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: kelsey.stewart@embracelearning.org

Kelsey is the Program Director at our Tacoma location. She joined ELI as a BESS in May 2023 and started student teaching in July 2023 while pursuing her Bachelor's in Special Education and Elementary Education with Dual Licensure. Her dream is to be an elementary special education teacher, and she loves working with students at ELI.

Kelsey is Right Response trained and has been recognized by Western Governors University for her academic excellence. She is passionate about connecting behavior and academics, always finding new ways to engage her students. Seeing the children grow and achieve their goals inspires her to help each student reach their full potential.

Outside of work, Kelsey is a busy mother of three, juggling football, cheer-leading, basketball, gymnastics, and baseball activities. This lively routine keeps her happy and energized, reflecting her dedication both at home and in her career.

Contact:  julene.kaufusi@embracelearning.org

Julene is a certified educator with 15 years of teaching experience. She has worked in both general education and special education settings, including teaching Health & Physical Education and managing self-contained classrooms and behavior unit classrooms with a focus on individualized goals. Originally from Nampa, Idaho, Julene competed in track & field, earning a full scholarship for pole vaulting at Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah, where she also completed her Bachelor’s in Education.

After obtaining her degree, Julene pursued a career in Special Education, driven by her passion for helping students reach their full potential and advocating for their needs. She is currently a General Education/Special Education Teacher's Assistant at the Bellevue Embrace Learning Institute Site.

Outside of her professional life, Julene is a busy wife and mother of three beautiful children. She and her family enjoy staying active in the outdoors, traveling, having family game nights, and engaging in various hobbies. As a dedicated, passionate, and charismatic teacher, Julene deeply cares about the success of each and every one of her 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: cameron.kortlever@embracelearning.org

Cameron’s approach is deeply influenced by behaviorism, cognitive behavioral health, Internal Family Systems, dialectical behavior therapy, trauma-informed care, and a clear understanding of his own strengths and limitations. Having lived with undiagnosed OCD, he truly understands what it’s like to feel strongly about something without having the words to express it to adults. He is passionate about deconstructing expectations and reworking them until everyone’s needs are met. Cameron believes all kids can learn—it’s just a matter of customizing the material. He teaches students from kindergarten through seventh grade and has been working with kids for six years. Cameron is a certified Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) and trained in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in Applied Behavior Analysis.

As someone who grew up with special needs that weren’t always met, Cameron is passionate about ensuring that every child gets the support they deserve. Even the smallest accommodations can completely change a child’s outlook on school and life. He loves getting creative and exploring ways to make learning accessible and enjoyable. Cameron strongly believes in trauma-informed care and the importance of meeting kids where they are. Every child deserves to feel safe, understood, and supported in their learning journey. For him, the process is always more important than the product—helping kids develop confidence, resilience, and a love for themselves matters more than any final outcome.

Cameron originally wanted to be a fashion designer, and his love for fashion and sewing has never faded. He makes most of his clothes, either by hemming or upcycling. In his free time, he enjoys thrifting, going to shows, sewing, and designing. Cameron also does freelance consulting, tutoring, and social coaching. Outside of work, he loves going to estate sales, collecting vintage jewelry, and hunting for vintage luggage—he has already gathered a few pieces and hopes to add more to the collection.

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.