Welcome New Faculty & Staff!

Diane Carney joins our faculty as the Upper School Learning Support Specialist. After earning a BS in Chemistry from the University of Puget Sound, Diane studied at the University of Otago in New Zealand, and earned an MS in Chemistry from the University of Washington. Diane owned and operated University Tutoring Service in Seattle and Olympia and brings 15 years of experience with differentiated learning support, tutoring, and standardized test preparation. She recently taught an ACT prep course to our sophomores.

 
Ian Corey-Boulet takes on multiple roles as Upper School Humanities Teacher, Learning Support Specialist and Dorm Parent. After earning a BA in English from Columbia University, he taught literature and writing at the Seoul Language Institute in Korea. He also earned an MA in English from the University of Washington, where he taught writing for two years. In the classroom, Ian likes to promote student-driven discussion, writing in different genres and making connections between the humanities and other areas of human culture.

Emma Hartmann is our new Grade 6 Science and Math Teacher. After earning her bachelor's degree in biology and environmental studies from Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida, Emma worked at Open Window School in Bellevue for two years. During this time she received her master's degree in teaching mathematics and science from Seattle Pacific University. Emma, who has also worked at Camp Nor’Wester in the San Juan Islands, loves connecting curricula to the "real world" and being able to do as many hands-on projects as possible.

 

Bill Hulseman, our new Director of Middle School, hit the ground running in July. After earning his Bachelor’s from Fairfield University and Master’s from Harvard University, Bill taught World Religions and directed the Campus Ministry program at Newton Country Day School. He then earned an Ed.M. in Education Leadership through the Klingenstein Center at Columbia University, after which he served as Director of Social Action and Director of Professional Development at Stone Ridge School of the Sacred Heart. He has a keen interest in culture, from communities and diversity to pop culture and music, and is passionate about working with students and colleagues to develop a deep sense of purpose.

Jennifer McConnell, Middle School Social Studies teacher and Learning Skills Specialist, joined Annie Wright Schools last January as a long-term substitute. We now welcome her to a permanent position. After earning her BA in American Studies and her MA in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences from University of Washington Tacoma, she taught in Italy for a study abroad program with UWT. She is passionate in helping all students succeed and strives to instill a love for learning in her classroom. Jennifer has also been a dance instructor for more than 20 years.

 

Tauna Shoemaker, Annual Fund and Events Manager, joined the development department in July. Tauna earned her bachelor's degree in Social Welfare and Certificate in Non-Profit Management from the University of Washington, where she spent semesters abroad in South Africa and Peru. With ten years of experience at the YMCA, most recently as Marketing and Development Director for the YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties, Tauna is passionate about relationship-building and looks forward to learning about the passions of our community.

 

Jeremy Stubbs joins our Upper School faculty as a Math and Science Teacher. After earning his bachelor's degree in mathematics from Oklahoma State University, he has taught high school math and computer science for the last ten years, several of those at Charles Wright. Jeremy's teaching philosophy hinges on getting to know each individual student and teaching to her strengths. As a passionate hiker and backpacker, Jeremy hopes to share his love of the Pacific Northwest with his students and colleagues.

 

Heidi Theiss is one of two new Prekindergarten Teaching Assistants. After earning a bachelor’s degree in education with a minor in Spanish from Central Washington University in 2010, Heidi worked in early childhood, elementary, middle and high school settings. Heidi is also a yoga and acrobatic yoga instructor in the local area. She believes that all learners are unique and fosters a learning environment where students value their individuality and feel comfortable exploring their world through inquiry and play.

 

Kathryn Vincent, Prekindergarten Teaching Assistant, joined Annie Wright Schools in 2014 as a Middle School sports coach and Extended Day Staff. After earning a Bachelor of Arts in Biology and French from Grinnell College in 2013, she spent a year teaching science and doing research at the Gobabeb Research and Training Centre in Namibia. Kathryn believes in hands-on and inquisitive learning, which stems from her time teaching science and research to Namibian students in outdoor classrooms.

 

Clare Wagstaff joins us in the new position of Assistant Director of Middle School. Originally from the United Kingdom, she earned a BS in Biology from Keele University and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from the University of Reading, England. Clare taught high school science and was the Assistant Head of Sixth Form in Birmingham, England, before moving to Buffalo, New York, where she was Middle School Science Teacher, Upper School Dean, and Summer Camp Director at Elmwood Franklin School. During this time she completed a M.Ed in Science Education at Plymouth State University. Clare is passionate about middle schoolers and being a life long learner.

Erik Weiss recently began as our new Network Administrator. He earned his BS in Information Technology from the New Mexico Institute of Mining and Technology in 2013 and began his career there working to maintain IT infrastructure for the University. Erik enjoys finding and building technology solutions that fit the needs of faculty and students.