My name is Julie. Grew up in Spokane, lived in Ohio and moved to Seattle in 2004. I have worn many hats over the years and found Birch Tree while working at Starbucks. Decided to interview Natalie (the owner) for my non profit and viola, six years later I am now Director (completed my BAS in Early Child Care too).

I have 4 beautiful daughters ranging from 8 years to 22. I love to read, travel, listen to music, dance, visit with friends and family and only "think" about working out. I do love all fur babies but gravitate more towards cats with 2 at home. Excited to be a part of school that prides itself on finding ways to provide opportunities for professional development to all of their staff and creative ways to educate children to prepare them for their next chapter.

My name is Ilona Hadzhymuradova, but most kids and parents just call me Miss Ilona. I’m originally from Ukraine and moved to the U.S. not too long ago. I speak Ukrainian, Russian, and English. I’m still working on improving my English, so I really appreciate your patience and understanding.
I have a college degree in economics and accounting. For many years, I worked in the book industry, helping connect publishers, bookstores, and customers. But in recent years, I’ve discovered a true passion for working with young children—and I absolutely love it!
I also lead a small children’s choir at my church with kids ages 5 to 10. I enjoy creating and teaching, but what’s special is that I often find myself learning from the kids too! There’s always a sense of harmony and connection. 
I truly love children and believe they bring so much color and joy into our lives. Thanks to them, the world becomes kinder, happier, and filled with love.

My name is Oksana, and I’m from Ukraine. I studied economics, but I’ve always felt that teaching is my true calling. I’ve spent most of my career working with children, and I really enjoy helping them learn and grow. I also love learning new things myself and try to bring that love of learning into the classroom.

I’m happy to be part of Birch Tree Academy and excited to work with such a great team and wonderful kids.

My name is Natalia. I am originally from Ukraine and have been living in the United States for over two years. I worked for two years at a daycare center in Renton, where I truly enjoyed being with children and supporting their early development.

I am a warm, friendly, and responsible person. I love working with children and have a natural ability to connect with them. I’m also a proud mother of two adult children and a grandmother.

People often describe me as communicative, reliable, and proactive. I enjoy being part of a team and always do my best to create a positive and caring environment.

I am Marta, I am from Ukraine, from the city Lviv, and I am 23 years old. I really love spending time with kids; I previously worked with children as a nanny for 1 year. I was raised in a large family, and I believe that is why I love children and because of their bright spirits. I have learned a lot from childcare, and I have a lot of experience and can’t wait to learn more at Birch Tree Academy.

I was born and raised in Minsk, Belarus. I graduated from the Academy of Physical Culture and Sports with a bachelor’s degree in teaching physical education in 1996. That same year, I passed the exam and received a diploma from the British Association Teachers of Dance. I have been teaching kids since 1996, I worked as a ballroom dance teacher, a P.E. teacher, and as an instructor, in both public schools and preschools. We moved to the United States in 2014 which is when I started working at Birch Tree Academy.

My husband and I are four-time champions of Belarus in ballroom dancing. In 2012 and 2013 we represented Belarus at the World Championships. We recently resumed dancing and plan to go to more competitions in the future.

I enjoy working with kids and all of the happiness they bring to the world—building personal and warm relationships with my students brings me incredible joy.

Hello my name is Ankita and I am excited to join Birch Tree as an assistant teacher. I am dedicated to supporting children and families. I take pride in helping children learn and grow, fostering a positive and enriching educational environment. I am passionate about making a difference, I strive to be a reliable and encouraging presence in the classroom.

I currently live in Bellevue and have achieved an MBA in Financial Management. I have a unique birthday of January 1st. In my free time I love to play cricket and am a part of the ARCL (American Recreational Cricket League in Redmond. I enjoy cooking and traveling too! Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to care for your children!

Hello my name is Ksenia. 

I was born in Nizhniy Novgorod, Russian. At the beginning of my career I worked  as a kindergarten art teacher and enjoyed helping children experience the art world. After that I decided to try out the banking world for about five years.

My family and I have been living in the USA for about 8 years now. We love spending time with our with our 2 sons and exploring Washington. I am very excited to be a part of the team at Birch Tree Academy. 

Hi there! My name is Sarah, and I’m honored to be working with young children and shaping their minds! I’ve worked with children in many different ways for 16 years now. I love music and singing! I also love exploring and trying new things! I’ve lived up in auburn for a few years now, but I’m originally from the Olympia area.

Hello everyone! My name is Jay Dena. Now that I have finished raising all six of my children through high school, I am returning to early childhood education.

I stepped into my first daycare center as staff in 1988 and began my lead teacher experiences a short year later.  The past four years I have been working with school aged children in math and reading. My official Bachelor’s degree is in science, but I have many early childhood courses and hope to start my Master’s soon. I go above and beyond to train myself to understand the needs of my current students so I can help them achieve their goals. My professional experiences have brought me to many culturally focused schools, and I welcome more learning.

I might have old school ways about myself, but I am up to speed with modern parenting and know how to support parents, families and children in partnerships. My own four grandchildren (ages 13 months to 5 years old) help me remember the importance of partnership.  I am excited to join this journey with you.

Hi! I am so excited to be here with this amazing team! I know it may sound cliché, but teaching young children is my passion. Teaching is my hobby - and what I am happiest doing! I have taught ages 10 months - 12 years, but ages 3-6 will forever be my favorite! I have 6 years of experience in teaching young children, and I am looking forward to many, many more! My favorite thing about teaching is seeing the immediate difference a fun lesson can make in a child's life! I recently moved up to Washington from Idaho, where I grew up. In my free time you can find me exploring both here, and all the areas around us! I love a good adventure, and I am always looking to know your favorite spots around our beautiful state! I am a dog mom to a beautiful german shepard named Nugget, and I am very family oriented. I’m also a foodie, so if you've got any favorite spots to eat around here, let me know! I absolutely cannot wait to get to know you and your child, and watch them grow to their fullest potential!

Hi, I’m Olga, the chef here at Birch Tree Academyl! I’m very outgoing and love making new friends, whether it's with the kids or the staff. I take pride in being responsible and making sure every meal I prepare is both healthy and delicious. It’s so rewarding to see the kids enjoy the food, and I love creating a fun, welcoming atmosphere in the kitchen every day!