Faculty and Staff Pre-School – Eighth Grade Teachers
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 (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 (She/Her, Ms.), M.S. SPED – Teacher of the Deaf, 5th & 6th Grades
Sheila Gowan (She/Her, Mrs.) – Teacher of the Deaf, Kindergarten & 1st Grade
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 (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 (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”