It’s a grand, scientific surprise: Brown iodine and bags of white, starchy water are ready to mix, but what will happen is anybody’s educated guess in teacher Kate Christenson’s second grade classroom at North Bend Elementary.

At the head of the class, presenter Jackie Andrewjeski is waiting to guide this exploration of the concept of diffusion.

“I like to bring little experiments,” says this sometime substitute teacher, who’s brought potatoes, red food coloring and other props to make her concepts clear. Her black T-shirt lists the periodic table in day-glo colors.

Iodine isn’t just for owies, Andrewjeski explains. When it turns black after being rubbed on a piece of paper, she tells the students exactly why. There must be some starch in that paper, she explains. The big payoff is the color change, when the seeping iodine  turns the starchy water a deep purple.

Always active

Most locals are probably familiar with Andrewjeski from her fitness classes at Si View Metro Parks, Ridge Fitness and the Snoqualmie Valley YMCA. But she’s also a certified high school teacher by trade, formerly a teacher at Mount Si High School. She now substitutes at North Bend Elementary, but not often, as her days are quite full as a fitness instructor. But she loves coming back to the science and math, her intellectual passions.

“I really am a Jackie of all trades,” Andrewjeski.

For more than eight years, she has been involved with the Relay for Life fundraiser for cancer research.  Year after year, she is team captain of the Super Troopers team, actively recruiting folks from her fitness classes to take part. She’s also a member of the Forster Woods homeowners’ association, and takes part in an Encompass childcare cooperative.

Andrewjeski is married to husband Tom, and has two children, Zach, 11, and Chloe, 8. She lives in North Bend.

For Women In Business, Andrewjeski answered a few questions about her life, work and calling.

How did your career start?

“When we were living in West Seattle, I used to go to 24 Hour Fitness and work out, a lot. I was doing a lot of classes. My husband, Tom, said, ‘Why don’t you become an instructor?’ I thought, that’s a great idea. I did the training and certification, and I started teaching step aerobics and cardio—that was the phase, back then, this was about 1995. When we moved out here, it was ridiculous for me to keep going into Seattle. I looked into teaching here in the Valley.

This community center (Si View) was still under King County. I had a key (and sometimes) I was the only person in this building. I’d drag out the steps. I had a core contingent of gals who would come to my class. This building was faced with closure, (and) we did a big campaign to keep it open. Now, it’s so great to see this center bring used. To me, it means so many things. We come to family nights, my kids have summer camp here, my daughter has dance classes, and I’ve been teaching here for years. It’s a core part of the community, a focal point, and I’m so pleased we’re able to keep this myriad of programs going.”

What’s something about you that others may not know?

I went to a rodeo when I was a kid, and got third place on a sheep ride. I grew up outside of Christchurch, New Zealand, on a farm. We had cattle and sheep.

How do you maintain balance?

“I’m very organized. I squeeze things in where I can, and try to make it work. I like to keep busy… Working out is great for me to get balance. Working out feeds that energy level. The more you work out, the more it gives that energy back. I sleep well at night because I work out. It’s a circle.

My philosophy is, ‘Healthy body, healthy mind.’ Any kind of exercise, whether you’re going out for a walk, taking a class or getting on your bike, is critical. For women, in particular when you’re over 35, it’s essential to do some kind of weight-bearing exercise. It prevents osteoporosis, gets your metabolism high to keep your weight in check, and makes you feel healthy and strong.”

Have you ever been challenged as a woman in business?

“Gender hasn’t been an issue for me, to be honest. My degree is in chemistry and math. I always thought it was important, when I was at the high school, to have a female role model for kids… especially in math and science. For me, being that role model in the classroom is important. I feel that pride, of being a female in a field that’s typically dominated by males.

Only you set your own limitations. Don’t feel limited by your gender. If you have a passion, go for it. Strive to attain that goal.”