Meet Our Faculty
Infants
Favorite/Touchstone quote? If you get tired, learn to rest and not to quit. – Bonsky
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I have an Associate degree in early childhood education and 18 years of experience in early learning centers.
How do you want children to feel in your classroom? To feel welcome and the ability to explore learning.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? Taking walks around my neighborhood in South lake union.
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? Washington State Short Certificate in Early Childhood Education and decades of experience.
How do you want children to feel in your classroom? Safe and happy, loved.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? Watching movie and sleeping.
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? Kitchen and Teacher support staff, babysitter/nanny; First Aid CPR AED certified (including child & infant CPR).
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want the children to feel happy, loved, understood and supported.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? Watering my plants or packing up for an outdoor trip.
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What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I have been privileged to work with the
Hutch Kids community since early 2014. I have worked with each age group in our center as a teacher or float staff and have loved each experience! I have my BA in Human Services from Western Washington University, as well as my State Certificate in ECE from Seattle Central College.
How do you want children to feel in your classroom? I want children to feel like they can express themselves and explore their
environment with no boundaries. I want them to feel loved and that they can show their true emotions!
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? A lazy wake up! I would love to make breakfast and sit and watch the news with
my cat, Lou!
Favorite quote: “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.” -Aristotle
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I studied child development and planning activities in High School. I began teaching in an ECE classroom in the start of 2021, working my way through preschool, toddler, and infant classrooms. I am currently in the Bachelor’s program at North Seattle College to obtain my degree in Early Childhood Education and aspire to be a classroom environment coach within this field.
How do you want children to feel in your classroom? I want my class to be a place they can feel absolutely comfortable; I want to provide a space that has intention as well as open ended exploration. My classroom will always be a safe place for children to express themselves freely and confidently. We are only with them a short time, but I want the impact of my classroom to last a lifetime.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? My best Saturday morning looks like sleeping in with my dogs, then heading out to get some of my favorite food. I love to explore new foods and restaurants so I love to eat my way through the weekend.
favorite teacher/ touchstone quote: a teacher affects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops – Henry Adams
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I worked for Kindercare from 2019-2021 and bright horizons from 2021-2023, in 2024 i worked in a variety of preschools, day cares, nurseries, Montessori’s, and co ops
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want children and Hutch Kids to feel that they’re important and that they can do anything they set their minds to!
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? My best Saturday morning you can find me at the gym doing cardio or at the library reading!
Favorite/Touchstone quote: Every Day Is a Good Day
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I have an early childhood certificate. For me personally, working with children is very rewarding, from seeing them grow and learning each and every day, including learning to take their first steps, walking, and talking.
How do you want children to feel in your classroom? I want for every child to feel welcome, safe, loved, accepted, respected, included and most importantly their needs will be met.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? Sleeping in, having that first cup of hot coffee, spending time with my family &
friends & dancing to music.
Pronouns: She/Her
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: “Oh yes the past can hurt. But from the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it.” -Rafiki (Lion King)
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I have worked with kids for 10+ years. I have obtained my CDA and plan to get my ECE
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want them to feel that they are in a safe and fun environment
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? Sleeping in and waking up to coffee and eating breakfast while watching tv
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: just keep swimming-finding Nemo
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I have my diploma and I am going to go for my ece. I was a coach at my old job and a lead toddler teacher. I have had more then four years of experience with infants in a classroom and excited for new experiences at hutch kids!
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids?
I want kids to feel safe and I want them to feel happy and always know they are coming to great teachers and great people!
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? I wake up to my beautiful 8 year old daughter eat some breakfast with her and watch cartoons and then enjoy the weekend!
Waddlers
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? Initial/Short certificate specializing in Early Childhood Education – Infants and Toddlers, with 32 years experience, the last 20 being here at Hutch Kids.
How do you want children to feel in your classroom? A favorite place to come explore and discover new experiences about their world. I want the classroom to feel like an extension of their happy home. Where they feel loved and accepted. Where compassion and understanding await in the arms of a hug. A sense that they belong here, and that they are an important part of what makes up their group.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? The best Saturday morning would consist of my whole family and all my friends joining me in a sing-along of inspirational songs while my husband plays piano by ear. Then, I would serve up an amazing brunch of beloved comfort-style foods. Yum!
Quote: “How old would you be if you didn’t know how old you are?”
How do you want children to feel in your classroom: Secure, trusted and having a sense of belonging and ownership.
What is your best Saturday morning: Sleeping til I wake up, going back to sleep until I wake up again, then reading or puttering around the house while sipping coffee.
Favorite/Touchstone quote? Children are our future.
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I have been teaching at Hutch Kids for over 30 years now. I have taught infants Waddler I and preschool in my time at Hut Kids. I have a AA degree in early childhood education and a BA in Child Development.
How do you want children to feel in your classroom? I want children to feel welcome , safe, supported and loved in my classroom.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? Sleeping in, having a nice breakfast and reading a good book or taking a walk on a beach.
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Fav Quote: “Teachers fingerprints don’t fade from the lives they touch”
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I’ve been teaching for 3 years within the ages of 6months to 5 years old.
How do you want children to feel in your classroom? Welcomed, loved, heard, respected and safe.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? Cup of coffee and bagel at Cherry Hill or brunch at Odd Fellows followed up with a visit to Elliot Bay Bookstore.
Favorite/Touchstone quote? “Logic will get you from A to B; imagination will take you everywhere.” –Albert Einstein
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? WA State Early Childhood Education certificate and 36 years’ experience, almost 18 of those at Hutch Kids
How do you want children to feel in your classroom? Safe, happy, engaged
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? Sleep as late as I want with no obligations.
Dani started teaching at Hutch Kids in 2025.
Toddlers
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What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I bring a strong foundation in early childhood education, with several years of hands-on teaching experience, primarily with children aged 2-4. I’ve developed and delivered engaging, age-appropriate curriculum, ensuring that lessons are both educational and fun. In the past I’ve collaborated with my co-teacher to create an emergent curriculum that responded to the needs and interests of the students, focusing on storytelling, creative activities, and fostering a safe, nurturing environment.
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want every child to feel safe, cherished, and excited to learn when they walk through the doors of Hutch Kids. My goal is to create an environment where children feel comfortable to be themselves, explore their curiosity, and build confidence. It’s important to me that they feel supported and respected, with space to express themselves creatively while building meaningful connections with their peers and teachers.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? My ideal Saturday morning starts with a cup of coffee and a slow, relaxed breakfast. I love taking the time to get lost in a good book or work on creative projects like crocheting or painting. If the weather’s nice, I’ll go for a swim or take a walk by the water to recharge. I’m also a big movie fan, so I might round off the morning with a film to match my mood. I’m all about starting the weekend with a balance of creativity, relaxation, and a bit of fun.
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: Yesterday is History, Tomorrow is a mystery but Today is a gift.
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I babysat my siblings, cousins and friend’s kids. I am also getting my teaching credentials. I love kids!
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want them to feel comfortable, safe, loved, heard, valued, seen and to always have fun!
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? My best Saturday morning consists of waking up late, catching up with friends and family, listening to music and playing with Jasper(cat) and making arts and crafts!
Favorite teacher/ touchstone quote: “Children have to be educated, but they have also to be left to educate themselves” ~Ernest Dimnet.
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I have been in childcare for a little more than 3 years now, working with various age groups.
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? As an assistant teacher, I want every child to feel safe, encouraged, and empowered to be themselves.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? My best Saturday morning looks like waking up without an alarm, making a big breakfast, and going for a walk in the park with my roommate and their dog.
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Favorite/Touchstone quote? “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I have been employed with the Hutch Kids family for almost 14 years. I have been in the early learning profession for over 28 years. Along with experience, I completed Early Childhood Education courses at Alabama State University and obtained my Early Childhood Education Certification from North Seattle College. I will pursue my Early Childhood Education state certification from Bates Technical College in the Fall.
How do you want children to feel in your classroom? I want children to feel loved, welcomed, safe, supported and included in my classroom.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? On Saturday mornings, I enjoy listening to music, reading, watching cooking shows and Thrift shopping.
Pronouns: She/ her
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: “Bravery is acknowledging your fear and doing it anyways.” -Cheryl Strayed
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I got my bachelors degree in psychology and have been working with children of all ages for the past 10 years as a babysitter, camp counselor, behavioral technician, and para-educator in special education.
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want children to feel loved and supported and that they can safely be themselves when they are here.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? I like to start my Saturdays slowly, watching shows or listening to music with my partner while spending some time playing with my pets.
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take”
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I have worked with babies and school aged kids on projects, coloring, puzzles and reading. I also enjoyed learning from them and seeing their face when they experience something new.
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want them to feel this is their safe place.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? My Saturday mornings are making breakfast for the family and going on hikes.
Young Preschool
Pronouns: She/ Her
Favorite/Touchstone Quote is: ”Darkness cannot drive out the darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” -Martin L. King.
”Education is the key to unlocking the world. It’s the passport to freedom”. -Oprah Winfrey
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? High school diploma, 7 years as lead toddler teacher and Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential.
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want children to feel welcomed and loved at Hutch kids. Yes, this is a place where you learn but it’s also can be a place you can call home. Where they can feel a sense of belonging and worth.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? Waking up seeing my son amazing smile. Doing a great work out and having a delicious breakfast with my family.
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: “Set your heart ablaze, go beyond your limits” Kyojuro Rengoku
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? Been actively working with children for 15 years from babysitting, nannying, organized clubs, and volunteer work. Graduated high school in 2017, attended Cascadia community college in 2018. Started my path towards child education in 2018, primarily working in early childhood and school age programs. Currently pursuing my own education further to receive my Early childhood education certificate and Associate’s degree.
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want the children to feel comfortable and validated. I would also like for them to feel confident and secure. Lastly, to be safe, respectful, and fun.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? A perfect Saturday morning to me looks like, for starters sleeping in, spending time with my family and friends, making time for self-care and baking/cooking.
How do you want children to feel in your classroom? I want my children to feel valued and comfortable to express themselves in a safe and loving environment.
Favorite/Touchstone quote? Be true to yourself
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I have been in child care since 2019. My previous center I had started as a part time assistant teacher and left as a fulltime lead teacher. I have worked in infant, toddler, and preschool ages and loved each age group. I have taken online course that have helped me further my own teaching style. I am hoping to grow my knowledge as I work at Hutch Kids.
How do you want children to feel in your classroom? I want the kids to feel safe and comfortable to express themselves. I want them to learn both independence but also learn how to cooperate and work as a team.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? My best Saturday morning would be waking up with my boyfriend and cat named Spooky. With coffee and our favorite breakfast of rice, spam, and eggs. Spending the day playing video games and playing music!
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: “the only time you have is now – the present- and this is the only place where happiness exists” -Ryuu Shinohara
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I have worked in the early childhood education field for a year and a half in a bilingual school.
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want Hutch’s Kids to feel loved, respected and above all very protected and safe at every moment.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? I like to get up early to take advantage of the morning, I love walking and drinking my coffee in a random cafeteria and then looking for a good place for brunch.
Preschool
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? Experience working with all ages for the past 14 yrs, Bachelors degree in Education.
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want kids to feel happy, supported and strong.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? Sleeping in, having a cup of coffee, watching my favorite show and snuggling with my dog
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: “When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace” -Jimi Hendrix
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I was a nanny for a year which really sparked my interest in helping young minds develop and grow. In the last two years, I have taken that interest and taught at a center where I have learned a lot about aiding children’s development and have learned a lot from the kids themselves, too!
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want children to feel safe at Hutch Kids. I want them to feel encouraged to learn new things and to feel that they can express themselves!
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? My best Saturday is getting up early and doing some type of physical activity first thing in the morning. Then getting a very big and yummy breakfast/ brunch!
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: Be yourself; everyone else is already taken. – Oscar Wilde
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I have worked with children for over 6 years of all ages. The most rewarding part of my career was watching my children grow and be a part of their lives and make a difference.
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want the children at Hutch Kids to feel like they are accepted and cared for because they have the support system to make mistakes and learn from them.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? The best Saturday morning is going to a coffee shop and writing in my journal.
Credentials: I have had experience as an assistant and support staff over the course of my 17 years at Hutch Kids and my Child Development Associate certification.
How do you want children to feel in your classroom? I would like children to feel safe and well cared for in the classroom with me.
Favorite way to spend Saturday morning: Coffee and classical music.
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: “Surrender to surprise”
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I have worked in Early Childhood Education for five years
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want children to feel safe, and well cared for. I also want children to feel a sense of independence in their learning.
What does your best Saturday morning look like? Home brewed coffee, and a walk to Volunteer Park on a crisp morning.
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: “When educating the minds of our youth, we must not forget to educate their hearts.”- The Dalai Lama
“Education is the most powerful weapon which can use to change the world”- Nelson Mandela
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I like to say that I’ve been working with children since I was practically a child myself! I volunteered in preschools, elementary schools, and summer camps. I worked as an Aide, Intern and eventually, Lead Teacher in infant, toddler, and preschool classrooms at university campus daycare centers. Additionally, I taught kindergarten, including remotely during the COVID 19 pandemic. I graduated from the University of Oregon in 2017 with a B. A. in Education Studies and the University of Washington in 2020 with a Masters in Elementary Teaching. Currently, I am pursing my Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education online from the University of Colorado, Denver.
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I hope that children feel seen, valued, represented, welcomed, heard, loved, excited, joyful, challenged, and inspired at Hutch Kids.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? My best Saturday looks like waking up at my leisure without the blare of my usual alarm, making a delicious homemade brunch, followed by a stop at a local coffee shop to fuel up for a daytime adventure in the city or nearby country with friends.
How do you want children to feel in your classroom? I want children in my classroom to feel excited about learning as well as safe to be themselves.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? My best Saturday morning looks like sleeping in and eating a giant breakfast!
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: “Life is good!”
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I come from a large diverse family and have worked for several years with children from all kinds of backgrounds. I have worked with children of different abilities, children from different cultures, and children from different family situations.
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I believe that every child needs to feel welcome and safe and part of the classroom family. This is how they best learn and grow.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? On weekends I love to hang out with friends or go outside for a slow run or long walk to relax. If I want to get out a bit, I will go for a hike, go to a beach campfire, or go skiing – it depends on the season!
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: “Early childhood education is the key to the betterment of society” – Maria Montessori
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? After I completed my BA in Early Childhood and Family Studies at the University of Washington in 2015, I started teaching at Hutch Kids. I taught in prek, preschool, and young preschool classrooms through 2022 when I left to pursue my MA in Education. I am excited to return to Hutch Kids now in 2024 to continue developing meaningful teaching practices and forming powerful bonds with children and families that are a hallmark of this community.
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? It is important to me that my classroom space is welcoming and soothing for everyone, while also being functionally flexible. This allows the environment to change to suit the needs of the classroom community, while also providing a safe and reassuring space for children to explore and express themselves freely.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? I love to spend time curled up on the couch with a book (or three!) and read the day away. Spending time with friends and family will surely be included, especially if delicious food is involved!
Enrichment
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Favorite/Touchstone quote? “Movement is the starting point for wiring the brain for learning” – Gill Connell. “The greatest gifts you can give your children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence” – Denis Waitley
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? 9+ years ECE Teaching Experience. 5+ years of Pre-K Summer Camp Director Experience. 2+ years PE Enrichment Teaching Experience. 2+ years NASM Certified Personal Trainer. Youth Exercise Specialist Certification.
How do you want children to feel in your classroom? Safe – to explore their environment and express themselves. Confident – in their abilities to try tasks on their own and ask for help when needed. Encouraged – to take on challenges, try new things, and ask questions for better understanding. Inspired – to explore their own creativity and ways of thinking/moving Loved – For who they are, no matter their choices. Their teachers will lead with love and understanding. Supported – along all the steps in their social, emotional, cognitive and physical learning journey. Challenged – To continue growing and not see limits to their abilities
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? Sunrise yoga on the beach (or near water) with jazz playing in at least 65 degrees. Then morning basketball and brunch with friends afterward.
Support
Favorite/Touchstone quote: Not all those who wander are lost -JRR Tolkien
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? Leah combines a B.A. in Drama (Performance) and B.S. in Biology (Ecology, Evolution and Conservation) with an M.Ed. in Curriculum Instruction, all from the University of Washington. She’s been teaching since the age of 14. Her experience with the 5-and-under group of kids includes art, gymnastics, martial arts, chronic illness management, and botany. She lectures at the postsecondary level on trauma-informed teaching and validation.
How do you want children to feel in your classroom? I hope kids in my care will feel safe and supported enough in a warm and secure environment to tap into their own interests as natural scientists and storytellers.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? Walking the botanical gardens then to the dojo for Quantum Martial Arts.
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” – Nelson Mandela
What is your past experience, for working in your position? In my experiences spending time with children is the most amazing moment. You have to be active listener to understand the children’s needs. patience and the ability to remain calm in the challenging environment. The most important thing is communication with both children and parents.
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want children to feel like their home, safest place to be.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? I always wish Saturday to be Sunny, because my kids will have great time outside. In the morning begins with good breakfast.
Favorite Touchstone/quote: “And now that you don’t have to be perfect, you can be good.” -John Steinbeck
Credentials/past experience: Currently, I attend the University of Washington where I took Early Childhood Education and Family Studies. Through this class, I volunteered at Hutch throughout fall of 2023. I also took a series of classes in child development during high school, granting me a Washington Certification in Early Childhood Education. In these classes, I got first-hand experience planning and leading activities for preschoolers. Additionally, I taught children’s recreational gymnastics for two years, and I shadowed a pediatric occupational therapist during the summer of 2023.
How do you want children to feel: I want children to feel safe, respected, and understood.
Best Saturday morning: My optimal Saturday morning is waking up early in the summer, driving to a lake, and watching the sunrise on my paddleboard
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: Everybody’s got a little light under the sun!
What are your credentials/past experiences for working in your position? 18+ years working in education, including Pike Market Childcare, Northwest Center, and Kids Centre.
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? That I support their decisions and hope everyone is safe, happy and having fun!
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? Relaxed, a little coffee, maybe some cartoons or reading, easy.
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: Favorite Touchstone/Quotes: “Believe you can, and you are halfway there.”
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? We have a Medical Center in our Village back in Bangladesh, and I was in charge of taking care of the children. Since then it has been 2 years here in Hutch Kids that I worked as an Assistant teacher and Support teacher.
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I want the children to feel safe, heard, while learning in a fun way. I want the children feel that they can trust us teachers to help them grow.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? My best Saturday is to sleep in late, Watch TV Shows and movies.
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: Find your better days.
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I’ve previously worked with many ages but regarding preschool I was a lead twos teacher and had worked in the infant room for a little while.
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want them to feel so loved and safe that it inspires them to show/be their true authentic self to the world; loud and proud!
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? My best Saturday morning would be, getting breakfast (preferably chocolate chip pancakes) to go and head to alki beach. Where I would end up journaling, enjoying my breakfast, while watching the sunrise, and still staying cozy in my car.
Favorite/Touchstone Quote: “And some they will love you, and some they will not, but those who do love you, they’ll love you a lot.” My Shadow is Pink
What are your credentials/past experience, for working in your position? I’ve been teaching for the past 10 years through outdoor education, summer camps, and now 7 years at Hutch Kids. I’ve been an assistant teacher, a lead teacher for the past 5 school years, and now I’ll be support staff! I have my CDA and have taken masters level classes in Early Childhood Education.
How do you want children to feel at Hutch Kids? I want kids to feel safe to bring their whole self to school and to explore who they are in relation to the world as they continue to grow.
What’s your best Saturday morning look like? My ideal Saturday morning is sleeping in, having a delicious breakfast, and spending time outside.