Meet the TEAM

"If there is a will, there is a way."

Favorite Princess: Mulan

After graduating with a degree in Integrated Marketing Communications in the Philippines, I decided to take additional classes in Early Childhood Development because I love children. My first job in the United States was a kid's club attendant for 24-Hour Fitness for 3 years, where I took care of kids from 6 months to 12 years old. I am currently a middle school (since 2015) and high school basketball coach (since 2016). In my spare time, I love exploring the world and playing basketball. I have a graduate degree in International Marketing from Boston University and I am currently taking my Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, specializing in Early Childhood Development from Arizona State University's Online Program.

"Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart."

Favorite Princess: Belle

Ever since I was young, I have always adored kids. I am a CPA and have a full-time accounting job; however, I mostly work from home and I have to say that the kids make our home a much happier place. I call myself “Lola” which means grandma in Filipino.  Because I am not on the child care floor full time, I am more like a lola who helps out
when needed and loves to play with the kids. On my spare time, you can see me reading a book, like my favorite princess, Belle.

“The time is always right to do what is right” - M.L.K.

Favorite Princess:  Pocahontas  

I have been an Early Childhood Educator for over 20 years!  My love and passion for children and their curiosity for learning has led me on a wonderful journey.  I started my career as a co-op teacher at North Seattle Community College.  This led to directing/supervising/and teaching in school-aged programs, private preschools/daycares, and Head Start.  I have made lifelong friendships with many of the families and look forward to creating more!

A northwest native, I enjoy the outdoors!  I love bicycling, hiking with my dogs, and coffee!!

“The function of education is to teach one to think intensively and to think critically. Intelligence plus character – that is the goal of true education.” -MLK

Favorite Princess: Fiona (Shrek)

I like to organize educational processes for children because I am convinced that a good formation at an early age will be reflected in the future society. Everyday is an opportunity to learn to be better human beings through educational games and sciences. 

I have worked for more than six years in educational processes and I like to share my knowledge with those who need it. I love drinking coffee, reading fiction books and learning about new cultures around the world. Also, I am passionate about languages and although Spanish is my native language I always speak it and teach it in a polite way, I am still perfecting my French and someday I will learn German for sure. 

"Dreams don't work unless you do."

Favorite Princess: Rapunzel

I love working with kids, and it is such a joy to me to get to be around them. Ever since my first job in high school tutoring young children, I have known that I am passionate about helping them learn, and watching them grow. In my free time, I enjoy reading and writing, traveling whenever I'm able to, and doing various classes at the gym such as Zumba and Step Aerobics. 

"Don't dream it, be it."

Favorite Princess: Belle

I'm the oldest of 8 children and a 3rd generation daycare teacher, so I've been around children my whole life! I grew up in White Center where I'm now raising my son, Eli. Before becoming a teacher at
Little Trailblazers, I was a stay-at-home mom for 6 years and I would also babysit family friends' children. In my spare time, I love having movie nights with Eli, learning new recipes, or going bowling. 

"Play is the work of childhood." - Mr. Rogers

Favorite Princess: Ariel

I have always known that I wanted to be a teacher and work with children. As a teen I found ways to share my passion with others through volunteering and when I started working in at a childcare center in 2014 I knew I had found what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. As I learned through experience and getting my Associates Degree from North Seattle College, my teaching philosophy has grown. I am a huge believer in children's agency in their school environment and the way I teach reflects that.  I view my role as an educator as a guide working with families to build a strong foundation for children to thrive. What children learn in their formative years shapes their future and by extension, the future of our society. I am thrilled to be part of the Little Trailblazers Team and fully utilize my passion for early childhood education. When I'm not teaching or giving Tedtalks on why early childhood education is important to unsuspecting uber drivers, I love to spend time with my partner Max, and my friends and family. Social justice is extremely important to me and I value kindness and communication.

"The most worthwhile thing is to try and put happiness in to the lives of others." -Robert Baden-Powell

Favorite Princess: Pocahontas

I moved with my husband to Seattle from Cambridge in England in Oct 2019. I am a mother of 4 grown up children and Nanny to 3 beautiful grand children.
 

I have worked in childcare for over 35 years originally training in Cambridge in Home economics and family community care followed by Early years training to management level and managing a 60 place setting for some years.
I then moved onto working as a high level teaching assistant specialising in special needs and supporting families in primary schools.
 

I have volunteered in scouting for over 10 years and my husband and I have belonged to a motorcycle club fo over 30 years enjoying meeting friends old and new and raising money for local charities by holding social events.
We are enjoying exploring Washington and hiking especially.
 

I am loving my time in trailblazers it is like belonging to a new family and I adore all the children and their families and the wonderful staff I am working alongside.

"Life begins at the end of your comfort zone."

Favorite Princess: Mulan

I am very passionate about working with children. I come from a big family with 4 brothers and 4 sisters, which exposed me to a fun-loving and caring environment. I have earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from the Philippines and have been working with children since 2008. In 2010, I started working as a preschool teacher and have been doing it ever since. I love sports and have volunteered to coach both children’s soccer and volleyball. On my spare time, I enjoy exploring the great outdoors and playing sports (Basketball and Flag Football). 

“The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams”

Favorite Princess: Ariel

I was born and raised in West Seattle. I love it here and I don’t plan on ever leaving! My family lives here as well. While I was in school, and up until I graduated, my first job was being a nanny and from there I knew I wanted to work with kids. I’ve been a teacher here at Little Explorers since 2018 and I absolutely love it! I love taking care of them, teaching them and watching them grow. Each and every kid has their own cute personality that I adore. 

Outside of work, I’m always running around with my fiancé, our 5year old daughter, and our 3 dogs. If we are not out in the yard or at the beach, I’m home doing art projects. I love being crafty and making new things! 

“You must either modify your dreams or magnify your skills.”

Favorite Princess: Princess RAHMA

My affection for children is indescribable which motivated me to obtain a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Kenyatta University, Kenya, in order to acquire a deeper and meaningful understanding of child psychology and development. During my studies, I worked with different categories of vulnerable children in various institutions exposing me to colossal challenges they encounter. 

I taught grade 2 kids for close to one year after which I worked for an NGO that deals with the less fortunate children, providing them with all the basic human needs and an education. The experience was mind boggling! 

I love playing football (soccer) and rugby and during my free time I have assisted in coaching football to young children.