Meet Our 2008-2009 SA: AfterSchool Instructors

• Okaidja Afroso has danced and drummed with groups in his native Ghana since childhood and has performed throughout Africa, Europe and the United States. Creative 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. Science
• Justin Allen is an adjunct writing instructor at Portland State University and Mount Hood Community College. Language Arts
• Kiera Asay is a graduate of Arizona State University.  She designs curriculum for environmental education, teaches advanced mathematics and volunteers for the Pangaea Project. Science & Math
• Sky Asay has a BFA in 3D Animation from Arizona State University.  He has worked as a visualization specialist with Willco Art and Design and is currently a freelance 3D modeler in the Portland area. Science
• 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
• 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
• Lindsey Dotson is a firmware engineer for Electro Scientific Industries.  She has a BS in computer engineering from PSU. Computer Technology
• 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
• Brad Fortier is pursuing his M.A. in theater and anthropology at PSU.  He performs theater improvisation at several locations in Portland and teaches both at PSU and the Brody Theater. Creative Arts
• Vivian Foster, owner of What About the Kids?, is an educational consultant who writes and teaches math courses for TAG students. Math
• 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. Creative Arts & Computer Technology
• Debra Galaty, the community art class coordinator at Grace Institute, produces her beautiful fused glass creations in Portland. Her work is sold in several states and in Europe. 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.  Tom has expertise in field identification, aerial photo mapping, and is getting a SCUBA certification. 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.  Computer Technology
• Marti Heard is a former middle school science and health teacher. She has developed curriculum and served as a software consultant for an educational software company. Science
• 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. Math & Science
• Jean Horn is a freelance writer and journalist. She has a Master of Arts degree in Teaching.  Language Arts
• 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.
• Scott Isler has been involved in science education for over 20 years. Engineering
• 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. Creative Arts
• Cibyl Kavan shows her artwork in galleries throughout the northwest and teaches drawing, painting, ceramics, and printmaking at local elementary schools. Language Arts
• Sherrie Kendall has a BA in elementary education and Masters in Education. 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
• Amy Konsterlie is an artist specializing in illustrating architecture and wildlife. She has exhibited and sold her work for 20 years and teaches art to students of all ages. Creative Arts
• Caton Lyles has worked as a percussion instructor and accompanist for the Vancouver School District for over 15 years.  He also works every summer at Caldera’s summer arts camp. Creative Arts
• Diana Mati, a technology consultant with 15 years experience in instructional and technical support, owns and operates C.I.E. (Computer Technology in Education). ComputerTechnology
• 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 and Canada. Creative Arts
• 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 eight 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. Computer Technology
• Donna Prinzmetal has been teaching creative writing and poetry since 1982. Her poetry has appeared in many small press publications. 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 is a Ph.D. candidate at Portland State University studying the morphological and biomechanical evolution of sloths, anteaters and armadillos. She taught science for over 16 years at many different organizations. Science
• 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
• 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).
• Veronica Zonick has a PhD in molecular biology. She has taught high school biology and developed curriculum and learning assessment products. Science