Seattle Public Schools

Name: Jeanne Finley

Pronouns: she/her

Education: Macalester College B.A. Anthropology; University of Michigan M.A. Anthropology; Western Washington University Teaching Credential

How I Got into Education: As a teaching assistant in graduate school, I realized that teaching was my favorite part of the program. I am forever grateful for that launch into education!

Hobbies: Swimming, walking, baking, reading, and crossword puzzles.

Email Address: jcfinley@seattleschools.org

Greetings! My name is Hema Thomas and I am the school psychologist at Coe Elementary and McDonald International School. I have been working as a psychologist in Seattle Public Schools since 2006. My services include psychoeducational consultation and evaluations for school-based teams.

I am a native Washingtonian, born and raised in Olympia, WA. I completed both my undergraduate and graduate degrees at the University of Washington (Go Dawgs!). I live in Seattle with my husband, two children, and our dog. In my free time you will likely find me at a soccer pitch cheering on my kids and their soccer teams, savoring a meal at one of the many fantastic restaurants throughout the city, or enjoying some quiet time with a good book.

I'm Mark Taylor; I work with math students in grades 3-5, mostly on advanced topics in problem solving.  I usually learn as much from students as they learn from me.  I tried to retire in 2017, but retirement proved difficult - so I'm back in classrooms at various times of the year.  I have a degree in Math from Carnegie-Mellon and a Master's degree in education from Antioch University, Seattle and have been at Coe since 2003.

I have been teaching for many years at Coe Elementary, and I truly feel fortunate to work at this incredibly creative, vibrant, and innovative elementary school.  I love integrating subjects across curriculum and ensuring my students become confident, critical thinkers. I am also a mama with three children, and all three attended Coe Elementary School.  Seattle is a magical place and so is Coe Elementary.

My name is Madison Russell and I am looking forward to another year here at Coe! After receiving my degree in Elementary Education from Seattle Pacific University, I taught English in Italy and spent some time traveling. Upon arriving back in Seattle in 2019, I began teaching third grade at Coe. Since then I have also received my Masters degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Western Governors University. My favorite part of teaching is watching students become passionate about new topics and exceed their own expectations. When I’m not in the classroom you can find me gardening, reading in the corner of a coffee shop, or out on walks taking in the scenery.

I have been a part of the Coe community for over 10 years - as a parent, a volunteer, and now as an Instructional Assistant in the Resource Room. I was born and raised on the East coast and received my Bachelor of Arts in English from Boston College. I’ve called Seattle and Queen Anne home since 2003. I have tremendous respect and admiration for the Coe staff and love our amazing students and families. When I’m not at Coe, you can find me at kid activities for my son, Ryan and daughter, Jordan – or, walking my dog, Sailor. I look forward to continuing to give back to Coe, who has given so very much to me and my family over the years.

I began teaching in the Seattle School District in 1998. I love teaching elementary school.  I feel especially lucky to be working in the Coe community. My interests outside of teaching include sports and outdoor activities, landscape painting, and travel.

I am so happy to be at Coe. I first came to Coe in 2009 when my oldest child was in kindergarten. Since then all three of my children have gone though and graduated from Coe.  While my youngest was at Coe I began working as a tutor and later became an Instructional Assistant. I love working with students in K - 5th grade, and am incredibly lucky to work with an amazing staff and administration here at Coe. I am originally from San Francisco but have lived in Seattle for 16 years and love the Pacific Northwest. When I am not working I love spending time with my family and my two dogs.

My name is Steven McGregor and I'm happy to be teaching second grade at Coe!  I am a Northwest native who grew up in Renton, Washington. I attended Western Washington University in Bellingham, where in 1999 I received my B.A. in Political Science, Economics, and Philosophy. After graduating and moving back to Seattle, I worked for several years in non-profit healthcare administration. In 2007, I decided to change course in my career and I enrolled in the master's program at Antioch University. I earned a Master of Education degree in 2008.   Prior to teaching first and second grades at Coe, I taught kindergarten for four years at Schmitz Park in West Seattle. I currently live in Magnolia with my husband and our three Portuguese Water Dogs, Kona, Indie, and London.