Mr. Browne is a Physical Education Subject Expert Teacher at BASIS Independent Bothell. He brings with him a bachelor’s degree in Education and Health and Human Performance with a minor in Coaching from Bellevue University and years as a baseball coach at Clark College. 

Mr. Browne’s goal as a BASIS Independent educator is to cultivate a love for physical activity and healthy living in every student. He aims to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and confidence to pursue a wide range of sports and fitness endeavors while fostering teamwork, sportsmanship, and resilience. 

“I aim to empower students with the skills, confidence, and knowledge to embrace diverse physical activities,” he explains. He believes students learn best through active, hands-on participation and engaging activities that support skill-building in an inclusive and supportive environment. 

Mr. Browne was drawn to BASIS Independent Schools because of the blend of academic rigor and genuine intellectual curiosity present in its learning community. 

Ms. Cales has a Bachelor of Arts in both Spanish and Political Science from Texas State University and holds a Master of Education in Early Childhood Special Education from the University of Texas.  

She hasn’t lived all over the world, but she has lived in quite a few places, including the Dominican Republic, China, and the United Arab Emirates. She regularly considers moving to Spain. Ms. Cales has three busy kids and considers it an accolade of the highest order on any given day if she and her family manage to be ready and out the door on time. They’ve come close many times!  

Ms. Cales joins BASIS Independent as the Dean of Students after over 16 years in classroom teaching and school mentorship positions. She cannot wait to help shape a culture that balances high standards with a sense of fun.  

A lover of language and people, Ms. Cales chose BASIS Independent because its strong academic framework balances high rigor with plenty of space for creativity, creating the best environment for learning.  

In her free time, Ms. Cales likes to read, write and swim. She used to be an avid runner; these days, the races happen mostly in her mind — but hope springs eternal. She enjoys being outside, going to concerts and general lounging around. The beach is her favorite place on the planet. 

Ms. Carter is the Drama Teacher at BASIS Independent Bothell. She holds an Associate of Arts in Theatre from Casper College, a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre from Southern Oregon University, a Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the University of Montana, and a Master of Teaching from Western Governors University. 

Ms. Carter was drawn to BASIS Independent Schools for their commitment to integrating Fine Arts into the core curriculum. She is excited to be part of a school that values creative learning by offering theatre, music, and visual arts as essential elements of a well-rounded education. 

As a drama teacher, Ms. Carter seeks to inspire students to find a creative pursuit that resonates with them personally and ignites their passion. “Artistic expression is fundamental to human development and emotional well-being,” she says. Her classroom emphasizes exploration and experimentation, helping students discover meaningful outlets for creativity, build resilience, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts. 

Ms. Carter believes that strong, collaborative relationships are the foundation of meaningful education. In drama, where trust and vulnerability are essential, she creates an inclusive space where students can take creative risks, support one another, and grow as communicators and collaborators. 

She especially enjoys leading improv games, which give students the chance to showcase a wide range of ideas, emotions, and themes. 

Outside of school, Ms. Carter enjoys gardening, beachcombing, tidepooling, and attending concerts with friends and family. A fun fact about her: she once spent six months working at the historic Old Faithful Inn in Yellowstone National Park with her husband, spending weekends camping, hiking, and exploring the park’s natural beauty. 

Ms. Chen holds a Bachelor of Arts in Chinese from California State University, Los Angeles, a Master of Arts in Chinese from San Francisco State University, and a Master’s in Teaching from the University of Washington. 

As a Primary and Middle School Mandarin Teacher at BASIS Independent Bothell, Ms. Chen’s goal is to create a language-rich environment where students feel empowered to express themselves in Mandarin and discover meaningful cultural connections. “Language learning is a journey of exploration, creativity, and connection,” she shares. “My classroom is a space where students learn through communication, stories, and authentic cultural experiences.” 

Ms. Chen was drawn to BASIS Independent Schools for their academic excellence, supportive learning environment, and strong emphasis on world languages and cultural literacy. She values the school’s commitment to high standards and joyful learning, which aligns with her own teaching philosophy. 

She believes students learn best when they are actively engaged and supported, and she brings language to life through the use of visuals, music, games, and hands-on cultural activities. One of her favorite classroom units invites students to create their own Mandarin-language travel itinerary—booking flights, packing a virtual suitcase, and planning sightseeing adventures in Chinese. “It’s always exciting to watch students apply language in real-life contexts while exploring the world through Chinese,” she says. 

Outside the classroom, Ms. Chen loves to travel during school breaks and explore new cultures and cuisines. Recently, she has begun learning different dance styles on the weekends, including Chinese traditional dance and jazz. She also enjoys singing—it’s one of her favorite ways to relax and have fun! 

As an Early Education Teaching Fellow, Ms. Chen is committed to supporting young learners as they grow in confidence, curiosity, and joy. Prior to joining our campus, Ms. Chen completed a Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration from Ludong University, where she received a national scholarship, and a Master of Business Administration from Beijing Institute of Technology. 

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in exploration and shared growth. “To me, teaching is walking hand in hand with children as we explore the wonder of truth—growing together as lifelong learners, with curiosity as our compass,” she says. “I truly admire the balance that BASIS Independent strikes between academic excellence and a nurturing learning environment.” She believes students learn best when they develop metacognition, experience a state of flow, and build resilience. “When students understand how they learn, they are more likely to experience deep learning and growth.” 

Outside the classroom, Ms. Chen enjoys playing piano, running, weight training, and reading. A favorite pastime is making bookmarks with her son—a creative, hands-on tradition they enjoy together. 

Ms. Chou is Subject Expert Teacher for music. She holds a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance from the University of Toronto, a Master of Music in Piano Performance from the Manhattan School of Music, and a Master of Education in Music and Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. She has earned numerous awards for piano performance, including placing as a top finalist in the prestigious Canadian Music Competition. Her musical journey has taken her to stages in Vancouver, Toronto, and New York. 

“My goal as a BASIS Independent educator is to nurture each student’s natural musicality and creativity,” she says. “In our classroom, students develop essential musical skills such as active listening, collaboration, and music reading.” She is excited for our middle school students, as they will have the opportunity to join the orchestra and experience the joy of ensemble performance. 

Ms. Chou was drawn to BASIS Independent Schools for their academic excellence and strong support for the arts. She values the school’s commitment to educating the whole child—mind, heart, and creativity. Her teaching philosophy is rooted in active, hands-on learning. “I believe that music is for everyone, and that there’s a place for every voice in the classroom,” she explains. “By honoring each student’s individual strengths and perspectives, I want to create a vibrant, inclusive musical community where all students can thrive.” 

A favorite lesson in Ms. Chou’s class invites students to compose original pieces using the notes and rhythms they’ve learned. Students notate and perform their compositions, deepening their understanding of music literacy while also gaining confidence and joy in creative expression. 

Outside the classroom, Ms. Chou enjoys reading, kayaking, and hiking with her husband, young son Nate, and their dog Riley. She’s also on a mission to learn songs from different countries around the world—one small step at a time! 

Ms. Chow is a Learning Expert Teacher for Grade 3. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from the University of California, Santa Cruz, and a Master’s in Teaching with an endorsement in Elementary Education from the University of Washington. 

She is passionate about inclusive, student-centered learning. “My ultimate goal as an educator is to help students to learn to the best of their abilities, and to provide support for all of my students to access knowledge, materials, participation, and contribution to the classroom community.” 

She was drawn to the BASIS Independent Bothell community for how it values every single member of the school and the unique structure of the primary grades. She shared, “I absolutely love the structure of BASIS Independent Schools. I love that the Learning Expert Teacher and Subject Expert Teacher get to collaborate to provide the best education for our students.” 

A favorite lesson of hers includes teaching about Chinese New Year, where students explored cultural traditions and made wonton soup together. 

Outside the classroom, she enjoys paddleboarding in the Puget Sound, reading, working out, and solving jigsaw puzzles. Fun fact: “It’s been years since I’ve gone a morning without a cup of coffee!” 

Ms. Coupe holds a Bachelor of Science in Child Development from California State University, Fresno, and a Master’s in Education with an Elementary Teaching Certification from Western Governors University. 

As a Physical Education Subject Expert Teacher, she is passionate about helping students develop foundational skills in fitness, sports, and gross motor movement – these are “skills that students can carry with them for a lifetime,” she says. Beyond those skills, her classrooms nurture the importance of teamwork, communication, and collaboration in order to prepare students for success on and off the field. 

She believes every child should have an opportunity to learn. “It is up to me to help them reach their highest potential possible,” she says. She believes the equitable teaching environment she creates enables students to meet their learning needs and goals. 

This is exemplified by a favorite activity in her class: a game called Sink the Ship. Students build teamwork, communication, and sportsmanship skills as they work together to keep their ships afloat. 

Outside the classroom, Ms. Coupe enjoys being outdoors, reading, exercising, and spending time with her husband and son. While she cheers for the Seattle Seahawks and Mariners, her heart remains loyal to the Los Angeles Dodgers. 

Mr. Delp holds a Bachelor of Arts in History from UCLA, and earned a commission as a lieutenant in the United States Army, where he was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal in 2006. Prior to beginning his teaching career, he pursued graduate study and research at San Diego State University and Arizona State University, completing a Master of Arts degree and all doctoral coursework in 2018. As a Boren Fellow, Mr. Delp studied at Moscow State University and conducted original archival research in Russia, contributing to his deep expertise in history and global affairs. 

Before joining BASIS Independent Bothell as a History Subject Expert Teacher, Mr. Delp taught middle school and AP US and World History at BASIS Scottsdale. He also taught college-level history survey courses and guest lectured in upper-division seminars, bringing rich academic insight and experience to the secondary classroom. 

“I view this new campus as an opportunity to help develop a positive and dynamic academic culture from scratch,” he shares. He believes that “learning cannot happen between strangers,” and prioritizes building a classroom culture where every student feels known, respected, and able to contribute to meaningful dialogue. 

Mr. Delp chose BASIS Independent Schools for their strong academic model and the opportunity to make a deep impact in a more personal, student-focused setting. “Students learn best when they can relate past societies to their present lifestyle. When the past seems completely unfamiliar to us, indifference prevents insight.” 

In one of his favorite lessons, students study war mobilization in twentieth-century industrial societies by creating propaganda posters supporting aspects of the American war effort. They then explain their design choices and how they would shape public opinion. The project helps students connect history to real-world action and strategy. 

Outside the classroom, Mr. Delp enjoys volleyball, swimming, and playing piano. “I am an amateur in all of these areas, but they bring me happiness. Likewise, you do not have to be an expert in history to enjoy its practice!” 

Ms. Dixon is a middle school English Subject Expert Teacher. She graduated summa cum laude from Arizona State University with dual Bachelor of Arts degrees in History and Political Science and later earned her Master of Arts in Teaching from Seattle Pacific University. 

Miss Dixon joined BASIS Independent because of the school’s academic rigor and its commitment to developing students into global citizens who will change the world. 

“I believe in creating a safe, inclusive environment where students are given the supports to become active learners who are confident in their abilities,” she says. Her goal is to help students develop a love of reading, sharpen their critical thinking skills, and understand how language forms the foundation of communication. 

She believes students learn best when they know they are valued and are given the opportunity to take ownership of their education. 

Outside the classroom, Miss Dixon enjoys baking desserts for her friends, drinking (too much) coffee, and spending time with her fiancé and their two cats. 

Ms. Do joins BASIS Independent Bothell as a Grade 2 Learning Expert Teacher after teaching elementary school across multiple grades in the Bay Area for over a decade. She previously earned her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and International Studies from the University of California, Irvine.  

As a Learning Expert Teacher, her goal is to build meaningful connections with students to create a supportive and engaging environment. She aims to spark curiosity, nurture creativity, and encourage a love of learning by celebrating individuality and helping students grow into confident, compassionate, and critical thinkers. 

She chose BASIS Independent Schools because she “connect[s] with their focus on well-rounded, student-centered learning.” She appreciates the two-teacher collaboration model, which she describes as creating “a dynamic and supportive learning environment that fosters both academic growth and social-emotional development.” 

Her teaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that “students learn best when they feel valued, engaged, and connected to what they’re learning.” She encourages collaboration and peer interaction while also adapting instruction so that all learners have opportunities to succeed. 

Outside of teaching, Ms. Do enjoys being a dog mom, spending time with family, cooking, exploring new foods, traveling, and playing board games. “My toddler and I are on a mission to find the best playground in Washington!” she shares. 

Mr. Fountain is a Subject Expert Teacher in Math, Physics, and Economics at BASIS Independent Bothell. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in International Relations (Political Economics) from Stanford University, a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of Washington, and a Master of Arts in Teaching in Secondary Math Education at Western Governors University. 

Before becoming an educator, Mr. Fountain had a distinguished career in finance and was named to Puget Sound Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 list in 2017. He is also a recognized codebreaker, having received honors in the Kryptos Mathematics Competition in both 2021 and 2022. 

“More than just transferring information,” he says, “my objective as a teacher is to instill a sense of wonder in our students and a desire to learn.” He believes that helping students learn how to teach themselves—and to find joy in that process—is one of the most meaningful outcomes of a great education. 

Mr. Fountain was drawn to BASIS Independent Schools for the opportunity to bring together his wide-ranging academic and professional background in a setting that values both disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary connections. 

One of his favorite lessons introduces students to the idea of four-dimensional space through an exploration of Flatland, Edwin Abbott’s 1884 novella about a two-dimensional world. “I enjoy pushing students to think about things in new and interesting ways,” he says. 

Mr. Fountain enjoys spending time outside of the classroom with his wife and their two children. His growing list of “random and weird hobbies” includes crossword competitions, visiting Michelin-starred restaurants, and reading award-winning science fiction. He loves spending summers living in Airbnb apartments across Europe. 

As the Engineering Subject Expert Teacher at BASIS Independent Bothell, Mr. Fuderich strives to create engaging, hands-on lessons that deepen students’ conceptual understanding and fuel their excitement for learning. He aims to empower young learners to think creatively, solve problems collaboratively, express ideas with passion, and navigate technology with confidence. 

Mr. Fuderich earned his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Williams College and completed his Master of Education in Learning, Media, and Technology at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. 

Mr. Fuderich was drawn to BASIS Independent Schools by the opportunity to teach both Engineering and the Arts, two subjects he’s deeply passionate about. “I was drawn to BASIS Independent Schools by its commitment to STEM/Engineering education for primary students, and by the diverse professional opportunities it offers,” he says. “I am thrilled to contribute to a growing, ambitious community dedicated to establishing itself as a premier educational setting.” 

Outside the classroom, Mr. Fuderich enjoys spending time in his garden, caring for his chickens, and creating both digital and traditional artwork. He stays active through tennis, snowboarding, and soccer, and loves diving into coding projects for hackathons or a game of online chess. He also enjoys walks with his wife through the local forests, often foraging for unique finds along the way. 

Ms. Elizabeth Gaines is an Early Education Teaching Fellow at BASIS Independent Bothell. She previously earned her Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Washington State University and holds a Child Development Associate Credential from the Council for Professional Recognition. 

Ms. Gaines was drawn to BASIS Independent because of its strong emphasis on academic excellence, supportive community, and a culture that fosters learning and growth for both students and educators. In her Kindergarten classroom, her goal is to nurture a love of learning while helping children develop essential life skills such as critical thinking, creativity, responsibility, and respect for themselves and others.  

She believes that children learn best when they feel safe, nurtured, and respected. “No two children are the same,” Ms. Gaines says, “and it is important to meet them where they are as individuals in order to help them successfully navigate their world and become the best versions of themselves.” 

Outside the classroom, Ms. Gaines enjoys reading, baking, working out, and spending time with her family. She frequently travels to Arizona to visit her parents and oldest daughter. At home, she shares life with a lively crew of pets: two dogs, two cats, and one rat. 

Ms. Garza brings a diverse record of instructional leadership and classroom success to her role as a Humanities Subject Expert Teacher at BASIS Independent Bothell. She holds a Bachelor of Liberal Arts from the University of Texas at Brownsville and has earned multiple accolades throughout her career, including Teacher of the Year (2018–2019), Highest Performing Teacher (2020–2021), and has several years of experience as both a Direct Instruction Coach and Assistant Principal of Instruction. 

Ms. Garza’s goal as an educator is to spark curiosity and inspire a love of reading, writing, and critical thinking. “I strive to create a classroom where curiosity thrives, and students are encouraged to explore diverse perspectives through literature and historical exploration,” she says. “I hope to equip my students with the tools to become confident thinkers, readers, and compassionate scholars.” 

She was drawn to BASIS Independent Schools by their commitment to academic excellence, innovative curriculum, and a culture that nurtures both student and teacher growth. “Having the opportunity to inspire young minds in humanities aligns with my passion for education and my desire to help students achieve their fullest potential,” Ms. Garza says. She believes that students learn best when they are engaged, supported, and challenged in her classroom environments. 

One of Ms. Garza’s favorite lessons is a hands-on “Westward Expansion Adventure,” where students design their own wagons and map out a pioneer journey filled with challenges and decision-making moments. This immersive activity, she says, helps students better understand the hardships and choices of historical pioneers while building teamwork and imagination. 

Outside the classroom, Ms. Garza enjoys spending time with family and her three dogs, paddle boarding, playing golf, and running 5Ks. 

Ms. Gray brings decades of educational experience to her role as an Early Learning Teacher at BASIS Independent Bothell, having previously earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from The Evergreen State College and her Master’s in Educational Administration from Seattle University. “My goal as a BASIS Independent educator is to foster a love of learning by creating a nurturing and engaging environment for students where foundational skills are developed and social-emotional growth supported.” 

Ms. Gray’s teaching philosophy centers on meeting each child’s individual needs in a supportive space that encourages exploration and self-expression. “All students are unique and need a teacher that caters to their individual needs in a safe and stimulating environment.” She believes that young children thrive when learning is hands-on, collaborative, and joyful: “I believe in the early years children learn best through developmentally appropriate activities that encourage social interactions, exploration, creativity, and problem solving.” 

One of her favorite classroom activities is a “Getting to Know You” project where students design their own superheroes. “Students were invited to give themselves a Superhero name, choose an adjective to describe themselves, and identify their superpower, as well as a positive change they wanted to make in our classroom community.” She especially loves how the project helps students take pride in who they are and imagine themselves making a difference. 

A lifelong Washingtonian, Ms. Gray is a devoted Seattle sports fan who enjoys attending games whenever she can. Outside of school, she spends time with her large extended family reading, playing board games, and cooking. She has recently caught the travel bug and is looking forward to her next cruise!