Coe Elementary

Coe
Elementary

Staff Directory

List of Staff Directory

Search for: Staff Directory

  •  
  • Clear Filters
Coe ~ Attendance

Backstrom, Lindsey

Principal

lmbackstrom@seattleschools.org

I have been a Coe Cougar since 2013. Throughout my time at Coe, I have been a primary grades teacher, assistant principal, and now principal.  I began my own childhood educational journey attending schools both domestically and abroad as a part of a military family.  I received my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education and English as a Second Language and masters degree in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from the Florida State University. During my career, I have been an ELL teacher, classroom teacher, administrator, and university program director.  It is my hope that Coe students, staff, and parents feel welcome at school, connected to learning, and to one another. It is my privilege to serve as your proud principal!

Julie Bedell

Bedell, Julie

2nd Grade Teacher

jlbedell@seattleschools.org

I love Coe!  I've either had my own children at Coe, or been teaching at Coe since 1996! Teaching 2nd grade is rewarding in so many ways. Second graders can learn so much! Reading, writing, spelling, math, science, and social studies are our academic focuses.  I love watching my students' reading levels grow and their mathematical thinking expand.  I enjoy watching my students learn about different cultures and countries through our study of the continents of the world. Teaching dyslexic and dysgraphic students is one of my passions. When I'm not teaching I am tutoring, cooking, gardening, studying on so many topics, and enjoying my family, including my dog, Loki.

John Brannan

Brannan, John

5th Grade Teacher

jdbrannan@seattleschools.org

I have been teaching at Coe Elementary School since 2001.  Although I currently teach 5th grade, I have also taught 3rd and 4th grade here at Coe. Prior to teaching, I worked in the technology industry and taught English in Hokkaido, Japan. In my free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, skiing, and cooking.

Megan Caper

Caper, Megan

Occupational Therapist

mrcaper@seattleschools.org

I have been an Occupational Therapist since 2012 and have worked in the Seattle School District since 2022. I have been fortunate enough to be able to help students with fine motor, sensory and visual perceptual skills from ages 2-20 throughout my time as a school-based OT. I have a BA in English Lit. and Italian Film from Wesleyan University and a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy from CSUDH. I am originally from Los Angeles, and my family there dates back to the golden age of Hollywood where we worked in make-up and wigs for films from the 1910s through the 1970s.  I love to travel (25+ countries and counting!), read, hike, and play fetch with my 8-pound terrier mix, Penny.

Krista Carreiro

Carreiro, Krista

Performing Arts Teacher

klcarreiro@seattleschools.org

As Coe's Performing Arts specialist, I teach music, dance, and drama. It has been my pleasure to work in this capacity since 2008. I enjoy working with all  Coe Cougars and watching them grow from wide-eyed kindergartners into hard-working, talented students. In my spare time I enjoy reading, traveling, gardening, and spending time with my family.

Jessica Caruso

Caruso, Jessica

Instructional Assistant

jlcaruso@seattleschools.org

Originally from the Pacific Northwest, I earned a BA in Business Marketing from WWU before spending over 15 years as a creative director and graphic designer. I’m now thrilled to be following my passion for education and working with children. After volunteering in classrooms at Coe Elementary for over 8 years, I’m excited to officially join the Special Education team as an Instructional Assistant. Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband and three kids, attending concerts and theater performances, exploring various art forms, running, and traveling to new places around the world.

Megan Charbonneau

Charbonneau, Megan

Speech Language Pathologist

mncharbonnea@seattleschools.org

I have been a school-based SLP since 2012. I spent my first five years in Federal Way Public Schools supporting middle school students, served as an SLP department lead for the district, and coached track and gymnastics. Eventually the commute became too much, so I decided to join the team at Seattle Public Schools, where I’ve supported students ages 3-21 at a variety of schools since 2017. ​My favorite part of my job is finding ways to make speech fun, building relationships, and that moment where something clicks for a student. ​When I’m not at school, I enjoy hiking, backpacking, paddle boarding, seeing live music and Sounders matches, knitting, caring for my indoor plants, and relaxing with a good book and my cat.

Jacob Chavez

Chavez, Jacob

Visual Arts Teacher

jgchavez@seattleschools.org

I am truly excited to start another year working with the amazing students, staff, and families here at Coe. I have been teaching visual arts at Coe since the 2018 school year. I have a BFA in Art Education and Painting from Colorado State University as well as a Masters of Education in Educational Leadership from Concordia University. I am originally from Fort Collins, Colorado but I have taught in many places. Since I moved to the Seattle area I have really enjoyed exploring all the fun stuff and amazing food that this city has to offer! In my downtime I also enjoy traveling, hiking, and playing with my dog, Paisley.

Jeong Chi

Chi, Jeong

Instrumental Music Teacher

jechi@seattleschools.org

2023-24 Schedule

Monday

  • AM: Magnolia
  • PM: Lawton

Tuesday

  • AM: View Ridge
  • PM: Orca K-8

Wednesday:

  • Decatur 206-252-3230 (p) ; 206-252-3231 (f)

Thursday:

  • Loyal Heights

Friday

  • AM: Lafayette
  • PM: Coe

About Jeong Chi

I'm delighted to go on this

J-ourney of learning with
E-veryone who comes to my classroom. We will
O-vercome challenges and
N-ever give up until this world
G-ets better because of you and me!

Education: MEd San Jose State University / BA Hankuk University of Foreign Studies

Katherine Diefendorf

Diefendorf, Katherine

1st Grade Teacher

kediefendorf@seattleschools.org

I am proud to be a first grade teacher at Coe Elementary! My goal is to create a classroom community where children feel respected, valued and challenged to do their best. I promote a safe and loving classroom environment where each child will learn and grow academically, emotionally and socially. As a teacher it is my responsibility to meet the needs of my students and facilitate meaningful learning opportunities that are individualized for each learner.

There are very few jobs where one can experience openness, curiosity and joy on a daily basis. I feel so lucky to share in my students’ enthusiasm and passion for learning. My greatest hope is that their early learning experiences are positive and empowering. I am looking forward to a fantastic year!

Shauna Diller

Diller, Shauna

Kindergarten Teacher

sjdiller@seattleschools.org

My name is Shauna Diller and I teach kindergarten  at Coe.  I'm lucky enough to live and work in Queen Anne along with my husband and three children, Jack, Anderson, and Emmy. I strive to provide a safe and engaging learning environment for all students. Children in kindergarten are filled with wonder and excitement, and it’s truly a privilege to guide them through such a magical age. I grew up in New Hampshire and received my undergraduate degree from Boston University. I majored in child development and received my K-8 Elementary and Special Education teaching credentials. I began my teaching career in Southern California in 1997. I moved to the Seattle area in 2003 after receiving my M.Ed. in Educational Administration from CSULB. I work hard to stay apprised of current research, and I strive to align my practice with the latest in brain science. There is so much joy in watching a child become a reader!

Marjorie Dowd

Dowd, Marjorie

Librarian

madowd@seattleschools.org

I am delighted to be the Kearns Librarian at Frantz H. Coe Elementary School, where I have been a member of the community since 2002.  Matching Coe students with books that they love and collaborating with classroom teachers are just a couple of the great things about my job.  I have an MA in Teaching with a library endorsement from Seattle Pacific University, an MBA from Boston University, and a BA in Literature and Classics from Wheaton College.  Outside school I enjoy walking with my husband around Queen Anne, swimming, and reading.  My daughter, Katherine, is a Coe alumna.

Cynthia Ege

Ege, Cynthia

Special Education Teacher

caege@seattleschools.org

My name is Cindy Ege and I am a resource room teacher here at Coe. I have been so fortunate to spend my teaching career teaching students in the resource room. I believe that children need a safe and accepting environment in order to reach their full potential, both academically and socially.
I am a life-long resident of Seattle and attended Seattle Public Schools. I received a BA in Special Education with elementary and special education endorsements from Seattle Pacific University and completed my graduate degree in elementary reading.

I live with my husband, two kids and our two dogs. I enjoy going to Seahawks games, the theatre, traveling, baking and reading.

Coe is an amazing place to work!

Sarah Epperson

Epperson, Sarah

3rd Grade Teacher

saepperson@seattleschools.org

I have been teaching at Coe Elementary School since 2017. I have both elementary and special education teaching endorsements from Seattle Pacific University. Before teaching at Coe, I had the opportunity to teach abroad in a British School in Thailand for two years. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, hiking, camping, and attending Seattle sporting events.

Nestor Espinosa

Espinosa, Nestor

Custodial Engineer

neespinosa@seattleschools.org
Danielle White

Espitia, Danielle

Lunchroom Manager

ddwhite1@seattleschools.org

I was born and raised in the Queen Anne community. I have lots of pets, including a soon to be giant tortoise.  My kids and I love the outdoors. You will frequently see us at the parks and walking the neighborhood.

Bente Fernandi

Fernandi, Bente

5th Grade Teacher

bofernandi@seattleschools.org

During my career, I have enjoyed being a special education teacher, a reading specialist, and teaching kindergarten, 1st, 4th, and 5th grades. I am an avid reader and passionate about literacy, creating community with students, and social justice. I love science and social studies and providing as many cross curricular opportunities for students as possible. I was born in Norway, attended public schools in Virginia, University of Richmond as an undergraduate, and UW for graduate school. I am National Board certified in literacy. My husband and I have a son and a daughter who are both graduates of SPS and UW. We love dancing, long walks, and eating pastries on the weekends.

Fleisher, Amy

Reading Specialist Grades K-3

aefleisher@seattleschools.org

Serving as Coe's primary-grade reading specialist is a privilege and delight. Collaborating with classroom teachers, I provide brain-science-based literacy instruction to support developing readers. As a proud graduate of Seattle Public Schools, I attended Boston College and Seattle University and have a master's degree in teaching. My family and I live just down the street from Coe, and my sons Jack and Peter, now SPS graduates, were once Coe Cougars. In my free time, I enjoy traveling, gardening, spending time with my husband Brian and our family, and contributing to the work of Read Washington, a literacy nonprofit. Working with young readers brings me immense joy!

Andrew Fraser

Fraser, Andrew

4th Grade Teacher

adfraser@seattleschools.org

I started teaching at Coe in 2013. I have taught grades one through five but enjoy working with fourth graders most of all. In 2002, I moved to Seattle to pursue my teaching career. I grew up in New Hampshire and try to go back every year to visit my family. Presently, I live in Shoreline with my wife Carrie and our pets. We enjoy biking and hiking in the Pacific Northwest and going to Mariners games. I have had the opportunity to teach at many schools and have come to the conclusion that Coe is the best place to teach and learn.