My name is Annika Sgambelluri and I have been teaching Multilingual Learners in Seattle Public Schools since 2011. I am a native Washingtonian and attended Western Washington University for my undergraduate degree and the University of Washington for my Masters in Teaching. Prior to teaching, I worked in non-profit administration at the UW. I love to travel with my family, including my two kids, and learn about all the amazing cultures in the world. I’ve been to over 25 different countries and four continents. When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me planning my next trip, learning Spanish, running around Green Lake, or hiking in our amazing Pacific Northwest mountains.
My name is Katie Sowers (aka “Ms. Sowers”) and I am thrilled to be a part of the James Baldwin
Elementary team as a .5 Resource Teacher! Between teaching and parenting I have been a
community member of over 15 Seattle Public Schools, elementary through high school. Most
recently I have been teaching a Focus K-5 Moderate to Intensive program, but I have taught in
every Special Education program offered by SPS.
My background is in theatre, music, and yoga. I have lived in 10 different states in the U.S. I
have also lived and worked in India, England, Egypt and Mexico (where I learned to speak
Spanish). My family history encompasses a range of neurodiversity and my own children have
IEPs. The variety of my experiences has cultivated a deep love for humanity. I approach each
student with a strength- based mindset and an open heart. I feel so lucky to learn from students
with such a wide range of gifts!
