Faculty & Staff

I transform the lives of young people by leading a team of inspirational teachers and staff through the common goal of helping those students develop many skills in order to choose their own paths in life. I came into this work by having experience in many fields and through the belief held by others that I could make a difference at West Sound Academy.

Email:
bhillman@westsoundacademy.org

Email:
cfreeman@westsoundacademy.org

I am the steward of all financial transactions and contracts, making sure all school records are accurate and well organized.  My passion is event planning, so I gladly take on the management of the auction, graduation and Fall Gathering dinner each year so that these events can be truly memorable for our entire school community.

Email:
ebutler@westsoundacademy.org

I impart problem-solving skills in my math and computer science classes. I also inspire artistic creativity in photography and a sense of community in the clubs I help mentor. I came to this work because of a desire to make a difference in the lives of young people and to help guide them on their journey.

Email:
lpummell@westsoundacademy.org

Email:
strower@westsoundacademy.org

My care for this school and its students comes from a strong loyalty to its administration and the belief that they truly have the students’ and staff’s best interests at heart.  I choose to spend my days on our beautiful campus and through the daily journey to Port Townsend because I hold a high value for the safety of our students and the caretaking of our school.  My contribution to this community is that I model the adage, “Work hard to play hard.” 

As a facilitator giving perspective and sparking creativity, I continue to find avenues to be inspired by the next generation in the classroom, on the field, and on the stage. My passion is to guide students of all ages through art, nature, and physical activities to take courageous steps in their education and their lives as they find their individual ways to shine.

As a WSA teacher, I see my primary role as empowering them by cultivating the habits and skills they need to become confident and capable self-directed learners in pursuit of their respective academic, professional, and personal goals.  My passion for the humanities is a precious gift handed down by my own teachers who inspired and challenged me to think beyond the narrow confines of my own personal experience and explore the diversity of the human experience in general. 

With a group of creative and courageous middle school students, I explore the human experience through the study of history and literature using a project-based and student-led approach to learning. My role as an educator is to illuminate the connections that exist in our world, past and present, and to recognize the power young people have to impact their community in a positive way.

Watch Georgia’s Teacher Statement video here:  WSA Voices

I create, curate, and facilitate learning experiences to share my passion for French and English language and literature. I came into this work through my love of working with diverse people. I am driven by curiosity and my conviction for tikkun olam – making the world a better place. 

Watch Alayna’s Teacher Statement video here:  WSA Voices

When people ask me what I teach my response is always “I teach kids about the world around them through theatre, writing and literature.”  I teach the whole student I don’t just teach a subject.   My role as a teacher is to guide my students to inquire, to take risks, to think critically and challenge assumptions, to consider both local and global contexts when presented with issues and concerns.

Watch Gretchen’s Teacher Statement video here:  WSA Voices

I believe students should get out of their comfort zones, embrace other cultures and languages and see the world with new eyes. My own path of traveling, learning and teaching around the world has led me to West Sound Academy where I am honored to work with exceptional students and faculty who bring the best out of me.   

From hiking glaciers and watching whales in Alaska to digging clay and creating pottery from the hillsides of Montana – I believe there is a beautiful, scientific, and artful world at our fingertips. I strive to help students find their own way of thinking. Incorporating modern technology with a twist of art. Living life outside the box and viewing it all with multiple perspectives.