Teachers and Staff

Supporting each other and inspiring every student

Head of School - Lisa Heaman

Lisa joined Silverwood School from West Hills STEM Academy, where she served as Principal and championed innovative STEM-focused programs. She holds a BA in Elementary Education (K–8) and Special Education (K–12) from Central Washington University, and a MA in School Administration from Seattle Pacific University.

Before stepping into school leadership, Lisa spent 11 years teaching K–8 Special Education and 5th/6th grades. Since 2003, she has served as Principal at two schools in the Bremerton School District.

In 2020, Lisa became Head of School at Silverwood. She feels honored to work alongside the board, teachers, and community to help the school move from surviving to thriving—most notably through the Farmhouse remodel project, which created a home for Silverwood’s new Middle School program in 2023.

A passionate advocate for equity in education, Lisa is committed to ensuring underrepresented students have full access to STEM opportunities. Her leadership extends beyond Silverwood, as she contributes at the district, community, and state levels through organizations such as the West Sound STEM Network with Washington STEM, the Olympic Workforce Development Council, Girls on the Run, and the Kitsap Commission for Children & Youth.

The Barn
K-1

Lead Teacher
Ashley McNeil

Ashley’s love for teaching began early and has guided her through a rewarding career in elementary education. She earned her BS in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Reading from the University of Idaho (2014) and went on to complete a Master’s in Literacy from Grand Canyon University Online (2016). Over the past eight years, she has taught 2nd grade at Lake Roosevelt Elementary in Coulee Dam, WA, and 1st grade at West Hills STEM Academy in Bremerton, WA, where she delighted in helping young learners discover the joy of reading and growing confidence in their skills.

Ashley and her husband, John, who teaches 7th grade English and History in the South Kitsap School District, share a deep passion for education and enjoy supporting students both in and out of the classroom.

Gonca Tabanli - TA

Gonca has been a Teaching Assistant in the Barn since 2022. She loves the Barn Owls—both the ones in the forest and the ones in her classroom community—and treasures being a steady, positive presence in the lives of children.

Raised in Izmir, Turkey, Gonca brings a global perspective shaped by experiences across three continents. After earning her B.A. in Economics from Celal Bayar University, she spent three years in Germany and a year in Washington, D.C., where she worked as an Assistant Manager at ZARA.

In 2009, the islands called, and Hawai‘i became her home for the next decade. There, she pursued yoga teacher training and certification, deepening her passion for wellness and movement. In 2014, she became a mother to her daughter, Adara.

Since 2019, Kitsap has been Gonca’s landing place, where she continues to share yoga, paddle board the Sound, and head into the woods to camp under the stars. She recently completed her Pilates Reformer certification and provides private lessons when not working at Silverwood or teaching at the 360 Om Studio in Silverdale.

The Treehouse 1st - 2nd

Lead Teacher
Yuki Teng

Yuki joined Silverwood School in 2024 as the Lead Teacher of the Treehouse classroom, a vibrant community of combined First and Second Grade learners. Prior to joining Silverwood, she worked in both Washington and California as a Special Education Paraeducator for a total of nine years, most recently completing her student teaching in the Bremerton School District.
She holds a Bachelor's degree in Early Care and Education (K–2) from the University of Washington and a Master’s degree in Teaching with an additional endorsement in Special Education (K–12) from Northwest University.
Yuki brings a deep commitment to creating a classroom environment where every child feels seen, supported, and inspired to grow. Her vision for the Treehouse classroom is rooted in meaningful learning, joyful exploration, and exciting academic growth. It is a safe, inclusive, and student-centered space where all learners are encouraged to take risks, ask questions, and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Instruction in the Treehouse classroom is designed to foster curiosity and build strong academic foundations through hands-on activities, purposeful use of technology, outdoor integration, and real-world connections. Yuki believes that when learning is both relevant and fun, students thrive — not only as scholars, but as confident, compassionate individuals."

Nick Fogg - TA

Mr. Nick joined the Silverwood community in December 2023 as the Tree House Teaching Assistant, working alongside Ms. Yuki. He brings extra creativity and joy to campus life, especially through his leadership of Silverwood’s After-School Dungeons & Dragons Club. Beyond Silverwood, Nick also shares his time and expertise as a Member-at-Large on the Island Cooperative Preschool Board.

Nick grew up in Kitsap County and graduated from Kingston High School before moving to Kent in 2018, where he began his career in youth development at the YMCA Community Center. As a Child Care Specialist, he supported first- and second-generation immigrant families in a Section 8 housing community, building lasting relationships and being warmly welcomed into community traditions, including Ramadan celebrations.

In Bellingham, Nick expanded his role with the Whatcom County YMCA as Site Coordinator for before- and after-school programs. When the pandemic began, he stepped into new responsibilities by providing full-day care for first responders’ children and coordinating a COVID summer camp.

Returning to Kitsap in 2021, Nick served the Washington State Department of Health as a contact tracer, supporting families as they navigated the challenges of a COVID diagnosis. Later that year, he joined Island Cooperative Preschool as a Teaching Assistant, where his passion for early childhood education grew. His dedication was recognized in 2024 when he was invited to serve on the Board of Directors.

Nick is currently pursuing a teaching degree in Middle School Science and History through Washington Governors University. A lifelong learner, he enjoys reading—especially history and politics—crafting, playing soccer, and diving into all kinds of games, with a special love for role-playing adventures.

Lodge East
3rd - 4th

Lead Teacher
Becky Rice

Ms. Becky has been shaping young minds (and occasionally rescuing glitter-covered projects) for what feels like several centuries (or around 5 years). A master of multitasking, she can simultaneously teach fractions, tie a shoelace, mediate a pencil dispute, and remember who is line leader, and all before her second cup of coffee! 

When not orchestrating the glorious symphony that is 3rd and 4th grade, Ms. Becky enjoys decoding mysterious handwriting, guarding the classroom glue sticks from overenthusiastic users, and demonstrating to students that yes, math can be fun. She has been known to use phrases like “show your work” and “is that your best effort?” with a grace that borders on heroic.

Rumor has it that Ms. Becky’s lesson plans are powered by pure sunshine, boundless patience, and a secret stash of emergency chocolate. She believes every student has a spark of genius…sometimes it just needs a snack and a gentle reminder to stay on task.

Beneath the humor and heart, there’s also a serious side to Ms. Becky’s work. In her past life, Ms. Becky served as an intelligence analyst in the Navy and therefore treats all her students like miniature military operations: strategically planned, lovingly managed, and occasionally chaotic. She graduated from Washington State University and Western Governors University with a Masters in Elementary Education. In her spare time she writes ridiculous stories about alien dogs, adventurous mermaids, and planetary apocalypses. Despite claiming to be allergic to most living things in nature, she still finds herself outdoors gardening, camping, teaching and bird watching.

Lindsay Clark - TA

Lindsay is the unsung hero of the 3rd and 4th grade classroom, wielding a stapler in one hand and patience in the other. She can herd students like a cat wrangler on a sugar high, mediate debates over who gets the blue pencil, and rescue glitter projects from certain doo

Known for her uncanny ability to appear exactly when a student needs help (or a snack), Mrs. Lindsay keeps the classroom running smoothly, quietly saving the day behind the scenes. She also has a PhD in “making sure no one loses a book, a pencil, or their mind,” and her unofficial title is Chief Chaos Coordinator.

When not assisting with lessons, Mrs. Lindsay enjoys inventing new ways to make cleanup fun, demonstrating that patience can indeed be taught, and reminding everyone that sometimes the best teaching happens in whispered moments of guidance.

Lodge West
4th - 5th

Lead Teacher
Ashley McComas

Ashley McComas has lived in Kitsap County since 2007 and is the proud mother of Sawyer, who has been part of Silverwood since kindergarten. She loves animals and shares her home with two golden retrievers, Peaches and Piper, and a cat named Morgan—Peaches even spends part of the school year as the beloved Lodge West class pet.
Ashley earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Liberal Studies from the University of California, Fullerton, and a Master’s Degree in Cross-Cultural Education from National University in San Diego, California. Before joining Silverwood in 2009, she taught at a small inner-city private school in Rainier Beach, WA.
Having grown up between Washington and California, Ashley loves exploring new places with her family, traveling throughout the United States and abroad, including Canada, Mexico, Europe, and the Middle East. She also enjoys scrapbooking and spending time outdoors in the beautiful Pacific Northwest.
Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s words, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Ashley works to nurture kindness, self-advocacy, and a sense of community in her students every day.

The
Farmhouse
6th - 8th

Lead Teacher
Ryan Marriott

Ryan has a bachelor’s degree in Economics and History from Macalester College in St. Paul, MN, and a master’s degree in Quantitative Analysis & International Development from Columbia University in New York. Before working at Silverwood, Ryan worked for CIESIN at Columbia University in research and survey design for the Millennium Villages Project. His work primarily focused on projects in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly Nigeria and Senegal, as well as repeated projects in Cote-Sud, Haiti. Before Columbia, Ryan worked as a pandemic emergency planner for the Rhode Island Department of Health, and before that in nonprofit development in Seattle. In his spare time, Ryan enjoys growing food, cooking, reading, and board games.

Beth Anderson
Middle School Art History, Math, Science & Art

Mrs. Beth is a whirlwind of creativity, curiosity, and controlled chaos, leading students through the wonders of science, the magic of art, and the occasional mysterious smells of the Farmhouse. With a paintbrush in one hand and a microscope in the other, she’s been known to discover new colors, new reactions, and sometimes new life forms (or at least frogs in the classroom sink).

As Grotto Teacher, Mrs. Beth doubles as chief animal whisperer, vegetable wrangler, and accidental mud expert. She can teach photosynthesis while petting a chicken, guide students in clay sculpting while explaining the periodic table, and somehow keep the Farmhouse running without losing a single hat, or a goat.

Mrs. Beth believes that learning is an adventure and that every experiment, painting, or muddy footprint is an opportunity to spark curiosity, ignite imagination, and make the world just a little brighter (and a little messier).

Specialist and Classroom Support

  • William Hutcheson - Elementary PE & Waldkinder

    Mr. William brings a passion for movement, exploration, and child-led discovery. As both the Outdoor Teacher and Physical Education Instructor, he believes learning happens when children engage their bodies, take risks, and connect deeply with the world around them.

    In the forest and on the field, Mr. William encourages students to develop confidence, cooperation, and resilience through hands-on experiences and active play. His approach to PE focuses on helping children build strength, coordination, and a love for movement, while his outdoor program nurtures curiosity and observation. 

  • Chelsea Natseway - Music

    Mrs. Chelsea is the maestro of melodies, the conductor of chaos, and the magical force behind every joyful note in the school. With a baton in one hand and a kazoo in the other, she can turn even the most reluctant “I-can’t-sing” student into a tiny diva, a budding drummer, or a full-on one-person orchestra.

    Known for her uncanny ability to make music everywhere—from hallways to playgrounds—Mrs. Chelsea believes that every day deserves a soundtrack. She has been known to create impromptu percussion performances with buckets, pencils, or the occasional lunchbox, proving that rhythm truly exists in everything.

    Whether leading a choir, teaching an instrument, or inspiring a spontaneous dance party, Mrs. Chelsea turns every lesson into a celebration of sound, creativity, and fun. Rumor has it she once convinced the entire school to perform a full symphony using only spoons, smiles, and sheer determination.

  • Jenn Gray - Middle School PE

    Jenn Gray is our amazing Middle School PE teacher and a familiar, enthusiastic face at Silverwood! For the last two years, she's been making fitness fun and inspiring our older students to get active.

    But her commitment to Silverwood runs deep: before officially joining the faculty, Jenn was a highly involved parent for many years, giving her a true insider's passion for the school's mission.

    Whether she's leading an energetic field game or promoting teamwork, Jenn connects her deep roots in the community with her current role, ensuring every middle schooler feels supported and ready to move!

  • Beth Anderson 3rd - 8th Science & Art

    Mrs. Beth is a whirlwind of creativity, curiosity, and controlled chaos, leading students through the wonders of science, the magic of art, and the occasional mysterious smells of the Farmhouse. With a paintbrush in one hand and a microscope in the other, she’s been known to discover new colors, new reactions, and sometimes new life forms (or at least frogs in the classroom sink).

    As Grotto Teacher, Mrs. Beth doubles as chief animal whisperer, vegetable wrangler, and accidental mud expert. She can teach photosynthesis while petting a chicken, guide students in clay sculpting while explaining the periodic table, and somehow keep the Farmhouse running without losing a single hat, or a goat.

    Mrs. Beth believes that learning is an adventure and that every experiment, painting, or muddy footprint is an opportunity to spark curiosity, ignite imagination, and make the world just a little brighter (and a little messier).

  • Tonya Floria - Extended Care specialist and Substitute TA

    Tonya Floria is an invaluable, versatile member of the Silverwood team, serving dual roles as the Extended Care Specialist and a Substitute Teaching Assistant.

    As the Extended Care Specialist, she ensures that the after-school program is a safe, warm, and engaging environment where students can decompress, explore interests, and connect with peers after the regular school day.

    In her role as a Substitute TA, Tonya provides reliable support across all classrooms, ensuring seamless continuity and care for students and faculty whenever needed. Her flexibility and dedication help keep the Silverwood community running smoothly every day!

  • Madie Marzano - TA

    Madison (Madie) Marzano is a passionate Teaching Assistant at Silverwood, where she brings a deep-rooted understanding of classroom dynamics, inspired by both of her parents who taught in the Central Kitsap School District.

    She was drawn to Silverwood after seeing the dynamic of outdoor play and believes that students learn best when they feel safe, respected, and cared for, and when learning is centered around experience and interest-based activities. She is looking forward to building close connections with the students and watching them grow.

    Outside of school, Madie enjoys arts and crafts and continuing training with her Service Dog, Cody. She is a former State Uneven Bar Champion, showing her dedication to focus and achievement.

Office Support Staff

  • Michelle Skellie - Director of Advancement and Facilities

    As the Director of Advancement and Facilities, Michelle is dedicated to fostering the enduring success of Silverwood School. Her responsibilities include leading strategic enrollment efforts, ensuring meaningful community engagement, and championing fundraising initiatives that support the school’s mission.
    Michelle earned her BA in International Studies from Trinity Western University in 2004, where she studied conflict resolution in Northern Ireland and the workings of the Canadian parliamentary and non-profit sectors in Ottawa. Michelle brings a decade of experience in organizational management and client services, where she develops an ability to navigate complex situations with calm and curiosity. She is further investing in her leadership with her current pursuit of a Master of Public and Nonprofit Administration degree.
    Michelle and her family are rooted in Kitsap County, a place she happily returned to in 2020. She enjoys exploring the area’s parks, beaches, and trails with her family and their dog. Her commitment to the local community is reflected in her passion for the arts, where she plays the violin with the Poulsbo Community Orchestra. 
    She has come to deeply appreciate the power of creativity, compassion, and responsiveness in everyday life. Whether navigating the challenges of parenting, making music, or engaging with the community, she strives to approach every situation with care, curiosity, and a joyful spirit.

  • Kenton Lehr - Executive Assistant to the Head of School

    Kenton serves as Silverwood’s Executive Assistant, supporting the Head of School and faculty in keeping the heartbeat of the school running smoothly. With a talent for organization, clear communication, and thoughtful coordination, Kenton ensures that daily operations and special events flow seamlessly. Known for creativity, reliability, and a warm presence, they help make Silverwood a welcoming and supportive place for both students and staff.

    Kenton treasures their time at Silverwood, finding immense joy in helping to nurture and inspire young minds. They delight in supporting students as they explore, grow, and discover their unique strengths, taking pride in contributing to a community where curiosity, confidence, and creativity flourish.

  • Paleiholani Davidson - Student Information Systems Coordinator

    Palei has called the Pacific Northwest home for the past 20 years, having made her way from Maui, Hawai’i, with a stop in Southern California along the way. She is passionate about crafting—sewing, knitting, and painting are her favorites—and loves spending time with her family playing board games, dancing hula, camping, cooking, and, most recently, tending her garden.

    Her journey in education spans 12 years with the Central Kitsap School District, where she served as a counseling secretary, registrar, and data analyst specialist. Palei first became part of the Silverwood community in 2022 as a parent, and she is now thrilled to join the staff, bringing her experience, care, and enthusiasm to support students and families. Stop by and say “Aloha!” she’ll be glad to share a smile and a story.