AMY POOL, MS (Portland State University) came to The Northwest Academy after teaching four years of statistics, algebra and calculus at Portland State University. Her strengths as a teacher include her ability to share her enthusiasm for mathematics and create an environment in which students can explore math and share their ideas.

RACHAEL LIZIO KATZEN KURYNNY, M. Ed. (Portland State University), BA (Vassar College), is a middle school specialist teaching math and science in The Northwest Academy's middle school program. A geologist in training, she has taught at MESD's Outdoor School, Multnomah County Libraries and Whitaker Middle School before joining the NWA staff. Her math and science classes focus on real-world applications, multi-subject integration and community involvement.

AMY SIBAL, MS Physics (Portland State University), BS Mathematics (Portland State University), BA Accounting (University of Rhode Island) taught astronomy and physical science at Clark College, and mathematics at Mount Hood Community College, after years of math and science tutoring as a graduate student at PSU. During her time at Portland State, Amy participated in the creation and development of the Nanotechnology Research Lab. She currently teaches Physics, Algebra 1, and physical science at NWA.

COLIN KIKUCHI, BA (Middlebury College) brings an international perspective to the sciences, having studied and worked in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Before coming to The Northwest Academy, Colin taught in Phoenix, Arizona through the Teach for America program, while also acting as teacher-in-residence at Rio Salada College. To compliment his teaching experience, Colin has worked as a researcher on watershed and wind power projects. He has interests in Environmental Science, Soil Geology, Chemistry, Plant Ecology and Geographic Information Systems. Colin teaches Ecology and Physical Science in the Middle School and Biology in the High School. In his spare time, Colin enjoys playing ultimate Frisbee and guitar.

DANIEL DUNNING, BA (Middlebury College) After his research culminated in a publication in the journal Microbiology, Dan committed himself to teaching, and brings experience from a wide variety of venues. As a member of the non-profit Project BioBus Ltd., Dan traveled around the country for three months delivering lectures on alternative energy to high schools, colleges, and universities. This experience is complimented by his work as a long-term substitute and as a Lead Science Educator at OMSI. Dan has rock climbed extensively throughout the United States over the past six years, and believes strongly in environmental stewardship. Dan teaches Advanced Biology, Geometry, Speech and Debate, and Guitar.