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.

I was born and raised in a small town called Dubno, located in the western part of Ukraine, but moved to Kent not long ago. I’m Ukrainian and love my country so much, but I’m really obsessed with USA, especially with people living here, they are so friendly and affable. I have a younger sister and cousins, I took care of them all my childhood, it was my favorite activity. Two years ago, I received a bachelor’s degree of international relations in Ivan Franko national university in Lviv. In my student years, I tutored English with children, and even then, I realized that working with children is my mission. One of my passions is working with children and providing them an environment where they feel safe. Knowing that my job is to help kids achieve their full potential and to help them feel happier and better about themselves, brings a huge smile to my face and helps me sleep better at night.

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.

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!

Hello! My name is Caitlin and I am very passionate about education and the environment! I am originally from the Bay Area in California and moved to Seattle in 2020. I have absolutely adored my previous experiences working with kids and I am so psyched to work in a school again! I am particularly passionate about creating a space where kids have access to environmental education wherever they are and whatever their background! I also love cats, crochet, roller skating, art, and nature!

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!

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.

I was born and raised in Moldova, immersed in the rich traditions of Balkan and Slavic cultures. My journey in Early Childhood Education began over a decade ago, inspired by my mother’s work in the field. My passion lies in understanding and nurturing children's emotional development, which I strive to incorporate into my daily interactions with them. As a mother of two teenage daughters, I understand the many challenges of parenthood. Outside of work, I love hiking, walking, and exploring the Pacific Northwest. In the summer of 2023, I completed a solo summit of Mount Saint Helens and finished the PNW Six Pack of Peaks challenge. I aspire to make this an annual birthday tradition.

My name is Daria Tikhonova, I’m married. I have work experience as a Nanny and Caregiver for about 3 years & 5 months. I have worked with children of different ages, from 1 year old to 10 years old. Why did I choose this profession? It's because I like being with children. You will never get bored with them, they are interesting. Every new day makes me happy with kids. Therefore, getting a position as a teacher's assistant in Birch Tree Academy makes me twice as happy.

Hello, my name is Svetlana. My family and I moved in US in 2015 from Russia. I have two wonderful sons. I have always had a position for working with children, first as a nanny, then as a teacher assistant and toddler teacher. I like to be a teacher because I love to help children explore and discover the world around them. I enjoy watching children learn and grow!

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!

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!

I am a creative person. Active, conscientious, balanced, sociable, eager to learn new things, kind, and free of bad habits. I am an accountant by education, have worked as an engineer in large companies, but my passion has always been in teaching people, providing them with a healthy body through physical exercise and emotional calmness.

My name is Chloe, and I have been working in a licensed childcare center for about two years now! I got into childcare when I became pregnant with my daughter Zaniya and I love this career because it helps me navigate through all her developmental stages. In my free time I enjoy taking my daughter and our dog on walks, we both really enjoy nature.

Hello! Im so excited to meet you! I’m originally from Portland Oregon and I moved to Seattle Washington in 2020. I’ve always wanted to follow in my moms steps and work with children. I started working with children when I was 13, with babysitting, working my way up to nannying and summer camps, I now have the pleasure to be given this opportunity of starting my career in preschools here at Birch Tree Academy. I plan to finish college and fulfill my dream of becoming a kindergarten teacher! Outside of work I love being in nature, running, hiking, playing pickleball and reading books!

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!

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.

Hi all! I am Skylar, but the kids call me Ms. Sky. I have been working with kids since I was 16 and have my AA in education. I have experience working with a wide variety of learners and am excited to find the ways each student learns best. I have always loved school and am passionate about advocating for children and their individual needs in and outside of the classroom. It’s my goal to foster a love of learning in every child while making school a safe and welcoming space for them and their families.

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!

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!

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.

Anna Rapagnani is a preschool teacher and piano instructor from Montana. She has a BA from The University of Montana and an MM degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. She loves playing tennis and winter sports as well as spending time with her family. Ms. Anna is excited to work with all the students and staff at Birch Tree Academy.

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!

I was born in Baku, then I moved to another country & was a teacher for 27 years. I have two sons, & four grandsons. But still, the luckiest year in my life was 2015, when I moved to the USA. In 2017, I attended Edmonds Community College & graduated in 2018. From the years of 2018-2021, I was working at Providence Hospital as an EKG tech. I soon realized that teaching was truly what made me happy, & that is when I came to Birch Tree Academy. I'm pleased to be a part of such a great team & to share my time with such adorable kids.

Hello, I’m Oksana, & I’m from Ukraine. I got my education & graduated from a Pedagogical University to work with children. In Ukraine, I taught second grade children and loved it. In my free time, I love to travel, read and draw. I am thrilled to work for the wonderful team at Birch Tree Academy.

Hi, my name is Yevheniia. I am from Ukraine. My life journey started in the heart of Europe, and there I had a very happy and unforgettable childhood, youth years, there I got married and birthed my elder daughter. I moved to the USA in 2022 & my son was born here. I have a Master’s degree in Philology at the National University of Odessa in Ukraine. I speak Ukrainian, English, Russian, and Bulgarian. In Ukraine, I worked as a teacher and event manager of school for more than 10 years. I gained much experience during our after-school theater classes and preparing the school holidays with kids. For me, teaching never was only a job. I left a piece of my soul in every child. So, let's have a fun, growing little ones!

I was born in Ukraine. I have three children. I graduated from Bukovyna State University in 2013 and Ivano-Frankivsk State University of Oil and Gas in 2014. I love teaching and I love working with children. In my spare time I enjoy reading, researching, knitting and gardening.

I was born and raised in Ukraine, where I earned a degree in technical education and worked in the IT industry. For eight years, I also tutored children in math, which really sparked my passion for teaching. Recently, my husband, our little dog, and I moved to America in search of a new place to call home. With a desire for a fresh start, I decided to explore a new career in childcare. After visiting several kindergartens, I knew right away that Birch Tree was the perfect fit. I’m truly excited to be part of this wonderful team and look forward to growing in this exciting new field!

Hello, my name is Lyudmila. I am from Kazakhstan. I love cooking a lot. Before moving to America, I was working as a sous chef in Kazakhstan. I have two kids and four grandchildren. I like to spend my free time with them.

I deeply love my job!

I was born and raised in Kazakhstan. I worked as a Leading Engineer for Energy Systems Calculations, but my favorite hobby was cooking various dishes. All my friends loved to come to us and eat them. When I came to America, my dream came true. And I became a cook. I started working at Birch Tree Academy in 2015. My eldest granddaughter studied here, then my second grandson graduated from this school. They remember this time with gratitude, and the dishes that we cooked for them. And to this day, these dishes are their favorite food.

Hi, my name is Valerija, I was born in Lithuania, but have been living in America for 10 years, I really enjoy this country and the people. They are very sincere, friendly, and know how to communicate. I love children, I have five grandchildren that I helped my daughter raise. I really like working in the kitchen cooking for children, and making delicious, healthy food. The kids repay us with a hearty smile. I thank them for that.