 Andy Cahn:B.S. Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of TechnologyI found my passion 35 years ago. I was about to enter a Ph.D. program in Chemical Physics when I happened to attend a lecture on how people learn science. The questions posed were so compelling that I switched careers and have been involved in science education ever since. At Chrysalis, I get to excite students about physics, chemistry, meteorology, astronomy, biology, ecology, paleontology, and a host of other topics, often in the course of a single day. I know of no other school where I have the freedom to pursue the interests of each student. My job is to turn those interests into passions. |
 John Shepard:B.A. Foreign Languages and Literature in Spanish with a Russian minor from WSUI’ve been teaching a variety of subjects since I was 14 years old, from swimming to Taekwon-Do, then after college; Spanish, Photography, Photoshop and Russian. I have been teaching at Chrysalis since 1993 and love the freedom that exists to teach openly. Chrysalis allows the students and teachers to build strong rapport, due to it’s emphasis on structuring the curriculum based on the student’s needs and genuinely caring about the the student’s success as a lifetime learner. |
 J.C. Kilmer:B.S. Political Science, Teacher Certification, and Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from the University of WashingtonI taught in the Port Angeles public school system and also focused on students outside the classroom — coaching football, wrestling, and track — as well as youth soccer and YBA basketball. The Chrysalis experience provides me with the opportunity to work individually with students to help each student realize his/her potential. |
 Kari Darvill-Peterson:B.A. Psychology and Spanish and M.Ed. Western Washington UniversityI have taught in a variety of situations from homeschooling to public school and students of widely differing ages and backgrounds. I also lived and worked abroad for 3 years in Germany, Japan and Spain. Chrysalis has been my favorite place to teach as the warm “we’re all in this together” atmosphere and smaller classes mean I have the privilege of getting to know each student well. |
The certified Chrysalis faculty is a diverse group with backgrounds rich in teaching experience. They bring their love of learning and sharing with young people that is truly special. They share common beliefs and work together as a team to make your child’s experience unique and personal. Chrysalis is a state-approved clock hour agency that provides the continuing professional education courses necessary for teachers to maintain current teacher certification. As you will notice below, our teachers have an expertise in all curriculum areas and an average of 12 years teaching experience.
There are teachers on staff certified to teach every required high school subject. There are 36 certified teachers, 18 with master’s degrees. We have 27 teachers who have been at Chrysalis 5 or more years. There are 10 support staff.
| Undergraduate Degree | Graduate Degree | Years at Chrysalis |
Total Years in Profession |
| BA, Art | 21 | 25 | |
| BA, History | MA Teaching | 2 | 3 |
| BS, Chemistry | 7 | 11 | |
| BA, Elementary Education | 3 | 16 | |
| BA, English | 3 | 3 | |
| BS, Speech | MS, Education | 7 | 8 |
| BS, Social Studies Ed, BA, Psychology | 4 | 7 | |
| BS, Education | 8 | 10 | |
| BA, Chemistry, BA studio art | MS, Chemistry, MEd teaching | 2 | 5 |
| BS, Mathematics | MS, Civil Engineer & MBA | 14 | 18 |
| BA, Mathematics | 15 | 22 | |
| BA, Education | MA, Speech | 21 | 19 |
| BS, Sociology | 7 | 34 | |
| BS, Science | 8 | 17 | |
| BS, Math Ed & BS, Science Ed | MA, Chemistry | 20 | 25 |
| BS, Political Science | MA, Education | 15 | 46 |
| BA, Drama | MA, Acting; MA Teaching | 6 | 6 |
| BA, English & Elementary Ed | 5 | 10 | |
| BA, Speech/Communications | MA, Literature | 6 | 20 |
| BA, Spanish | 13 | 18 | |
| BA, Education | MA, Education | 10 | 45 |
| BS, Education | 28 | 34 | |
| BA, Spanish & Psychology | MA, Education | 3 | 13 |
| BA, Education | MA, Natural Science Education | 6 | 23 |
| BA, Elementary Ed & Reading | 6 | 7 | |
| BA, History | 6 | 8 | |
| BS, Fashion Merchandising | 7 | 7 | |
| BA, Art | 13 | 28 | |
| BA, English | MA, Curriculum | 7 | 16 |
| BA, Math | MS, PE | 7 | 36 |
| BA, Comparative Literature | MA, Spanish Language/Lit | 3 | 14 |
| BA, Math | MS, Math | 2 | 35 |
| BA, History | 16 | 21 | |
| BS, Microbiology | MA, Education | 12 | 14 |
| BA, Mathematics | MA, Technology & Education | 11 | 15 |
Every student at Chrysalis benefits from a talented and dynamic team. Many support staff augment the core courses, teaching under the direction of the faculty.
- Computer: We are fortunate to have a talented team of technology experts. They build and maintain our computer network and teach various computer classes.
- Office: As a school we have administrative staff who provide a variety of necessary functions: maintaining records, planning events, managing tuition accounts, managing payable accounts, ordering materials, purchasing supplies, opening and closing the buildings.
- Admissions: Interviewing and processing new students.
- Guidance: Guidance counselor who provides college advising services, manages Learning Addendum Plans and arranges and supervises extended time SAT’s.
- Coaching: Between appointments and classes students have many adults to interact with who provide age appropriate activities and assist with assignments.
Chrysalis is an approved clock hour agency. We offer approved continuing education courses for our teachers. Our current courses include:
- Concept Phonics
- Geography, History and World Literature
- Technology Ethics
- Motivation Breakthrough
- Yoga for Relaxation and Fitness
- Enriching the Brain