Big Picture Staff
Instructional Staff
Bethany Spinler
Principal, Lead Advisor
As the founding principal of Bellevue Big Picture School in 2011, it is with great pride, honor, and respect that I have the opportunity to serve and lead our fabulous school community. My values as an educator are rooted in my upbringing, being raised on a dairy farm in rural upstate New York by parents who encouraged authenticity, integrity, curiosity, resilience, and an understanding of the interdependence we have with all living things and our environment. My parents believed in the power of education and supported my siblings and I to be the first in our family to attend college. I graduated from Randolph Central School in 1991 and headed to Cornell University where I earned a B.S. in Neurobiology and a M.A. in Science Education. I taught chemistry and AP chemistry for a few years in New York prior to moving across the country to become a founding teacher of The Center School (TCS) in Seattle. I taught all levels of high school science at TCS ranging from physical science to AP Biology, building the department and entire science curriculum with my teaching partner. It was there I was first introduced to advisory, internships, project-based learning, and small school design principles. I went on to earn my school administration credential from the University of Washington and served as assistant principal and principal of Newport High School prior to opening Bellevue Big Picture School. I am grateful for our amazing students, staff, families, and community partners who make coming to work each day joyful. Outside of school, I enjoy gardening, cooking, camping, crafting, and spending time with my daughter, Georgia, our 2 dogs, Doug and Jasmine, and bunny, Lil Debbie.
Mission: To lead innovation and reform in order to build robust, inclusive, equitable and joyful learning environments where students can bring their whole selves, explore their interests, deepen critical thinking skills, develop socially and emotionally, grow as leaders and change agents, and graduate prepared to thrive as adults.
Matt Stokes
Assistant Principal, Lead Advisor
It is an incredible honor to introduce myself as the Assistant Principal at Big Picture. The Bellevue Big Picture School is where my teaching career began six years ago – providing the setting and support that refined my classroom management and introduced me to Project-Based Learning.
My journey as an educator began, in some respect, fifteen years ago teaching swimming lessons at the local YMCA in Marysville, Washington. Following the completion of my undergraduate degree in Mathematics Education from Western Washington University, I taught field-experience courses in Montana and Colorado, spent time volunteering with universities in Kenya, training teachers in Tanzania and supporting dental hygiene work in El Salvador.
The last four years, I have lived in New York City, where I taught ‘Regents’ Algebra 1 and served as the Mathematics Coordinator at the International School of Brooklyn. While working in Brooklyn, I earned my administrative credentials from Fordham University Graduate School of Education. Life in New York allowed me to become profoundly involved in the nonprofit, “Brooklyn to Alaska,” where we bring brave and adventurous urban teenagers each summer to the wilderness of Alaska.
I am most passionate about – and professionally dedicated to – helping students develop academic confidence and self- efficacy and supporting and encouraging the teachers who make this a reality every day. I believe all students deserve a classroom environment that is safe, supportive, encouraging; alive with hope and optimism for their future in academics and the world.
I am excited to be back at Big Picture and to return home to the Pacific Northwest with my wife, Juliana, who is completing a software engineering program from the Grace Hopper Program at the Fullstack Academy. When I am not ‘at work,’ I am likely trying to find somewhere to hike, climb, fish or ski.
Amy Stephens
High School Counselor
I was born and raised in the greater Los Angeles area, but I have lived in the Pacific Northwest for over ten years now. I love visiting my family in California, but the PNW is my home. I attended the University of Washington where I earned my B.S. in Environmental Science and Resource Management with a minor in Marine Biology. I spent a few years working at organizations that celebrate education like the Burke Museum, Seattle Aquarium, and the University of Washington before deciding I was ready to return to school to earn my M.A. Ed in Counseling at Seattle University. I live in Seattle and in my free time, I enjoy going to concerts, reading, exploring local parks, playing video games, and relaxing at home.
I love being a school counselor because I enjoy supporting students as they learn, grow, and make plans for the future. I am so excited to join the Big Picture team as the high school counselor!
Jamie Ginter
Middle School Counselor
I grew up in Vancouver, WA and went to high school in Portland, OR. After high school, I attended the University of Washington and earned a BA in psychology. I worked in a daycare teaching preschool for a couple of years and then studied at Seattle University and earned a Masters of Arts in Counseling. I began my work in Bellevue at Interlake high school. After 6 years of working with a great team of counselors at Interlake, I took 2 years off with to have my boy and girl twins. I then returned to work at Stevenson Elementary before coming to Big Picture.
I love my job and I love working with our students. I am grateful for the opportunity to work to remove barriers to student learning. Learning can be fun and exciting as well as challenging and frustrating. Helping students manage the daily ups and downs as well as supporting families in need with connecting with resources beyond school are all aspects of my work.
Quite simply, I want students to enjoy school…maybe not all aspects, all of the time, but overall enjoy being a member of our Big Picture community and develop into caring, engaged adults. I encourage parents to communicate with me via email with any questions or aspects of concern.
Mission: To contribute to the school community so that all members can be engaged and grow socially, emotionally and academically.
Dustin Abrahamson
HS Language Arts, Social Studies & Advisory Advisor
Hey Y’all!
I was born and raised in Federal Way, WA and still absolutely love living in the Pacific Northwest. I am a proud Double-DAWG, graduating from the University of Washington for both my bachelors and masters degree. In undergrad, I studied history, American Ethnic Studies, and American Indian Studies and, in graduate school, I earned my Masters in Teaching.
My journey as an educator started at a young age. As the son of two educators growing up, I have long been inspired by the transformative, empowering impact schooling can have on students, families, communities. Since then, I have jumped on every opportunity I could to become an engaging, culturally responsive educator. I am thrilled to be joining the Big Picture community and look forward to working with all the amazing students and families of our school.
In my free time, I like to play ice hockey (yes, I am excited for the new team ? ), read great novels and history books, travel, and continue learning how to sew.
Mission: To empower every student academically, emotionally, and socially to become advocates for themselves and causes they believe in.
Laura Blasquez
MS Science & Advisory Advisor
I am so excited to be here at Big Picture School! I am passionate about teaching through fun and engaging methods. I build a classroom culture that fosters laughter, learning, and positive collaboration.
I am originally from Federal Way, WA which is where I spent my first 5 years of teaching. I received my B.S. from Oregon State University (GO BEAVS!) and went on to receive my Masters in Education at the University of Washington. When I am not teaching, you might find me: watching sports (especially football), hiking, traveling, cooking, and being active with family/friends.
My mission is to create a fun, collaborative, and inquiry-based classroom where students are driven to seek answers to questions through project-based learning.
Trina Cooper
Art & Digital Media Advisor
Trina has a MCS from the Visualization Lab at Texas A&M, and a MFA in sculpture and painting from UC Berkeley, and a BFA in ceramics from Kansas City Art Institute. Trina is an accomplished artist who has participated in curated shows and exhibitions globally. She’s published conference papers, and been a Fullbright Fellow in Malaysia. Trina has taught at the college level, and most recently taught at Mt. Rainier High School. Trina attended alternative schools in Washington as a child. Trina’s family has been in Washington generationally and she likes raspberries.
Rebecca Davis
HS Language Arts, MS Drama & Advisory Advisor
I am so excited to be on the Big Picture Team. I love language and books and the power of words. I want to pass on that love to my great 6th grade students. I have a son, Isaac, who is 8 and attends Eastgate Elementary. I love the theater and dancing, all types. I enjoy playing video games and watching anything science fiction. I look forward to getting to know all of my students and guiding them through the wonderful world of English Language Arts.
Rebecca’s Mission Statement:
Language Arts…the final frontier.
These are the voyages of the Starship Davis.
It’s continuing mission:
To explore new words,
To see out new texts, new imaginations,
To boldly go where no English class has gone before!
Bailey Edgley
Science & Advisory Advisor
I enjoy having an active, dynamic, hands-on classroom. I genuinely enjoy working with teenagers and making science as fun as possible. I am happy to be here at Big Picture; I fell in love with it when I interviewed in 2013. Our school is a wonderful community and I thoroughly enjoy working with the staff, students, and their families.
I’m an art, science, nature, outdoors person. I have an A.A. in Graphic Arts Technology from Mt. Hood Community College, a B.S. in Botany from Oregon State University, and a Masters in Teaching from The Evergreen State College. I received my National Board Teaching Certification in 2012 and I renewed my certification in 2022. Outside of school I love gardening, barre, yoga, and spending time with my family.
My Mission: My classroom is a learning community that students and I create together. I will do everything I can to make sure all of my students have resources, support, and information that they need to be successful science students.
Kevin Eiene
Special Education Advisor
I have worked in Bellevue’s special education department for several years. While in the BSD, I taught at the middle school level and the high school level – in resource-based programs and in functional life skills programs. In the classroom, I have provided students with instruction in a myriad of subject areas including, but not limited to math, science, history, social skills, organizational skills, adaptive skills and communication. I value the unique educational opportunities afforded to BPS students and look forward to a successful year.
Mission: To provide Big Picture students with the individualized supports, services and instruction they need to establish patterns of school success.
Jessica Geib
Graduation Success Coach
Hi! My name is Jessica [Anderson] Geib (pronounced G-eye-b); I just got married in Sept, so I will be changing my name from Anderson to Geib, but you can call me Jessica.
I am from the PNW, an alum of Bishop Blanchet High School, attended Gonzaga University for 3 years where I studied to be a secondary math teacher, then transferred to Eastern Washington University and switched to K-12 Special Education. So, I have my BAE in Special Education, and an almost minor in math. I taught for 6 years, 1 as a Life Skills and Resource Room teacher at Cedarcrest High School in Duvall, 1 as a Special Ed Math teacher at Kennedy Catholic High School, and 4 years in Gallup, New Mexico with 3 as a Gifted and Talented Mentor and 1 as a SpEd Math teacher (plus 5-7 other job titles each of those 4yrs).
When I moved back home to the Seattle area after the 18-19SY, I took a 2 year break from education and worked as a Medical Receptionist for a small clinic in Bothell. However, I really missed working with students, so I am really happy to be back in the education world. I am super excited to be the Graduation Success Coach at Big Picture School. While I was in NM, I realized that I am much more passion about mentoring than classroom teaching. I love developing genuine mentor relationships with students, and providing 1:1 support to help them grow and reach their full potential (which is often more than they realize).
Outside of the education world, I am a student hot air balloon pilot and own a hot air balloon. I fell in love with ballooning in New Mexico, and am hoping to finish my private pilot certification next spring/summer. If you see a bright yellow balloon with colorful diamonds flying out in the Auburn area, it’s most likely me.
Tony Granito
Learning Through Interests (Internship) Coordinator
I was born and raised in Euclid, Ohio and then taught Language Arts, Math, Science and/or Social Studies in the Euclid City Schools for the first part of my 25+ years in education. During that time and my years here in the Bellevue School District, I have pursued knowledge and skill in responsive and equitable school and classroom culture and management, professional learning communities, professional development, instructional coaching, technology integration, and comprehensive literacy frameworks. The Big Picture Learning model with close community and relationships, project-based and real-world learning is close to my heart and at the core of my work because I believe it’s the kind of learning and school I needed and deserved while growing up. My partner Esther, our cat Jesper and I live in Seattle and enjoy traveling, photography, hiking, biking, music, movies, making and mountains. I also thrive on solving problems and helping students, teachers and schools achieve their full potential.
Mission: I strive to provide equitable world class personal and academic learning for everyone at The Bellevue Big Picture School.
Nona Henderson
Special Education Advisor
I spent my childhood on a family farm in Idaho and then attended the University of Idaho and the University of Massachusetts. I have been a teacher for 20 years; most of that time has been in school districts in Washington. My educational experience includes teaching in various special education settings, elementary classrooms, and piloting an elementary lab focused science program. Out of school, I have been involved with equestrian sports and breeding competition horses. I have always had a passion for horses and learned how to use this passion to help others. I have breed nationally recognized horses and have been certified in EAGALA, where I work with a psychologist providing therapy and team building using horses.
Mission: To assist students in their academic, social, and emotional growth. To assist students in participating and contributing to the Big Picture community.
Karen Ho
Science & Advisory Advisor
I grew up in Arcadia, CA and earned my BA in Integrative Biology from UC Berkeley. After working as a science outreach mentor at the Lawrence Hall of Science, I became very passionate about addressing environmental justice issues through a secondary public education lens. Since getting my teaching credential, I have taught Gifted 7th Life Science, Biology, Health, and AP Environmental Science, and been a science instructional coach in Los Angeles Unified. I have a National Board Certification in Early Adolescent Science Education and am currently working on an additional certificate from UC San Diego in Gifted Education.
My mission is to help students become confident advocates for themselves and for their communities.
Erica Iris
Art & Advisory Advisor
I was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, but didn’t stay long enough to get a great accent. After that I spent most of my life in Connecticut. In 2013 my husband and I got an itch for adventure. So, we sold our house, packed up our life and kids, and moved across the country to the Pacific Northwest.
I studied Art Education, Graphic Design, and Illustration at Central Connecticut State University. I am finishing up my Masters of Science in Curriculum and Instruction currently. Prior to Big Picture I taught Art and Stage Craft at the R.J. Kinsella Magnet School of Performing Arts in Hartford, Connecticut. Art has always been my passion, and teaching it has always been my dream… come true.
Mission: To teach art foundations that will not only carry my students through their artistic endeavors, but will also support their core studies and everyday lives. To allow my students creative self-expression in a safe, supportive, and fun classroom and school community.
Amanda MacLeod
Math & Advisory Advisor
Originally Canadian, I grew up mostly in Phoenix, Arizona and attended Arizona State for a B.S. in Geology. I then moved to Eugene, Oregon earning my M.S. in Geology at University of Oregon. I discovered a love of teaching while in graduate school, and later earned my M.A. in teaching at Pacific University. Since then, I’ve taught everything from elementary-age fisheries field programs to middle school science to advanced math.
In my down time you’ll find me outdoors: running, rock climbing, backpacking, snow camping, skiing, surfing, and biking!
Mission: My mission is to empower students with mathematical literacy matching the requirements of a 21st century future, while guiding them to be persistent, effective, and inspired learners.
Charmee Park
Math & Advisory Advisor
My family moved around a bit when we were young, but I mainly grew up in central New Jersey. I graduated from Rutgers University and went back for my M.A. In Special Education at NJCU. I taught middle school math in NJ for 5 years before taking the leap to move across the country to Seattle. I also had the opportunity to return to Kenya this summer with my church to work at the schools there. I value spending time with family & friends, i enjoy exploring new things, traveling, camping, snowboarding, participating in charity events, kickboxing, and baking. I believe that everyday is a new learning experience and I am excited to work with the students, families, and staff at Big Picture!
My mission is to create an engaging classroom focused around real world context where students build perseverance and confidence to overcome challenges.
Suzanne Reeve
Instructional Coach (“ITCL” – Instructional, Technology, & Curriculum Leader)
I grew up in the Seattle area, graduating from Lake Washington High School (go Kangs!). After earning a BS in Zoology and MS in Biological Science Education from Brigham Young University, I came back home to graduate from the University of Washington with a Ph.D in Learning Sciences and a secondary teaching credential.
During my first year in Bellevue School District, I taught biology and chemistry part-time at Sammamish High School, while also working as a research and planning assistant to Bethany as we “gave birth” to what became the Big Picture School. Since then, I have worked at Sammamish and Odle, as well as part-time again at Big Picture. I am thrilled to be in this place again that feels like home.
I have lived in California, Washington, Utah, Virginia, and Austria (ja, ich spreche deutsch!). Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family (parents, four siblings, thirteen nieces and nephews), reading, doing jigsaw puzzles, walking/hiking, and researching genealogy.
Mission: to build a culture of belonging, disrupt patterns of inequity, and support staff and students in growing to their potential.
Kevin Roberts
Math & Advisory Advisor
Originally from Sammamish, I grew up in this area and have always called it home. I attended Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma where I received a BS in mathematics with minors in Statistics, Computer Science, Actuarial Science and Religion. I then stayed at PLU to get my Masters in Education which I quickly put to use working in Gig Harbor for three years teaching high school math. My wife and I have always enjoyed travel and cultural exchange and in 2008 we decided to move overseas to teach internationally. We spent three years working in Mumbai, India and then packed up and moved again to Porto Alegre, Brazil where we have been for the last four years. After seven years abroad and 16 countries together, my wife and I are returning to the US with 3 children: our wonderfully witty and precocious 3 yr old daughter Sofia and our two new twin boys Ethan and Noah.
In my free time (what’s that?) I enjoy watching, coaching, and playing soccer, spending time with the family and exploring new technologies. I am math geek and techie and enjoy learning and researching new ideas all the time, especially when it is something I can share with my students. This will be my 11th year teaching math and in this time I have taught everything from 6th grade fractions to AP Calculus and am excited to share my knowledge and experience with the students and staff at Bellevue Big Picture. I am so excited to be back in the Northwest and to be a part of the Big Picture family here in Bellevue!
Paul Spatafore
Social Studies & Advisory Advisor
I was born and have spent most of my life in Chicago. Go BEARS!!! Although, I am new to Big Picture and to Washington state, I am not new to teaching. For over ten years, I worked in Deerfield, Illinois as a teacher and coach for a middle school that was awarded the Blue Ribbon Award for academic excellence. When I am not teaching, I enjoy watching and playing sports, hiking, traveling, going to live music, and playing video games.
Mission: To create a culture of intellectual curiosity in which students strive to find answers to real world challenges. To provide students with the tools to become self-directed learners and problem solvers.
Clinton Stellfox
Science & Advisory Advisor
Growing up in Federal Way, Washington I went to the science center all the time in order to figure out the science behind how stuff works. I attended Decatur High School where I was a letterman for baseball in 9th grade, runner up for athlete of the year, and I took as many science classes as possible. I originally went to UW to become a doctor but met an amazing professor who inspired me to go into science. I obtained an undergraduate degree in chemistry from the University of Washington and a masters in teaching from Western Governors University. In college I was president of the Chemistry Frat, they called me the master alchemist. In my free time I enjoy gardening, watching Jeopardy and baseball, competing in milk carton derbies, and using the frowny face emoji. I came to the Big Picture School because working with kids that are high energy excites me. I believe the principle behind Big Picture is amazing and focusing less on tests and more on projects is the best way to teach. I’m also very enthusiastic about the fact that I used to be the entire Big Picture science department. Cesium out!… get it, cause it’s my initials CS and it can be radioactive, just like me.
Ariana Taylor
Language Arts, Science & Advisory Advisor
I grew up in Duvall, Washington and while I have lived in various places throughout the state, I have always called Washington my home. When I was in high school, I participated in an exchange program that took me to Lyon, France for a summer, and since then my passion has been to explore the world.
I received my B.A. at Western Washington University, with a major in Language, Literacy, and Culture and minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages, and finished my degree as an intern in Mougins, France. Afterwards, I traveled around and eventually came home to teach. I taught upper elementary for a few years in Seattle, then 3 more years at Jing Mei Elementary in Bellevue before deciding to move up to middle school.
I am so excited to be a part of the Big Picture team. My goals as a teacher have always been to inspire students and give them the tools to learn about whatever they are passionate about. My hope is that students will leave my classroom with a thirst for knowledge, the independence to pursue their goals, and the confidence to face a challenge.
My favorite genres (in literature and media) are science fiction and dystopian because of how it gets one to think about the world we live in and what it could possibly be. When I’m not teaching, I am probably working on art projects, traveling, or drinking coffee with my cat Paka.
Jenelle Wyler
Language Arts, Social Studies & Advisory Advisor
I was born and raised here in Washington. I grew up in Kenmore, but I have been all over the state whether it was seeing family or camping and hiking throughout the summer. I went to college at Seattle Pacific University and still spend most of my time in Seattle. I graduated with a BA in English Literature and Secondary Education. I also taught abroad in South Korea for one year at an elementary school. I received a certificate for Teaching English to Students of Other Languages (TESOL) while I was there. I came back and took a long-term substitute here at Big Picture as a high school ELA advisor in 2021. I’m excited to be working at Big Picture for the whole year this time as a middle school ELA teacher! It’s a lot closer to home. As an ELA teacher, I am always looking for new books, especially if they are fantasy or science fiction series! I play video games, go hiking, or build LEGOS with my partner when I’m not at school (I’m also probably sipping coffee no matter where I am).
I believe that reading and communicating are essential to being a successful adult in this world. Through ELA, I hope to show students that they each have a unique story to tell and every single one of them is important. I want my students to be able to engage with someone’s story with empathy and curiosity, so they understand others perspective respectfully. I can’t wait to learn and grow together!
Support Staff
Sanaa Al Shamari
Para Educator
Seth Erickson
Jubilee Reach
Yira Espinal
Psychologist
Erin Ferguson
Nurse
Carol Hansel
Speech Language Pathologist
Kelley Hoang
Attendance Specialist
Holly Huckeba
Para Educator
Laura Kredit
Physical Therapist
Hillary MacDonald
Community Outreach Specialist
David Mahnke
Lead Custodian
Beth Orr
Office Manager
Wendy Paxton
Kitchen Manager
Robert Samsel
Tech Specialist
Jennie Schraer
Social Worker
Monica Shaffer
Kitchen Assistant
Megan Taddonio
MHAT Counselor
Melissa Wax
Para Educator
Carol Anne Yamamoto
Registrar
Beth Zimmerman
Counseling Secretary