INSTRUCTIONAL TEAM
High School Team
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.
Alyssa Renaud, ELA Lead Teacher
Ms. Renaud has cultivated a career in education and journalism. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Film from Boston College and a master’s degree in Journalism from Emerson College. For the past six years, Ms. Renaud has taught digital media, film, yearbook, and computer science in Oklahoma. In addition to classroom teaching, she has contributed to statewide efforts to develop instructional resources aligned with Oklahoma’s academic standards for computer science education. Ms. Renaud has also worked as a news reporter and filmmaker, producing content for a variety of platforms including the USA TODAY Network.
Outside of her professional work, Ms. Renaud is passionate about spending time with her family, reading books, watching movies, and cooking. She’s an enthusiastic traveler who has explored much of the United States and Europe. She is excited to make Washington her new home!
Luis Castillo, Science Lead Teacher
Entering his first year as an educator, Mr. Castillo is eager to bring his passion for scientific inquiry and real world applications into the classroom. Having received a bachelors of science degree in Neuroscience, conducted research focusing on Parkinsonism, and experience working in special education. Through these experiences, Mr. Castillo aims to foster critical thinking, curiosity and a growth mindset to a classroom of future innovators.
Originally from Chicago, Illinois, Mr. Castillo has spent the past two years in Washington exploring the vast nature and scenery of the state. When not in the classroom, he coaches a premier select baseball team, enjoys working on cars, and experimenting with new dishes in the kitchen.
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.
Owen Lee, Americorps Educator
Owen is returning to the Coast Salish land after completing their degree in American Studies at Occidental College in Los Angeles, California. Originally from Edmonds, Washington, Owen grew to love our environment through hiking, gardening, and swimming in the Puget Sound. They direct this love towards service: first as an aquarium volunteer and youth commissioner, then as an urban agriculture intern and researcher at Occidental, and now at Catalyst!
Outside of work, Owen enjoys cooking, singing, and spending time outdoors. They are passionate about changing how we consider land: not as resources, but as a community that brings about mutual flourishing through reciprocity.
Note: Some staff are not listed on the website based upon their preferences.