to start in June 2026 and will be completed in time for the start of the 2026–27 school year.
The Board has also approved a revised timeline for the second phase of the project, which includes construction of a new building, transformation of outdoor spaces, and upgrades to existing facilities. This updated timeline allows additional time for the Board, capital campaign committee, and development team to continue strengthening our fundraising efforts and to position the project for the most favorable financing options.
While the timeline has shifted, our long-term vision for the campus remains the same: to enhance the academic experience for all our students, unite our community through outdoor learning and play, and innovate individualized education to better support learners of all kinds.
In the pages that follow, you will find updates on the most important accomplishments of this past year and deeper dives into the people and programs that make Epiphany so very special. I hope these stories inspire you as much as they do me. Most importantly, I hope to see you on campus very soon!
Warmly,
Jenn Elkin Head of School
“There is absolutely nothing better than seeing joy on our students’ faces. And at Epiphany, that’s a constant. Walking around campus on any given day is a study in exhilaration: From unbridled puddle jumping to happy squeals when a STEM experiment succeeds. From high-fives and hugs to the confidence that comes from trying something new in a safe environment. At Epiphany School, we actively celebrate and preserve childhood. If you want evidence our approach is working, pop into any classroom, or brave the fun chaos of recess. You’ll see happy, engaged students everywhere you turn.”
— Jenn Elkin
SHINE TOGETHER
Every Epiphany student has a dedicated school counselor who knows them by name, checks in regularly, and stays with them across every grade. Sara Tebeau, entering her eighth year at the school, and Mara Kelly (above), who joined earlier this year, teach social-emotional learning in classrooms, work with small groups, and are available for one-on-one conversations whenever a student needs it. Meet more of our new faculty and staff on page 11!
EDITORS
Sara Cardace
Jaime Gillin
CONTRIBUTORS
Gemma Alexander
Somany An Denver Bingham
Jenn Elkin
Lee Falck
Alanna Hamilton
Ashley O’Neil
Josh Ruff
Nicole Travis
PHOTOGRAPHY
Josh Ruff
Libby Lewis Photography
Travis Lawton Productions
DESIGN
Beans n’ Rice
PRINTING
Capitol City Press
Printed on 10% post-consumer waste paper with vegetable-based inks.
Visit our website epiphanyschool.org
The Epiphany School Update is published annually by the Advancement team. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information presented. If you find an error, please notify us at communications@ epiphanyschool.org or 206-971-3061.
DIVERSITY STATEMENT
Epiphany School promotes and cultivates a diverse community as essential to academic success, social and emotional growth, and the development of good character. Engaging diverse perspectives stretches the mind and requires critical thinking, intellectual courage, and creativity. It takes careful listening and thoughtful expression and manifests itself in cultural competency. Thinking beyond oneself and seeing the world through the eyes of others is the foundation of fairness and empathy, and thus prepares our students to live respectfully and lead responsibly in our pluralistic democratic society.
We envision a world where exploring together fosters courageous learners and compassionate leaders.
Epiphany School is a welcoming community that embraces its diversity, celebrates the joy of childhood, and ignites lifelong learning.
These are the guiding principles we hold dear:
Learn Joyfully... to preserve childhood to foster a lifelong love of discovery.
Try New Things... to cultivate a growth mindset through experimentation and innovation.
Act Responsibly... to instill integrity and stewardship, recognizing our impact on others.
Invite Everyone In... to actively expand our reach to ensure a diverse, inclusive environment.
Shine Together... to strengthen a supportive culture where every member contributes and benefits.
Epiphany School truly stands apart for its incredible sense of community. From the very first open house we attended, my family felt the warmth and welcome that ultimately brought us here—and that feeling has only grown over the years.
Today, we’re grateful to have three children on their learning journey here at Epiphany: Victoria in fourth grade, Mackenzie in second grade, and Thomas just beginning his journey in pre-kindergarten. Watching each of them learn to connect to the world around them has been a powerful reminder of how special this school community really is.
As president of the Epiphany Parent Council (EPC), I’m excited to share that same sense of connection and excitement with other families. EPC keeps the heartbeat of the community alive, helps teachers feel appreciated, and welcomes every family in.
Every parent and guardian is a member of EPC, supported by a dedicated executive committee committed to helping you make the most of your Epiphany experience. Where Epiphany teachers do a wonderful job building bonds among our children, EPC creates opportunities for parents and guardians to connect as well. I encourage you to jump in—volunteer, participate, and share your ideas. There are so many opportunities to help shape the many events that bring our community together.
Your involvement truly matters! All EPC events are parent-volunteer driven, and there are many ways to get involved at every level—from chairing an event or sponsoring a new program to supporting faculty appreciation, family welcome events, or grade-level activities and celebrations. Every contribution strengthens our community. Thank you for your participation and partnership this year!
Ashley O’Neil
EPC President, 2025-26 epc@epiphanyschool.org
2025-26 BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Lee Falck, President
Erin Lea, Vice President
Jessica Hans, Treasurer
Corrie Rosen, Secretary
Somany An
REB Bangert ’95
Charlie Butler
Derek Crain
Jenny Cummins
Jenn Elkin, Head of School
Emily George
Nick Glassman
Brian Hansen
Bob Henry
Jeremy Hofmann
Kye Lee
Ashley O’Neil, EPC President
Rob Phillips
Jeff Shiu
Joanna Smith
Peter True ’96
Breahna Wilson ’02
LEADERSHIP TEAM
Jennifer Elkin, Head of School
Denver Bingham, Executive Assistant to the Head of School
Sara Cardace, Director of Marketing and Communications
Allisen Haworth, Assistant Head of School
Gene Kim, Chief Finance and Operations Officer
Casey O’Rourke, Director of Development
Celia Russo, Assistant Head of School
Mo Stenger, Director of Enrollment Management & Admission
EPIPHANY PARENT COUNCIL (EPC) EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
President: Ashley O’Neil
Vice Presidents, Welcome Committee: Anna Shwab Eidelson, Carly Burns and Laura Buursma
Vice President, Communications: Greg Cargill
Vice Presidents, Community Engagement: Catie Ten Broek and Sarah Haley
Secretary: Raquel Barrett
EPC Advisor: Nick Glassman
Another successful Winter Book Exchange in the proverbial books! Thanks to the incredible generosity of our community, over 1,200 books were donated and each student gets to choose up to three “forever” books to take home.
An egg drop challenge that cracked open curiosity, creativity, and STEM skills! Second through fifth graders capped off STEM week at camp with the time-honored physics and engineering challenge, and their creations didn’t disappoint. Shoutout to school year STEM teacher Ms. Becky for always keeping things interesting!
Engage with Epiphany School on social media for a window into our community and daily life on campus!
Today was a special “I’m a Fan!” Free Dress Day at the school and let’s just say there was a theme. Go Hawks!!!
These photos may not look a whole lot like recess — but that’s exactly what they are! Whether they want to hone a skill, enjoy a quiet escape, or just get a break from the rain, students can opt into special themed recesses most days of the week. Current activities include art, library, makerspace, and Math Olympiad/ math games!
The Epiphany campus glowed a little brighter thanks to the festive Diwali celebrations that took over many of our classrooms this week. The students were treated to tasty gulgule and learned about the Festival of Lights — we’re so grateful to the parents who came in to share about their traditions!
Outdoor Education teacher Ms. Kacy teamed up with Nurse Bianca this week to give the second graders an important lesson about how to administer first aid in the wild. Gloves were donned, fake wounds were dressed, and fun was had all around!
A little adventure, a lot of practice, and tons of tasty treats = the annual fourth grade field trip to Le Fournil! The students had a blast making croissants, ordering en français, and learning about the business of baking.
Extended Day appreciation post! Our talented Extended Day staff does an incredible job providing students with enriching activities and opportunities for social-emotional learning before and after school, and during in-service days like today!
Cross country club season is officially on at Epiphany School! There was laughter and excitement all around as the littles ran laps and the upper divisions practiced drills in preparation for what will be a short but action-packed season. We’re cheering on these budding athletes, many of whom are trying XC for the first time!
Recognize any of these faces? Epiphany alums from Seattle Academy, UPrep, The Bush School, and The Overlake School came back to their old stomping grounds to participate in a Middle School Panel for our soon-to-be-graduating fifth graders.
We celebrated the Annual Fund with a special visit from John the Falconer! Students became ornithologists for the day, meeting a red-tailed hawk, Eurasian eagle owl, Saker falcon, lesser yellow-headed vulture, Taita falcon, and a spectacled owl. Students deepened their understanding of raptors, conservation, and falconry and loved seeing these magnificent bird ambassadors up close.
Kudos to our fifth graders who have been studying air pollution in Outdoor Ed and decided to do something about it! Next time you stop by campus, keep an eye out for the “No Idling” signs they posted at carline to remind parents during pickup.
Something special is growing in pre-k! The teachers took the students outside to plant mystery seeds in soil socks that will bloom into a fun surprise in a couple of weeks. Will it be herbs? Kale? Lollipops? They can’t wait to see!
Shoutout to our amazing EPC Service Learning Chairs who pitched in to help the first-grade teachers with their recent Diapers and Wipes Drive for WestSide Baby! The whole school contributed and the first grade collected 171 packages of wipes, 2,448 diapers, and 190 board books. What a great way to set the tone for all the other grades’ upcoming service learning projects!
The last few weeks have brought some incredible visitors to the school, including former governor Christine Gregoire and a group of students from Thailand’s Prasarnmit Primary International Programme. They accompanied the fourth graders on an outing to the state capitol in Olympia to learn more about how our state government functions.
The third grade had a wonderful trip to the Rainier Beach Urban Farm & Wetlands this week! Students enjoyed a guided tour of the farm, learned about ways they can support local farmers, and participated in meaningful service-learning activities such as starting seeds, planting in the children’s garden, and using fresh ingredients from the farm to make a green smoothie.
Left: What started as a pilot in partnership with The Bush School in 2025 has grown into a full-fledged bus transportation program with routes bringing students to campus from neighborhoods across Seattle and the Eastside. This year, 20 different students have ridden the bus to and from campus, and interest is only growing.
Below: Epiphany’s longtime Buddy Program pairs older and younger students across every grade. Students meet regularly, collaborate on fun projects, and build meaningful relationships that show up as hugs and hellos in the hallway long after buddy time is over.
Since our last edition of Update magazine, we are thrilled to welcome a remarkable group of new colleagues to Epiphany School.
Casey O’Rourke joined us in April 2025 as Director of Development, bringing expertise in nonprofit development and fundraising strategy, donor stewardship and cultivation, and community engagement. She previously served as Director of Advancement at Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. Casey holds a Bachelor of Arts in Communications and Business Administration from Saint Mary’s College.
Mo Stenger has served as Director of Enrollment Management & Admission since July 2025. Previously Admissions Officer for preschool through high school at the International School Nido de Aguilas in Santiago, Chile, Mo has an extensive background in enrollment
strategy, admissions, leadership, and student support. She also served as an elementary assistant principal at Beard School in Chicago and as a learning support and special education teacher in both the United States and Chile. She holds a double master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Curriculum and Instruction from the American College of Education.
Sara Cardace joined Epiphany School in August 2024 as Director of Marketing and Communications. A seasoned communications leader, Sara brings extensive experience in brand strategy and content development from roles at Zulily, The Riveter, Nordstrom, Gilt.com, and New York Magazine, as well as consulting for organizations such as PepsiCo,
NAME: Casey O’Rourke
Pronouns: she/her/hers
TITLE: Director of Development
BEFORE I CAME TO EPIPHANY YOU WOULD HAVE FOUND ME… serving as the Director of Advancement at Forest Ridge School of the Sacred Heart in Bellevue.
I LOVE MY ROLE BECAUSE… I connect donors’ passions and interests with meaningful opportunities that strengthen our students, faculty, and campus.
FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I have participated in two triathlons in my life. Also, I love puzzles.
WHY EPIPHANY? What drew me to Epiphany is the strength of its community. The school is known throughout the Seattle area for its committed families, faculty, and students who are deeply invested in one another and in the school’s mission.
Automattic/WordPress.com, and Esalen Institute. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Barnard College, Columbia University.
Our Marcomm team expanded with the addition of Josh Ruff, Marketing & Communications Coordinator, who joined in July 2025. He brings a creative, community-centered approach to communications, leaning on his strong foundation in photography, videography, social media, and graphic design.
Snow Christensen joined as Development Services Manager in December 2025, bringing expertise in operations, donor and database management, and fundraising systems. She most recently served as Development Operations Specialist at Mary’s Place and held development leadership roles at Seattle Girls’ School and Alonzo King LINES Ballet. Snow holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and a Google UX Design certificate.
Mara Kelly joined us this past fall as School Counselor, working alongside Sara Tebeau to support students at Epiphany School. Mara is currently completing her Master of Education in School Counseling at Seattle University. She holds dual B.A. degrees in Psychology and Communication from the University of Washington, where
she graduated cum laude. Through her prior counseling work at BF Day Elementary and McClure Middle School, Mara supported students’ academic, emotional, and social growth with individual counseling, small groups, and schoolwide programs.
Austin Hackett joined as Front Office Coordinator in March 2025, bringing a strong background in program management, after-school and summer programs, and community engagement, most recently at Hamlin Robinson School.
In our lower division, we welcomed Graham Beatts as a second-grade teacher in August 2025. He brings over a decade of experience in education, most recently serving in the Dublin Unified School District in California in roles including teacher, instructional coach, intervention coordinator, culture and climate specialist, and Assistant Principal. He holds a master’s degree in teaching focused on social justice and multiculturalism.
In August 2025, we welcomed Anna Cuomo as a kindergarten instructional assistant. Anna previously served as a long-term substitute teacher in Scott Starkoski’s kindergarten class, and we are excited to hire her permanently in the role. She earned
NAME: Mo Stenger
PRONOUNS: she/her/hers
TITLE: Director of Enrollment Management & Admission
BEFORE I CAME TO EPIPHANY YOU WOULD HAVE FOUND ME… in the middle and high school admissions office in Santiago, Chile
I LOVE MY ROLE BECAUSE… I get to showcase Epiphany School while working with current and prospective families (and pre-k recess duty always makes me smile).
FUN FACT ABOUT ME: I have kayaked on six continents.
WHY EPIPHANY? As a former teacher and administrator, Epiphany brings me back to my elementary school roots, and I love the warm and welcoming community.
a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with honors from the University of Alabama.
Ariel Lantz joined our upper division team as our third-grade instructional assistant. Ariel brings over a decade of experience as an educator in independent and international school settings. Most recently, Ariel served as a Student Support Specialist at Seattle Girls’ School. She is currently pursuing a master’s degree in School Counseling at Seattle University and holds an AMI Montessori Elementary certification.
Judy Rogers joined us in August 2025 as Upper Division Math Specialist Teacher. Judy is a National Board-Certified Teacher with a Master of Arts in Teaching (K-8) from the University of Washington, along with more than a decade of classroom experience across multiple grade levels. During her 12 years in the
Bellevue School District, Judy taught grades 2, 5, and 6, specializing in mathematics instruction, intervention, and data-informed practices.
As we grew the number of classes on campus, we also expanded the number of specialists to support our students. Beth Klein has served as a part-time Learning Skills Specialist and Dionna Leach is our part-time Health & Fitness Specialist. Beth, founder of Seattle Structured Literacy, brings deep expertise in literacy instruction and support for students with language-based learning differences from pre-k through 8th grade. Dionna has over a decade of experience in health, fitness, and athletic leadership, with teaching and coaching experience at both the elementary and high school levels.
Lydia Husting and Zoë Abrams joined Epiphany School’s Extended
Day Program in fall 2025. Lydia serves as Extended Day Assistant Manager, bringing experience in elementary education, curriculum development, and after-school programming, including prior work as a preschool, music, and Lower School teacher and as a curriculum developer in the U.S. and abroad. Zoë serves as Extended Day Lead Teacher and brings a strong background in environmental education and marine science, along with hands-on teaching experience through organizations such as the Northwest Maritime Center, IslandWood, and the S.E.A. Discovery Center.
David Bush, Fourth Grade Teacher, 18 years
Lonnie Herring, Business Manager, 14 years
Greg Jones, Director of Enrollment Management & Admission, 14 years
Charlie Burkland, Fourth Grade Teacher, 7 years
Kelly Kursteiner, Upper Division Math Specialist, 6 years
Jeannette Bastin, Office Manager, 5.5 years
Will Geisler, Extended Day lead teacher and assistant manager, 4 years
Alex Ramirez, Director of Finance & Operations, 4 years
Geoff Abel, Director of Technology, 1.5 years
Sara Burtis, Development Services Manager, 1 year
Last year we said goodbye to several colleagues who left Epiphany School for an exciting new adventure: retirement. We are grateful to Lonnie, Greg, David, and Charlie for their innumerable contributions to our community!
Business Manager; 14 years at Epiphany School
After 14 years as Epiphany’s Business Manager, Lonnie Herring retired in December 2024 and has since relocated to Anderson Island. She was the kind of colleague every school is lucky to have: steady, generous, and always willing to pitch in wherever she was needed.
“She is absolutely, hands-down, the most efficient person I have ever worked with,” says former CFO Brenda Stonecipher. “She had no ego, never wanted recognition, and did a quality job at all times—with humor, grace, and a genuinely soft heart.” We are grateful for everything she gave to this school, and we wish her a well-earned rest.
Director of Enrollment Management and Admissions; 14 years at Epiphany School
In 2011, pre-K teacher Alan Barta
was on the hiring team interviewing a candidate named Greg Jones. “I could already feel his amazing ability to make connections with other human beings,” Alan recalls.
Greg had taught middle school humanities for 26 years before making the leap to admissions—a move people told him wouldn’t work. “I knew this was what I wanted to do,” he says. “I just had to get ready for it.” For the next 14 years, he gave enrollment his all: working with the admissions committee and parent ambassadors, giving presentations to the board and the community, and leading prospective family tours.
“Every time he came into the classroom, he would be so excited to share with the family on tour,” recalls Alan. “I think that natural joy and wonder he saw in the classroom transferred to the families. It really fed their enthusiasm.”
Greg developed new technical and leadership skills as an admissions director. He also built a middle school placement program and ensured the school community remained welcoming and inclusive through generous financial aid and broad preschool outreach.
He remembers once telling marketing consultants that the special thing about Epiphany School was its community. “They said, ‘No, you can’t say that in your marketing because that’s what every school says.’ They
did interviews, surveys, the whole bit, and six months later they came back and said, ‘Yep, it’s your community!”
Greg retired this past year. He’s built a painting studio, extended his annual trip to Palm Springs, and started spoiling his dog with long walks. But his summing-up of what Epiphany meant to him could just as easily describe the students he spent 14 years welcoming through the door: “Epiphany really meant growing to my full potential.”
18 years at Epiphany
David Bush read Wonder with his fourth graders every year. In it, the character August says everyone deserves a standing ovation at least once in their life. David took that literally.
“I’d send five kids out into the hall and they’d come back in one at a time. Everybody got their own sustained standing ovation. Each kid was just beaming,” he recalls. He’d learned the power of that moment decades earlier, walking into his first classroom in China in 1986 to find fifty adult students on their feet applauding. It stuck with him.
David taught in California public schools until 2005, when he says No Child Left Behind “just sucked the joy out of it.” He moved to Seattle
intending to change careers—until substitute teaching at Epiphany changed his mind. “I felt right away when I stepped foot on campus, the teachers loved the children. I know that sounds quaint, but I had been at bigger schools where teachers had almost a clinical relationship with the kids.”
He stayed for 18 years. Among his proudest contributions was the DEI work he did alongside his colleagues. “Every teacher dug into their own curriculum. We started finding places where a singular view was being represented and we explored, where can we bring multiple perspectives and voices?” In fourth grade, they added a unit on the incarceration of Japanese-Americans during WWII, and the Nisei Veterans Committee brought a camp survivor into the classroom to speak about her family’s experience. “The students too were able to bring in their own voices,” David says.
Now that he’s retired, he’s traveling a lot, making good use of his library card, volunteering, and, in a full-circle moment, once again substitute teaching at Epiphany. The joy on campus keeps him returning. “Students are happy to see each other and happy to see the teachers. That kind of magic speaks to the work of an entire community.”
Charlie Burkland came to teaching at age 45, midway through a career that had included taking a family business public. You’d never know it was a second act.
“I really wanted to teach math, but I also really wanted to teach writing and social studies and science,” he says. “In grade school, you get to do all those things.” Fourth grade suited
him. He played music while students worked, had a high tolerance for joking around, and had a signature move for picture day—channeling Billy Crystal’s old SNL character. “Kids would walk in and I’d say, ‘You look marvelous. You really do.’ They started saying it to anyone who walked in the room.”
He taught at Epiphany for seven years, the last several alongside David Bush. “Charlie and I brought complementary skill sets and strengths,” David recalls. “His professionalism, humanity, and dedication inspired me every day to be a better teacher.” Adds Charlie: “Our classrooms did complement each other very, very well. I joke that he was more like Mr. Rogers, very calming and chill, while someone once told me being in my classroom was like being in a Shrek movie— more loud and boisterous.”
Although Charlie retired from Epiphany, he hasn’t stopped teaching. “Now I’m spending time with my grandkids, Lyla and Naomi,” he says. “I’m actually back in school because my oldest granddaughter is in a co-op preschool, so I spend Fridays with her at school.” His connection with his teaching partner remains strong, too. “Since we retired, we make a point to see each other often,” says David. “I know I have a friend for life.”
Dear Families,
As I reflect on my time being part of this community, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude.
My children Sam, Hannah, and Clara all walked Epiphany School’s halls, graduating in ’20, ’22, and ’23, respectively. I have watched them thrive in middle school and beyond, and I know with certainty that Epiphany School prepared them incredibly well for every challenge and opportunity that followed.
As a seven-year trustee and recent board president, I speak proudly and often about the “special sauce” that sets Epiphany apart from other independent elementary schools. After many years as a parent and trustee, I know this magic is created in classrooms every day as well as through an immense amount of strategic work that happens behind the scenes. The Board’s goal has always been to ensure the school remains a place defined both by academic rigor and a nurturing environment, where every child is truly seen and known.
Looking back at the strategic plan we launched in 2019, I am incredibly proud of what we have achieved together in the years since. We anchored our growth in three strategic guideposts: Innovative and Individually Responsive Teaching and Learning; An Authentic and Welcoming Community; and The Future: Growth and Reach. With these guideposts
in mind, we increased our professional development budget for our dedicated faculty, evolved our curriculum to stay at the forefront of education, and expanded our reach to welcome new families of all backgrounds into our fold, among other accomplishments.
More recently, I took part in the thoughtful, intentional process of updating of our school’s mission, vision, and values, and the creation of a new Strategic Plan, which I look forward to seeing come to fruition (see Jenn Elkin’s letter on page 3 for more about this).
While I have deeply enjoyed every moment of my service, the time has come for me to pass the torch. Thank you for allowing me to serve this wonderful community. I remain as enthusiastic as ever about the future of our school and the bright path that lies ahead for all our students.
Warmly,
Lee Falck, President, Epiphany School Board of Trustees
By Somany An, Board of Trustees, Governance Committee Chair, and Current Parent
The Board of Trustees continues its work to support the long-term health and vision of Epiphany School. Our trustees and committee members, a group of 15 to 25 elected individuals including current parents, parents of alumni, and educational leaders, dedicate their time and expertise throughout the year. They partner closely with the Head of School to ensure mission alignment, thoughtful strategic planning, and responsible stewardship. The Board meets monthly and collaborates through committees focused on governance, finance, development, and master use planning. We are also deeply appreciative of our non-trustee committee members, who strengthen our collective work. Their commitment helps sustain the strong foundation that allows our students to thrive.
We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to Rob Blackwell, Ron Koo, Jay Goyal, and Mandy Gandt for their dedication and service to the school as Board members over the past several years. We welcome Derek Crain, Nick Glassman, Jeremy Hoffman, Breahna Wilson ’02, and Ashley O’Neil to this new term of service. Get to know our newest trustees below!
Derek Crain is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker and the Co-Founder and CEO of Mindful Therapy Group, where he has spent more than 25 years advancing equitable access to mental healthcare. He holds a Master of Social Work from the University of Washington and serves as a Clinical Assistant Professor. Derek previously served on the Epiphany School Development Committee and will join the Governance Committee this year. He and his wife, Jessica, are proud parents of three children, including an alum and a first grader.
Nick Glassman leads Technical Program Management for Google’s Machine Learning Strategy and Allocations group and has held prior leadership roles across gaming, animation, and digital media. He served as EPC President and now leads the Development Committee as its Chair. Nick is committed to fostering strong
community engagement and supporting Epiphany’s long-term vision. Nick and his wife, Mariam, are proud parents of a fifth grader and an Epiphany School alum.
Jeremy Hoffman is the Chief Financial Officer at Zillow, overseeing the company’s finance, strategy, and corporate responsibility functions. He previously worked in investment banking at Goldman Sachs and holds a finance degree from Georgetown University. Jeremy brings deep experience in financial stewardship and long-term planning. Jeremy and his wife, Julianna, are proud Epiphany School parents of a fourth grader, second grader, and kindergarten student.
Breahna Wilson ’02 is a proud alumna of Epiphany School, University Prep, and Scripps College, and holds a master’s degree in Humanities from the University of Chicago. Her professional experience spans wealth management, nonprofits, and banking, with roles at Tiedemann Advisors, Pathstone, U.S. Bank, and Banner Bank. Motivated by a commitment to social responsibility, Breahna and her family founded a STEAM-based nonprofit that supports BIPOC communities, women, and emerging leaders. She now works at Laird Norton Wetherby and serves on the Epiphany School Development Committee. As an alumna, Breahna is grateful to reconnect with the Epiphany community and looks forward to contributing to the Board.
Ashley Mallinson O’Neil is a marketing leader and currently oversees Digital Marketing at GitHub. Her background includes roles at Microsoft, her own digital and events marketing company in New York City, and work in publishing at Men’s Vogue and Penguin Pearson. Ashley has been an active volunteer in the Seattle community and led the EPC Welcome Committee for four years. She is currently serving as EPC President. Ashley and her husband, Tom, are proud parents of a fourth grader, second grader, and pre-kindergarten student.
SHINE TOGETHER
From third graders singing their hearts out and pretending to be squirrels to fourth graders writing their own scenes and fifth graders performing original productions based on Greek mythology, kids build myriad creative skills in Sofia Piel’s Music, Drama, and Movement class. At the end of each grade-level performance, students stride through the center of the audience, getting congratulatory high fives and applause in a beloved tradition known as the “Walk of Fame.”
When
teachers have room to grow, the whole school benefits.
By Gemma Alexander
Teachers at Epiphany School have always stepped up to serve the community beyond their individual classrooms, supervising recess, staffing committees, and volunteering for schoolwide projects. Four years ago, Assistant Heads of School Allisen Haworth and Celia Russo decided to formalize the practice by creating Epiphany’s new Teacher Leader Program, a group of individuals and teams with defined responsibilities and authority over a variety of programs.
School Counselor Sara Tebeau began developing Epiphany’s Social Emotional Learning (SEL) program eight years ago. She worked to adopt and implement the Fly Five curriculum, teaches SEL in classrooms, and oversees SEL professional development for teachers. More recently, she took on two teacher leader roles, including serving as a behavior interventionist to provide targeted support for students with more complex needs. It’s an enhancement of a SEL program that’s already one of the city’s strongest. “I feel really proud of what we’ve built here,” she reflects. “I’ve seen the culture transform, and now we have a common language and can root difficult conversations in social competencies.”
“We have heard from a lot of people how much they appreciate the mentor program. It directly helps our teacher and staff retention because people feel so supported.”
–Allisen Haworth, Assistant Head of School
“Harnessing the collective talents, creativity, and wisdom of our talented faculty, bringing them into decisions that affect students and families, means even better outcomes for our entire school community.”
—Celia Russo, Assistant Head of School
Each spring, Allisen and Celia post available teacher leader positions for the coming school year, which are also open to staff. Applicants are interviewed by a peer panel and selected candidates receive training related to their leadership role. They are also paid a stipend based on the time commitment involved.
Giving teachers and staff a bigger voice in decision-making has had a meaningful impact on the school. “It creates a distributed leadership model that ensures more voices can weigh in on important decisions for the school,” says Allisen. “It’s also in service to the school because we’re able to get a lot more done.”
The Teacher Leader Program also creates new pathways for teachers to expand their skill sets. “Teaching can be a very flat profession,” says Allisen. “A lot of times you either stay in the classroom or move on to administration, and there’s not much in between. Our program offers another avenue, where teachers can stay in the classroom but still be part of dynamic schoolwide decision-making.”
The Teacher Leader Program has gained momentum each year as new opportunities have been identified. This year the school launched three new teacher leadership projects: service learning, staff and faculty wellness, and student behavior intervention.
“Service learning has always been a part of Epiphany’s DNA. But for a couple of years, we didn’t have a point person running it,” reflects Allisen. But since first-grade teacher Sophia Sneep took on this leadership role— working with EPC volunteers to coordinate donation drives, building service learning into classroom curricula, and expanding holiday activities to include letter-writing to elders and hospitalized children—service learning at Epiphany has become even more integrated and impactful.
Staff and faculty wellness has been another teacher leader focus area this year. “We really care about our employees and want them to have a good work-life balance and feel supported at school,” says Celia. Tasked with figuring out ways to help promote wellness at work, school nurse Bianca King and first-grade teacher Alison
Holmes introduced new community-building activities for faculty and staff, such as a “secret snowflake” gift exchange during the holidays, an outing to see a Mariners game, and a family picnic in Seward Park.
Other teacher leaders are involved in curriculum and community initiatives, programs to honor diversity, equity, and inclusion, developing accommodation plans and other student supports, and enhancing the admissions process. Beyond the day-to-day improvements, the Teacher Leader Program has meaningfully transformed school culture and operations.
“Faculty and staff feel empowered and trusted to make decisions for the school,” says Sara Tebeau. And that means even better outcomes for our entire school community.
Laura Zoeller—Madame Zed to her students—has an important behind-the-scenes role making sure that new hires thrive at Epiphany: She pairs every new employee with a coworker who has received mentorship training.
Once the school year starts, Laura brings new employees together regularly for presentations on topics such as professional development and self-care, and provides real-time support on upcoming events such as family conferences. She also meets with each new employee one-on-one in the fall and in the spring.
“Laura is an excellent French teacher, but this teacher leadership opportunity has given her a pathway for new learning and new challenges,” says Allisen. Laura has attended workshops on coaching as well as multiple advanced mentorship training courses.
“I learned it’s fun to work with a group of adults, and I felt like it allowed me to build new skills. Teachers being lifelong learners, that was exciting,” says Laura. The program, she’s found, benefits mentors as much as the people they’re mentoring.
“I think that when teachers are encouraged to do more than just the work in their classroom, it can spark new interests and build motivation and community.”
Nearly all Epiphany faculty members supervise recess, and the Recess Team takes input from the entire community to develop new, seasonally rotating activities. Health and Fitness specialist Tina Larabee teaches the new games to students during PE and to adults at staff meetings. She and her teacher-leader partner Megan Canape, a kindergarten teacher, have established a group chat to streamline communications about changes and challenges on the playground.
“We talk a lot about social-emotional learning and [ensuring] that the supervising teachers feel informed and understand how to help the students,” says Tina. “We wanted to make sure we were supporting highly child-centered play. Currently the kids are working on sportsmanship, how to handle disputes and solve problems, and how to use equipment properly.”
Rotating recess activities are “a fun, cool opportunity for the kids to do something different and interact with adults that they don’t typically get to interact with,” says Megan. “For example, we found two staff volunteers who lead students on walks on and off campus during recess.” And recently, fourth and fifth graders created obstacle courses for younger students.
Being a teacher leader has given Megan, too, a chance to interact with more people in the community. “We have a big kindergarten team and we end up spending most of our time with each other all day. So, an opportunity to get out and talk to other people and get to know the larger community has been helpful for me,” she says. “Now people are coming to me more with concerns or suggestions, which is only going to make the program better.”
We extend our heartfelt thanks to our Midnight in the Garden Auction Chair, Jessica Crain, and to every member of the Auction Committee whose creativity and dedication brought our 2025 spring fundraiser to life. The transformed venue, lush garden details, and joyful energy in the room made for an unforgettable evening filled with generous bidding, shared laughter, and deep appreciation for our community.
Thanks to the remarkable generosity of 272 attendees, Midnight in the Garden raised $407,250 to support Epiphany School. These funds help us attract and retain exceptional faculty and staff, sustain an outstanding academic program that prepares students for success in middle school and beyond, and expand access so that more children and families can benefit from an Epiphany School education. We are grateful to everyone who procured items, hosted or joined buy ins, volunteered, raised a paddle, and championed this event in so many ways.
AUCTION COMMITTEE
Jessica Crain, Auction Chair
Christiane Lienhard-Keller and Michelle Davis, Buy-Ins Chairs
Laura Hill and Teryn Bench, Dessert Dash Chairs
Catie Ten Broeck and Jeremy Morgan, Gift Chairs
Carly Burns and Laura Buursma, Grade-Level Art Chairs
Andrea Lee, Live Auction Chair
Ashley O’Neil and Greg Cargill, Marketing and Communication Chairs
Allie Paris and Simone Hossack, Night-Of Event and Design Chairs
Raquel Barrett and Tess Hart, Raffle Chairs
Erin Lea and Rebecca Hopkinson, Silent Auction Chairs
Colleen Bloomberg and Wellesley Parker, Wine Event Chairs
Anna Shwab Eidelson, Sarah Haley, Vanessa Thompson, and Gabby Mortenson, General Volunteers
“I was incredibly inspired by the opportunity to raise funds that will contribute to a more diverse school and a richer educational environment for our kids.”
THANK YOU TO OUR AUCTION 2025 SPONSORS
Presenting Sponsor: Mindful Therapy Group
Platinum Sponsors: Garde Capital, Pine Street Group
Gold Sponsors: DSquared Hospitality Company, Kaleidoscope Inc.
Landscape Professionals, Mithun, Sellen Construction
Silver Sponsors: InCity, Penrose Interiors, The Baldwin Group, Umpqua Bank
Walk through Epiphany’s classrooms and you’ll see students deeply engaged in their learning: small groups huddled over a shared STEM challenge, young artists working collaboratively, kindergartners learning with math manipulatives (it looks a lot like play!), and teachers sitting knee-to-knee with early readers, working 1:1 to help them through a “just right” book.
Outdoor Education specialist Kacy Lebby leads all students through a curriculum that treats the school garden, Madrona Woods, and the shores of Lake Washington as open-air classrooms. On any given day, that might look like students dissecting a sunflower, using magnifying glasses to stalk insects, harvesting vegetables they planted themselves, or making art from foraged leaves and sticks. The skills students hone in outdoor ed—observation, patience, teamwork, environmental stewardship, a sense of ease in the natural world—benefit them long past graduation.
Every year, the Annual Fund’s impact is easy to see on campus, from upgraded classroom technology to enriching field trips and after-school clubs. But for Jillian Russell, Epiphany School’s 2025-2026 Annual Fund Giving Committee Chair, the case for giving goes beyond the visible. We asked her to share what inspires her family’s commitment, and what she’d say to families about why giving is critical.
You have contributed to Epiphany School since you joined our community in 2023. What inspires your continued support?
We joined Epiphany’s community because we were looking for exactly that: a community. I’ve found that by supporting the school, I am supporting more than just my children’s education; I’m investing in an environment that supports our family as a whole. For us, creating deep connections and strong relationships is a priority, and that sense of belonging is why we are so inspired to remain committed contributors every year.
What feels good about giving to Epiphany School? How do you know your gift makes a difference?
I see the impact of the Annual Fund every time I’m on campus, whether I’m chaperoning a field trip, helping with a classroom activity, or just at pick-up. It’s visible everywhere—from the available technology and supplies in the classrooms to the seamless transportation logistics for field trips. I even see it in the “hidden” details, like knowing some teachers have completed training and researched how to make recess a better experience. While some of these might seem like small things, together they create a uniquely wonderful school.
This fall you became our new Annual Fund Giving Committee Chair. What inspired you to help with this effort?
My children have directly benefited from and enjoyed programs supported by the Annual Fund, including our SEL resources and after-school clubs. I wanted to step into the chair role to help tell the stories that convey the fund’s importance and to help families understand the vital connection between our gifts and the impact on our kids’ daily lives.
Through your service, what takeaways do you have about supporting the Annual Fund?
My biggest takeaway is that the Annual Fund touches far more than I initially realized. I’ve also come to see that participation is the true measure of our success—it shows our collective strength. Finally, I’ve learned that consistency is the key to progress; steady, reliable support is exactly what makes it possible for the school to grow existing programs and launch exciting new resources.
What would you want to tell a first- or second-time donor who is considering renewing their commitment? Why is it important to continue supporting Epiphany year after year?
First, I would simply say “Thank you.” Your initial support made a real difference. As you consider renewing, remember that consistency is what allows for true growth. When we support Epiphany year after year, we provide the school with the stability it needs to innovate. Your continued commitment ensures that the initiatives and programs our children rely on today can continue to flourish and expand tomorrow.
It’s not too late to contribute to the 2025-2026 Annual Fund! Give today at epiphanyschool.org/give or via the QR code.
Celia Russo and Allisen Haworth have shaped Epiphany’s academic program for years. A new role expands their leadership and impact.
By Gemma Alexander
If you’ve spent any time at Epiphany School, you know Celia Russo and Allisen Haworth. Celia has guided lower elementary students for seven years as Lower Elementary Division Head. Before that, she worked as a mathematics instructional coach, fifth grade teacher, and science and math specialist. Allisen has served as Upper Elementary Division Head for five years, after a long career teaching kindergarten through sixth grade and serving as an instructional coach at The Overlake School. A recent dual promotion to Assistant Head of School reflects their strong partnership, expanded responsibilities, and schoolwide impact.
Among those responsibilities comes more direct contact with the programs that shape a student’s day from arrival through pickup. “Increasingly, both Celia and I were stepping into school-wide strategic work,” Allisen explains—from onboarding fellow Leadership Team members to launching the school’s new Strategic Plan, mission, vision, and values with staff, trustees, and families.
The official title change “means that we have an even stronger connection to some parts of the school that we had more tangential connections to before,” says Celia.
Celia now oversees the Extended Day Program, while Allisen oversees the front office and the school nurse. The goal is tighter integration between the school program and before and after-care, student health, student health, attendance, substitute teaching, and the bus programs.
Both administrators have also deepened their credentials in recent years. Celia completed a certification in school management and leadership through Harvard’s Graduate School of Education. Allisen earned an Ed.S. from the University of Virginia, and her final project there became the foundation for Epiphany’s Teacher Leader Program (see page 19 for more).
What hasn’t changed is where their focus stays. “It always comes back to the students,” says Celia. “How are we giving students the very best support that we can?”
We are deeply saddened to share the passing of a remarkable member of our alumni community, Cooper Woolston, Epiphany School class of 2006. Cooper attended Epiphany from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, and during his time at Epiphany School he truly left his mark. Known for his deep intelligence and savvy, Cooper never stepped back from a challenge. An athlete and scholar, he was always delighted to engage in discussion or debate, whether about a tricky math problem or a kickball play. A passionate advocate for others, as a fifth grader Cooper even staged a peaceful protest at the all-school skating party when the needs of his kinder-buddy were not met by the skating rink rules. In reminiscing about Cooper’s time at Epiphany, Cooper’s pre-kindergarten teacher, Jenny
Cummins, shared a memory of five-year-old Cooper volunteering to carry the heavy basket of recess equipment from Augustine Hall to Chips, balancing it while walking on his prosthetic leg, saying confidently, “Oh, I can do it myself!” Anthony McGrann, Cooper’s teacher in second grade, shared: “He was the kid that had no limits. He always pushed himself to succeed.” His fifth-grade teacher, Celia Russo, recalled Cooper running with abandon through the mudflats on Bainbridge Island with his friends during the class’s environmental education overnight, thrilled and joyful to get absolutely covered in mud.
For those of us lucky enough to have known Cooper, his no-nonsense resilience, caring heart, and zest for life will never be forgotten.
Thank you so much to Cooper’s parents, Robyn Ramsey and V. Woolston for sharing the following remembrance:
Cooper Ramsey Woolston, born on June 29, 1994, passed away peacefully on April 6, 2025, with his parents at his side. In his too brief 30 years, Cooper lived life on his terms, braved and overcame profound physical challenges, and inspired countless others by his courage, his determination, and his dedication to family members, friends, teammates, and institutions he loved—and who loved him back.
Cooper grew up in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle, playing little league baseball, club basketball and tennis, and working as a youth soccer referee. But he found his true passion in lacrosse, a game he excelled in and came to love. He also learned to snowboard and worked during high school as a snowboard instructor at Snoqualmie Pass.
Cooper attended primary school at Epiphany School, through fifth grade, before attending middle school and upper school at University Prep, receiving his high school diploma in 2013. While at U Prep, Cooper played for a combined public/private high school lacrosse team composed of students attending Nathan Hale and Ingraham, as well as U Prep. During his senior year, he scored 30 goals and helped lead his team to the Division II Washington State Championship. All of this while managing life with Type 1 diabetes and playing on a prosthetic leg.
Cooper continued his education, and his playing career, at Swarthmore College, graduating in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering.
During his four years as a member of Swarthmore’s Division III intercollegiate lacrosse team, he made lifelong friends and laid the groundwork for his life’s passion—coaching youth lacrosse and mentoring aspiring players from around the greater Seattle metropolitan area. Players who Cooper coached as kids and young men have gone on to play Division I lacrosse at colleges and universities throughout the United States. He took tremendous pride in knowing that he played a part in launching them along a path in a game, and a community of players, that he loved so much.
Equipped with his degree in engineering, Cooper returned to Seattle after college and began his career as a project engineer, first at Sellen Construction and later at Venture General Contracting, where he specialized in the use of cutting-edge computer tools to facilitate and optimize the construction process.
At a time when many of his engineering colleagues were drawn to software and technology, Cooper loved being part of a team that was building something tangible and seeing the buildings he worked on rise from an empty tract of land to change the Seattle skyline.
Cooper is survived by his mother, Robyn Ramsey, his father, V. Woolston, and his sisters, Winter Henderson (Max) and Sydney Monu (John), as well as his nieces and nephews, Henry, Eloise, Theo, and Matilda (Henderson) and Isaiah (Monu), and his loving aunts, uncles and cousins. He will be missed by friends and family in ways that are impossible to measure.
Epiphany School
3611 East Denny Way
Seattle, WA 98122
206-323-9011
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