West Queen Anne Meet the TEAM

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

Favorite Princess: Mulan

Language: English, Tagalog, Chinese

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 Master's degree in International Marketing from Boston University and also a 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

Language: English, Tagalog, Chinese

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.

"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). 

“Try to be a RAINBOW in someone else CLOUD” - Maya Angelou

Favorite Princess: Josina (my daughter) 

Language: English, Tagalog, Ilocano

I graduated from Washington State University (Go Cougs!) in 2018 with a Bachelor's in Human Development and a certificate in Early Childhood Education. After graduating I started my career as a Teacher aid at a Community Child Care Center and eventually became a lead teacher within 4 years. I then found myself here in West Seattle working with The Little Trailblazers which kicked started my career as the Director in 2021 :) I am a well-rounded person who likes to be busy planning events, creating products, managing programs, and developing new ideas. I love to come home to my husband, daughter and her two furry siblings.

 " The future cannot be predicted, but futures can be invented." Dennis Gabor 

Favorite Princess: Mulan

Language: Spanish, English

 Hi,I'm Mariana Rodil! 

I'm originally from Venezuela and currently studying Business at North Seattle College. I spent five years working as a nanny, which helped me develop valuable skills, such as responsibility, patience and multitasking. In my free time, I love camping and hiking, nature is my escape, and I enjoy staying active outdoors every chance I can. I'm native Spanish speaker, so I'm always happy to connect with others who share that language and culture.

 "When your heart is in your dream, no request is too extreme" - Pinocchio, Walt Disney

Favorite Princess: Anna

Language: English

I grew up in Oregon and attended Western Oregon University where I studied Dance & Musical Theatre. I found my love for working with children in 2016 at a small preschool near home. Two years later I moved up to Washington and continued pursuing early childhood education. I have been with Little Trailblazers since February 2022!  What I love about working with children is seeing their excitement about the world, their creative expression in activities, and being able to inspire and teach their ever-growing minds.  Incorporating my fine arts background into academic and play-based learning through songs, storytelling, and movement is icing on the cake. In my free time I love to attend live music events, have outings with friends, or relax at home with my sweet kitty, Loki. 

 "If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets even as a Michaelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music or Shakespeare wrote poetry. He should sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, 'Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.'"  ~Martin Luther King Jr. 

Favorite Princess: Cinderella 

Language: English, Some Spanish and French

 Hi, I'm Martha (she/her) and I'm so glad to be joining the LittleTrailblazers family & working with your delightful children! Originally from the East Coast (born & raised in upstate NY), my earliest experiences in childcare were as a babysitter & Sunday School assistant when I was a teenager. I attended James Madison University where I studied theatre &music & continued occasionally babysitting in the early days of my career as a stage manager. I also worked with kids ages 5-18 in summer theatre during this time. I have called Seattle home since 2011 & during that time I have been a Big Sister with Big Brothers Big Sisters for 5 years, a CASA(Court-Appointed Special Advocate) volunteer for almost 10years, & most recently worked at Amarafor nearly 7.5 years10 years, holding direct service roles in their Emergency Sanctuary, FamilyTime Visitation, & Youth Development programs. In my free time, I enjoy singing with the Seattle Women's Chorus, volunteering as an usher at ACT Theatre, & traveling pretty much anywhere I have the opportunity to visit! 

 "If you look for evil and fear in the world, you'll find it, it's everywhere. If you look for love in the world, it's there too, it's everywhere."  - Jacob Collier

Favorite Princess: Mulan

Language: English

 Hi, my name is Casey Porter, I am the assistant teacher at Little Trailblazers. I was born and raised in the Seattle area, although I’ve only just recently moved back to the area to be near family. I became interested in childcare and teaching when my little twin siblings were born almost seven years ago. Helping them discover the world and how it works has been extremely rewarding and fun. My main goal in the classroom is to help our students to develop confidence in themselves and empathy for each other. I enjoy being with all of our students and parents.