Meet the Robert Williams School of Arts & Sciences
GABRIEL MILES - FOUNDER OF RWSAS
I grew up in Westchester County, NY and received a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in NYC and an MS in Art Education from Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY. I am WA State certified, K - 12 with an endorsement in Visual Arts. I have taught students in age from preschool through adults, in both the public and private school setting as well as at community centers, non profit organizations, museums and taught art to children, ages 7 – 18, with Down Syndrome and other special needs. I have taught 2-D; mixed media, watercolor, acrylic, pastels, colored pencils, charcoal, printmaking, etc. 3-D; book binding, clay, plaster, mixed media sculptures (recycled materials).
I moved to Bellingham in 2003 with my husband, Joe, and our two dogs. We welcomed our first child in March 2008, she is now in middle school. We love the great outdoors, especially the beaches, hiking and camping and always bringing along a sketchbook or camera.
In 2010 I created the toddler art program that was offered at the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) which is part of the Whatcom Museum at the Lightcatcher building. In 2012 I opened Gabriel’s Art Kids and I haven't looked back since! I love my school, my students and families and most of all my teachers, all of who help to make GAK what it is !
I grew up in Westchester County, NY and received a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in NYC and an MS in Art Education from Syracuse University in Syracuse, NY. I am WA State certified, K - 12 with an endorsement in Visual Arts. I have taught students in age from preschool through adults, in both the public and private school setting as well as at community centers, non profit organizations, museums and taught art to children, ages 7 – 18, with Down Syndrome and other special needs. I have taught 2-D; mixed media, watercolor, acrylic, pastels, colored pencils, charcoal, printmaking, etc. 3-D; book binding, clay, plaster, mixed media sculptures (recycled materials).
I moved to Bellingham in 2003 with my husband, Joe, and our two dogs. We welcomed our first child in March 2008, she is now in middle school. We love the great outdoors, especially the beaches, hiking and camping and always bringing along a sketchbook or camera.
In 2010 I created the toddler art program that was offered at the Family Interactive Gallery (FIG) which is part of the Whatcom Museum at the Lightcatcher building. In 2012 I opened Gabriel’s Art Kids and I haven't looked back since! I love my school, my students and families and most of all my teachers, all of who help to make GAK what it is !
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JENNIFER LINDSTROM
UPPER ELEMENTARY TEACHER Jennifer Lindstrom has a Bachelor's degree in Art Education with an emphasis in Painting from San Francisco State University. After graduating she moved back to Los Angeles to be closer to family, where she is a proud Auntie of 5 nieces and nephews. She went into education running an after school tutoring program for elementary students and on the side she and her husband volunteered at a nonprofit program called LA Works where they painted murals at schools in the LA Unified School District. She then moved on to have an interior design painting business working in Malibu, CA and spent time as a set painter for the movie industry. After moving to Bellingham and working for GAK, Jennifer is finally able to bring her two passions together, working with kids and a love of art. With the expansion of our new school, Jennifer has taken on the challenge of being the main teacher of our new elementary school, along with co teacher Xan and specialty music teachers Julie and Spanish teacher David. |
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MOLLY FURGUSON
LOWER ELEMENTARY TEACHER Greetings! My name is Molly Ferguson and I’ve spent my life calling Bellingham home. Early on, I found myself drawn to art - taking long-forgotten and miscellaneous items, I would construct creatures to line the kitchen windowsill. Today, my love for creating has carried on into my adult life and career. I attended Western Washington University where I became a certified elementary educator while majoring in art education. Art and working with children are my two greatest passions, which led me to the Robert Williams School of Arts and Sciences (RWS). Since I began working here, I've grown significantly as an instructor and an artist and I’m excited to continue my journey. Being surrounded by those who share similar passions is inspiring and I feel lucky to work with such amazing people. Beyond RWS, I spend a lot of time outdoors. You may find me walking the harbor, birdwatching, or visiting the beach. I also like to read, spend time with my family, and play card games. If you have any questions about me, feel free to ask! |
XAN JONHSON
UPPER ELEMENTARY TEACHER
Xan Johnson has lived in Bellingham for 20 years, starting her education career in the Outdoor Education BA program at Huxley College.
Though her love of art started with music and theater in her youth in Tacoma, she has been teaching in public schools since 2004, and as an ELL Specialist for 10 years serving multilingual populations in Skagit and Whatcom counties.
Endorsed in TESOL, Elementary Education and Middle School Science, Xan is thrilled to be coming full circle to a new position that combines art, education, and science, with rock-star co-teacher Jen and a talented and dedicated staff. Xan spends most of her time attempting the Art of Parenting, joyously stumbling through life with Aurora (9), Marina (6), her husband JR and 2 hound dogs Tyrone and Acai
UPPER ELEMENTARY TEACHER
Xan Johnson has lived in Bellingham for 20 years, starting her education career in the Outdoor Education BA program at Huxley College.
Though her love of art started with music and theater in her youth in Tacoma, she has been teaching in public schools since 2004, and as an ELL Specialist for 10 years serving multilingual populations in Skagit and Whatcom counties.
Endorsed in TESOL, Elementary Education and Middle School Science, Xan is thrilled to be coming full circle to a new position that combines art, education, and science, with rock-star co-teacher Jen and a talented and dedicated staff. Xan spends most of her time attempting the Art of Parenting, joyously stumbling through life with Aurora (9), Marina (6), her husband JR and 2 hound dogs Tyrone and Acai
JULIE
MUSIC TEACHER
Julie Lewis is a new Bellingham resident. She has previously been teaching at independent studios, afterschool programs, and private locations for music, voice, piano, guitar, theater, art and dance in the LA area. She is a well rounded performer and educator and a proud member of AEA - the theater actor's union, AOSA – Orff Level 3 and CMN – the children’s music network. She has been a teacher for over 20 years, in a variety of settings. Her experience with children spans years of full-time pre-school and pre-kindergarten programs, after school programs for ages 6-12, full time integrated classroom for grades K-2, youth outreach visiting artist in schools and theater programs, party clowning and special needs education with children on the spectrums.
Julie traveled the world at a young age, as a military offspring. She began singing and performing in stage productions at the age of 11. After attending high school in North Pole, Alaska, she moved to Seattle, where she continued to reside on and off for more than a decade. She traveled gradually down the California coast in search of warmer weather, finally landing in LA. She has also lived in NYC and Japan following her performing work. Performing, she has been in numerous regional plays and musicals, was a member of improv group - Playback Theater Northwest for three years, has sung in many bands, choirs and an acapella group (featured on NPR in November 2008) and for various recordings of up and coming musicals (such as The Spirit Warrior's Dream - CD release October 2008 and the Burning Opera-CD release 2011). Favorite roles include Cruella DeVille (East Coast TYA tour), Edwin (The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Summer Rep at the JC 2007) and Tap Dancing Orca Whale #3 (Village Theater in Seattle) She has also directed, music directed and choreographed a number of musicals with children in Washington and Northern California and co-founded a theater company in 2012. Most recently she has finished her first children’s album, “Shhh” a lullaby collection and looks forward to making more.
With so many adventures possible, it's always hard to choose, but Julie is grateful for the many opportunities that her work and travels in the arts has brought her and highly values each community and every family she encounters. She is working on ways to stay present in the moment, and making the time and space to manage and prep her many "amazing collections" of art/sewing supplies, musical instruments, theatrical props/costumes/wigs and jewelry making materials in her new Bellingham home, shared with her loving partner of twelve years.
MUSIC TEACHER
Julie Lewis is a new Bellingham resident. She has previously been teaching at independent studios, afterschool programs, and private locations for music, voice, piano, guitar, theater, art and dance in the LA area. She is a well rounded performer and educator and a proud member of AEA - the theater actor's union, AOSA – Orff Level 3 and CMN – the children’s music network. She has been a teacher for over 20 years, in a variety of settings. Her experience with children spans years of full-time pre-school and pre-kindergarten programs, after school programs for ages 6-12, full time integrated classroom for grades K-2, youth outreach visiting artist in schools and theater programs, party clowning and special needs education with children on the spectrums.
Julie traveled the world at a young age, as a military offspring. She began singing and performing in stage productions at the age of 11. After attending high school in North Pole, Alaska, she moved to Seattle, where she continued to reside on and off for more than a decade. She traveled gradually down the California coast in search of warmer weather, finally landing in LA. She has also lived in NYC and Japan following her performing work. Performing, she has been in numerous regional plays and musicals, was a member of improv group - Playback Theater Northwest for three years, has sung in many bands, choirs and an acapella group (featured on NPR in November 2008) and for various recordings of up and coming musicals (such as The Spirit Warrior's Dream - CD release October 2008 and the Burning Opera-CD release 2011). Favorite roles include Cruella DeVille (East Coast TYA tour), Edwin (The Mystery of Edwin Drood - Summer Rep at the JC 2007) and Tap Dancing Orca Whale #3 (Village Theater in Seattle) She has also directed, music directed and choreographed a number of musicals with children in Washington and Northern California and co-founded a theater company in 2012. Most recently she has finished her first children’s album, “Shhh” a lullaby collection and looks forward to making more.
With so many adventures possible, it's always hard to choose, but Julie is grateful for the many opportunities that her work and travels in the arts has brought her and highly values each community and every family she encounters. She is working on ways to stay present in the moment, and making the time and space to manage and prep her many "amazing collections" of art/sewing supplies, musical instruments, theatrical props/costumes/wigs and jewelry making materials in her new Bellingham home, shared with her loving partner of twelve years.
DAVID MORENO
SPANISH TEACHER
David was born and raised in Southern California before moving north to the San Francisco bay area. His family emigrated from México and maintains close family relations to his more than 20 first cousins and two brothers living there. Spanish is his first language, and he understands the challenges and, more importantly, the benefits of bilingualism/ multilingualism for learners of all ages.
In Northern California, he began working as a High School Spanish teacher and an athletics coach. He has also worked in Middle School and Elementary classrooms providing support for students with special needs and learners of English as a second language. He received an AA in Political Science from Berkeley City College and recently completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Washington University.
David moved to Bellingham a few years ago and lives with his wife and two young daughters. They enjoy spending time at parks, hiking the trails all around town, and laughing mightily at life’s funny moments. At home, you will find him happiest in the kitchen (that’s where the food is, duh), or in the garden (because that’s where it grows) hands deep in soil. He believes that creating art is a Super Power, and he is excited to see his students use those strengths as they acquire Spanish at Gabriel’s Art Kids..
SPANISH TEACHER
David was born and raised in Southern California before moving north to the San Francisco bay area. His family emigrated from México and maintains close family relations to his more than 20 first cousins and two brothers living there. Spanish is his first language, and he understands the challenges and, more importantly, the benefits of bilingualism/ multilingualism for learners of all ages.
In Northern California, he began working as a High School Spanish teacher and an athletics coach. He has also worked in Middle School and Elementary classrooms providing support for students with special needs and learners of English as a second language. He received an AA in Political Science from Berkeley City College and recently completed his Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Washington University.
David moved to Bellingham a few years ago and lives with his wife and two young daughters. They enjoy spending time at parks, hiking the trails all around town, and laughing mightily at life’s funny moments. At home, you will find him happiest in the kitchen (that’s where the food is, duh), or in the garden (because that’s where it grows) hands deep in soil. He believes that creating art is a Super Power, and he is excited to see his students use those strengths as they acquire Spanish at Gabriel’s Art Kids..
