Adrien grew up in Seattle and holds a bachelor's degree in studio art from Whitman College. As a writer and artist fascinated by note-taking since middle school science class at Seattle Country Day School, Adrien has a daily practice of sketchnoting that dovetails beautifully with leading-edge instruction in language arts and math. Professionally, Adrien focuses on developing reading and writing skills in gifted students with dyslexia, dysgraphia, ADHD, and autism. Adrien brings a unique perspective to this work having navigated the 2e educational experience herself as an undiagnosed 2e student with ADHD, homeschooling her 2e child who is now thriving at Trillium, and being on both sides of the IEP process as a parent and professional educator within Seattle Public Schools. In her free time, Adrien enjoys running, endless reading, yoga, sewing, and photography with her backpacking husband and teenager, and she dreams of writing a book on visual tools to support Universal Design for Learning.

Alexander holds a Master’s in Teaching with a focus on mathematics. For 12 years, they taught math and robotics, co-taught inclusion classes with modified instruction for students with IEPs, and served as an instructional coach in the Seattle area. Alexander comes to us from The How Skills where they provide expertise and coaching in neurodiversity and inclusive best practices in the workplace, interviewer training for neurodiversity hiring programs, and executive function strategies and tools for individuals.

Born and raised in the beautiful PNW, Ashley grew up in the Seattle area where her love for the performing arts began. She attended a conservatory in New York City, Circle in the Square Theater School, where she studied musical theater. While she was in New York, she worked as a teaching artist for local public schools. Ashley has taught all over the country bringing theater to different communities while working with Missoula Children’s Theater.

Bree joined Trillium after working for over two years as a parent coach for Gifted Together, a psychotherapy group in Seattle specializing in gifted and 2e families. Prior to her work as a parent coach, Bree had a career in higher education with a focus on student recruitment and admissions, program management, and human resources. She has a Master of Education degree with a specialization in adult education and training, and is a parent of a high schooler at Trillium Academy.

Char is an educator with a background in twice-exceptional education as a student, teacher, counselor, and camp instructor. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, he has a passion for learning and writing about local history, exploring the natural wonders that our region has to offer, and working to build connections between communities of twice-exceptional learners. He is currently pursuing a B.A. in Education from Western Governors University.

Christopher DiLorenzo graduated from Chapman University with a B.A. in liberal studies. He developed the PE program at Bridges Academy Seattle where he taught for two years. Prior to moving to Seattle, Chris spent 10 years gaining valuable experience working with kids in physical education as a YMCA lead teacher and teaching PE in the Desert Sands Unified School District in La Quinta, California. Chris's passion lies in teaching kids the fundamentals of sports and watching students develop their athletic skills. He enjoys spending time with his wife and three young boys in his spare time.

Daniel is a licensed mental health counselor in private practice. Prior to private practice, Daniel worked for ReStart, a local inpatient and outpatient video gaming addiction center, and Turning Point Centers where he provided trauma-informed individual, group, and family therapy. He has direct experience serving twice-exceptional clients, and regularly collaborates with colleagues who specialize in the care of gifted and twice-exceptional children and families.

Danielle has her Bachelor’s degree in Behavioral Neuroscience, and served for over a year as an intern with the Allen Institute where she collected and analyzed brain science data. She became a Certified Behavioral Technician (CBT) in 2020, and has provided CBT support to children since then, most recently with Jigsaw Junction, an organization dedicated to providing individualized intervention to children on the Autism spectrum.

Prior to joining Trillium Academy, Destinee worked for two years as a Student Advisor for Rainier Scholars, a program from which she herself graduated. In this position, Destinee provided administrative support and worked with new recruits and their parents during the summers, utilizing her skills in communication, collaboration, problem solving, organization and documentation. Trillium’s mission to celebrate the incredible capabilities of students resonates with Destinee’s own values of inclusivity, creativity, and fostering individual strengths.

Garrison Brain was born in Anchorage, Alaska, where he was raised with a passion and appreciation for the outdoors. While attending the University of Idaho to study mechanical engineering, Garrison soon realized his passion was in education. He enrolled at the University of Anchorage, graduating with a Bachelor's in Elementary Education. As a 2e individual, Garrison believes his experience overcoming his learning differences will help him better understand, relate, and guide his students. He looks forward to creating a learning environment where students feel empowered, supported, and understood. In his free time, Garrison enjoys rock climbing, camping, golfing, Dungeons & Dragons, video games, computer building, and board games.

Gen worked at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences (SAAS) for over 10 years, most recently in the Options Program teaching neurodiverse students humanities, psychology, environmental science, biology, physical education, and study skills. Part of her legacy at SAAS is working successfully with teachers across subjects within the Options Program and the larger community to create and differentiate interdisciplinary curriculum. Prior to SAAS, Gen was a Study Skills Coach at the Hallowell Todaro ADHD Center for several years.

JoeAnna McDonald earned her M.A. in mathematics from the University of Hawaii at Mānoa in 2021. During her graduate studies, JoeAnna instructed several sections of Math for Elementary School Teachers, where she provided future educators with tools to facilitate student comprehension. In the classroom, JoeAnna enjoys guiding students on their mathematical journey as they improve problem-solving skills, deepen their logical reasoning, and, perhaps most importantly, gain confidence in themselves and their own abilities. JoeAnna has spent several summers living and working as a line cook, auditor, and employee recreation supervisor in Yellowstone National Park. She loves tapping into her skills gained in the kitchens of Yellowstone when she cooks and hosts dinners for her friends and family. JoeAnna enjoys scuba diving, stand-up paddle boarding, thrift shopping, hiking, and camping in her free time.

John has a background in elementary school teaching and fine arts, and has worked in the field of education for a decade. He worked as an assistant teacher at The Bush School and most recently as Creative Arts Teacher at The Valley School, which included many administrative and committee responsibilities. John is passionate about incorporating student interests into their learning, and helping students persevere.

Jules brings to Trillium Academy a teaching career of over 40 years. She has taught Art, Math, History, English, Life Science, Earth Science, Sociology, Biology, Geology, and Life Skills. She holds a sociology degree from California State University at Northridge, and a Higher Education Teaching Certificate in Science from Harvard University. Jules is particularly dedicated to instilling a love for science in children, encouraging them to become budding scientists, explore the great outdoors, and contribute to the preservation of our planet. Having shared her knowledge across 7 states and 4 countries, Jules is equally dynamic whether teaching cliffside or in the traditional classroom setting.

Kate recently moved to Seattle from Columbia, Missouri. In 2023, she was selected as a National Science Foundation (NSF) Undergraduate Fellow, and published a curriculum module with the University of Missouri. Kate has teacher certification for middle school science, has taught inclusive science camps, and has experience as a private teacher to children in 4th through 6th grades. In the classroom, she has experience with students with disabilities and autism as a teacher and paraprofessional.

Kathy has worked as an art instructor in the Seattle area since 2007. Over her 30 year career, she has taught students ranging in ages from 3 to 18 in private, independent, and public educational settings. As an artist, Kathy creates abstract art with acrylic paints and mixed media. She started her teaching career as a high school art teacher in the inner city of Memphis, TN, and comes to us from Stevens Elementary in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood.

A native New Yorker, Leslie Larkin came to Seattle in 1995 to get her Master’s Degree in Music from the University of Washington. She worked as a freelance flutist for a while before discovering her true passion in education. Leslie taught elementary music for over 20 years and has a Master’s in Curriculum Instruction and Arts Integration from Lesley University. While figuring out fun ways to incorporate the arts into the general curriculum, she is also a parent of a middle schooler at Trillium Academy.

Lydia has been a classroom teacher for over 20 years, teaching middle school English, creative and academic writing, social studies, and computer skills. She served as a Learning and Instruction Specialist and led affinity groups at Seattle Girls School, and comes to us from Perry G. Keithley Middle School where she was Teacher and Advisor, and guided the school in adopting best practices for accommodating students and faculty with disabilities and/or specialized needs. Lydia has an MFA in dramatic writing and is active in local theater as a director and dramaturg.

Most recently, Mary Kate worked as a Study Skills Teacher at Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences (SAAS) for five years. During that time she completed a Professional Certificate in Learning Differences and Neurodiversity from Landmark College, VT with a specialization in Executive Functioning. Mary Kate’s Capstone research paper, “Developing Intrinsic Motivation in Students with ADHD,” led her to creating and leading several teacher professional development sessions based on her findings. In addition to working for Trillium Academy, Mary Kate is pursuing her Educational Specialist degree (EdS) and PhD in Student in School Psychology at the University of Washington.

Matt’s career includes 20 years of experience as an engineering lead, company executive, people manager, and professor. He is an AI startup founder with a technical background in machine learning systems, distributed systems, networks, mobile computing, and embedded systems. Matt has a PhD in Computer Science from UC Berkeley and was Professor of Computer Science at Harvard for eight years. He is also a parent of a high schooler at Trillium Academy.

For over 40 years, Mike has supported children, adolescents, young adults, and their families in uncovering their talents and finding each individual’s unique path in life. Professionally, he has dedicated his career to developing programs in schools and healthcare settings to help youth, young adults and their parents/guardians. For 23 years, he served at the Seattle Academy of Arts and Sciences (SAAS) in a variety of roles, ranging from developing and directing the Learning Support Programs, to leading the Counseling Department, to supporting the administration as an Assistant Head of School. Most recently, Mike developed and launched the high school Options Program at SAAS, a program that provides intensive and individualized support for students with diverse learning needs.

Nhu is a Seattle native with an Associate’s Degree from Seattle Central College, where she cultivated her passion for design and social media management. Nhu has five years of experience in the service industry. Her commitment to giving back to her community is evident through her involvement with the youth group at her church, where she has enjoyed working with students. Beyond her professional pursuits, Nhu finds joy in exploring the outdoors, cooking, and embarking on adventures through travel.

Ryan comes to us from Brightmont Academy where he has taught courses in algebra, geometry, biology, physics, and chemistry to students grade 6-12. He has a Bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, and worked in the field of mechanical engineering with Blue Origin, NASA Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and SpaceX before becoming a teacher.

Sofia started in our school community as a Teaching Assistant at Trillium Academy Seattle and taught our creative writing camp this summer. Prior to moving to Seattle in 2023, Sofia worked for almost a decade as a Family and Consumer Sciences teacher and team lead in Seffner, FL. In this position she developed adaptive and tailored instructional plans and taught competencies in culinary arts while integrating English, Language Arts, mathematics, and critical thinking skills. She also taught Reading/ELA at various proficiency levels, including intensive, intermediate, and honors courses.

Susan has been a teacher for over 30 years with the last two years at Ballard High School as the Distinct Program Teacher in a classroom with students who have IEPs. Prior to her work in the Seattle Public School system, Susan worked with 2e students at Forks Middle School and the LOFT School in Port Townsend. She is also the parent of a 2e child. Susan brings with her teaching certification with endorsements in 4-12 special education, history, social studies, and French.