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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Avery Morrill, Small Group Instructor
With 5 years’ experience in the education system, Ms. Morrill has dedicated her career to fostering meaning relationships with students and creating a classroom environment where every learner feels valued, heard, and capable. She holds a Bachelor’s in Secondary Education with a focus in History and recently completed a Master’s of Arts in History. Ms. Morrill’s passion for teaching reaches beyond academics; she is dedicated to both the intellectual growth and emotional well-being of her students, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to be successful.
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As a visually impaired educator, Ms. Morrill brings a unique perspective to her classroom, promoting diversity, empathy, and inclusion. She believes that representation matters and takes pride in showing students that challenges can become sources of strength and inspiration. Through her journey, Ms. Morrill demonstrates resilience and flexibility, helping students embrace their own differences as powerful assets in learning and in life.
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In her free time, Ms. Morrill enjoys reading, tending to her collection of plant “babies,” decorating, and various arts and crafts. Given her degrees in history, it is safe to say she is a bit of a history enthusiast- believing that the past is embedded in everything we do and encouraging students to see it through their own perspectives. Whether through teaching or her personal life, Ms. Morrill is deeply committed to creativity, compassion, and a belief that education can change lives.
Note: Some staff are not listed on the website based upon their preferences.