About the Team

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, science, library, art, Spanish and PE. Nature education and field trips also enrich the curriculum.

Nivritti Steenstra, School Director

B.A. biology, M.S. Education. Standard Washington State Teaching Certifi cate, 14 years experience elementary school teacher and administrator in Kent and Lake Washington School Districts, 1 year experience as a student teacher supervisor for Central Washington University.

Beth Williams, Grade 1 -6 Team Teacher, Spanish Teacher

B.A Graphic Design & Masters of Elementary Education. WA State Teaching Certificate; 6 plus years experience working with children – elementary gifted and talented; public and private school teaching experience; therapy work with children with autism; expertise in Spanish, Computers and Outdoor Leadership.  

Chandi Holliman, Pre-K & Kindergarten Teacher

Education for Life Teaching Credential; Living Wisdom
Preschool founder and teacher for 8 years; Ananda Yoga
and Meditation Teacher Certifi cates; South Seattle Food &
Hospitality Chef Certifi cation; teaches specialty vegetarian
cooking classes.

Van Barker, Financial Officer

RN degree; 13 years as a nurse at Fred Hutchinson Cancer
Center; also worked as a receptionist and data entry operator;
mother of 2 children.

Jal Feldman, Music Specialist

B.A. & M.A. in Humanistic/Transpersonal Psychology;  15 years of classical piano study at Northwestern, 4 years experience with Jazz and popular music; and is a pianist for CSL for 14 years and has 12 years as a Suzuki piano teacher.

Martia Dennison, Artist-in-Residence

B.A. English, M.A. Whole Systems Design, U of Washington Drawing and Painting Certificate Program.  Martia is a mixed media artist with experience as a children’s library assistant with Sno-Isle Regional Library, 3 years a volunteer school librarian with the Islamic School of Seattle and a year as a preschool assistant, specializing in the art program, with Living Wisdom School.

Debbie Thomas, Preschool & Pre-K Teacher

Washington State Early Childhood Certification
STARS Certification WA
Preschool Director 12 years
Pre-Kindergarten and Kindergarten Teacher 18 years
Advanced study in Early Childhood Brain Development and learning styles

PremShanti Rider, Admissions Coordinator

Receptionist and customer service representative in many office settings; Certified Ananda Yoga and Meditation Teacher for 15 years; Life long interest in healthy living, music and holistic learning.