Our Bothell Staff

  • Cassie

    I was born and raised in Washington. I have four siblings and I helped raise my two youngest sisters. I always wanted to become a maternity nurse, but once I started working with children my goal has changed to someday opening my own preschool. I have been working with kids for over three years and I am so happy to do what I love every day! I especially love watching kids develop their interests and unique personalities.

  • Max S

    I have been working in ECE for over four years and before that I worked with elementary aged children ranging from K-5th grade. I started working with kiddos when I was only 14, volunteering at various sports camps over the summer. At age 18 I took a year off after high school before going to college and worked for an organization called City Year where we helped underserved schools in the greater Seattle area. I worked with 5th graders for a year before deciding that teaching was my passion, and it is what I wanted to go to school for. I love to stay active by competing in sports, listening to music, and dancing. Some of my favorite authors are Dr. Seuss and Bill Waterson. I look forward to meeting and working with everyone here, thank you!

  • Ashley

    I was born in Spokane, Washington and moved to Seattle when I was 5 years old. I’m allergic to every plant in Spokane, so moving to Seattle was the best thing that could happen to me! I have lot of experience with children as I was a nanny for five years for two families, and also worked at my church’s daycare. I was so happy to earn this opportunity to grow in my career, hear the giggles, and see all the kiddos grow up. In my free time, I spend it with my family and friends, hiking, camping and four wheeling.

  • Kaylia

    I was born and raised here in Washington. My junior and senior of high school, I went to Highline College and graduated with an AA degree in Education. I then went to UW and graduated with a bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education. Through hard work, lots of passion, and many hugs, I fell in love with the preschool age. Outside of classroom, you can find me watching new shows, finding new places to eat, and journaling. I am very excited to join the Birch Tree Team!

  • Vika

    I was born and raised in Ukraine. In 2009, I came to the United States and got married to my loving husband. We have two beautiful children and a Golden Labrador to keep us busy. I started off as an Engineer in Ukraine, but my true passion is working with children. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, traveling, and spending time with my family. I am excited to be here at Birch Tree!

  • Leah

    I have a degree in Elementary Education from Western Washington University. After graduating, I substituted for a year across many subjects and grades, which made me realize Kindergarten was the perfect spot for me! I then taught Kindergarten for 5 years at a nearby school. I took some time off to be home with my daughter, and am now excited to be back in the classroom! My family and I love to travel. My two year old has already visited 5 countries! I also like to read and spend time outside.

  • Nataliya

    I have two children and now my first grandbaby! When first becoming a teacher in 1990 I knew I found my life’s passion. I’ve taught kids of all ages including high school. I love teaching and was honored to have been selected as Teacher of the Year several times in Ukraine. I also lead language classes at a local church.

    In my spare time I enjoy reading, researching, knitting and gardening.

  • Jenelle

    I was born and raised in Kirkland, WA. I worked in child care for nine years before making the move to medical assisting, but my passion for early childhood education brought me back here, where I couldn't be happier! On my time off I enjoy being outdoors hiking, frisbee golfing, camping, adventuring no matter if its raining, snowing or sunshine!

  • McKenzie

    My name is McKenzie! I have lived in Washington my whole life. I have been around and worked with children my entire life through family, babysitting, and childcare. Outside of work I love doing anything related to specialty photography, along with exercising and hikes. I am very excited to join the Birch Tree team!

  • Karolina

    I grew up in Ukraine and graduated from University with a degree in teaching.

    In 2007, I moved to the US with my family. I love teaching as much as I love learning. I also teach language courses at a local church. I am completely dedicated to every child I have the honor to teach, and it is a great honor for me to join the team of The Birch Tree Academy.

  • Padma

    I am originally from India. I moved to the US with my husband and two daughters in 2000 and have been living in Washington for the past decade. I completed my Bachelor's degree in Science and Bachelors degree in Education in India. Prior to joining Birch Tree Academy, I worked at Northern Lights Montessori School for ten years. Outside of work, I enjoy hiking and exploring new trails on the weekend as the weather permits. I also enjoy watching tv shows and I am always on the lookout for a good suspense thriller tv show. I look forward to working with and getting to know everyone at Birch Tree Academy.

  • Kami

    I grew up in Washington State and have four wonderful children. I have always had a passion for working with children, first as a nanny then as a lead teacher for over ten years. 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. I love watching the children’s reactions when they discover something new. I am excited to get to know all your children!

  • Anteya

    My name is Mrs Teya and I was born and raised in Arizona. I came here with my 2 dogs, my husband, and my baby boy. I loved being an aunt so much that I had my own baby. Every time I’m in a classroom, every child is my child. I love teaching because, even if it’s just for a moment, I love to have a special moment with every child I interact with and make them feel so special and loved. By the way fun fact about me I love COWS! Cows are my favorite thing in the whole wide world. Oh and books!

  • Sierra

    I was raised in Bothell, WA and have lived in the Pacific Northwest all my life. I come from a large family and believe that contributed to my love of teaching. I have worked with children for over seven years now! I strive to provide a nurturing space in my classroom where children can learn to express themselves creatively. Outside the classroom you can find me spending time with family, friends, and my pup. I love to be outdoors and explore this breathtaking place we call home. I look forward to joining the Birch Tree Academy community and continuing my teaching journey!

  • Sveta

    I was born and grew up in the coldest place if Russia—Siberia. My mother worked for teachers all her life and I decided to follow in her footsteps, obtaining a bachelor’s degree from Angarsk Teacher’s College. Working with children has always been rewarding for me because they have so much potential and a great imagination. Playing and learning with them brings me so much joy! In my free time, I like to go hiking, swimming, biking with my kiddos and I love downhill skiing.

  • Mikayla

    Hello, I am so proud and excited to be a part of the Birch Tree Academy community. I was born and raised here in the beautiful Seattle area. I have worked with children for as long as I can remember through babysitting, family, and volunteer work. I have been in ECE for over three years. My goal as a teacher is to help children feel they are safe, supported, and can enjoy learning the world around them at their full potential. I really enjoy activities that help children indulge in their self-belief, independence, and creative expression. Aside from teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family, being outdoors, and diving into my artistic self.

  • Anna M

    My name is Anna and I moved to the United States 4 years ago I moved from Russia. Before moving, I have worked as a nanny with children of different ages. In the states, my first job was teaching at a local preschool where I worked for 3.5 years. It's time for changes and moving forward and here I finally here at Birch Tree! I am extremely happy to be part of the team and excited to meet the rest of the community!

  • Hailey

    I was born and raised in Washington. I've wanted to work with children for as long as I can remember, I would even play "school" with my toys as a child. Now I have over five years of experience in a preschool setting, and love having the opportunity to help children learn and grow! I am currently working on my associate's degree in Early Childhood Education, and hope to achieve my goal of being a Kindergarten Teacher in the future! I look forward to starting this new adventure at Birch Tree Academy!

  • Natalie

    Hi, my name is Natalie. I was born in Ukraine and have a wonderful husband and a dog. I am graduating from University as a preschool teacher and want to actively develop my skills in this area. I also have experience in inclusion and would love to continue developing those skills as well.

    I am a believer and every year I went to Christian camps where I gained valuable experiences. I have an older and younger brother and I really appreciate them. I like to be active, walk and enjoy life. Thank you for trusting me with your children every day, it is valued.

  • Nadiia

    I was born in Ukraine, in the city of Rivne and I have five brothers and six sisters. My extended family are the most precious people on the planet. Maybe it was because I grew up in a big family, but I got used to being with children at a young age. Ever since childhood, I liked to play school, as if I were a teacher and taught children. Needless to say, I knew I wanted to be a teacher who doesn't just teach, but who loves children and knows how to make them happy.

    When I was 15, I started college to be a junior high school teacher. Every year, I spent two or three months at children's Christian camps held by our church, where I had the opportunity to work with children of all ages.

    I graduated from college and university, specializing in elementary school teaching, Ukrainian language and literature, worked in a kindergarten. The most valuable moments in my work were those moments when my little student Platon or another of the children ran up to me, fell into my arms and said: "Nadіia, I love you."

    I want my job to be not just a job, but an opportunity to give love and see happy children every day!

  • Amy

    Hi there! I'm Ms. Amy. I'm from San Antonio, Texas. I recently moved here since my fiancé has been accepted into the University of Washington for PA school. I have been a teacher at Little Sunshine's Playhouse and Preschool for four years and a nursery caregiver at University United Methodist Church for seven years back in Texas. I originally went to college for Pharmacy but ended up falling in love with education. I have my associate's degree from Northwest Vista college in general science. I have always loved being around children, they have a fun perspective on the world and always pursue their joys which I think is very inspiring. I have two large dogs, one German Shepherd, Ace, and one black lab, Jade. I love going on hikes with them and my fiancé. Back in high school I was on dance team and my love for dance has not faded. I love to keep practicing from time to time! I also love collecting things, such as stickers, crystals, and journals. I'm into many hobbies and have many interests!

  • Jane

    I was born and raised in Russia. I attended Voronezh State Pedagogical University and majored in elementary education. I graduated in 2010 and worked as a public school teacher until 2013.

    In 2013 I moved to the United States and settled in Kansas City, Kansas. I got married and became a proud mom of 2 beautiful girls. The birth of my daughter Emma was the turning point of my life. I decided that it was in her interest that I become a stay-at-home mother before embarking on my teaching career. In 2018 my second daughter Mila was born. Same year my husband got a new job and my family moved to the state of Washington. Here I had my third daughter Vera and learned about such a great place for kids as Birch Tree Academy. This lit the flame of desire to return to my teaching career.

    My goal is to be the person kids can trust, the person who will always do whatever it takes to ensure their success.

  • Janene

    Hello! I’m so happy to be a part of the Birch Tree Academy team. I was born and raised California, where I earned a BA in Child and Adolescent Development. I love educational processes and deeply enjoy guiding children through their own learning journeys. I’m excited to get to know all the amazing kiddos here! Outside of work, I’ll be exploring Washington, as I’m still new to it. Hopefully I will get to develop my plant identification skills, hike nearby mountains, and enjoying some of Washington’s beautiful scenery.

  • Yuliia

    My name is Yuliia. I came to America almost two years ago with my sister. I was born in Ukraine, in the city of Rivne and I have three sisters and one brother. My family are the most important people in my life. Ever since I was a child, I have always been used to being with children and looking after my sisters, brother and nephews. I love spending time with children—teaching them seems to bring you back to your childhood again.

    At the age of 16, I enrolled as a nurse, studied for 2.5 years and graduated with a diploma with honors. After that I started working as a nurse with children in Ukraine at the Oleksandriysk school-gymnasium of the Rivne region. After working for almost a year, I entered the university as an educator and teacher of primary classes and studied 4 years. I wanted to get a higher education in a profession that was related to children because I adore them and love to spend time with them, observe their development, help and support them in various situations.

    I want my work to be not just work, but an opportunity to give love, warmth and see smiling and happy faces of children every day. Establishing a trusting relationship between a child and a teacher is a powerful thing. Childhood is a special time in the life of every child and I want to help it pass as best as possible.

  • Tatiana

    I was born and raised in Moldova surrounded by the Balkan and Slavic cultures. I began my career in Early Childhood more than a decade ago. It was something that I saw my mom doing and it didn’t take me long to decide what I want to be. I am passionate to learn about children’s emotional development and implementing it in my interactions with them.

    I am a mom of two Middle Schoolers and in my time outside of work I enjoy hiking, doing Barre classes and Yoga. In the summer of 2023 I summited Mount Saint Helens solo and completed the PNW Six Pack of Peaks challenge.

  • Gaby

    Hello! I was born and raised in Mexico. In Mexico, I obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Universidad del Valle de México. I moved to Norman, Oklahoma four years ago when I was married. While in Norman, I studied English as a Second Language, completed a Discipleship Training School, and worked as a childcare provider for our church. I love working with kids, and I’m so excited to celebrate all the little successes everyday with them as I watch them grow and develop. I moved to Washington within the last year with my husband and now 9 month old baby girl. In my free time, I enjoy participating in community events, reading, cooking, and spending time with my beautiful family.