BROWSE PROFILES OF OUR TEAM

Duane Baker is the founder and president of Baker Evaluation, Research, and Consulting, Inc (The BERC Group). Dr. Baker has a broad spectrum of public school educational and program experience, including serving as a high school classroom teacher, high school assistant principal, middle school principal, executive director for curriculum and instruction, and assistant superintendent. In addition, he has served as an adjunct instructor in the School of Education at Seattle Pacific University since 1996, where his emphasis has been Educational Measurement and Evaluation and Classroom Assessment.

Dr. Baker also serves as the Director of Research for the Washington School Research Center at Seattle Pacific University. He has also served as an evaluator for several organizations including the United States Department of Education, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Washington Education Foundation, Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, and many others.

Members of The BERC Group have K–20, experiences as teachers, counselors, psychologists, building administrators, district administrators, and college professors. The team is currently working on research and evaluation projects at the national, state, regional, district, school, classroom, and student levels in over 1,000 schools nationally.

Candace Gratama holds a doctorate in education from Seattle Pacific University. She joined The BERC Group in 2001, after almost ten years at the University of Washington where she was responsible for coordinating the Neuropsychology testing program for multi-site research studies in the areas of Epilepsy, HIV, and Neurosurgery. She has been an examiner and trainer for these multi-site studies and has coordinated test-scoring contracts for several large pharmaceutical companies. Dr. Gratama has worked as a school counselor and is presently an adjunct professor at Seattle Pacific University.

Dr. Gratama is the Executive Vice President for The BERC Group and serves as the primary investigator for multiple research and evaluation projects, and she has been central in the development of the STAR Classroom Observation Protocol. Dr. Gratama's research interests include program evaluation, college readiness, student assessment, and school reform.

Shawn Bachtler is an educator and psychologist who joined The BERC Group after more than six years in the Department of Neurology at the University of Washington and adjunct faculty member at Seattle University. She also presently serves as the Chair of the Humanities and Sciences Department at Cornish College of the Arts.

She has developed and implemented curriculum reform and revised outcome assessments at the college level. Her work has addressed the integration of learning across disciplines and collaboration in the classroom.

Dr. Bachtler’s research and teaching interests include: neurological aspects of cognitive processing, creative and generative processes, cross-cultural and gender issues. She also conducts cultural, psychological, and historical research for theater productions at Cornish, which serves as a program model for interdisciplinary education and learning at the college.

Kari M. Peterson holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Seattle Pacific University. Previously, Kari worked as a Research Associate with the Washington School Research Center. She has also worked as a sub-contractor in evaluating the Achievement First Initiative sponsored by the Bills and Melinda Gates Foundation. Most recently, Kari completed a clinical internship at Wasatch Mental Health in Provo, Utah. Kari’s research and professional interests include program evaluation, investigation of risk and protective factors involved in predicting childhood disorders, and sports psychology.

Connie Thompson holds a Ph.D. in Counseling Education from Seattle Pacific University where she also worked as a Research Assistant. Prior to working for The BERC Group, Connie worked as a school counselor and brings a wide range of expertise. Dr. Thompson’s research and professional interests include program evaluation, school reform, student assessment, risk and protective factors in individuals exposed to violence, social development and health risk behavior, and psychological health and well-being.

Lea Bachman holds a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from the University of Denver. She joined The BERC Group after 10 years as a clinical psychologist. She previously served as Director of Assessment at the San Francisco Veterans Administration Medical Center where she also taught pre and post-doctoral students in medicine and psychology. She subsequently worked in the Regional Epilepsy Center at Harborview Medical Center. Dr. Bachman’s research focused on assessment of disease states on cognitive function and on the development of assessment tools. Her current interests include college readiness and the assessment of learning.

Brinton (Brinnie) S. Ramsey is a Research Associate at The BERC Group where she conducts research and evaluation on school reform issues. A former Peace Corps volunteer (Thailand) and now an anthropologist and educator, Brinnie served three years as Director of Documentation at the Coalition for Essential Schools Northwest in Seattle, WA where she conducted ethnographic research on school reform issues. Before moving to Seattle, Brinnie worked for eleven years as a project manager and consultant to educational non-profits in Washington, D.C., Dallas, TX, and New York City in the areas of whole school reform, diversity in higher education, and museum education. Brinnie is the author of several reports, monographs, and case studies on aspects of small school re-design and school district reform. She holds a Masters in International Education from American University, a Masters in Anthropology from the University of Texas, and has completed 65 hours towards a PhD in Applied Anthropology (with a focus on Education) at Teachers College, Columbia University.

Beth holds a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies from University of Washington’s College of Education. She most recently worked as a postdoctoral research associate for the Center for the Study of Teaching and Policy at U.W., examining the quality and effects of professional learning opportunities aimed directly at the improvement of teaching and learning. In addition to her recent book, Teachers’ Professional Learning in the Context of High School Reform (2008, Stuttgart: Verlag Press), she has published recent articles on this and other professional development topics in the School Administrator, The Journal of Staff Development, and the American Educational Research Journal (forthcoming). After completing her undergraduate degree at Wellesley College, Beth served in the Peace Corps in Mauritania, West Africa, and then began her teaching career as a middle school teacher in Columbus, Ohio.

Jim Grothe holds a Masters in Education degree from Central Washington University. He brings a wealth of knowledge to The BERC Group with 32 years of teaching experience. In addition to "Powerful Teaching and Learning," Jim is trained in "The Art and Science of Professional Teaching," and NSRC/STC Hands on Science. He also developed and shared a district-wide management system for individualizing the teaching of reading. In addition, Jim trained high school cross-age tutors and community volunteer tutors to work with students in reading classes, piloted social studies, math, and language arts curriculum adoptions and helped align district math curriculum to state "Grade Level Expectations."

Sarah holds a Master’s Degree in Education with an emphasis in Special Education from the University of Tennessee, and is a certified teacher and reading specialist. Before joining The BERC Group, Sarah worked for more than 12 years as a teacher and administrator in public, private, residential, and clinical settings. She has designed curriculums and program evaluations, conducted diagnostic assessments, developed action plans for School Improvement committees, trained education professionals in data- and research- based practice, and supervised teacher interns. Sarah’s professional and research interests include the neuropsychology of cognition and learning, language acquisition, and best practices in addressing social and executive functioning in individuals with behavioral or developmental impairments.

Vicki Pettiross is a Research Associate at The BERC Group. After 12 years as a classroom teacher, serving as an innovative leader in the use of technology in instruction and alternative assessment and coaching teachers, she began her doctoral work in education. She is currently nearing the completion of her Doctorate in Teaching and Learning through Seattle Pacific University. Her educational adventures have taken her to Russia to study education and to present at international education conferences. She has locally worked to produce an International Educational Symposium through the Center for Global Curriculum Studies, coordinating and collaborating with professionals in K-20 education from 10 countries. She has collaborated with University of Washington faculty on evaluating and designing science curricula aligned with the state EALRs. Her professional interests include teacher collaboration, curriculum integration, preservice teacher education, and global communities.

Ellie Whitehill graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in Interdisciplinary Visual Arts. She has more than six years experience in Early Education and was recently accepted into the Masters of Art in Teaching program at Seattle Pacific University. A veteran BERC Group employee, Ellie works as a Research Assistant aiding in evaluation projects.

Cami L. Ulrich is currently enrolled in the Master of Education in School Counseling program at Seattle Pacific University. In Fall 2009, she will begin a 600-hour School Counseling internship working at an elementary school in the Highline School District. She joined the BERC Group in 2008, and has previously worked on various research projects at Seattle Pacific University while obtaining her undergraduate degree in Psychology.

Sarah Brenner holds a Master of Education in School Counseling from Seattle Pacific University and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and English from John Carroll University. Sarah’s educational work experience includes Social Work (Children and Family Services, Shelter for Runaway Teens, Mental Health Facility for Children and Domestic Violence Center), Case Manager for a middle school re-entry program, and completing a 600+ hour internship at a middle school in the Seattle Public School District. Sarah’s research interests include college readiness, school counseling, and equity in education.

Lisa Goetz holds a Masters of Education degree in School Counseling from Seattle Pacific University. She has worked and volunteered in many educational and extracurricular settings involving children and youth, including a 600-hour school counseling internship at a high-need elementary school in the Edmonds School District. While earning her undergraduate degree from the University of Washington, Lisa participated in a variety of research projects through the School of Psychology. She joined The BERC Group as a Research Assistant in 2010 and is excited to be involved in educational research at a pivotal time in school reform. Lisa’s research interests include program evaluation, equity in education, and risk and resiliency factors in predicting students’ personal, social and academic success.

Lauren Lefebure earned her undergraduate degree, a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a Minor in Psychology from East Carolina University in 2003. By 2006, she earned her Master of Arts and Education in Two-Year College Instruction in Psychology from Western Carolina University. For the past three years, she has taught as an adjunct Instructor of Psychology in 100- and 200-level courses in such areas as Abnormal, Educational, and General Psychology, Conflict Management and Resolution, and Sociology.

Jeff Whitehill holds a Bachelor of Arts in Latin American Studies from the University of Washington. He focused his studies on international development policies and practices. Jeff returned from the Peace Corps (Kazakhstan) in 2009 with a passion for education. As a Peace Corps volunteer, Jeff taught English in a village secondary school to students from 3rd to 11th grade. During this time he received training in communicative teaching methods and the Russian language. Jeff joined The BERC Group in 2010.

Morgan Sullivan graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Communications. With more than six years experience in early childhood development, Morgan enjoys working in education. Since joining The BERC Group, Morgan has conducted many classroom observation studies, has researched high school outcomes and college readiness and has created professional development materials. Morgan plans to pursue a Masters in Education in the near future.

Marcie Muehlke holds a bachelor’s degree from Brown University and is currently earning her Master in Business Administration (MBA) at UMASS Amherst. Between college and graduate school Marcie was the Assistant Project Director for a Native Hawaiian Grant aimed at recruiting, training, and retaining great teachers for Waianae High School in Hawaii. In this position she worked closely with teachers, administrators, and community groups and managed grant logistics, data, and reports. Marcie plans to continue in the field of education after earning her degree.

Alan M. Weiss is a seasoned educator, with 42 years of experience in the public education arena. He holds a Masters in Biology from the University of South Dakota and has completed 30 credits toward an Ed. D in Educational Leadership. Alan started in the classroom, passionately teaching Biology for 17 years. From the classroom, his skills led him to the opportunity to serve as an Administrator for the Miami Dade County Public School System. It was there that Alan served and learned in diverse, challenging positions: Assistant Principal, Supervisor of the Gifted Programs, Executive Director Office of Personnel Management and Services, District Director of Office of Curriculum and Instruction, and Founding Principal of The New World School of The Arts. After 30 years of service, Alan “retired” from the Miami Dade County System and moved to Edmonds, Washington where he quickly “unretired.” As principal of Edmonds-Woodway High School he established an International Baccalaureate program that served over 30% of the student population. Alan’s professional interests include standards-based instruction and program evaluation. Alan is enthusiastic about sharing his many years of experience in ways to help you meet your public education challenges.

Dr. Butler's career in education spans more than 30 years, including eight years as a principal in Edmonds and eight years as an assistant superintendent in Wenatchee. Butler also taught music for 12 years and served as an assistant principal/athletic director in Northshore for three years.

In addition to her role as an affiliate with the BERC Group, Jeanine has spent the last 4 years as a District and School Improvement Facilitator and the last two years as a coach for the Washington State Leadership Academy. She also supervises the Washington State University principal certification program in Wenatchee.

Butler received her Ph.D. from the University of Washington and is a lifetime member of the Husky Marching Band!

Working in educational and professional video and media production for the last nine years, Cameron brings wide range of technical knowledge and experience to The BERC Group. Cameron has worked as the Audio / Video Specialist for Seattle Pacific University, a video editor and camera operator for Take Two Film and Video and a independent video producer for various school districts and non-profit organizations. Cameron holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in Theater Arts from Seattle Pacific University.

Growing up with a father who worked in the Audio/Visual field, Ian Knippel has been immersed in this line of work from a very young age. The abilities and experience he brings to The BERC Group are drawn from his professional background as well as his many personal endeavors. While living in Portland, OR he worked for Becker Production, a prominent multimedia production and staging house. He has directed music videos for local bands and been the cinematographer for short films. He now enjoys putting these skills to use for The BERC Group.

Todd Huotari holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Management Information Systems from the University of Washington. As an entrepreneur, Todd has acquired a deep knowledge of business operations, technology, marketing and management. Todd’s passion is making technology a strategic element of business and is excited to take on new challenges with The BERC Group. Outside of work, Todd likes to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, is a Search and Rescue volunteer for Snohomish County, and practices photography.

Holly Ramsay has extensive experience in the Finance and Human Resources disciplines in public and private sectors, including education, software development, electronic manufacturing, and mortgage banking. Before joining The BERC Group, Holly spent twenty years working in accounting departments in the capacity of staff- and payroll-accountant, with increasing levels of responsibility in human resources, most recently serving as a Director of Human Resources for a privately held globally positioned software company. Holly’s areas of professional interest include employee relations, staff retention and recognition, policy and procedures development, and financial analysis.