The Bush School
Our Community

Faculty Spotlight

Meet Our Faculty

At The Bush School, our dynamic, inclusive, and creative community makes us strong. We value the identities, backgrounds, and experiences that our 700 students and over 100 faculty and staff bring to The Bush School and we know that the connections within our community are not just what make learning possible but also what makes learning dynamic, energizing, and engaging. Relationships are at the core of all we do which makes a difference for student growth both socially and academically.

Get to know some of the extraordinary faculty and staff that make up the Bush community. 

Matt Swanson, Middle School Music Teacher 

Teaching for me is a process of mutual discovery and growth. Some of my best teaching experiences have occurred when I take risks, try new things, and iterate my approach to improve my practice.

Five Questions - Videos

Five Questions - Faculty and Staff Profiles

  • Cris Hernandez Garcia Cris Hernandez Garcia

    Cris Hernandez Garcia - Middle School French and Spanish Teacher

    1. How long have you taught at Bush and what drew you to working here?

      This is my third year at The Bush School. What drew me to work here at The Bush School is the experiential and wilderness programs our school offers.
    1. What makes you most proud as a teacher?

      I am beyond proud of being an educator of color!
    1. What do you like most about teaching Middle School students?

      One of the things I like about being a Middle School teacher is being a bridge, a mentor, a listener to all my students of color and guiding them where they want and/or need to go.
    1. What is something you never leave home without?

       I never leave home without reminding myself of my roots and where I come from.
    1. What surprised you about Bush?

       One of the things that surprised me about Bush is the strong, warm, and welcoming community the school is. They are like a Familia.
  • Liz Ebersole Liz Ebersole

    Liz Ebersole - Middle and Upper School Librarian 

      1. How long have you taught at Bush, and what drew you to work here?

        I have been at The Bush School for one year. I was drawn to Bush because of the school’s deep commitment to its Library program and the thoughtful, intentional integration of Library and Information Literacy skills in the K-12 curriculum. These skills are invaluable, equipping students with the ability to think critically, navigate information effectively, and engage with the world as informed and responsible learners. I was excited to join a school that recognizes the School Library as a necessary and dynamic learning space, fostering curiosity, research skills, and a lifelong love of reading. It’s been incredibly rewarding to collaborate with faculty to support students in developing these essential skills that will serve them well beyond their time at Bush.  
      1. What do you like most about teaching students?

        What I love most about teaching students is witnessing their deep curiosity about the world and their desire to make a meaningful impact. I am constantly inspired by the way they ask big questions, challenge assumptions, and seek out knowledge not just for the sake of learning, but to better understand their place in the world. Whether they’re exploring different perspectives through literature, researching complex issues, or discussing ethical dilemmas, I love seeing students wrestle with ideas and develop their own sense of justice. It’s a privilege to support them on their journey as they discover how they can use their voices, knowledge, and skills to contribute to a better world
      1. What makes you most proud as a teacher? 

        What I love most about teaching students is witnessing their deep curiosity about the world and their desire to make a meaningful impact. I am constantly inspired by the way they ask big questions, challenge assumptions, and seek out knowledge not just for the sake of learning, but to better understand their place in the world. Whether they’re exploring different perspectives through literature, researching complex issues, or discussing ethical dilemmas, I love seeing students wrestle with ideas and develop their own sense of justice. It’s a privilege to support them on their journey as they discover how they can use their voices, knowledge, and skills to contribute to a better world. 
      1. What is something you never leave home without?

        A book (of course) and a tumbler of strong black tea. 
      1. What surprised you about Bush? 

        What surprised me most about Bush was the depth of its commitment to community, equity, and inclusion, and how these values are truly woven into every aspect of the school. It’s not just something that is talked about—it’s something that is actively lived through curriculum choices, student engagement, faculty collaboration, and school-wide initiatives. I’ve been inspired by how intentionally these values shape conversations, relationships, and the learning environment, creating a space where all voices are heard and students are empowered to think critically and compassionately about the world around them. 
    • Jeffery Adjei Jeffery Adjei

      Jeffery Adjei - Lower School Technology Teacher

      1. How long have you taught at Bush, and what drew you to work here?

        I've been fortunate to be a part of The Bush School community for the past ten years. What initially drew me here was the school's focus on fostering a supportive and collaborative environment for both students and faculty. The opportunity to work with curious and engaged learners in a setting that values exploration and discovery was incredibly appealing. 
      1. What do you like most about teaching students?

        Their boundless curiosity and enthusiasm! Elementary school students approach technology with such open minds and a willingness to experiment. It's infectious! I love how they challenge me to think creatively and find new ways to engage them. Their questions are often insightful and unexpected, leading to exciting learning journeys for both them and me. Plus, their unfiltered joy when they create something amazing is truly inspiring. 
      1. What makes you most proud as a teacher? 

        Seeing the 'aha!' moments in my students. There's nothing quite like witnessing a child's face light up when they finally grasp a new concept or skill, especially in the realm of technology. Whether it's coding their first animation, designing a 3D model, or creatively using digital tools to express themselves, those moments of discovery are what make me truly proud to be a teacher. It's also incredibly rewarding to see how these skills empower them to become confident and capable learners. 
      1. What is something you never leave home without?

        I never leave home without positivity. I'm an optimist and look for the bright side of most challenges.
      1. What surprised you about Bush? 

        The strong sense of community. While I knew Bush had a great reputation, I was truly surprised by the depth of connection between the students, faculty, and families. It's a place where everyone genuinely cares about each other's well-being and success. The support and collaboration I've experienced here are truly exceptional, and it makes coming to work each day a joy. 
    • Katherine Francisco Katherine Francisco

      Katherine Francisco - Middle School History and French Teacher

      1. How long have you taught at Bush and what drew you to working here?

        This is my second year at Bush, and my eleventh year in education. I love that Bush promotes experiential learning. It allows me to bring my full self to my work. Here at Bush, I don't just teach History and French. I also get to teach and explore other passions such as Photography and Watercolor Painting.
      1. Describe Bush Middle School in three words.

        Vibrant, Balanced, and Experiential.
      1. What is your favorite thing to do on the weekends?

        One of the things I love about Seattle is all of the greenery and water, so I enjoy spending time hiking new trails and also walking around the lake with my dog, Sequoia. I also enjoy making time for creativity, which currently includes watercolor painting and making pottery on my wheel in my garage-studio.
      1. What part of teaching most inspires you?

        I feel most inspired by my students' genuine curiosity and excitement about learning. Both of my subjects - History and French - involve learning about cultures, peoples, and ways of life, and I love getting to see how my students approach these subjects with deep curiosity for the world around them.
      1. What is the best part of your job?

        I enjoy getting to know my students on a human level, beyond who they are in the classroom. Our students are so many things - kind, creative, curious, athletic, artistically talented, and so much more. Working in a close community gives me this opportunity.
    • Jasmine Smith Jasmine Smith

      Jasmine Smith - Upper School English Teacher

      1. How long have you taught at Bush and what drew you to working here?

         I am entering my third year of teaching at the Bush School. What drew me to Bush was the school’s outward commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and its emphasis on community engagement and immersive education. As a hiker and ecological poet, I loved the school’s rich outdoor recreation programming.
      1. What is your favorite book to teach?

        As an English teacher, this question is difficult for me to answer, but if I had to choose, it would be Robin Wall Kimmerer’s Braiding Sweetgrass. Potawatomi Botanist Robin Wall Kimmerer plaits Indigenous knowledge, her narrative as a mother, scientist, and educator, with scientific wisdom. This lyric essay collection interrogates how we build more just and reciprocal relationships with the more human world. Amid climate despair and eco-anxiety, this text has become a staple in my Ecological Literature classes to cultivate hope, renewal of awe, and tenable solutions in the ongoing fight against climate change.
      1. What are your favorite things about being a part of the K-12 community?

        I’m in awe of the innovation my colleagues and their students foster in their classrooms across Bush’s campus. I grew up in a multigenerational household with my grandmother, sisters, and niece. Our house ricocheted with lively conversations about all kinds of things. Bush feels akin to this, where each chance encounter in the hallway could lead to an unexpected collaboration or new idea. One of these passing conversations led to a future collaboration between my Ecological Literature class and lower school students, who will create picture books about protecting vulnerable and endangered species across the West Coast.
      1. What is your favorite part of teaching?

        I’ve stated many things I adore about this work, but my students are the most inspiring part of my job. On days when I am depleted or haven’t had enough coffee, Bush’s students invigorate me with their humor, passion, curiosity, tenacity, and creativity.
      1. What era would you time travel to and why?

        Recently, I’ve found myself inspired by the futurist and speculative traditions of Octavia Butler, Eve Ewing, Alexis Paula Gumbs Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, and adrienne mareee brown. Instead of traveling back in time, I’d like to visit a distant future, even for a few days, to bring back solutions, warnings, and intelligent words to live by.
    • Luke Jesperson Luke Jesperson

      Luke Jesperson - Extended Day Manager

      1. How long have you taught at Bush and what drew you to working here?

        I've worked at Bush for seven years. First as coach, then as a First Grade Assistant and now for the past four years I have been the Manager of Lower SchoolExtended Day. 
      1. What do you like most about being part of a K-12 Community?

        Being witness to older students taking on leadership roles, being a good example for the younger students, and seeing younger students be courageous and jump into activities with older students.  There are a few things I find more joy in my role than when seeing students across grades and divisions paddling in the same direction together. 
      1. What is something you have learned from working with students?

        Stay curious! When you go into any moment with an open mind, you leave yourself available to have an infinite range of experiences and learning moments.
      1. What is something you never leave home without?

        My rain jacket and a full thermos of coffee! 
      1. What is your go-to Commons lunch?

        I love coming in early for a breakfast of eggs, potatoes, and a cup of oatmeal with the full array of toppings! For Lunch, I’ll say I love the butter masala chicken, rice, and naan bread! 
    • Bea Chang Bea Chang

      Bea Chang - Upper School English Teacher

      1. How long have you taught at Bush, and what drew you to work here?

        This is my first-year teaching here at Bush. I was overseas, and I was drawn here by the incessant rain, the wintry gray, and the Upper School's views over a forever cloudy lake.  But, really, I was excited about the idea of experiential education, the facilities, and the warmth of the Bush community.  
      1. What do you like most about teaching US students?

        I appreciate the engagement in the classroom and the energy that students bring to the subject. Students at Bush are creative, passionate, and have an incredible zest for success. 
      1. What makes you most proud as a teacher? 

        When my students nail a thesis statement after revising it 20 times and when their writing is better than mediocre. 
      1. What is something you never leave home without?

        Stitch Anderson.  
      1. What surprised you about Bush? 

        Wissner faculty lounge is very loud and full of the buzz of learning. 
    • Julie Benner Julie Benner

      Julie Benner - Client Technology Support Specialist 

      1. How long have you taught at Bush and what drew you to working here?

        I have been with Bush for just over 19 years.  I started working here as a substitute in the theatre and Theatre contract employee.
      1. What is your favorite thing about being a part of the K-12 community?

        The community of people I get to work with here are amazing.  There is a level and friendliness you don't encounter everywhere.  We work with others who really care about how you are doing. 
      1. What is something you have learned from working with students?

        Students of all ages can teach us things if you allow yourself to be open to learning from them as much as teaching them. 
      1. What is something you never leave home without?

        My phone (contact for emergencies about tech issues in the classrooms and offices) and my keys to the school.  Seems logical, but I can go grab coffee or a loaner computer if I forget either of those items.  Phone and keys are an extra appendage. 
      1. What is your go-to Commons lunch?

        Anything Mexican-based.  I loved the shrimp po' boys, but those have been off the menu for a year or more now.  
    • Landon Ashby Landon Ashby

      Landon Ashby - Upper School Music Teacher

      1. How long have you taught at Bush and what drew you to working here?

        This is actually my first year at Bush! Last Spring, when I was looking for my next career opportunity, I came across the US Music Teacher posting and was immediately drawn to the idea of a less traditional, more open-ended and progressive music education model.
      1. What do you like most about teaching US students?

        Getting to know their different personalities, interests, and learning styles, and helping them to find success in whatever their goals are. I'm constantly amazed at not only the wide variety of student interests and passions, but also their robust curiosity of the world in general.
      1. What makes you most proud as a teacher? 

        I'd say what makes me most proud is seeing them exhibit resilience and persistence in working towards their goals and when they encourage their peers to do the same. There's so much instant gratification in today's world that it can be tempting to take shortcuts, but to really master a subject (especially in music), you've got to put in the work and get over the initial frustration that can come when taking on a more daunting goal.
      1. What is something you never leave home without?

        If it's in the morning, my coffee. But otherwise, my trusty stick of Burt's Bees lip balm.
      1. What surprised you about Bush? 

        One thing that surprised me and that I find to be awesome at Bush are the course offerings in the Upper School. In many ways, the Upper School courses mimic and are closer to a course catalog that you may find in most colleges or universities. As many of the students would say, I'm 'low key' jealous that my high school growing up didn't have as many offerings or options as we do here at the Bush Upper School. 
    • Juliana Cantarelli Vita Juliana Cantarelli Vita

      Juliana Cantarelli Vita - Lower School School Music Teacher

      1. How long have you taught at Bush, and what drew you to work here?

        I have taught at Bush since Fall 2023. What drew me to work here was the explicit focus on racial and social equity, and the emphasis on progressive, hands-on education. The school seemed like a safe place to develop the kinds of social justice projects through music that I have been involved with over the last decade. This was also a return to the elementary world for me; after many years as an K-5 music teacher, my career shifted to teaching higher education and preparing future K-5 music teachers. Bush brought me back to my roots. 
      1. What do you like most about teaching Lower School students?

        What I like most about teaching Lower School students is that I get to see students becoming themselves, musically. Be in exploration of their own identity in and through music, or in projects where they get to “visit” different places in the world and different ways of understanding and making music, or in the songwriting projects where they write their own songs. It is always a gift to be a witness to their growth, musical sensibilities, and artistic development. 
      1. What is something you have learned from your students? 

        I have learned that we “can do things even when we they are hard.” I have learned that “it don’t mean a thing, if it ain’t got that swing,” that “greatness is our destiny,” and that we gotta let our light shine! 
      1. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be? 

        I am a musician, a writer, a community organizer, an activist. In terms of career, if I weren’t a teacher, I would be a performer.
      1. What is your go-to Commons lunch? 

        Whatever they have as hot lunch! I’m from Brazil, and there we eat our big, hot meal in the middle of the day (and our dinners are lighter). So I try to maintain this cultural aspect for my health—in body and mind. 
    • Jin Lee Jin Lee

      Jinn Lee - Middle School Math Teacher

      1. How long have you taught at Bush, and what drew you to work here?

        This is my first year teaching at Bush and what initially drew me here was the school’s commitment to progressive, student-centered learning. I was excited by the idea of working in a community that values curiosity, exploration, and authentic connection, and that encourages students and teachers alike to grow through experience. 
      1. What do you like most about teaching Middle School students?

        I love Middle Schoolers’ blend of energy, humor, and honesty. They’re at an incredible developmental stage where they’re beginning to form their identities and opinions. They’re willing to take intellectual risks when they feel supported. Their enthusiasm, sometimes chaotic, but always genuine, makes every day interesting.  
      1. What is something you have learned from your students? 

        My students constantly remind me to stay flexible and open-minded. They approach problems from angles I wouldn’t expect, and they’re not afraid to question assumptions. They’ve taught me the importance of listening deeply and adapting quickly.
      1. What Was Your Favorite School Subject? 

        My favorite school subject growing up was math. It sparked my curiosity early on and shaped a lot of how I think and teach today.
      1. What is your go-to Commons lunch? 

        My go-to Commons lunch are burgers! It’s the thing I look forward to when the day gets busy and I need something comforting and reliable.
    • Camille Laramore Camille Laramore

      Camille Laramore - Lower School Teacher

      1. How long have you taught at Bush, and what drew you to work here?

        I started teaching at Bush three years ago in 2022. I was moving to Seattle from Texas and when looking at schools I immediately fell in love with Bush. I attended a K-12 school growing up and felt like it was such a special family-like experience I would love to be a part of as a teacher. Also, it was evident from the beginning how student centered everyone was, everything was always about how we can best serve our students and cater to the needs of each individual and unique child 
      1. What do you like most about teaching Lower School students?

        Lower school is a BLAST. Every day there is guaranteed laughter and silliness. Lower school kids are here to have a good time and make everything more fun. I am so lucky I get to spend my days laughing with my people.  
      1. What is something you have learned from your students? 

        Something my students teach me often is their ability to forgive quickly. Whether it is a small problem or big problem they have a lot of grace and understanding that we are all on a path of learning.
      1. If you weren’t a teacher, what would you be? 

        I love clothes…probably too much. So if I wasn’t a teacher I would want to do something in the fashion world.
      1. What is your go-to Commons lunch? 

        I am a pretty consistent salad bar person but I also love their pho!

    Faculty Features

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    The Bush School
    The Bush School is an independent day school located in Seattle, WA enrolling 745 students in grades K–12. The mission of The Bush School is to spark in students of diverse backgrounds and talents a passion for learning, accomplishment, and contribution to their communities

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