Seattle Public Schools

My name is Josh Myers and I have been working in industry as an Electrical Engineer for a little over 20 years now.  The first nine years were at the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO).  While working at LIGO I also earned my Master of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from Washington State University.

After earning my Master’s degree I moved to Sequim, WA, to work at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory’s Marine Science Lab.  I worked there until 2014 when I left to start my own company focused on making smart sensors to make it easier for students and hobbyists to integrate sensors into their own projects.  While working on this project I also worked part time for A-M Systems.  In 2016 I joined Leidos to assist with their efforts related to underwater robotics platforms.

For the last ten years I have also been a FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) mentor.  I was a founding member and one of the lead mentors of FRC team 3826, Sequim Robotics Federation.  When I moved to the Everett area I joined FRC team 2930, Sonic Squirrels, as their Lead Engineering Mentor.  I’m happy and excited to be bringing these experiences with me to Lincoln as I teach courses related to engineering, robotics and mechatronics.

Christie is a social justice advocate, and educator with endorsements in English, Reading, Special Education, and Visual Art. Christie graduated from Seattle Pacific University in 2004 with a B.A. in English literature and creative writing, and again in 2010 with a M.A. in teaching. Christie lived in Wallingford during some formative years and has fond memories of the neighborhood. One of her first teaching jobs was at Seattle Evening School, housed in the old Lincoln High School building.

My name is Jo Foss (she/her/Ms.). I teach History, Health and sometimes English Language Arts. My goal is to help create space for students to be in community with each other as their authentic selves. I’m most excited when I see students tapping into their curiosity, empathy, creativity and critical thinking. I believe that as educators, we have just as much to learn from our students as they do from us.

In my free time, I enjoy outdoor adventures of all varieties, mixed martial arts, spending time with my dog and husband, listening to music, reading, and learning about the natural world (birding nerd alert). I also practice ceramics when I can get my hands on some clay and a wheel.

Ryan Kastl is a science instructor who is enthusiastic about problem solving and critical thinking. He is excited to be a part of building a positive and creative culture at Lincoln High School. Ryan has been working at Lincoln since reopening and has background in Project Based Learning in both chemistry and physics.

Ryan graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Biochemistry and returned to the UW to obtain his master’s in teaching. Ryan is a National Board (NBCT) teacher and is continuing to improve his teaching pedagogy through peer and student feedback. Ryan has been part of physics and chemistry collaborations between SPS teachers and other community partners to implement science instruction that is beneficial to all learners.

Coach Kastl is also the head coach for the girl’s swim team at Lincoln High. He has 15 years of swim coaching experience as well as coaching experience in golf, Australian rules football, and Track. Ryan was a varsity swimmer at the University of Washington for 4 years and was the team captain his senior year. Ryan was also a member of the US National team for Australian Rules Football for 8 years and played in multiple US and International tournaments.

Ryan lives in north Seattle with his wife and 2 young sons. Ryan enjoys spending time with family, camping, hiking, snowboarding, playing sports (golf, footy, soccer, etc.), watching sports, and attending Husky football games.

I am excited to join the Lincoln High School team as your Fiscal Specialist. My involvement with Seattle Public Schools began with volunteer positions as the PTSA Treasurer and President at my children’s elementary and middle schools. I transitioned into a new career when I accepted the Fiscal Specialist position at Washington Middle School 6 years ago. The change has been rewarding as I really enjoy interacting with and helping the teachers, families and students in the school community. As a bonus, the long breaks in the school schedule provide my family the opportunity to travel overseas or take extended road trips across America. On the weekends, you might run into me around town at one of my kids’ activities or at the Sounders game. If not, I’m probably hiding in my shop tinkering with old cars.

Personal Message

I am excited to be a part of the Lincoln High School community. I studied physics and mathematics at the University of Washington, receiving a B.S. and M.S. in physics. As a graduate student I did research with the Physics Education Group, focused on inquiry based learning and iterative instructional improvement. I then taught for 12 years, covering physics, calculus-based physics, and math topics ranging from pre-algebra to AP Calculus and college level applied math. Along the way I completed a M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, spending 8 years in administration serving as an education director, elementary principal, and middle school associate principal.

While my family lived in the Seattle area for about 14 years, we had moved to my wife’s hometown in Montana for about 11 years. As careers progressed, we decided to return to Seattle in 2021. Although I have enjoyed all the positions I have held in education, the move presented an opportunity to reflect and focus on what I love most, teaching students. My goal is to help all students become scientifically and mathematically literate, able to use a wide assortment of skills to solve hard problems in ways that are sensitive to our cultural diversity and are ecologically sustainable.

I have a hobby of collecting hobbies, so I have been known to bounce from one thing to another. Some days I may be inside playing video or board games, other days I am camping or cycling. Both of my children are in college, so I have filled their space at home with two English bulldogs, Walter and Henry.

Personal Message

Zachariah earned his bachelor’s in music education from the University of Washington. His first teaching position was teaching elementary school music in Singapore from 2012-2014. He is currently the band director at Denny International Middle School and Chief Sealth International High School where he has been since 2015.

Zachariah grew up mostly in Fife, Washington, where he attended middle school and high school. Other than music, he is very passionate about health and fitness and spends much of his time cooking and training for powerlifting with his fiancé, Janet. He has an adorable French Bulldog named Arban (Yes; named after the trumpet pedagogue) and they both enjoy going on walks and hanging out at Dogwood Play Park. He continues to play trumpet in several ensembles for enjoyment, including local Seattle rock band, Seacastle.

Aloha! My name is Anthony Malaki and I’m thrilled to be a part of the amazing Ingraham High School Team.  I grew up on the beautiful island of Oahu and have set roots here in Seattle after attending WSU, (Go Cougs!).  Professionally, I’ve been a counselor in Seattle Schools since 2002.  My previous schools have been Meany, Salmon Bay, Mercer, and most recently Lincoln High School.  I bring a deep passion for partnering with students, families, and teachers to actualize a student’s hopes and dreams.  As a son and father, I’ve come to realize that we are living our ancestors unfulfilled wildest dreams.  We owe it to them to live up to our fullest potential.

When I’m not at school, you might see me cheering on my son and daughter’s sports teams and musical theatre performances, traveling with my ‘ohana, and rooting on my beloved Seahawks and Cougs.