SCHOLAR SUPPORT TEAM
Holly Buschelman, Education Specialist
Ms. Buschelman is thrilled to return to Catalyst and the Bremerton community after spending the last two years teaching in her hometown of Long Beach, California. She began her teaching career in Boston, Massachusetts after earning her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Lesley University.
Now rejoining the Catalyst team as an Education Specialist, Ms. Buschelman is eager to further her passion for creating inclusive learning environments where all scholars can thrive.
Outside of the classroom, she enjoys coaching on the soccer field and spending quality timewith her dog, Baylee.
Jillian Frederick, Education Specialist
Jillian Frederick is originally from New Jersey, where she began her teaching career as a sixth-grade teacher before relocating to Bremerton, Washington, to support her husband's military service. Her move across the country has strengthened her belief that every new experience is an opportunity to learn, grow, and build meaningful connections.
Mrs. Frederick became a teacher because of her lifelong passion for learning and the incredible educators who inspired her along the way. She strives to create a classroom where students feel valued, challenged, and excited to discover new ideas. Her goal is to spark curiosity, build confidence, and encourage students to become lifelong learners who believe in their own potential.
When she's not in the classroom, she can usually be found curled up with a great book, casting a line while fishing, or exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest on a hiking trail. She loves embracing new adventures, finding joy in the outdoors, and discovering hidden gems around Washington.
Mrs. Frederick is excited to be part of the school community and looks forward to building strong relationships with students and families. She believes that learning should be engaging, meaningful, and maybe even a little fun, and she hopes to inspire her students just as her own teachers once inspired her.
Ben Jones, Education Specialist
Mr. Jones graduated from Brigham Young University in English Teaching, with a minor in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. He has since gained his Masters of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. After 3 years teaching English Language Arts in Utah and 7 teaching English as a Second Language in Bellevue, Mr. Jones is excited to bring his talents closer to his home in Kitsap county. His goal in education is to build capacity in others so they are empowered to create and collaborate.
Mr. Jones is proud to be the husband and father of 3 Kitsap county natives: his beloved wife Emily, and their two children. Having moved here in 2018, he is proud to call the PNW his home. In his spare time, he loves reading fantasy books, playing games, and volunteering. He is very excited to be a part of the Catalyst community!
Justinn Kurtz, Education Specialist
Ms. Kurtz is originally from Florida and recently relocated to Washington with her husband and four children. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Northwest Florida State College and has over a decade of experience teaching first through fifth grade. Ms. Kurtz is passionate about creating inclusive, relationship-centered classrooms where every student is supported and celebrated.
Throughout her career, she has worked closely with students with disabilities and has extensive experience collaborating with special education teams to co-teach, implement IEP accommodations, and ensure meaningful inclusion. She believes that connection, curiosity, and compassion are the foundation of a thriving classroom community.
Outside of teaching, she enjoys writing, exploring the outdoors with her kids, and finding cozy coffee shops. She is thrilled to join the Catalyst community and looks forward to building strong, authentic relationships with her scholars and families.
Angela Reyes, Education Specialist
Ms. Reyes is originally from San Jose, CA, and moved to Bremerton in 2017 to attend Seattle University, where she earned her B.A. in Interdisciplinary Liberal Studies with an emphasis in Elementary Education. She holds a K–8 teaching certificate with endorsements in Multilingual Learning and Special Education.
Ms. Reyes began her career at Catalyst in 2020 as a Kindergarten Teaching Fellow and later served as Lead Teacher for both 2nd and 4th grade. Since 2021, she has contributed to the school’s social-emotional learning initiatives as a member of the SEL Planning Team.
Now an Education Specialist, Ms. Reyes designs inclusive learning opportunities that remove barriers and offer multiple ways for scholars to engage and succeed, ensuring every scholar has equitable access and a strong sense of belonging.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Reyes is active in the local theatre community and often performs in stage productions and concerts. She loves spending time outdoors in the beautiful Pacific Northwest with her family and spoiling her cat, Nala.
Jeremiah Davis, Social Emotional Teaching Fellow
Mr. Davis is a dedicated professional and former student-athlete with a proven track record of leadership, strategic planning, and community impact. A native of Bremerton, Washington, Mr. Davis has committed his career to fostering growth and excellence in his community through innovative projects, mentorship, and organizational leadership.
As Head Basketball Coach at Bremerton High School, he has motivated student-athletes to achieve personal and team goals, emphasizing skill development and sportsmanship for the last 11 years. As CEO and Director of Commit 360, a non-profit focused on student-athlete mental and physical education, Mr. Davis oversees program ethics, policies, and community outreach. He has organized youth workshops on leadership, goal-setting, and self-development while mentoring student-athletes through the Commit 360 AAU Basketball Program.
Mr. Davis has led initiatives in youth wellness, event planning, and community engagement. He holds a B.A. in Communications from the University of the Pacific and Business Degree from Michigan State University. He’s also an alumni of the Leadership Kitsap foundation in 2014 and inducted into the Kitsap Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. Recognized with the African American Achievement Award in 2023 and is currently a Bremerton Rotarian. Mr. Davis unwavering passion for building stronger communities, coupled with his ability to inspire excellence, defines his career and ongoing contributions to his hometown and beyond.
Lauren Carpenter, 1:1 Support Specialist
Ms. Carpenter (she/her) was born and raised in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She recently moved to Bremerton to be near family and I am looking forward to becoming part of the community.
Professionally Ms. Carpenter’s background has been in administration or working with children. She is excited to combine the two with a role at Catalyst. She studied Iyengar Yoga and continued my education with the pursuit of a degree in Early Childhood Education.
She has a daughter who attends school at Catalyst and also has a cat who thinks he is a dog. Ms. Carpenter enjoys going on walks, camping and snowboarding. Her passions are spending time with my family, cooking and traveling the world! She is a positive person– who believes in being kinder than necessary and leaving things nicer than how you found them.
Dawnell Durbin, 1:1 Support Specialist
Born and raised in Bremerton, Washington, Ms. D now calls Seabeck home, where she shares life with her two beloved fur babies, Maple and Sherman. Before stepping into the world of education in 2018, she rocked the corporate scene for nearly two decades as an account executive—proof that even spreadsheets can lead to sunshine.
Ms. D has co-taught at Catalyst Public Schools in both sixth grade and Kindergarten, bringing a dynamic blend of structure, joy, and creativity to her classroom. She is an optimistic, outgoing mentor who views the school as an extension of the family tribe. She believes deeply in partnering with parents to foster a culture of love, success, and enthusiasm for learning.
When not in the classroom, you’ll find Ms. D reveling in nature, enjoying comedy shows, belting out tunes on spontaneous drives to nowhere, or cheering on her beloved Seahawks—Go Hawks! Her heart is full of gratitude for every scholar who walks through the doors of Catalyst, and she is honored to play a role in their journey.
Indira Lopez, 1:1 Support Specialist
Ms. Lopez is a warm, dedicated professional who brings a calm, welcoming presence. As a mother of four boys—all of whom attended Catalyst Public Schools, she understands firsthand the importance of strong family partnerships, clear communication, and a supportive learning environment. With experience helping families, and individuals, Ms. Lopez is known for her reliability, strong communication skills, and genuine care for the people she serves. She enjoys building positive relationships, helping others feel supported, and creating spaces where scholars can thrive. Outside of work, she loves learning new things, staying active in her community, going to baseball games and spending time with her family and friends. Indira is excited for the upcoming school year and looks forward to contributing to a joyful, organized, and scholar-centered school experience.
Carley Marsh, 1:1 Support Specialist
Ms. Marsh is excited to join the Catalyst team! She grew up in Belfair, Washington but has lived in Bremerton for almost 10 years. She lives with her husband, Devin, her dog, Leon, and her three guinea pigs, Zelda, Azula and Cirilla.
During COVID, Carley worked with kids with autism for the first time as a home caregiver which inspired a passion to make a difference in kids’ lives especially those that have disabilities and/or are neurodivergent. Before Catalyst, she worked in special education with the Bremerton School District for 2 years. She hopes to one day continue her education towards a job in the psychology field.
Outside of work, she enjoys going out for karaoke, watching movies, writing, playing video games, and going on adventures with friends and family.
Justine Sunell, 1:1 Support Specialist
Ms. S recently moved back to the PNW with her kids and two dogs; she is excited to be a part of the Cataylst community as a support specialist. Ms S is currently pursing her degree in Speech-Language Pathology.
Ms. S is passionate about building positive relationships with scholars and believes every child deserves to be seen, supported and encouraged to meet their full potential.
Outside of work Ms. S enjoys exploring the PNW with her kids, traveling, hiking, reading and being outdoors. She is thrilled to be a part of the Cataylst family and is looking forward to getting to know the scholars and families in the community.
Note: Some staff are not listed on the website based upon their preferences.