Meet the Teachers

Julia, Pre-K Co-Teacher & Director

In addition to her role as the Director, Julia co-teaches in the Pre-K classroom with Debra. Julia joined the Day School in 2019 as the Director and primary substitute teacher. She holds a Child Development Associates and Primary Montessori Teaching Certificate with specializations in pre-kindergarten education, child psychology, and neuro-diverse practices. She has worked in early childhood settings for over 18 years, as both teacher and administrator, primarily serving non-profit schools in Kitsap County. This is her sixth school year at St. Barnabas.

Debra, Pre-K & Preschool Teacher

Debra joined the St. Barnabas community in 2016 as a parent and substitute teacher. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, with a specialization in grades birth-3rd grade. She taught 1st grade to second language learners in Phoenix for several years before moving to Washington. She has previously been certified as an outdoor educator and is an active Girl Scout leader. This is her eigth year co-teaching in the Pre-K classroom, and her second year teaching in the Preschool classroom, at St. Barnabas.

Judi, Preschool Teacher

Judi has decades of experience working with children, in a variety of capacities; teaching music, as a preschool teacher and director, and so much more.  Judi brings with her a wealth of creativity and a passion for nurturing young minds. Judi first joined us in the 2024-2025 school year as a Music Specialist and Substitute Teacher. This will be Judi’s first year as a Preschool Teacher at St. Barnabas Day School.

Christine, Barnabear Teacher & Preschool and Pre-K Assistant Teacher

Christine Gleason has a Bachelor’s in Science from New York University and a Masters Degree in Social Work from the University of Washington with a focus on Direct Practice with Children and Families and Children’s Mental Health. She was a School Social Worker teaching social skills and working with children with special needs. She also volunteered at several elementary schools supporting students with reading and math. While this is her first year as a Teacher at St. Barnabas Day School, she brings with her a wealth of experience working with children and families; and is excited to incorporate that into the classrooms. 

Deanna, Substitute Teacher

Deanna first joined the Day School community in 2020 as a parent, and joined us in 2024 as a Substitute Teacher. Deanna is also an active volunteer with Bainbridge Island School District. This will be Deanna’s third year as Substitute Teacher at St. Barnabas Day School.

Karey, Substitute Teacher

Karey first joined the Day School community in 2018 as a parent. Since Karey has volunteered at the school, been our favorite school photographer, and joined us in 2022 as a Preschool Teacher. Karey has years of experience working with children and their families through her photography business and while volunteering with Bainbridge Island School District. She graduated in 2002 from Brooks Institute of Photography. This will be Karey’s fourth year at St. Barnabas Day School.

*We are working hard on our website, and Teacher Bios and Photos are in the process of being updated. Thank you for your patience and understanding as we update this page. Please reach out to us at DaySchoolDirector@gmail.com with any questions about our teaching staff and their experience.