Summer Youth Staff
Showcase on Instructors
Nicole Appell
Art Instructor, Elementary
Nicole Appell is a Seattle artist who specializes in working with youth on community art projects. She has taught art at many venues including the Kirkland Arts Center, UW Summer Youth Programs, and Seattle and Lake Washington public schools. In her art studio, Nicole works in paint and canvas, mosaic and mixed media assemblages. Find out more about Nicole on her website.Peter Gruenbaum
Computer Game Programming Instructor, Middle School
Peter Gruenbaum is a technology professional who has taught technology classes for middle and high school students for eight years. His software development experience includes virtual reality, augmented reality, computer-aided design and mobile phones. He has worked for Boeing, Microsoft and several start-ups. His company, SDK Bridge, teaches creative technology classes in Seattle with an emphasis on creating new technology, rather than learning how to use commercial software.Tracy Vicory-Rosenquest
Playwriting Instructor, High School
Tracy Vicory-Rosenquest has been writing and producing her original plays for more than eight years. Tracy's work has been staged by the Seattle Playwrights' Collective and performed at Theatre Puget Sound. Tracy is a member of The Playwrights' Center. She loves teaching and highlights of her experience include ACT Theatre's Young Playwrights Program and Writers in the Schools. Find out more about Tracy on her website.More About Our Staff
An information packet with current bios of all instructors will be sent to program participants in the late spring.
Our innovative instructors, experienced coordinators, and responsible counselors create a memorable summer for students. The staff and instructors for Summer Youth Programs are our biggest assets – bringing specialized skills, enthusiasm and creativity. Each summer, we hire experienced coordinators who specialize in camp management and recreational leadership skills.
Our Instructors are generally certified teachers who work in public or private schools throughout the school year. We also hire noncertified instructors with extensive subject expertise.
Program counselors are often UW undergraduate or graduate students who have experience working with young students.
All counselors and senior staff are CPR and First Aid certified.
The UW Human Resources Department runs background checks on Summer Youth Program staff through the Washington State Patrol.
Staff Bios From 2011 and 2012 Summer Youth Programs
Elementary School Instructor Bios>>