Kari Kopnick is our Director of Religious Education for Children and Youth. She has served the congregation since the fall of 2005. Kari’s educational background is in Child Psychology, with years managing volunteers for La Leche League of Minnesota and the Dakotas. Kari is a life long Unitarian Universalist with three sons in the Religious Education Program at WSUU. She serves on the board of the Pacific Northwest District of the Unitarian Universalist Association Liberal Religious Educators Association as the treasurer. Kari passion is excellent Religious Education and Experience for Children and Youth.

Donna Mikula is our Preschool/Spirit Play teacher. She welcomes children each week with a warmth and spirit that helps our younger ones feel welcome and safe. She is the mother of two; Nick, an aspiring filmmaker and technology wizard at WWU and Kathleen who has begun her sophomore year of high school as a homeschooler. Donna has worked with children for many years; most recently as a teacher in the Renton School District and a leader of FAWN 4-H, an Environmental Stewardship club. She is a Native Plant Forest Steward actively involved in the restoration of Deadhorse Canyon/Taylor Creek in South Seattle, where she makes her home.

Julie Vance is our Infant/Toddler Teacher. She has been working with West Seattle UU since the fall of 2005.  Julie has a beautiful gift for connecting with our youngest ones; helping them feel safe and cared for so their parents can attend the service. She has a partner, Michael and a son, Dexter. Julie worked at Community School of West Seattle for five years, recently deciding to stay home to homeschool. Julie sees working with children is such a gift—always renewing and inspiring her.