I succeed.

Faculty and Staff Pre-School – Eighth Grade Teachers

 

Faithlyn Bass smiles at the camera in front of a blue background

Faithlyn Bass

Faithlyn Bass (She/Her, Mrs.) – Teacher of the Deaf, 7th & 8th Grades

I was born in Jamaica and immigrated to the United States at the age of 12. Hard of Hearing since early childhood, I graduated from the Virginia School for the Deaf and the Blind (VSDB), received my bachelor’s in English from Gallaudet University, and an associate degree in Graphic Design from the Art Institute of Atlanta. Later I earned my master’s in Special Education from Radford University. I worked with Deaf, Hard of Hearing, DeafBlind, and Blind children for ten years at VSDB before relocating to Seattle. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, travel, and exploring new activities.

Other languages: American Sign Language

 

 

 

Emily Buettemeier smiles at the camera in front of a blue background

Emily Buettemeier

Emily Buettemeier (She/Her, Miss) – Teacher of the Deaf, 3rd & 4th Grades

I have been working at Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children since 2017. A Seattle native, I received my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Special Education from Pacific Lutheran University in 2013 and my Master’s in Exceptional Education – Deaf Education from the University of Wisconsin in 2017. I have a background in ASL, and am happy to find a school that seamlessly blends sign and spoken language to meet all students where they are and push them forward. When I’m not teaching, I enjoy camping and hiking all around the beautiful Pacific Northwest, traveling abroad, and trying new foods. 

Sign name: “B” taps at heart

 

 

 

Ana Crow smiles at the camera in front of a blue background

Ana Crow

Ana Crow (She/Her, Ms.), M.S. SPED – Teacher of the Deaf, 5th & 6th Grades

Hi y’all! Hola, hola! This is my second year at Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children. I am working with a wonderful group of people and serving a great group of students.
 
I love teaching and before joining NWSDHH, I worked as an Early Childhood Educator for three years at Joint-Base-Lewis McChord. I’ve also worked as a para-educator, tutoring the elementary grades, K-3, in North Carolina for a year. Recently, I completed an internship as a middle school student teacher and subbed for the local high school. My background is in Literature, Communication Science and Disorders and Deaf Education.
 
My home is here in Washington for 20 years now, and when I’m not teaching, I’m spending time with my family and dogs. We enjoy nature, art and going to the zoo.
 
I’m also currently working on a Graduate certificate in Children’s Literature from Penn State, from which I’m learning so much that I will be sharing with my students!
 
It’s great to meet you! I’m looking forward to a beautiful year of learning and connection with all the families and students.
 
Sign name: “Happy” with “C” hands
 
Other languages: Spanish, German, Beginner American Sign Language
 
Sheila Gowan smiles at the camera in front of a blue background

Sheila Gowan

Sheila Gowan (She/Her, Mrs.) – Teacher of the Deaf, Kindergarten & 1st Grade

I have been working at NWSDHH for many years and I am a big fan of the staff, the families, and the mission. I received my BA and MA in Deaf Education from California State University, Fresno’s comprehensive Deaf Education program. Through my program and in the years teaching in California, I have been a part of a spectrum of programs and philosophies from the bilingual approach, total communication, and listening and spoken language. I have my professional certification in Cochlear Implants from Smith College, and hope to continue my studies someday in the doctoral level of Speech and Hearing Sciences. In 2016 a tug at my heart landed me in Seattle and at NWSDHH and I couldn’t be happier. Though I’ve experienced a range of roles here, I am so excited to be back in early elementary; where my passion lies. After hours, I participate and publish research with my colleague Dr. Matt Hall, read a lot of books, raise future service dogs, and laugh as much as I can.
 
Sign name: “G” from chin to cheek
 
 
 
 
Laura Lundy smiles at the camera in front of a blue background

Laura Lundy

Laura Lundy (She/Her, Ms.) – Teacher of the Deaf, Preschool 1

I am so happy to be joining the staff at Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children. I have a Master’s Degree in Deaf Education from Lewis & Clark College in Portland, Oregon, and a Bachelor’s Degree in Theatre from Pomona College. I believe that a dedicated teacher and program can be life-changing for a Deaf child; opening a world of communication and opportunities, and building a core of self-confidence. In California, I was the Total Communication Early Start Teacher for San Mateo County of Education, Early Childhood Teacher and Home Visitor for the Center for Early Intervention on Deafness (CEID) in Berkeley, and a speech teacher at California School for the Deaf. I served as the Director at Duck’s Nest Preschool in Oakland, where we offered enrichment courses for the children in sign language, theater, and early childhood science. I am a life-long theater artist. I co-founded a theater company in the San Francisco East Bay and served as the Artistic Director for 10 years. I am a Creative Consultant for artists and entrepreneurs in the United States and Europe. I use my creative skills to bring a sense of play and exploration to the classroom, facilitating language and communication, and keeping the environment positive and joyful. I believe children learn most effectively when the classroom is a place of joy, wonder, and discovery. I have lived part-time in Barcelona, Spain for much of the last 6 years, and will still spend summers there. I am an enthusiastic, intermediate Spanish-speaker! ¡Por favor, háblame español si eso es más cómodo para ti! I am very much looking forward to working with the wonderful students, families, and staff at NWSDHH.

Sign name: 2 taps of  “L”  on cheek

Other languages: American Sign Language, Intermediate Spanish

Lilian Reynolds smiles at the camera in front of a blue background

Lilian Reynolds

Lilian Reynolds (She/Her, Miss or Ms.) – Teacher of the Deaf, 2nd Grade

I am absolutely thrilled to be beginning my journey at NWSDHH! I was born and raised in St. Louis, Missouri, where I graduated from Fontbonne University with a degree in Deaf Education in 2016. After graduating, I taught for two years in St. Louis Public Schools before relocating to Honolulu, Hawaii. I have exclusively taught D/HH preschool and kindergarten for the past seven years, and I am so excited to be starting a new chapter with second grade! I am also currently working on my MA in Early Intervention in Deaf Education. In my spare time, you can usually find me trying out all of the local coffee shops in town, reading, and learning as many languages as I can! I am very excited to have relocated here in Seattle with my boyfriend and we are ready to explore our new home.

Sign name: “R” moves like an ocean wave

Other languages: American Sign Language, French and beginner Japanese

 

Anne Welch smiles at the camera in front of a blue background

Anne Welch

Anne Welch (She/Her, Ms.) – Teacher of the Deaf, Preschool 2

This is my second year here at Northwest School for Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Children and I am ecstatic to be back!  I received my Bachelors in Early Childhood from Bowling Green State University followed by my Intermediate course work at the masters level.  I have recently received my Masters in Deaf Education from the University of Nebraska.  I have spent the last 10 years teaching in the public school system and have taught grades preschool-8th grade.  I am a recent transplant to Seattle and enjoy traveling and trying out new places.  For fun I like to do different kinds of puzzles, read, and hang out with my wiener dog Dili.  

Sign name: “Grapes” with a “W”