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 has a background in social science research, education, and neuropsychology. Her areas of interest include instructional practice and learning, alternative education, the interaction of education and culture, integrated instruction, and collaboration in the classroom. She brings a range of experience to The BERC Group, including research and clinical practice in the Department of Neurology at the University of Washington and the University of Rochester, serving as Chair of the Humanities and Sciences Department at Cornish College of the Arts, leading high-risk wilderness activities and team-building with adjudicated youth, and serving as an adjunct faculty member at Seattle University. She has taught a number of college level courses, including Cross-Cultural Psychology, Statistics and Research, Psychology of Creativity, and Gender Psychology. Dr. Bachtler has experience developing and implementing curriculum reform and outcome assessments. Her work has also focused on integration of learning across disciplines and collaboration in the classroom. A favorite academic experience along those lines was conducting cultural, psychological, and historical research for theater productions at Cornish College of the Arts, which served as a program model for interdisciplinary education and learning.

Kari M. Peterson is the Director of Research for The BERC Group; she joined The BERC Group in 2006. She has a background in social science and education and has been conducting research in public schools since 2002. Previously, she worked as a Research Associate with the Washington School Research Center (WSRC). While at the WSRC, Dr. Peterson cultivated an interest and expertise in working with large datasets, performing statistical analyses, and writing technical reports. For The BERC Group, Dr. Peterson is involved in developing and leading a variety of program evaluation and research projects. She also leads professional development for teachers around the STAR Protocol and Powerful Teaching and Learning. Dr. Peterson has extensive experience processing and analyzing a variety of data including Powerful Teaching and Learning data, student achievement data, and College Tracking data, among others. Dr. Peterson has had the opportunity to visit thousands of classrooms as part of her work at The BERC Group and is deeply interested in factors that improve student learning in the classroom. She is also very committed to providing schools, districts, and organizations with a useful and objective third-party review of their programs. Her other professional interests include designing evaluation and research projects, survey development, statistical methods and analyses for large datasets, and providing useful feedback to schools regarding program effectiveness.

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."

Ellie Whitehill holds a Masters of Arts in Teaching from Seattle Pacific University and an endorsement in Elementary Education. She has over six years of early education experience, and while completing her undergraduate degree at the University of Washington, she volunteered in afterschool art’s programs in underprivileged communities. Ellie joined the BERC Group in 2006, and her research interests include the effects of curriculum integration on student achievement, pedagogy choices, and after school programs.

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.

Rebecca Goertzel holds a Masters Degree in Educational Administration from the University of Washington and a Residency Principal’s Certificate, as well as a Masters of the Arts in Education from the University of California. She was a principal for eight years, five as an elementary principal in the Sedro-Woolley School District and three as a K-12 principal at the Cloud Forest School in Monteverde, Costa Rica. She brings a wealth of knowledge to the BERC group, being closely involved in the transformation of her school using the STAR Protocol, development of Professional Learning Communities, and leading professional development at the district and school site level. She also has years of experience in bilingual, multi-cultural education and English as a Second Language.

Dr. Kahlil Ford is a Research Associate with The BERC Group, Inc. Dr. Ford completed his undergraduate degree at the University of California, Riverside and his doctorate at the University of Michigan. While working at research centers at the University of Michigan and New York University, Dr. Ford developed expertise in managing databases, research methods, and statistical analyses. He has also taught a number of college level courses, including Developmental Psychology, Personality Psychology, and Introduction to Psychology.

Greg Toledo holds a Masters Degree in Cultural Anthropology from Western Washington University where he focused on qualitative research methods, immigration patterns, and second-generation American success. Before working with The BERC Group, Greg conducted Customer Insight Research in the health and wellness industry. Specifically, he used mixed methods to evaluate programs, develop reporting tools, improve the coach and client experience, and maximize client success. Greg’s education experience is in post-secondary, outdoor education and residential treatment facilities for emotionally and developmentally disabled youth. Greg joined The BERC Group in 2012.

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 Masters in Education from Western Carolina University. Her program was Two-Year College Instruction in Psychology. Prior to joining The BERC Group as a Research Assistant, she taught at Washington State Community College in Ohio, as well as Garrett College in Maryland. Specific courses she taught include Intro to Psychology, Educational Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, and Conflict Management and Resolution. She also worked as a Research Assistant for Western Carolina University in their psychology department. She is excited to be a part of The BERC Group and continue her career in education!

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.

Casey holds a Bachelors of Arts in Anthropology from the University of Washington. She has conducted research at the Pike Market Senior Center, where she studied the relationship between the Pike Place Market and the Senior Center. Her favorite part of research is meeting new people and listening to their interesting stories. A lifelong resident of the Northwest, she enjoys hiking, playing softball, and playing the violin. Casey is excited to use her passion for research in education.

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 has been serving as the Director of Information Systems for The BERC Group, Inc. since 2009. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Business Administration, Management Information Systems from the University of Washington. His career in the field of technology began at the University of Washington where he worked at the Information Systems helpdesk counter while studying for his undergrad. Since then, Todd worked in operations for a mobile software venture, was a business analyst and project manager at a marketing consulting and technology development agency, and was a quality control technician and the lead technologist at a precision manufacturing firm. Following these, he founded a digital agency for small businesses, before taking his current position with The BERC Group. Todd is passionate about making technology a strategic element of the business. Todd has been instrumental in developing technologies for The BERC Group to improve internal operations and support evaluation and instructional consulting work in the field.

Tyler Kopet holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Eastern Washington University. Tyler has held various roles in the field of finance over the past 18 years. For the last 12 years, he has worked in the executive management capacity as the Chief Financial Officer in both the service and construction industries. He is a well-seasoned manager in Finance, Accounting, Human Resources, Information Technology, and Risk Management. He enjoys integrating these cross functional services with business operations and sales.

Kathy Christopher’s father was a Major in the U.S. Air Force, and subsequently she attended school in many diverse locations, including Tacoma, Washington; Germany; Duluth, Minnesota; Reno, Nevada; and finally Yakima, Washington. Eventually she attended Yakima Valley Community College. Prior to working with The BERC Group, Kathy co-owned and operated a Dairy Queen for 24 years. Kathy was also part-time volunteer classroom assistant and youth group leader as her own children progressed through school.