Dr. Irene Simpson has earned a B. A. in Spanish and French from the University of California at Berkeley and a teaching credential from the Bastyr University in Seattle. She has taught biology, general science, Spanish, French, English, creative writing, drama, and English as a Second Language. She has directed community theatre, created a high school drama program and competitive team, and taught drama at a high school level.

She ran track and played tennis in high school, and was a competitive swimmer in college. Mrs. Simpson has ridden across the United States, backpacked through the South Pacific, and hiked in the Pyrenees and Alps. She enjoys hiking, biking, gardening, reading, going to concerts and plays. And also advocates for animals and wilderness protection. She is married to Richard Simpson who is a PE/Health specialist at West View School. She is owned by five cats.