Teacher Specialists

I’m a mom of two  grown children and two fur babies- a Havanese  and a Bernedoodle. I’m originally from the Chicago area and moved here with my family in 2008. I enjoy making jewelry, crocheting, traveling, walking with my pups, writing and spending time with friends and family. Currently, I have three self published children’s books and another one in the works. I’ve been teaching art to children for the past 7 years.

Hola!

My name is Vivette and I really love making connections with students. I´ve been teaching for more than 12 years in Mexico and now God and life have brought me here to live this beautiful experience in such a wonderful place. In all these years I have found that when I have fun, and my students have fun, everyone forgets that we are actually working on something, and learning happens much more easily and naturally. That’s why I’m really excited to teach my beautiful native language… Spanish.

So let’s speak Español!

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.

Greetings! My studies at Montana State University-Billings included a major of Elementary Education (K-8) and a minor of Reading (K-12). I explored various school structures and grade levels to find my teaching passion. My faith led me to Catholic education. My love of reading has brought me to the first grade level. Witnessing students emerging into literacy and guiding the process fills me with joy!

I have enjoyed being the first grade teacher at Our Lady of Guadalupe School for the past eighteen years. As a teacher, a parishioner, and a parent, I’m thrilled to be in the midst of my nineteenth year as part of this amazing community.

Summer break was busy, busy, busy! It was filled with learning and joy! As the 2017 Teacher Excellence Award Recipient I took the trip of a lifetime. As a fourth grader, I was introduced to the richness of our National Parks system by an inspired and enthusiastic teacher. At nine years old I vowed that one day I would visit Bryce Canyon and this summer my childhood dream was realized. My family had an amazing adventure to these national parks/recreation areas: Grand Canyon, Glen Canyon, Bryce Canyon, and Mount Zion. As we marveled at the beauty of Creation we were awed, humbled, and filled with gratitude! I must say experiencing these treasures through the eyes of my child made it even more special.

My daughter and I also took our annual trip to Montana to spend time with my mother and other family. We especially enjoyed our time at Crow Fair. Watching the beautiful dancers and connecting to our family heritage was truly a gift. Seeing my mother, who is in latter stages of Alzheimer’s, invite people into impromptu dances and revel in the music reminded me of the joy in “the now”. As summer days wind down I look to the new school year with gratitude and renewed energy.

I’m looking forward to another great year!

God Bless!

Rita Gazewood

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

A native of Northern California, I grew up camping and hiking in the Sierra Nevadas and tide pooling along the coast. Upon completing a double major in Creative Writing and Psychology at Dominican University of CA, I fled north to serve two years as an AmeriCorps volunteer in Oregon, where I absolutely fell in love with the pacific northwest! I gained a Masters of Science in Environmental Education from Southern Oregon University, which led to unique and life-changing experiences in outdoor education and recreation programs in Oregon, Washington, and Alaska.

I am so excited to take my experiences working with youth these last two decades to serve as the OLG School Counselor. I am working on a Masters of Education in School Counseling from Prescott College and getting to know the greater Seattle area.  On the weekends, you may find me on the trails with my dog Scout or working in the garden.

I’m excited to join the staff at OLG school in the role of part-time Religion Instructor and extra support for Middle School.  As a Catholic re-vert I was baptized and confirmed at St. Mary’s parish growing up in Fishkill, NY.  When I moved with my family to West Seattle in 2017 we settled into life at OLG.  A graduate of The Seattle School of Theology and Psychology, I am also a practicing licensed mental health counselor in WA with an office in West Seattle. Outside of teaching and helping others, I also love to spend time reading (especially Tolkien, but also writings on Thomistic thought), and also steel bicycles, guitar, and physical fitness activities.   And of course, spending quality time with my family, including two current OLG students.