Faculty and Staff

Sam Fosmire

Social Studies Teacher; Tortoise Owner, Runner, Horror Novel Enthusiast, and Lover of Fashion

I could not be more excited to be teaching social studies at Matheia! It was always my favorite subject in school and I bring that same enthusiasm to my classroom. Through history, civics, geography, and economics lessons social studies offers new, unique, ways for students to view the world around them and opportunities to develop key skills like empathy and problem solving. Social studies also provides students with the chance to begin(or continue) to learn about social justice and what they can do as the next generation of global citizens to fight racism and bigotry, prevent climate change, and leave the world better than they found it.

Bachelor of Arts: Political Science, Western Washington University

Masters in Teaching: Elementary Endorsement, Seattle University

Erik K. Eriksen

Writing and Reading Teacher; explorer, music devourer, family movie nighter, progressor, gamer.

I find great excitement and joy as I join each student in their discovery of new and meaningful ways to communicate their unique ideas. From connecting letters and sounds to utilizing vivid language to enhance writing, students at Matheia embark on a journey. This journey promises the reward of being able to clearly transmit their thoughts from their minds to the minds of others. With a leaning toward creative and expressive writing, I aim to provide each student with the opportunity to learn within formats that interest them and allow their personality to be unleashed. 

Bachelor of Arts: Interdisciplinary Studies - Health and Fitness Education, Eastern Washington University

Master of Arts in Teaching:  K-12 Health and Fitness Education, Seattle Pacific University

Madison Ecklund

Math Teacher; Cat Mom to Two, Indoor Plant Lover, Closet Artist, and Fierce Friend

Teaching is something that I never thought I was going to discover - a career that I look forward to every single day and amazing students who also help me learn from them. I absolutely love building relationships with my students in order to find their passions and help link their interests to a more problem-solving mindset. One of my favorite things to experience in the classroom is when students have been working really hard on a tough problem and they finally have that “ah-ha” moment of clarity and success. It is so exciting to see them light up with pride after pushing through that challenge! I also love how collaborate math can be, where many individuals solve problems in slightly different ways, so it is really fun for students to learn from one another in how they approach various situations. I hope that all students eventually feel like they are also problem solvers and get as excited about math as I do!

Bachelor of Arts: Early Childhood and Family Studies, University of Washington, Seattle

Master in Teaching: Elementary Education & Middle Level Mathematics, Seattle University

Karen Saunders

Art Teacher; Mother, Explorer, Painter, Gardener, and Animal lover.

I simply love teaching art. My students are my constant inspiration! It is so exciting to see the sparks of their imaginations ignite! I enjoy sharing that art can be a never-ending inspirational web of give and take as we inspire each other and learn from each other. Art can be so many things and so different for each of us.  Our creations will look different for each of us as they should...we are individuals and our art should be as well.

My teaching career began with an after school enrichment program through the Boulder public schools at Coal Creek Elementary in Louisville, Colorado. When I moved to Seattle in 1991, I started working at Perkins School. I joined Matheia School in 1996, as the Art and Social studies teacher. I love to travel and I've been fortunate to visit several countries abroad including; England, Scotland, Wales, Holland, France, and Turkey. Every summer my son and I explore a new place around the U.S. I happily reside in Ballard with my husband, son, 8 chickens, Fedora (our cat), Thorne our bearded dragon, and an African Cichlid (a fish). 

University of Northern Colorado, Greeley
B.F.A., University of Colorado, Boulder Colorado

Allison Soules

Math Mentor, Reading and Writing Teacher, lover of children’s novels, family road trips, wildlife, building projects, chickens, cooking, favorite ‘animal’ – children

I like to follow the rules and think outside the box. I think it is important to empower our staff, parents and students alike to become problem-solvers. Teaching and learning go hand in hand. Enriching our lives with knowledge gained by following our curiosity is enhanced when we are calculated risk-takers. Collaborating with staff to create and bring to fruition meaningful and enriched curriculum is one of the best parts of my job.  

Music Ed - Willamette University
Glasser - Certified

Phoebe Zavis

Hello! I have been the Social Studies teacher at Matheia for 15 years. Last June I gave birth to my first child. While pregnant I was also diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. This year, I will be home raising my new babe and attending year long chemotherapy treatments.

At school I will be taking a more “behind the scenes” role for Matheia. You may see me in the Library or on Zoom, and I will be writing the monthly school newsletter, running the school FB page, creating the yearbook, and any other off site tasks needed.

One of my favorite things to do is explore the world with my husband, Danny, and find new places and experiences that we’ve never been to or experienced before.

Teaching Certification from Western Washington University 
Professional Certification and a Masters of Education (M.Ed.) from UW