Faculty and Staff
We hire people for whom children, learning, teaching and community are passions and callings. TLS faculty are deep thinking, dedicated practitioners in the art of understanding and engaging children. They create powerful learning opportunities that expand student skills, understanding and perspective. They lean into student interests and incorporate daily invitations for students to grow and thrive both socially and academically. TLS teachers help students understand themselves as learners, friends and citizens and create a passion for discovery that lasts a lifetime.
You can freely talk to your teachers. They are here to help you.
— Hannah, Alum Student
What Our Teachers Say About Working at TLS
Click on the photos below to learn more about our faculty and staff.
![A smiling man with glasses and a beard is in the foreground, with lush green foliage in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1788561932/thelittleschoolorg/gzkf9kg8ndhqomqg9lgs/Aidan.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1788561932/thelittleschoolorg/gzkf9kg8ndhqomqg9lgs/Aidan.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1788561932/thelittleschoolorg/gzkf9kg8ndhqomqg9lgs/Aidan.jpg","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1788561932/thelittleschoolorg/gzkf9kg8ndhqomqg9lgs/Aidan.jpg","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1788561932/thelittleschoolorg/gzkf9kg8ndhqomqg9lgs/Aidan.jpg","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1788561932/thelittleschoolorg/gzkf9kg8ndhqomqg9lgs/Aidan.jpg","width":1792}])
Collaborating Teacher
aidand@thelittleschool.org
![Alexis Primero]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1699570661/thelittleschoolorg/ltes69w7nlw1nok3pwt2/Alexis-P.jpg","width":250}])
Extended Day Teacher
alexisp@thelittleschool.org
![A smiling woman with dark hair and a light blue pendant is in the foreground, with a blurred green foliage background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787950657/thelittleschoolorg/mnnb5ttlakbqeczk7jbz/alice-g.jpg","width":250}])
Associate Teacher
B.A. in Africana Studies, Davidson College
M.A.T. in Urban Education and Social Justice, University of San Francisco
aliceg@thelittleschool.org
![A smiling woman with glasses perched on her head is in the foreground, with a blurred green leafy background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779903167/thelittleschoolorg/kwixmuswixwrvwi4vmqm/alice.jpg","width":250}])
Director of Program & Sustainability
B.A. in Philosophy, Oberlin College
Teaching Certificate (PS-8), Pacific Oaks College
M.Ed, University of Washington
aliceh@thelittleschool.org
![Amanda Pasquier]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1642553507/thelittleschoolorg/xihulxk0j6kxts9ugkau/amanda.jpg","width":250}])
Librarian
B.A. in International Studies, Seattle University
M.Ed. in Elementary Education, University of Washington
School Library Media Specialist Endorsement, K-12, Antioch University
amandap@thelittleschool.org
![Asha Gibbs]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725640885/thelittleschoolorg/xzvpudxybqinu0do5yui/asha.jpg","width":250}])
Advancement Coordinator
ashag@thelittleschool.org
![Aurora McCone]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1642553507/thelittleschoolorg/yuxvbdbeoqxpsvzpzfnv/aurora.jpg","width":250}])
Teacher
B.A. in Humanities for Teaching, Seattle University
M.Ed., Seattle University
auroram@thelittleschool.org
![A young woman with long brown hair smiles at the camera, wearing a white, open-knit top, with a blurred background of green foliage.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787867855/thelittleschoolorg/n9nuplzlqtlhdrokkefg/Baillie.jpg","width":250}])
Curriculum Support Specialist
baillies@thelittleschool.org
![Bri Wells]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1739471652/thelittleschoolorg/frhzrzcbdchz3mkducuj/Bri.jpg","width":250}])
Director of Auxiliary Programs & Early Childhood Admin Rep
B.S. in Business Administration, Oregon State University
B.S. in International Business, Aarhus University, Denmark
Currently Aspiring Leaders of Color Mentee, AIELOC
briw@thelittleschool.org
![Catherine Jaramillo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1758133174/thelittleschoolorg/kvxymk5gnzeopiodjgac/catherine-j.jpg","width":250}])
3rd-5th Grade Integrated Learning Specialist
catherinej@thelittleschool.org
![Cindy Weber]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1756492037/thelittleschoolorg/kovtl0loi4fivpsucon4/cindy.jpg","width":250}])
Teacher
Associate in Arts Early Childhood Education with High Distinction from Bellevue College
B.S. in Interior Design, University of Maryland
cindyw@thelittleschool.org
![A woman with sunglasses on her head laughs in the foreground, with a blurred green foliage background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787950694/thelittleschoolorg/yg20nrwmvyn2wbqhqwsv/claire-h.jpg","width":250}])
Associate Teacher
B.A. in Psychology from Boston University
M.Ed in Applied Behavior Analysis from University of Washington
claireh@thelittleschool.org
![A smiling man with glasses in a plaid shirt is in the foreground, with lush green foliage in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787950741/thelittleschoolorg/bks9icefl5xil7ilgmul/Connor-N.jpg","width":250}])
Teacher
Master of Arts in Teaching, Colorado College
Master Certified Environmental Educator, Colorado Alliance for Environmental Education
B.A. in History, Minor in Education
connorn@thelittleschool.org
![Crystal Krippaehne]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1756828981/thelittleschoolorg/nuqhwnvfpgqwffz464qu/Crystal-K-web.jpg","width":250}])
Teacher
crystalk@thelittleschool.org
![Derek Wilkson]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726520266/thelittleschoolorg/xdbtyinb546pfrsql0ar/derek-w.jpg","width":250}])
Extended Day Teacher
derekw@thelittleschool.org
![A smiling woman with glasses in the foreground is set against a blurred background of green foliage and brown leaves.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787861509/thelittleschoolorg/h4uat8lvnrmw680lk7xy/Elsie.jpg","width":250}])
Teacher
B.A., Political Science & Asian Studies, Hamilton College
M.A., Geography, Portland State University
Graduate Certificate in Education for Environment and Community, IslandWood & University of Washington
elsiel@thelittleschool.org
![Emily Dunyo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725056802/thelittleschoolorg/gnc4i5oia2jk14aj3mww/Emily-Black.jpg","width":250}])
Music and Performing Arts Specialist
B.M., Music Education, Temple University
Masters of Arts in Music Education at the University of St. Thomas
National Board Certificated Teacher
Orff Schulwerk Levels Certificated Teacher
emilyd@thelittleschool.org
![Ginger Goble-Van Diest]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1663627966/thelittleschoolorg/hekhgajgmhgmwzwyeopw/ginger.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1663627966/thelittleschoolorg/hekhgajgmhgmwzwyeopw/ginger.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1663627966/thelittleschoolorg/hekhgajgmhgmwzwyeopw/ginger.jpg","width":750}])
Director of Facilities and Land Stewardship
gingerg@thelittleschool.org
![A young woman with long, wavy brown hair and a warm, friendly smile stands in a lush, green outdoor setting.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1768262790/thelittleschoolorg/thelittleschoolorg/akr6a4fkx8rjqo4krocr/hannah-f.jpg","width":250}])
Extended Day Teacher
hannahf@thelittleschool.org
![Hannah Sternberg]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725056617/thelittleschoolorg/qvavpedgxvghxnjca4hj/hannah-s.jpg","width":250}])
Teacher
B.A. in Early Childhood and Family Studies, University of Washington
M.A.T. in Elementary Education, University of Washington
hannahs@thelittleschool.org
![A smiling blonde woman in a black top is framed by lush green foliage.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787860823/thelittleschoolorg/ppp3keqbbnlyfvf0ccyq/ida.jpg","width":250}])
Associate Teacher
B.S. in Elementary Education, University of Georgia
idak@thelittleschool.org
![Jenny Chiang]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1642553508/thelittleschoolorg/jwrgfq28rxtyk5lhrmp7/jenny-c.jpg","width":250}])
Community Events and Alumni Coordinator
B.A. in Early Childhood & Family Studies, University of Washington
M.Ed. in Special Education (K-12) and General Education (K-8), University of Washington
jennyc@thelittleschool.org
![A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and a gentle smile is in the foreground, wearing a striped shirt, while a blurred green foliage forms the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1781638066/thelittleschoolorg/uoggkpjfwtwjstj3o65b/jessie.jpg","width":250}])
Environmental Education Specialist
B.S. in Fish and Wildlife Conservation, University of Connecticut
Certificate in Education for Environment and Community, IslandWood
M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction, University of Washington
jessier@thelittleschool.org
![Jimmy Chu]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1642553509/thelittleschoolorg/qvdusqjxxxzug6ezua03/jimmy.jpg","width":250}])
P.E. Specialist
B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology, Carleton College
M.Ed in Urban Education, UCLA Center X
jimmyc@thelittleschool.org
![JoJo Bisset]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1642553509/thelittleschoolorg/kls4ylzz7aw8csmyld9u/jojo.jpg","width":250}])
Extended Day Teacher
B.A., English, Western Washington University
jojob@thelittleschool.org
![Jules Hetland]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1756492396/thelittleschoolorg/plclrfi35t5og17u2ylc/jules.jpg","width":250}])
Curriculum Support Specialist
B.A. in Psychology, University of Maryland - Munich and College Park
M.S in Environmental Science, Lesley College
julesh@thelittleschool.org
![Julie Kalmus]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1642553509/thelittleschoolorg/qihorfrc2don9cdbaacn/julie-k.jpg","width":250}])
Head of School
B.A. in Psychology and Education, Vassar College
M.Ed. in Educational Leadership, Columbia University
juliek@thelittleschool.org
![A young woman with a red bow in her hair smiles at the camera, with lush green foliage in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787860892/thelittleschoolorg/ba91zokkdjnar9eqj3dv/juno-j.jpg","width":250}])
Associate Teacher
junoj@thelittleschool.org
![Kate Cook]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1780340095/thelittleschoolorg/d1jqehagslsvejcrsiml/kate-cook.jpg","width":250}])
Teacher
BSEd in TALN (Teaching All Learners)
MS in Instruction and Curriculum Leadership
katec@thelittleschool.org
![A woman with short brown hair and a warm smile is in the foreground, with a blurred green and yellow leafy background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1780348576/thelittleschoolorg/auzbijyoe58i1bo2jq7i/katie.jpg","width":250}])
Director of Program & Student Support
B.A. in English and Women's Studies, Seattle University
M.A.T. in Elementary Education, Seattle Pacific University
katiew@thelittleschool.org
![A smiling woman with glasses and a red cardigan is in the foreground, with lush green foliage in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787862573/thelittleschoolorg/mhktmuztqngqaziy8xjd/katyna-t.jpg","width":250}])
Director of Finance and Operations
katynat@thelittleschool.org
![Keiko Andrews]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725056641/thelittleschoolorg/ttkcyntfjfpw1ggjcfbw/keiko.jpg","width":250}])
Curriculum Support Specialist
keikoa@thelittleschool.org
![Kristin Hornell]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1726786070/thelittleschoolorg/eyvenciz4mrkke8l2ecb/kristin.jpg","width":250}])
Teacher
B.A. in English, Washington University in St. Louis
M.A.T. in Early Childhood Education, Webster University
kristinh@thelittleschool.org
![A smiling young woman with long brown hair, wearing a red cardigan, is framed by lush green foliage in the background.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779903048/thelittleschoolorg/znucjxrpzqwnv8qm51er/Lauren.jpg","width":250}])
Associate Teacher
laurenm@thelittleschool.org
![Libby Singer]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725056445/thelittleschoolorg/iduv9oboruoprzujzyjp/Libby.jpg","width":250}])
Director of Development and Communications
B.A. University of Washington
M.B.A., University of Washington, Bothell
libbys@thelittleschool.org
![Linnea Peterson]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1756491957/thelittleschoolorg/zuu0xposkwmhq6xynrxv/Linnea-Peterson.jpg","width":250}])
Teacher
B.A in Psychology, University of Iowa
M. Ed., University of Chicago
linneap@thelittleschool.org
![Mandy Dillon]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1756492012/thelittleschoolorg/bnl70axslasmaeweuu5n/mandy.jpg","width":250}])
Teacher
B.S Early Childhood Education, Nyack College
Graduate Coursework, Bank Street College of Education
mandyd@thelittleschool.org
![Max Honch]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725056559/thelittleschoolorg/kevixmd5nmoifwpyxpx6/max.jpg","width":250}])
Teacher
B.A. in History and Religious Studies, University of Puget Sound
M.Ed., University of Washington
Certificate Education for Environment and Community, IslandWood
maxh@thelittleschool.org
![Mem Merrin]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1642553510/thelittleschoolorg/tmhqjjpij90jhxgf8crs/mem.jpg","width":250}])
Teacher
B.A. in Sociology, Clark University
Certificate in Early Childhood Education, Clark University
M.S. in Environmental Studies, Antioch New England Graduate School
memm@thelittleschool.org
![Michele Mendrick]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1661798959/thelittleschoolorg/xyu1zrco6e1d074dfysn/michele.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1661798959/thelittleschoolorg/xyu1zrco6e1d074dfysn/michele.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1661798959/thelittleschoolorg/xyu1zrco6e1d074dfysn/michele.jpg","width":750}])
Manager of Office Communications & Operations
B.A. in Early Childhood Education, The State University of New York
M.Ed., University of Washington
michelem@thelittleschool.org
![Morgan Padgett]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1642553510/thelittleschoolorg/xzbguobtnu9zlju5xv44/morgan.jpg","width":250}])
Art Specialist
B.A. Psychology, Lewis & Clark College
B.A. Art History, Lewis & Clark College
M.Ed. Education, Concordia University
morganp@thelittleschool.org
![Mó de Mesquita]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1756828964/thelittleschoolorg/qaqwjbznduwyechmxoys/Mo.jpg","width":250}])
Teacher
B.Ed. in Primary Education, University of Aberdeen (Scotland)
M.Ed., University of Washington
Certificate Education for Environment and Community, IslandWood
mom@thelittleschool.org
![A man with long brown hair and a beard smiles at the camera, with a blurred green background of foliage behind him.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787860869/thelittleschoolorg/f9yo7jfo6jvcff0pysxh/nick.jpg","width":250}])
Technology Manager
nickc@thelittleschool.org
![Pia Roca]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1759245623/thelittleschoolorg/yj4khoby5o8tkspzbnkj/Pia.jpg","width":250}])
Associate Teacher
piar@thelittleschool.org
![Rachel Sarnoff Dumanian]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1758144314/thelittleschoolorg/c7sho9dht8jox17k6xqk/Rachel-Sarnoff-Dumanian.jpg","width":250}])
Integrated Learning Specialist
racheld@thelittleschool.org
![Rama Ndiaye]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1754417304/thelittleschoolorg/gpa76gfctjjhmoivdldl/Rama-N.png","width":250}])
Director of Program & Belonging
Alma Mater: The Ohio State University
B.A., International Relations & Diplomacy / World Politics
M.A., Educational Policy & Leadership - Cultural Foundations
raman@thelittleschool.org
![Regan Wensnahan]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1754681138/thelittleschoolorg/kryhpygj009wycthlcd6/regan.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1754681138/thelittleschoolorg/kryhpygj009wycthlcd6/regan.jpg","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1754681138/thelittleschoolorg/kryhpygj009wycthlcd6/regan.jpg","width":750}])
Director of Enrollment Management
B.A., Swarthmore College
M.A., Pacific Oaks College
reganw@thelittleschool.org
![Reka Robinson]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1780340729/thelittleschoolorg/q2fd8grlijnj8jo6y8xl/Reka-R.jpg","width":250}])
Associate Teacher
B.A. in Communications (Radio/TV/Film), Howard University
rekar@thelittleschool.org
![Sadie Halvorsen]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1786480314/thelittleschoolorg/hs2ze3n6yjn3h9wmtbiy/sadie-h.jpg","width":250}])
Associate Teacher
sadieh@thelittleschool.org
![A smiling young woman in a floral hijab and brown cardigan is framed by lush green foliage.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1787862602/thelittleschoolorg/seflzeu9yblrflrzavyg/sana.jpg","width":250}])
Teacher
M.A.T. in Elementary Education from the University of Washington
B.A. in Early Childhood & Family Studies and Minor in Disability Studies from the University of Washington
sanam@thelittleschool.org
![Siyi Yang]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725056741/thelittleschoolorg/qntadt1vqynedmm10p5l/siyi.jpg","width":250}])
Associate Teacher
siyiy@thelittleschool.org
![Sophia Egler]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1756491986/thelittleschoolorg/vfr8qevjfqgyukxy5evm/sophia.jpg","width":250}])
Curriculum Support Specialist
Early Childhood Education Course Work, Bellevue College
B.A. in English Literature, University of Washington
Pursuing MLIS, University of Washington
sophiae@thelittleschool.org
![Stephen Harrison]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1642553511/thelittleschoolorg/tbzunuleggfqbwplroyu/stephen.jpg","width":250}])
Technology Integration & Innovation Specialist
B.S. in Environmental Resource Management, Pennsylvania State University
M.Ed. in Education Media Design, Full Sail University
stephenh@thelittleschool.org
![Taira McKinney]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1642553511/thelittleschoolorg/tzsxce9jldn7mueribne/taira.jpg","width":250}])
Teacher
A.A. in Early Childhood Development, Santa Rosa Junior College
B.A. in Liberal Studies Emphasis in Education, San Francisco State University
tairam@thelittleschool.org
![Tiana Johnson]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1725056816/thelittleschoolorg/pqvehbkqxiasptooziyx/tiana.jpg","width":250}])
Manager of Human Resources
tianaj@thelittleschool.org
![Will Burnard]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1758144105/thelittleschoolorg/hrcrlb0hgnyzaz0qj1yp/will-b.jpg","width":250}])
Facilities and Land Stewardship Assistant
willb@thelittleschool.org