I graduated from Willamette University's MAT program in spring of 2001, where I did my student teaching at North Salem High School. I attended Willamette University for my undergraduate work as well, where I received a BA in Biology with a minor in chemistry. After my undergraduate work and prior to returning for the MAT program, I spent a year volunteering with Americorps as an environmental educator in elementary schools. Prior to coming to Sumner School District, I was a science teacher, coach and club advisor at Gig Harbor High School in the Peninsula School District.  I have received my National Board Certificate in Physics and have gone through the process to renew my certificate. I have also taken a number of classes about AP Chemistry and AP Biology, both for content and technique.

I am very passionate about science and education, and look forward to sharing that passion with my students and continuing to increase my knowledge about both over the years.

I enjoy taking advantage of the beautiful area we live in here in the Northwest with my husband, my twin sons and daughter.  The twins, Dawson and Ashton, are in11th grade this year and McKenzi is in 9th grade. You will hear many stories about them all throughout our class. Some of my favorite activities with my family include camping, boating, paddle boarding, swimming, running, hiking, summer vacations on Anderson Island or our boat, and most things outdoors. I have also enjoyed competing in a number of triathlons, the Tough Mudder a few years ago and many 5Ks each year. My kids also love to run.

If you have any questions for me please email me at

lleepperson@hotmail.com (home) or

ellen_berwick@sumnersd.org (school)

and I will try to get back to you as soon as possible. Thanks!