Teaching Staff

Contact: ashley.urs@embracelearning.org

Ashley is a certified special education teacher with a Bachelor's degree in Education, a minor in Special Education, and a Master's degree in Psychology. Originally from Tacoma, WA, she graduated from Curtis High School before serving four years in the Marine Corps. 

Currently, she serves as a Program Director at ELI, where she collaborates closely with teachers and Behavior Support Specialists (BESS) to ensure that students receive an individualized and well-designed education tailored to their unique needs and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). These students continuously inspire her to strive for excellence, and she is confident that this is exactly where she is meant to be.

Contact: telisa.reed@embracelearning.org

Telisa brings with her over 20 years of dedicated service in the areas of instructional and systems leadership, organizational effectiveness, accountability, and special education.  Her educational journey has allowed her to support students in rural, suburban, and urban districts across the country. Originally from South Carolina, she began her career as a substitute and para educator. After tapping into her love for watching students learn and grow, she began teaching special education where she worked with students experiencing extreme emotional and behavioral disabilities. She has held multiple positions in Washington, Colorado, and Indiana as an Assistant Principal, Principal, Director of Special Education, Director of Assessment and Accountability, Executive Director of School Performance, Chief Human Resources and Equity Officer, and Superintendent of Schools. Telisa is recognized for her impeccable ability to strategically improve academic achievement by creating effective organizational systems that reinforce equity and excellence as well as developing and implementing sustainable, research based, school improvement strategies that produce high performing school systems. Highly passionate and laser focused on doing what’s right for students. 

Contact: fonatee.burlingame@embracelearning.org

Michele has ten years of teaching experience since earning her B.A. in Secondary Education with a specialization in English Language Arts and Reading for grades 8-12. She is also certified to teach English as a Second Language for grades 4-12.

Michele has had the immense honor of working with students from Texas to now Washington. Upon her arrival in Washington State, she worked at Westside School in West Seattle as a 7th and 8th grade Language Arts teacher. This past summer, she received a call from the Embrace Learning Institute and was happy to accept, having heard such wonderful reports about the students and the many opportunities the school offers for learning and growth.

Currently, Michele is working on her Master’s Degree in Instructional Design and Technology, hoping to further use her degree for the benefit of the students at Embrace!

Contact: bernie.garza@embracelearning.org

Bernabe Garza Jr. is a teacher at Embrace Learning who is passionate about creating an inclusive and supportive learning environment for all students. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Physical Education/Minor Biblical Studies, graduating summa cum laude, and has experience working with students across various grade levels.

Bernabe’s dedication to working with children with special needs stems from his background in education, coaching, and behavioral health. He previously worked for a behavioral health organization, where he supported students with a wide range of disabilities, both verbal and nonverbal, helping them navigate behaviors and develop essential skills. At Embrace Learning, he not only teaches but also supports students, staff, and anyone who needs assistance, fostering a collaborative and welcoming environment.

Outside of work, Bernabe is a competitive athlete who enjoys staying active through sports, coaching, and refereeing. In his free time, he loves spending time outdoors, staying involved in athletics, and finding creative ways to make learning engaging for his students.