INSTRUCTIONAL TEAM
High School Team
Deborah Babbs, ELA Lead Teacher
Mrs. Babbs, a seasoned educator with two decades of experience spanning traditional and special education settings, brings a wealth of knowledge and innovation to her teaching role.
Originally from Charlotte, North Carolina, and raised in Wayzata, Minnesota, Mrs. Babbs holds a Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education from the University of North Dakota. Her professional journey has taken her across the United States and Europe, where she has leveraged diverse cultural experiences to enhance learning opportunities for Catalyst High School students.
Outside the classroom, Mrs. Babbs enjoys a vibrant family life with her loving husband, an active-duty sailor, and their sixteen-year-old son, thirteen-year-old daughter, and three cherished dogs: Trixie, Trooper, and Pickles. She embraces the role of a dedicated dance/theater mom and finds joy in traveling, crafting, shopping, interior design, and reading.
Deeply committed to her students' success, Mrs. Babbs is pursuing a Master's in education to further hone her teaching skills. She is excited to be part of Catalyst High School's founding team and is unwaveringly dedicated to nurturing the excellence and achievements of every scholar under her guidance.
Emily Marks, Math Lead Teacher
A teacher since 2015, Ms. Marks has worked with students of nearly all ages, but especially enjoys teaching high school mathematics. Nurturing relationships with each of her students and establishing a warm class environment are her greatest strengths, and her classroom is a place where motivated students can learn to appreciate the beauty and universality of math.
When Ms. Marks is not teaching, her son, husband and five pets occupy most of her time. Camping, hiking, crochet and watercolor painting are some of her favorite activities. She loves engaging with wildlife and learning about new animal friends.
John Perkins, Science Lead Teacher
As a child of an extended family with a strong commitment to service and education, Mr. Perkins graduated from the University of California at Santa Barbara, majoring in Geology and Anthropology.
During his undergraduate years, he was presented with an opportunity to give back to the schools he grew up in, and he wholeheartedly embraced it. For 15 years, Mr. Perkins served as a dedicated science and history teacher in inner-city schools in Los Angeles.
Upon relocating to Washington, Mr. Perkins remained steadfast in his dedication to educational equity for all students. He spent two years teaching on behalf of the Port Gamble S'klallam tribe, where he gained valuable insights into the impact of the pandemic on underrepresented populations. Committed to finding tangible solutions to the challenges of the modern world, John continues to advocate for real change.
Outside of the classroom, Mr. Perkins cherishes spending time with his two sons, engaging in games, creative projects, and writing activities. He holds a keen interest in the history of innovation across cultures, always seeking to understand the progression from past to present.
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Lauren Cavin, Small Group Instructor
Having grown up in Bremerton, Mrs. Cavin has spent most of her life being part of the community and working with scholars of all ages through various different programs. She prides herself on her patience and dedication to all scholars and celebrating mistakes as learning opportunities
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Mrs. Cavin is visually impaired and has dedicated her time to understanding the needs of every individual student and meeting them where they are at. Mrs. Cavin comes with a companion! Her guide dog Hobby comes with her to work and helps her navigate through the building. When he isn’t helping Mrs. Cavin, he’s sleeping under the desk.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, entering writing competitions with her friends, and learning new things. She also enjoys hiking with her family when it isn’t raining and laying under her heated blanket with hot chocolate when it is.
Belle Arenson, Americorps Fellow
Ms. A recently completed a master’s degree in Climate Science from Columbia University, with her thesis focusing on environmental pollution, sustainability, and policy. Her previous education experience as an outreach Americorps member was spent teaching middle and high schoolers water quality testing in King County waterways, environmental career development, and hands-on ecosystem restoration. Ms. A believes that environmental education should be accessible and an available opportunity to explore for all students. She always encourages interest in all things related to the natural world.
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Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading (sci-fi!), baking, and a fun trinket or two.
Jen Stroud, Americorps Fellow
Ms. Stroud grew up in Seattle, Washington, and graduated with an associate’s in environmental science with an application in technology. She’s currently A full time Student obtaining a bachelor’s degree in environmental policy & decision making.
She has experience as an environmental educator at the Foss Waterway Museum in Tacoma Washington, where she focused on hands-on learning and teaching about local ecosystems. Ms. Stroud believes that everyone deserves the chance to experience nature, no matter our background, and she strives to create a welcoming space where people feel comfortable expressing themselves. She cares deeply about environmental justice and works hard to make the great outdoors more accessible for everyone.
In her free time Jen enjoys kayaking, hiking with her dog Max, playing video games, and exploring the next local bookstore. She enjoys going to local punk shows and supporting small local bands (she loves anything metal, rock, and music in general)
Note: Some staff are not listed on the website based upon their preferences.