Teacher Specialists

I was born in Santa Monica, California. Although Spanish was my first language, I also grew up speaking English. Both of my parents are from El Salvador. We moved back to El Salvador when I was 16, where I lived for 10 years. I attended high school and college and taught English to Spanish-speaking students before moving back to the United States.

My beautiful daughters are 19 and 22 years old. For the last two years, I have been working for a fun camp on my summer break called ALKI ADVENTURE CAMP!  It’s great to see some of my students from school and get to spend time teaching them how to paddle board in the Puget Sound and Lake WA.  I also love to cook gourmet dishes (all types of cuisines, but especially Latin American) and have friends over to enjoy.

I really enjoy teaching Spanish and preparing a variety of activities to keep the lessons interesting for the students. It is rewarding when students use their Spanish expertise outside of the classroom. When they greet me in Spanish, it is great to see the confidence they are building with the language.

O.L.G. BAND PROGRAM

Exploration is the beginning of education! The study of instrumental music opens to an adventure of wonder, knowledge, appreciation and discovery!

Beginning and intermediate/advanced band is offered on a regular weekly basis during the school day. Kennedy Catholic High School provides the instruction under faculty member, Frances McKamey. Since 1984, hundreds of students have actively taken part in this program! The highlight of the academic year is the annual Band Festival. All the band members of the nine schools join forces with the Kennedy Band for a fun-filled evening of music at the high school in May. The Honor Band and a summer band camp are also additional opportunities for our young musicians! Eighth grade graduates entering Kennedy Catholic High School will find a smooth transition into the award winning high school band

Sign up for Middle School Choir

Hello!

I love sharing music with people of all ages and I am happily humbled to be here at Guadalupe! Teaching is a true joy for me.

I bring a wide range of musical experience to the classroom. Some of my current and former musical endeavors are and have been:

Music Specialist at OLG School since 2010
Music Director of OLG Parish since 2003
Music Teacher and accompanist at Kennedy Catholic High School
Music Director and accompanist for several theatre companies around Seattle such as Burien Little Theatre, STAGEright Theatre, and Seattle Gilbert and Sullivan Society
Member of music groups such as The Starry Crowns, The Superchargers, and The Dickens Carolers.

Mrs. Sommerville has been working in education for over 20 years. She has a Master’s in Educational Technology, endorsements in Library, K-8 Elementary Education, Math, Reading and Technology. Her most recent work experience was at Fairwood Elementary School (Kent SD) as the Librarian and Technology Integration Specialist for a building wide one-student, one-computer (1:1) pilot program.

I am so happy to be back at OLG this year! This is my 34th year of teaching and I continue to learn, grow, and be inspired by my students, colleagues, and parents!  I feel very blessed to be apart of this community!

Coming back to school remotely brings many exciting challenges!  Each student brings a gift, perspective, idea, or learning style that enhances how we learn together in math.  I will continue to work with the students and teachers to provide support and differentiated instruction in math in grades K-5.

My schedule is set to work with students in small groups to support their growth.  These groups will be flexible and changing throughout the year.  As I work with my students, I strive to inspire them to be confident learners with a growth mindset. Math is everywhere, and we will explore it together with joy and perseverance!

Outside of school, I love to spend time with my family near and far, travel, garden, enjoy summer concert outdoors, walk Alki and Lincoln Park, go to the theater, and enjoy the Mariners when things go back to normal!

Don’t be afraid to be wrong, be brave enough to try. I encourage my students to engage and participate, ask questions, take risks, and be bold. It is my belief that learning happens best when mistakes are made. Making Math an approachable subject, building confidence, strengthening perseverance, and preparing all students for higher education is the ultimate goal.

I am a graduate of Central Washington University with a BA in education and a minor in mathematics. I’ve taught at OLG since 2011, both as a 3rd grade teacher and middle school math specialist.

When I’m not teaching, you can likely find me with my golden retriever, Wilson, cheering on the Seahawks, hiking the beautiful PNW trails, vacationing in Hawai’i, babysitting my nieces and nephews, traveling our world, eating big meals with my ohana, or relaxing in Ronald, WA at the family cabin.

If you have a chance come check out the “Seahawks” Math Lab; it is right across from the office.

Health and Fitness have always been a passion of mine. I graduated from Gonzaga University, with a BS in Exercise Science. During my studies at Gonzaga, I spent time working in Physical Therapy and Pediatric Therapy Clinics. After college I moved to Seattle to pursue working at The Washington Athletic Club as a Personal Trainer (working with populations ranging from 12-90 yr olds) and eventually Manager of the Women’s and Coed Conditioning Floors. When our boys were born, I stepped away from the club scene and moved into the private Personal Training world. With my passion to return to working with children, I began working at OLG in various roles these past five years. 

My time at OLG allowed my passion to become clearer:  teaching children in Health/Fitness.  I am beyond excited to merge my expertise and launch full speed into OLG PE.  

Ms. Mackenzie

I am thrilled to be at OLG as School Counselor!  I began in education in 2008, and I have worked both as a teacher and school counselor in various places.  I received my master’s degree from the University of Vermont, and I have been fortunate to be able to live and work overseas in the Philippines and Morocco, as well as in the U.S.

As your school counselor, I will be teaching social-emotional curricula to all students to give them a variety of social skills they need to succeed, as well as doing small group and individual work with students, as needed.  I will also collaborate with the teaching staff to help students in the classroom.  Additionally, I am here to meet with parents individually and in workshops throughout the year.  I am always available to partner with you to find ways to support your child – please don’t hesitate to reach out.

Ms. Kristin

Hello all. My name is Heather Owens or as the kids call me Ms. Heather or Mrs. Owens…My journey with OLG began many years ago when I became a parishioner of the church. A few years later I was married here at OLG and then both of my children were baptized here as well. My husband (Chris Owens) and his three sisters are all Alumni of OLG. My mother in law worked at the school and Parish office where she eventually retired from some 20 years later. I am on my 4th year of working at OLG and what a GREAT 4 years it has been. It all started with a part time position that has turned into the best career decision of my life. I am beyond grateful to be a part of this amazing OLG community. And even more grateful I get to work with all of your amazing children each day.