Badieh Bryant, affectionately known as Ms. Badieh, has been a cornerstone of Hillside Academy since 2012, when she developed the school’s art program. She currently teaches K-8 Art, Middle School Yearbook, and Middle School Social Studies, while also serving as the Specialist Lead.

Ms. Badieh holds a BA in Fine Arts with a major in Painting and a minor in Art Therapy from the School of Visual Arts in NYC. With 25 years of experience across various educational and therapeutic settings in NYC, Los Angeles, and Washington State, she brings a profound belief in the power of the arts as a universal language and a means of self-expression. 

Her journey into education is fueled by her love of learning and a desire to inspire students to find joy in inquiry, discovery, and creativity. At Hillside Academy, Ms. Badieh appreciates the supportive community, individualized teaching philosophy, and the whole-child STEAM curriculum that allows her to thrive as an educator. In Social Studies, she engages students with interactive lessons and hands-on projects, helping them understand their role in shaping the future. In her art classes, she is exploring ways to integrate modern art technology and photography into traditional mediums.

Outside of work, Ms. Badieh enjoys gardening, exploring the Pacific Northwest, and creating art inspired by nature. She is an avid reader of fantasy and adventure classics, and her family shares her love for travel, nature, and animals. Her husband, Rich, is a writer, and they have two daughters, Autumn and Violet, who are both passionate about their own academic and extracurricular pursuits.

A fun fact about Ms. Badieh is that she grew up spending summers off-grid in the Allagash wilderness of Northern Maine, where her father was a ranger. She later led outdoor camps in Maine and Nova Scotia, and her love for the wilderness remains strong.

Ms. Badieh’s favorite mottos are “This too shall pass” and “Always look on the bright side of life.” She feels grateful to work at a place that values diverse educational experiences and fosters a true sense of community.