School Principal and Director
Milena Dickens, M.Ed
M.Ed. Old Polish University in Kielce (Education & Resocialization Pedagogy)
B.Eng. University of Technology in Kielce (Industrial Design)
Certified Teacher of Polish as a Second, Heritage, and Foreign Language from John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin
Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and Licensed Behavior Analyst (LBA), California State University San Marcos
Certified in CPR and First Aid
I was born and raised in Poland, in the picturesque Świętokrzyskie region.
In Poland, I completed a degree in Education with a specialization in social rehabilitation and judicial work. I also earned an engineering degree in Industrial Design at the Faculty of Mechatronics and Mechanical Engineering. Additionally, I studied Russian Philology with a focus on translation studies as a personal interest, where I developed a strong passion for language development.
After completing my master’s and engineering degrees, I moved to the United States in 2018. There, I began working with children on the autism spectrum and supporting early childhood education in a private Polish preschool.
I continued my education through postgraduate studies in Applied Behavior Analysis at California State University. At the same time, I studied teaching Polish as a foreign and heritage language at the John Paul II Catholic University of Lublin. My thesis focused on developing a lesson plan for early elementary classes, which I implemented and evaluated during classes at the Juliusz Słowacki Polish School in Seattle.
I have been connected with the Juliusz Słowacki Polish School in Seattle since 2019, first as a teacher and later as the school director. I have experience teaching a wide range of students from preschool-aged children to beginner youth and adult learners.
In my daily professional life, I work at a therapeutic center as a behavioral analyst and clinical supervisor. I am passionate about education, language, and supporting diverse learners, and I strive to create engaging and effective learning environments for all my students.
In my free time, I enjoy science and psychology, as well as art, traveling, and gardening.
Adult Classes Instructor
Christina Manetti, Ph.D.
M.A., Ph.D., University of Washington (History, specialization in Polish History)
B.A., Brown University (History and Russian Studies)
Since 1990, the Polish language has been a main focus of my life. I simply love Polish, and like to share with students the many things I find so interesting about it -- from its cute little "tails", to its grammar, to its many memorable sayings and great slang. Even after all these years, I still discover new and interesting things about Polish almost every day!
Students seem to find that as a non-native Polish teacher, I am able to explain the rather difficult Polish grammar in a way that makes it easier for them to understand – because I know well what it is like to be a student of Polish.
My knowledge of Polish has been assessed (by the State Department exam) as that of a well-educated native speaker. I taught Polish to English translation at the University of Warsaw in Poland for 3.5 years, and have also taught Polish at the University of Washington in Seattle. In the autumn of 2023, I was honored to receive the Michael Henry Heim Prize in Collegial Translation, and in 2025-6, I assisted Professor Swan during the preparation of his new two-volume Polish textbook, forthcoming in Slavica Press.
During the years 1989-2003, I lived a total of nine years in Poland, during which time I also worked as a freelance translator and interpreter. Among other things, I interpreted during interviews with former Polish president, Solidarity leader and Nobel Prize laureate Lech Wałęsa, and also with General Wojciech Jaruzelski, the head of Poland's communist government during the period of martial law.
I believe the key to guaranteeing a good foundation in foreign languages is to master their sounds first, and then the grammar, and that the best way of propelling students forward is to provide them with an endless stream of interesting linguistic sources in the form of lyrics and songs, information about history (I am a historian by training) and culture, and tidbits from current events and the press. I also try as hard as I can to tailor materials to students' individual interests, which is key to keeping the students’ interest and motivation high.
Textbook: Oscar Swan, First Year Polish, 2nd ed. (Slavica Press, 1983).
Children’s and Adult Classes Educator
Anna Babcock
M.S, University of Gdańsk in Poland (Economics and International Business)
Anna is a Polish language teacher originally from Poland, dedicated to sharing her native language and culture.
She holds a Master’s Degree in Economics and International Business from the University of Gdansk, Poland.
After several years working in the import/export sector in Poland, she began teaching English as a second language at local public and private schools, working with both children and adults. It was through this experience that she discovered her passion for language education. She subsequently transitioned to teaching her native Polish, which she now teaches with enthusiasm and commitment.
Since relocating to Seattle, Anna has been a valued member of the Polish School in Seattle since 2006, teaching students at all levels - from beginner to advanced - in a structured and engaging environment.
Early Childhood Educator
Edyta Łukasik-Bryant
A.A. in Early Childhood Education, Treasure Valley Community College
B.S. University of the People (Health Science (BSHS), with a Minor in Information Technology) - Currently pursuing
15+ Years of Special Education Experience
CPR and First Aid Certified
I was born in Poznań, Poland, and moved to the United States when I was four years old. I spent most of my life in Idaho before relocating to the Seattle area in the fall of 2023 for my husband’s job. I have a daughter and two black cats, and I’ve come to really enjoy the region’s famously cloudy weather.
I bring extensive experience in preschool and early childhood special education, including working with children with diverse needs and familiarity with medical equipment. I also have experience using Spanish and American Sign Language in my previous roles.
Outside of work, I enjoy crafting, creating, and exploring different forms of art. I have a strong interest in technology and enjoy learning new things. I believe in lifelong learning and encourage others to explore and pursue their interests.