Staff

New staff spotlight with Savanna Carreño

stonevm@washington.edu — Fri, 14 Feb 2025 21:47:59 +0000

New staff spotlight with Savanna Carreño

February 14, 2025

Savanna Carreño

We are excited to welcome Savanna Carreño as the new Early Learning Scholarship Community Liaison!

Originally from the Central Coast of California, Savanna holds a BS in Liberal Studies from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She relocated to Washington in 2024 and is eager to connect with communities across the state to share information about the Early Learning Equity Scholarship. Savanna brings a wealth of experience from her previous role as the Programs and Development Manager at the California State PTA, where she managed a parent education program across schools and communities. She is passionate about education, equity, and supporting first-generation students, and we are thrilled to have her join the ��ߺ�� team.

Please join us in welcoming Savanna! To learn more about her, be sure to check out her Q&A.

From the Central Coast of California, Savanna Carreño is the new Early Learning Scholarship Community Liaison. While in CA, she got her BS in Liberal Studies at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo. She moved to Washington in 2024 and is eager to share information about the Early Learning Equity Scholarship to prospective students and communities across the state! Please reach out if you’d like to learn more about the scholarship or if you have any good Seattle recommendations!

Could you tell us a little about your background, and what inspired you to step into your current role?

My background mainly consists of working at schools and nonprofits! Most recently, I worked for the California State PTA as a Programs and Development Manager, running a parent education program held at various schools and communities across the state. I have always been passionate about education, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (along with art and nature). As a first-generation student myself, I love being able to help others pursue their dreams of higher education. This, paired with my deep respect for teachers, are the main reasons I was drawn to this position. Being able to help diversify and strengthen the Washington workforce of early educators is an honor.

What excites you the most about joining the ��ߺ��?

I love being surrounded by people who also care so much about education and learning. I think if more people were more open to learning and being curious, we’d live in a kinder world. I am excited to meet more people within the college, everyone that I have met so far has been so welcoming and kind.

What are some of your goals or aspirations in your role here?

I have a lot of goals, personal and professional, that I am excited to take on in this role. I want to spread the word about the Early Learning Equity Scholarship to any WA community that’ll listen. Helping connect future and current educators to the Early Care & Education or Early Childhood & Family Studies programs with the help of ELE is definitely a goal as well. It is so important for children to see themselves in their teachers, and these programs help make that happen. I am excited to meet people and help them learn about this awesome scholarship!

What do you most look forward to exploring in Seattle?

I am looking forward to hiking more! I want to explore more trails, forests, and parks. I love being outdoors and spotting mushrooms in a forest or taking pictures of flowers or bugs that I find.

What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of work?

I love all things art, so I really like painting or just doodling in a notebook. I also love making random holiday decorations; I just made a cute Valentine’s Day garland!

Contact

Savanna Carreño

Early Learning Scholarship Community Liaison

scarreno@uw.edu

Farewell & Thank You with Dr. Marisa Bier

stonevm@washington.edu — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 18:43:26 +0000

Farewell & Thank You with Dr. Marisa Bier

October 14, 2024

Dr. Marisa Bier

Dr. Marisa Bier, the founding Director of the Seattle Teacher Residency (STR) at the Alliance for Education, has been a transformative leader in educator preparation for over a decade. Under her guidance, STR has evolved into a nationally recognized, innovative program that focuses on recruiting, training, and retaining teachers of color, providing essential support to students in culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

Before joining STR, Dr. Bier served as the Coordinator of the Secondary Teacher Education Program at the ��ߺ��, where she developed strong partnerships with local schools and enhanced the alignment of curriculum with practical teaching experiences. Her commitment to racial equity has been integral to STR's design, ensuring that aspiring educators are well-prepared to create equitable and affirming learning environments.

Recently honored as an Impact Academy fellow by Deans for Impact, Dr. Bier joins a distinguished cohort of leaders dedicated to improving educator preparation across the nation. This fellowship underscores her exceptional work and commitment to addressing the challenges faced by educator-preparation programs today.

Throughout her tenure, Dr. Bier has built a robust network of partnerships and coalitions, successfully expanding the reach and impact of the residency model. She leads a high-performing team that prioritizes diversity, equity, and inclusion, fostering a culture of growth and mentorship. Dr. Bier's vision and leadership have not only transformed STR but have also made a lasting impact on the educational landscape of Seattle.

As she departs from the ��ߺ��, Dr. Bier leaves behind a legacy of innovation, collaboration, and a steadfast dedication to educational justice. Her work has paved the way for future generations of educators, ensuring that all students have access to well-prepared teachers who are equipped to engage them from day one.

Could you share a brief reflection on your time at the ��ߺ��?

I walked into Miller Hall in April of 2004 and my life as an educator changed. I met Cap Peck and Bill McDiarmid, who brought me on as a doctoral student and a colleague to grow and learn from partnerships with schools and districts. I had the extraordinary privilege of having “fireside chats” with the late Dr. John Goodlad, who inspired my learning around how we improve schooling for children furthest from educational justice through simultaneous renewal of teacher preparation and schools. I had the good fortune of studying and working with Cap and Bill, as well as Dr. Ed Taylor, Dr. Ken Zeichner, and Dr. Elham Kazemi, and so many others who cultivated my leadership, including school partners in the region.

Upon graduation, I was honored to take on the role of leading the Secondary Teacher Education program and worked with faculty to bring alignment between what they were teaching and how we supported teacher candidates in the field. Then, in 2012, I was beyond privileged to take on the role of leading the design and launch of the Seattle Teacher Residency in partnership with Seattle Public Schools, the Alliance for Education, and the Seattle Education Association. It has been an extraordinary journey, and I’ve had the great fortune of building incredible partnerships and working with amazing educators within Seattle, as well as across the country.

What achievements or contributions are you most proud of during your time here?

Wearing that purple cap and gown and being “hooded” by Cap was one of the proudest moments I’ve ever had. And building and leading STR has been something I’m so proud of, and, in particular, the network of colleagues and friends that I have because of that work. STR has become a nationally recognized and highly regarded residency program, and we have learned and grown alongside other programs around the country, as well as our fellow programs at UW.

What will you miss the most about working at the ��ߺ��?

It’s hard to imagine not being a part of the ��ߺ��. I honestly feel like I’ve made life-long friends and colleagues, and so I feel like I’ll continue to be connected.

What are your plans or aspirations for the future?

I have some wonderful opportunities to support educator preparation programs around the country and assist in continuous improvement. I’m going to do some work as an independent consultant and continue to connect with colleagues in my network to decide on what else is next.

Is there a message or piece of advice you would like to share with your colleagues and the College community?

My advice is the advice Cap always gave me – to always seek out and learn from each other…we have so many opportunities to learn, and they can easily be missed if we aren’t intentional. There is so much amazing work happening in all our programs and initiatives.

Staff spotlight with Courtney Berger Levinson

stonevm@washington.edu — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 18:25:56 +0000

Staff spotlight with Courtney Berger Levinson

October 14, 2024

Courtney Berger Levinson

Meet Courtney Berger Levinson, our Director of Institutional Research and the 2024-2025 Faculty Council Staff Representative. Courtney joined the College in Fall 2022, bringing a wealth of experience from her background as a middle school teacher and department chair in Texas. After earning her Master’s in Education Policy and Management, she embraced institutional research, combining her passion for education with data-informed decision-making.

As a staff representative, Courtney is eager to strengthen connections between staff and faculty, believing that community fosters her best work. Learn more about her insights and experiences in the Q&A below.

Can you share a bit about your background?

I joined the College in Fall 2022, but my entire career has been under the education umbrella. I was a middle school teacher and (eventually) department chairperson in Houston, Texas for six years before I went back to school for a Master’s in Education Policy and Management. I embraced my quant side during graduate school and leaned into statistics and program evaluation; my grad school internship was in institutional research, and I’ve been working in this sub-field of higher education ever since! I came to the UW from the East Coast in 2019 and had about 6 months to explore before the lockdown.

What inspired you to join the ��ߺ��’s Faculty Council as a staff representative?

I’m excited to have more touchpoints with faculty and to make new connections as this year’s staff representative; I know that I do my best work when I feel like I am part of a community, and this is a great opportunity to build relationships between and across staff and faculty. I’m also a lifelong Girl Scout, so I’ve always embraced the philosophy of leaving a place better than I found it – the College is an amazing place, and I’m honored to be of service.

How does your role contribute to the college’s mission?

I remember being a classroom teacher and rolling my eyes during data sessions. I already knew my students’ strengths and weaknesses– what was the data going to teach me that I didn’t already pick up on in my classroom? (Turns out… a lot.) Today, I embrace a data-informed approach to decision-making and support; it’s important to use data to help understand what is happening and where things are trending, but the individual people and stories that these numbers represent matter even more. I’m really proud and excited to be able to “translate” between the numbers-people and the people-people.

What do you enjoy most about working at the ��ߺ��?

It might sound cheesy, but accepting this role at the ��ߺ�� truly felt like a homecoming for me – I still identify as an educator, and I’m still plugged into the ed research world. (I also envision myself working with students again in the future.) It’s wonderful to be “in the room where it happens.”

What’s one initiative or project you’re excited about this year?

This will be my second year co-chairing a cross-campus working group of assessment-focused practitioners and researchers; I’m excited to learn from my peers and to showcase the work I’m doing here at the College. We’re always looking for guest speakers, so if you’re looking for somewhere to rehearse your next AERA or other conference presentation, please consider our friendly group!

What do you like to do for fun outside of work?

I spend most of my time outside of work keeping my kids (2 and 4 years old) happy and healthy! Right now, I use most of my free time to catch up on sleep… but I played rugby for most of my 20s and although you wont catch me on the pitch anymore, I still really enjoy watching. Pre-kids, I enjoyed (both teaching and practicing!) yoga, weightlifting, cooking, and baking and I’m slowly returning to these activities as my kids gain more independence. I also love to read and I'm seeking out a book club!

Contact

Courtney Berger Levinson

Director of Institutional Research

cberglev@uw.edu

New staff spotlight with Hailey Capps

stonevm@washington.edu — Mon, 14 Oct 2024 18:01:15 +0000

New staff spotlight with Hailey Capps

October 14, 2024

Hailey Capps

We are pleased to welcome Hailey Capps to the Office of Student and Academic Services as our new Graduate Admission and Enrollment Adviser.

A recent M.Ed. graduate from the LHE program and a BA holder in Communication and GWSS, Hailey joins us from the Student Activities Office, where she worked as an Activities Adviser. In her role, Hailey will support applicants and prospective graduate students for our ��ߺ�� programs. She brings valuable experience from various student support positions, including housing and first-year leadership roles.

Please join us in welcoming Hailey back to the ��ߺ��. To learn more about her, be sure to read her Q&A!

Could you tell us a little about your background and what inspired you to step into your current role?

During my time as an undergraduate at the UW, I got involved in various student leadership positions with Housing and Food Services and First Year Programs. I absolutely loved being a student leader but had no idea what I wanted to do after college. At the start of my senior year, I had a conversation with my academic adviser, Lauren, about my long-term goals. She was the first person to mention the possibility of graduate school to me. Around that same time, my supervisor and mentor Meghan told me about the Leadership in Higher Education M.Ed. program. I realized that I could take my passion for student support and turn it into a career (huge shoutout to Lauren and Meghan for their guidance – I don’t know where I would be without them!). It was a big light bulb moment that I am so grateful for.

After graduating from the Leadership in Higher Education program, I had the amazing opportunity to work in the Student Activities Office as an Activities Adviser. In this role, I advised Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) and student government entities, supporting them with event planning, advocacy initiatives, funding, and fundraising.

Part of what inspired me to step into this new role was a desire to work with prospective students and be able to share my love for UW with them. When I was a Student Housing Tour Guide, I had such a blast connecting with prospective and admitted students and their families. I am looking forward to continuing this work and enhancing my recruiting skills.

What excites you the most about joining the ��ߺ��?

The people! Everyone I have met so far has been so welcoming and kind. I am also very excited about the opportunity to support first-gen students on their path to graduate school.

What are some of your goals or aspirations in your role here?

My biggest goal is to have a positive impact on the lives of prospective and admitted students. Whether that is connecting them with funding opportunities, answering their questions about life as a Husky, or providing them with advice for their Statement of Purpose. I also hope to create meaningful connections with my colleagues and take advantage of opportunities to give back to the UW community.

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

The Husky Union Building (HUB). It has something for everyone – student activities and events, food and coffee, gaming spaces, student government, the Q Center, the D Center, and so much more. I particularly love the quarterly Makers Fairs that the HUB hosts for the UW community. Being able to see student creativity and innovation up close is magical.

What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of work?

I love playing sports and attending sporting events (especially Husky volleyball and softball games)!

Contact

Hailey Capps

Graduate Admission & Enrollment Adviser

cappsh@uw.edu

New staff spotlight with Ebony Moxey

stonevm@washington.edu — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:30:35 +0000

New staff spotlight with Ebony Moxey

August 27, 2024

Ebony Moxey

Meet Ebony Moxey, our new multimedia content specialist!

Hailing from Queens, New York, Ebony brings a wealth of experience in multimedia storytelling. A graduate of Full Sail University with a degree in music production, she most recently worked at Grotto Network as lead producer and audio storytelling associate, where she excelled in creating engaging podcasts and videos. Ebony’s career spans collaborations with artists and businesses across the U.S., U.K. and Caribbean Islands. Now based in Seattle, she’s eager to explore her new community while contributing her creative talents to our College. Outside of work, Ebony enjoys making music, attending concerts, painting, and watching horror films.

Check out Ebony’s Q&A below.

Could you tell us a little about your background, and what inspired you to step into your current role?

I have over 5 years of experience in music and multimedia production, graphic design, video and audio editing, marketing, PR, and artist management. A deep passion for storytelling has driven my career through various multimedia elements, including audio, video, and graphics. This passion has led me to work on thought-provoking projects that educate and raise awareness on important issues.

In my previous role at the University of Notre Dame, I served as the Audio Storytelling Associate and Lead Producer for their podcast series aimed at young adults within the Catholic faith. This position allowed me to hone my skills in crafting engaging and meaningful content.

The opportunity to join the ��ߺ�� ߺ�� as a multimedia content specialist was incredibly appealing due to the College's outstanding work with Black, Brown and Indigenous communities. I am excited to contribute to their initiatives by developing innovative ways to capture and share stories that promote change and equity.

What excites you the most about joining the ��ߺ��?

What excites me most about joining the ��ߺ�� is the opportunity to contribute to impactful initiatives that champion equity and support underrepresented communities. The College's dedication to working with Black, Brown and Indigenous groups deeply resonates with my values and goals. I'm eager to leverage my multimedia production and storytelling background to help amplify these voices and highlight the significant work being done. The chance to be part of a team that is committed to fostering change and promoting educational excellence in meaningful ways is both inspiring and motivating.

What are some of your goals or aspirations in your role here?

1. Enhancing Storytelling: I aim to elevate the College’s storytelling by creating compelling multimedia content that effectively communicates our initiatives and successes. By integrating innovative audio, video and graphic elements, I hope to capture and share the rich and diverse experiences of our community.

2. Promoting Equity and Inclusion: I am committed to supporting the College's mission to advance equity and inclusion. My goal is to highlight the work being done with Black, Brown and Indigenous groups, ensuring their stories and contributions are prominently featured and celebrated.

3. Increasing Engagement: I aspire to develop engaging content that resonates with a broad audience, including prospective students, alumni and the wider community. By creating impactful and accessible multimedia materials, I hope to strengthen the College’s outreach and connection with its stakeholders.

4. Innovative Content Creation: I am excited to explore and implement new and creative approaches to multimedia production. By staying at the forefront of industry trends and technologies, I want to bring fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to our content strategy.

5. Collaborative Growth: I look forward to working closely with my colleagues to foster a collaborative environment where ideas can flourish. By contributing my expertise and learning from others, I aim to help drive the College’s advancement efforts and achieve our shared goals.

What do you most look forward to exploring in Seattle?

I’m most excited about exploring Seattle's vibrant cultural scene and diverse communities. From the rich history and arts at institutions like the Museum of Pop Culture and the Seattle Art Museum to the thriving food scene and iconic landmarks like Pike Place Market and the Space Needle, there’s so much to experience. I’m also eager to engage with the city's beautiful natural landscapes, such as its waterfront and nearby mountains, which offer incredible outdoor activities. Additionally, I look forward to connecting with the local community and discovering how Seattle’s unique blend of innovation and tradition contributes to its dynamic spirit.

What’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of work?

Outside of work, I have a variety of interests that fuel my creativity and passion. I enjoy creating music, which allows me to experiment with different sounds and styles. I'm also deeply immersed in the music scene, often indulging in concerts and festivals to experience live performances and connect with artists. Sightseeing is another favorite activity, as I love discovering new places and immersing myself in their unique cultures and histories. Watching films helps me unwind and appreciate diverse storytelling while creating art provides an outlet for my imagination and personal expression.

Contact

Ebony Moxey

Multimedia Content Specialist

emoxey@uw.edu

New director spotlight with Dr. Alvin Logan Jr.

stonevm@washington.edu — Mon, 26 Aug 2024 17:13:25 +0000

New director spotlight with Dr. Alvin Logan Jr.

August 27, 2024

Dr. Alvin Logan, Jr.

Dr. Alvin Logan, Jr., PhD, is a distinguished leader in education and museum studies with a rich background in fostering community engagement and learning. He earned his doctorate in education from the University of Texas at Austin, following his bachelor's in urban planning and master's in education from the ��ߺ�� (UW).

In his new role as director of Unite:Ed at the UW ��ߺ��, Dr. Logan brings over a decade of experience in both education and museum settings. Before this role, he was director of education at the Burke Museum, director of student leadership at Seattle Central College, and faculty in the Educational Administration Program at Seattle University. His career is marked by a deep commitment to integrating education, race and identity development, and enhancing community-institution partnerships.

Dr. Logan’s work has focused on creating impactful educational experiences and securing grants for BIPOC youth and STEAM education across various states. He continues to contribute to the field through his roles as affiliate assistant professor in Anthropology at the UW and affiliate curator for African culture and education at the Burke Museum.

Discover more about Dr. Logan’s vision for Unite:Ed in the interview below.

Can you share a bit about your journey in education and how it led you to Unite:Ed?

My journey in education has been an amazing one, both professionally and personally. From experiencing phenomenal education and thought mentors to working for some of the most impactful organizations in the state, I found myself continually reigniting my passion for learning, leading, and supporting others. Personally, the institutions I attended sharpened my ability to find and use information to problem-solve. Professionally, serving in higher education has been rewarding in the way I can see students and colleagues progress into better versions of themselves. These experiences have catapulted me into this role with Unite:Ed through a passion for connecting people, communities and organizations. The role supports so much of the great work happening between the community and our college. For me, this role exemplified what it means to support students, communities, faculty, and staff in the process of not just reading the word, but reading the world and locating our place and purpose in it.

What excites you most about your new role?

What excites me most about this new role is the level of creativity and connectivity that can be had. There are endless ways to connect with people and communities, and I believe this a one of the most productive ways to do it. Helping communities by supporting organizations solve problems and create better version of their services builds deeper connections among all involved. To do this, creativity is often the cure. I love that we, as a college, are engaged in so many important problem-solving arenas in education. It is exciting that I get to be a part of the team that connects the ideas and people to the community, as many barriers continue to persist in this endeavor.

What do you believe makes Unite:Ed unique compared to other programs?

I believe that Unite:Ed is unique because it works for the betterment of community and students first and foremost. Additionally, Unite:Ed as an alliance is flexible. What I mean by that is, it has the space for growth to be what continually serves communities. Those two aspects are often lost between community-university research programs because it becomes about the university more than anything else. Fortunately, we have excellent and equity minded individuals working for the college that can ensure we don’t fall into that mindset with our engagement.

How do you see Unite:Ed adapting to meet the evolving needs in education today?

I see Unite:Ed adapting beautifully because we listen more than we move, and support more than we lead. When working with community it’s easy to come from UW and say what we can do for communities, however only those communities know what will authentically help them. When listening more than moving, we can see how our resources can support community direction. Education will continue to move in ways we can predict but not actualize until we live it. We offer support through many stages of research partnerships that can fill in many of the gaps between what we (community and college) can predict and what we will experience in the present.

What are some of your goals and aspirations for Unite:Ed under your leadership?

Usually when I start a role, I wait at least a year to understand the role, constituents, the present operation before making any goals. However, I know that Unite:Ed is important to the college and the community organizations we serve. My aspiration in this endeavor is to help more organizations understand our approach to research and how we can further their goals. I would like for Unite:Ed to be a welcoming alliance that is valued in community for its reciprocity, authenticity, and deep knowledge in the field of education.

Finally, what’s a hobby or activity you enjoy outside of work that brings you joy?

Outside of work, I enjoy camping with my family, barbecuing or smoking food, and playing billiards. If I could do all three of those at once every day, I’d be the happiest you’ve seen a person be.

Contact

Alvin Logan, Jr.

Director of Unite:Ed

alogan8@uw.edu