Living Wisdom School teachers are experienced and trained in the Education for Life system. In addition to the regular classroom teachers, we have a cadre of experienced specialists in the areas of music, drama, art, French and PE. Nature education, Organic gardening and field trips also enrich the curriculum.
Nivritti Steenstra, School Director
- B.A., Biology; M.S., Education
- Standard Washington State Teaching Certificate
- 14 years experience elementary school teacher and administrator in Kent and Lake Washington School Districts
- Environmental Education & Education for Life Certified
Chandi Holliman, Preschool and Kindergarten Enrichment Teacher
- Education for Life Teaching Credential
- Living Wisdom Preschool founder and teacher for 10 years
- Ananda Yoga and Meditation Teacher Certificates
- South Seattle Food & Hospitality Chef Certification
- Teaches specialty vegetarian cooking classes
Nora Bennett, Preschool Teacher
- Nora is studying at North Seattle Community College to complete a degree in Early Childhood Education by Spring 2012
- She previously was a student teacher for Chandi and Debbie throughout 2010-11
- She has experience with 18 month to three year olds
Debbie Thomas, Kindergarten Teacher
- Washington State Early Childhood Certification
- STARS Certification WA, Preschool Director 12 years
- Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Teacher 19 years
- Advanced Study in Early Childhood Brain Development and Learning Styles
Ashley Berg, Teacher
- B.A., Education & Art
- Standard Washington State Education Certificate
- Graduated from Central Washington University in 2000
- K-12 Art Education endorsement
- Passionate about Living Green, Certified Ecobroker since 2007
- Has previously taught at a small private school in Mexico, as well as the Seattle Public School District
Susmita, Teacher
- B.A., Biology; M.S. Education
- NY state Nursery, Kindergarten, Grades 1 – 6, and Special Education Certificate
- 10 years special education teacher and 18 years grades 1 and 2
- My special love was teaching reading!
Krishnapria, Music Teacher
- B.A. in Music (Ethnomusicology), UCLA
- M.A. in Music Education, Kent State
- Washington State Teaching Certificate for Music, English Language Learners
- 30+ years experience teaching music K-College
- Fulbright Scholarship studying traditional Indian music (veena and vocal) in Madras, India, 1988-1990
- Author of Songs for a Better World, a collection of children’s songs for developing positive human values
Steve Bonnell, Assistant Music and Yoga Teacher
- Steve Bonnell joined LWS in the Fall of 2009.
- Steve leads yoga postures, sings and shares short meditations as part of a weekly morning circle.
- Steve is also an assistant to Krishnapria, the music teacher, and leads the singing and assists in the other many aspects of the class.
- Once an accomplished, well-traveled musician Steve re-focused his life on yoga and has never looked back.
Martia Denniston, Artist-in-Residence
- B.A. English
- M.A. Whole Systems Design
- Education for Life Teaching Credential
- University of Washington Drawing and Painting Certificate Program
- A mixed media artist specializing in drawing and painting.
- 3 years of service to LWS as art teacher and design consultant for various school activities including the annual art show and fundraisers.
Van Barker, Financial Officer
- RN degree
- 13 years as a nurse at Fred Hutchinson CancerCenter
- Worked as a receptionist and data entry operator
- Mother of 2 children
- 3 years Administrative Assistant at LWS
