I have been in early childhood education since 1999. I love working with children, watching them explore and grow through their world.

I spend my free time with my daughter and husband. We love to do outdoor activities such as hiking, soccer, camping, and ATV riding. I love finding new books to read while relaxing at home. We have two dogs, a Yorkie and our new addition to the family, Chloe, is a mini–Australian Sheperd!

I am "Mom" to three beautiful children: Rheya, Arden, & Emmitt. The majority of my time outside of work is spent taking my kids to their numerous activities, listening to music, dancing, reading, or spending time with friends and family. I have a bachelor's degree in elementary education and was most recently principal at a Montessori preschool. I have also been an assistant principal, lead preschool teacher, and dance teacher for kids ages 3 to 18.

Hello! My name is Haley. I am relocating back to home, to Monroe, Washington! I am a mom of 3 kids. I am currently enrolled in college, close to receiving my bachelor's degree in psychology! I have worked at an elementary school and daycare/preschool and loved every moment of it! I love coffee, reading, crafting, using my Cricut! I am really excited about my opportunity at Birch Tree, and I am really looking forward to teaching your little ones!

Hi, my name is Tia! I’m a wife and proud mom of three amazing kids. For nearly seven years, I provided in-home care as a nanny, caring for three 2-year-olds and a 3-week-old baby—all while raising my own children. Once my kids were older, I transitioned to working in childcare centers, where I’ve been for the past two years. I’m so excited to begin this new journey with Birch Tree Academy! I absolutely love being around little ones and can’t wait to spend my days learning, playing, and growing with yours. When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, and diving into craft and home projects.

Hi, I am Ms. Sofia. I have been working in Early Childhood Education for two years now. Watching students achieve their goals and milestones has brought me great joy! I hope to continue this journey with your students this year. When I’m not working or at school, I enjoy building Lego sets, watching Disney movies, and spending time with my family. I’m so excited to get to know the students and families at Birch Tree Academy!

Hi, I’m Daria! I’ve always loved spending time with children and helping them learn and grow through play, creativity, and care. I truly enjoy building connections with each child, discovering their unique personalities, and watching them achieve new milestones. My goal is to create a warm and positive environment where every child feels safe, supported, and happy to be themselves. Seeing their laughter and curiosity every day inspires me to do my best!

Hi, my name is Taylor! I am a mom of one child and am finishing up my associate's degree in early childhood education at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. I have worked in childcare since 2018, and I have loved every second of it! When I am not at work, I am either on the softball fields or exploring with my son! I am so excited for my journey here at Birch Tree Academy and learning with all of your children!

Hi, my name is Kasiia. I was born in Ukraine and recently moved to the US. I come from a large family, and I am the youngest. I didn’t have to take care of my younger siblings, but now I have 14 nephews and nieces. My family lives in different countries, but here with me I have two nephews and two nieces, whom I love spending time with. That’s where my love for children comes from. They always look forward to my visits, and this inspires me in my work. I’m happy to be part of the Birch Tree Academy team.

Hello, my name is Samy. I’m from Brazil and currently live in Washington State. I work in early childhood education, supporting young children in their emotional growth, behavior, and creativity. I plan to pursue a career in healthcare and become a Registered Nurse. In my free time, I enjoy painting, hiking, reading, and watching movies. I’m fluent in Portuguese, Spanish, and English, and I love working in diverse, multicultural environments.

I was born in Ukraine and moved to the United States with my family a few years ago. I have a degree as a junior specialist in education. As a mom of three, I truly enjoy working with young children and supporting their development. I have over two and a half years of experience engaging with kids in learning and play settings. I love encouraging growth through creativity, imagination, and warm, supportive communication. I’m excited to be part of the Birch Tree Academy team!

Hello! My name is Olena. I am from Ukraine and I’m happy to be part of this wonderful family at Birch Tree Academy. I love working with children and helping them grow and discover the world. I enjoy reading, swimming, and learning new things. I also have a nursing background from my home country, which helps me care for little ones with kindness and attention. I look forward to creating happy memories and a nurturing environment for each child here.

My name is Tanya, and I was born in Turkmenistan. I moved to the Greater Seattle Area in 2019. I’m married and have one son and a Green Cheek Parrot. I took care of kiddos for over eight years in my country, and I love teaching as much as I love learning! My goal as a teacher is to help children explore and discover the world around them and how they can be a part of it. In all my free time, I spend it with my family.

I came to the U.S. from Ukraine in April 2022, after the war broke out in my home country. While there, I worked as a school teacher for 3 years and as a kindergarten teacher for 7 years. I love children very much. My goal is to sculpt full-fledged people with their own individuality, to help them comfortably merge into this world.

Hi, I’m Sierra! I’ve been teaching for ten years, and I couldn’t imagine finding something more fulfilling. I take pride in fostering a classroom environment that encourages my students to come out of their shell. When it comes to playground dance parties, exciting art materials, or messy sensory projects, I’m having at least as much fun as my kids. Out of the classroom, I’m happiest at home with my daughter, our cat Calliope, and our veritable jungle of houseplants.

Hi, all! My name is Ms. Jannica, and I've worked in childcare for the last seven years. Although I've worn a plethora of hats, I have such a huge heart and passion for early childhood education. I enjoy being of service, assisting and encouraging children and youth to become the best and brightest versions of themselves. While out of office, I love to visit my family in Tacoma, create art and spend time by the water. 

I am confident that my experience and education in the field of children's pedagogy, as well as my skills and qualities, will help me work effectively with children and help them in their development. In addition, I have good communication skills, which allows me to effectively communicate not only with children, but also with their parents and other employees of the preschool.

Hello, my name is Liliana G. I am a BAS student in Early Childhood Education, with over 20 years of experience working with children. Continuing to gain knowledge in this rewarding profession gives me the opportunity to contribute to the development of a solid foundation for early childhood education. I deeply enjoy working with children, as their curiosity and natural energy are contagious. I find great satisfaction in supporting their learning and observing the world through their eyes. Having a positive impact in their formative years is, for me, one of the most enriching experiences. In my free time I enjoy traveling with my family, getting to know new cultures and their gastronomy, holidays and celebrations and attending the theater.

Hi there! My name is Noelle, and I have been working in Early Childhood Education for a little over two years now. I have wanted to teach since I was 5 years old and eventually want to move into elementary education, specifically K-2nd grade. In my free time, I enjoy exploring new restaurants/coffee shops, hanging out with my friends and family, and I am always working on a new art project!

Hello! My name is Hailee, and I have been working in childcare since 2020. I love working with children and watching them grow and learn new things each and every day! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, friends, and animals. I also love coloring, watching movies, reading, and listening to music. I have one dog and three cats who are always keeping me on my toes with their little adventures! I’m so excited to be a part of Birch Tree Academy, and I can’t wait to meet you and get to know your little ones!

I'm Jeanne (like a genie in a bottle!) and I take great joy in being a life-long learner in my work teaching children. Although many were against it, I have always wanted to be a teacher, and I can now proudly say that I have people cheering me on as I do so. I have my teaching degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in Special Education and then obtained my master’s degree in English Language Learning. Knowing that every little interaction can lead to growing confidence in each child is incredibly rewarding and I treasure every little smile, hug, and learning moment in between. Growing up as a shy and reserved learner, I always make it my #1 goal to create a safe and caring space for everyone to be seen and encouraged to bloom. I have two poodles (Mocha and Pinto) and I am an admirer of cakes and cute trinkets!

Hello! My name is Crissaly! I am currently in school for Early Childhood education! I have worked in childcare for the last five years and I have a passion of helping mini minds grow and learn new things! In my free time I love anything outdoors, thrifting, and spending time with friends and family! I enjoy learning to play instruments; my current challenge is the guitar and harmonica! I'm very excited to be part of the Birch Tree Academy team!

Hi, I am Ms. Sofia. I have just started working in Early Childhood Education, but caring for children has always been a part of my life. Growing up in a large family, I helped raise my younger brothers and sisters, and now I also enjoy spending time with my four nieces and nephews – two girls and twin boys. Watching children take their first steps in learning, growing, and discovering the world brings me great joy! In my free time, I love reading books and finding new ways to grow and develop myself. I’m very excited to begin this journey and to get to know the students and families at Birch Tree Academy.

I was born and raised in Baku, Azerbaijan, & graduated from the University of Economics. In 1989 I moved to Ukraine, after the war I moved to my sisters in the USA. I lived in Bellevue and have been working for BTA since 2022 and I like everything here very much.

Hi, my name is Maya! Prior to joining our Birch Tree team, I have been working with Indigenous students K through 12 in the Lake Washington, Bellevue and Northshore school districts. I am Turtle Mountain Ojibwe, Nakota of White Bear First Nation and Nicaraguan. Outside of work, you can find me dancing at powwows every weekend, reading a good book and spending time with my loved ones. Working within my community and with youth is my passion and I look forward to seeing all the little ones continue to grow.