The people who make
KapKa, KapKa.
Our teachers and staff bring playfulness, rigor, and deep care to school every day. They know every child by name — and by what makes them tick.
Our incredible educators
KapKa teachers bring deep expertise and genuine warmth. They never hesitate to stop and make sure a student feels heard — and every family knows their child is truly known here.
Nadine Smith
Kindergarten Teacher12 years at KapKaM.Ed Creative Arts in Learning, Lesley University. Recipient of multiple art grants (4Culture, Safe Futures, Seattle Public Schools). Art Mentor and Educator, Seattle Public Schools 2008–2014.
Lisa Berman
Kindergarten Teacher Assistant1 year at KapKaM.S. in Education, Canisius College. Reading specialist program as part of her Masters.
Jason Harris
1st-Grade Teacher2 years at KapKaDual certification in early childhood education and special education. Master's in Teaching and Learning with a focus in Instructional Leadership, Harvard Graduate School of Education. Featured in the book The Most Important Year about Pre-K education.
Shelley Curtis
1st-Grade Teacher Assistant4 years at KapKaMasters in Public Health and Nutrition, UC Berkeley. Yoga instructor for 10 years, math tutor, certified hula hoop teacher, and preschool co-op parent for 7 years.
Melissa Coffey
2nd-Grade Teacher3 years at KapKaParent of two KapKa alums. Pursuing Masters in Teaching at the University of Washington.
Julie Kosev
3rd-Grade Teacher12 years at KapKaMasters in Teaching, Pacific University. Science Educator and Curriculum Designer at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.
Nicki Bowen
4th/5th-Grade Teacher3 years at KapKaBS Early Childhood Education, University of West Georgia. M.Ed. Instructional Design, Western Governors University. WA State Resident Teaching Certificate.
Becca Foster
4th/5th-Grade Teacher3 years at KapKaMasters of Science in Biological Sciences for Science Educators, Clemson University.
Laura Henneghan
Art Specialist & Learning Support5 years at KapKaM.Ed. in Curriculum & Instruction, University of Washington. Education for Environment & Community at IslandWood Graduate Program. Trained in Wired for Reading (Advanced).
Lauren Bauer
Environmental Science, P.E. & Outdoor Education9 years at KapKaB.S. in Environmental Science, Colby-Sawyer College. Wilderness First Responder.
Kate Berreth
Performing Arts Specialist10 years at KapKaBerklee College of Music alumni with songwriting honors. Music Together certified teacher. 8 independent original records. Songwriter for Bushwick Book Club Seattle.
Jannie Lee
Flex Assistant & Aftercare3 years at KapKaCaretaker of children of all ages for almost 20 years. Multiple years as a 1-on-1 aide.
Intentionally small. Always present.
We keep our administration small so we stay connected to students and families. Our admin team is out and about in the school every day — from supporting a classroom to singing along with a song.
Lisa Martinelli Norris
Head of School8 years at KapKaA life-long Seattleite in education since 2001. Joined KapKa as a 1st grade teacher, became Director of Learning in 2020, and Head of School in 2022. Masters in Teaching, Seattle University. Certified Positive Discipline Parent Educator.
Morgan Murphey
Director of Cooperative Advancement4 years at KapKaProduction Manager & Instructor at NYU Drama's Playwrights Horizons Theater School Studio. Parent of a KapKa alum and a current student.
Angie Calvetti
Business Manager5 years at KapKaDegree in Accounting. Director of Finance, National American University.
Want to meet us in person?
The best way to experience KapKa is to come see it. Tours run November through February.
Schedule a Tour