Our Mission
Experiences Shape the Mind
Our mission is to empower student independence by offering experiential learning opportunities that are directly aligned with real-world applications. We are committed to fostering intellectual engagement, cultivating critical thinking skills, and encouraging the pursuit of individual passions as integral components of holistic education.
Meet The Team
Steve Waterman
Steve is the founder of Modern Minds, a lifetime educator, and enthusiast of learning in fun ways! He was inspired by his own children to think outside the box and help kids make sense of the world around them through engagement. Mr. Waterman's vision is that Modern Minds offers families a private school option for learning that appeals to their sense of wonder and desire to understand the world around them. Mr. Waterman holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, a Master's Degree in Educational Leadership, endorsements in Gifted, Educational Leadership, and Physical Education, and is a certified Master Naturalist.
Dr. Polly Hougham
Polly is an educator with 40 years of experience facilitating engaging classroom learning experiences for students in elementary and higher education. She is a firm believer that all children can be successful with effective instructional practices and an enthusiastic educator that makes learning excitable and enjoyable. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education, a Masters of Education in Learning Disabilities, and a Doctorate in Child Development and Program Management. Her passion is building students' confidence in their learning, so they may become lifelong learners and pass their love for learning to the next generation of learners.
Tiffany Seltzer
Tiffany is our elementary classroom lead teacher, a veteran educator who understands the need to engage kids in their own learning, and creates a classroom atmosphere to help kids grow as students and people. Whether kids are working on STEM skills, studying whales in conservation, or completing projects in their online learning, Tiffany is there to guide them. Tiffany holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education, a Master's Degree in Elementary Education, and holds endorsements in Gifted, ESOL, and Reading.
Kerrigan Alexander
Kerrigan is our Teaching Assistant and After school Coordinator, and has been working in early childhood education running after school programs and summer camps for 4 years. With 10 years experience as a counselor at Camp Agape Northwest, working with children battling cancer, she is passionate about offering all children unique learning experiences. She is an advocate for learning through hands on activities and connecting students with the community around them! Kerrigan holds a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and a certificate in Speech Pathology.
Morgan Phillips
Morgan is our middle school lead teacher, Social Media Manager, and STEM Specialist. She's a life long learner with a passion for STEM education, especially robotics and coding as part of the First Lego League, where she's coached and mentored students the past 4 years. Morgan firmly believes kids learn best through hands-on meaningful experiences, a philosophy that has guided her through her 8 years of teaching. Mrs. Phillips holds a Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education​, and holds endorsements in Reading and ESOL, and is currently working towards her Gifted endorsement.
Who's Next??
We are expanding and growing every year!! We are always looking for talented, energetic, and caring teachers to join our fantastic team. Do you enjoy connecting with kids? Are you a content expert in areas such as math, social studies, language arts, or science? How about a passionate conservation or environmental science teacher? Reach out to us!
Modern Minds Learning does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in the administration of its student admissions policies, employment policies, educational policies, grant and scholarship programs, athletic programs and other school-administered programs.