Faculty & STAFF
Our teachers are experienced teachers, many with BA and MA degrees in early childhood education. They receive ongoing professional development through in-service training, on-site coaching, workshops, college classes, and conferences. Other professionals include our chef, kitchen assistant, and music teacher who provide healthy nourishment and program enrichment.
Julie Bisson (she/Her), Director
I have been teaching and learning in the field of early childhood education for more than 35 years. Epiphany Early Learning is the fifth early learning program I’ve had the pleasure of directing. I love my job at EELP! It is a rare gift as a director to be able to co-create a program that embodies your vision by working alongside a dedicated and skillful staff that makes it so. I have an MA degree from Pacific Oaks College, I’m an author, and I provide consulting and training on a variety of educational topics. When not working I spend time with my husband and two growing children who are 16 and 21. I also love gardening, spending time outdoors, and hanging out with my three labrador retrievers, 1 cat, 2 bunnies, 12 chickens, and 2 turkeys!
Sarah felstiner (she/her), Operations manager
I’ve worked in the early childhood field for over 35 years, teaching in classrooms with 2-5 year olds, and also as an administrator and adult educator. I have a BA in Psychology from Yale University, and an MA in Human Development (focused on early childhood administration) from Pacific Oaks College. I moved here from my home base of Northern California in 1995, and worked for over 25 years at Hilltop Children’s Center, as a classroom educator, Mentor, and Education Director. I’m grateful to be part of the team at EELP, because I love designing systems to support families and educators, coordinating behind-the-scenes functions of the school, and geeking out about responsive pedagogy. Plus I get to drop into classrooms with my guitar. Outside of school, you’ll usually find me with my husband and my teenage son: baking, playing music, watching television, doing crosswords, and island-hopping in our little green airplane. We live with two sweet cats, and way too many plants.
Belinda Berg (she/Her), SALMONBERRY Teacher & office staff
I am so happy to be working with the children, families, and staff of EELP! I’m inspired by the shared commitment to living out values of respect and community. I’m originally from Washington DC. and years ago I moved to Seattle after getting my BA in English. Most of my work life has involved youth (preschoolers and teens) education, social justice, and supporting social-emotional health. Before coming to EELP I was a Teacher’s Assistant for 5 years in local preschools. I’m thrilled to be working with the EELP community to help children grow into their fullest selves as individuals, friends, and citizens who are creative and compassionate, reflective and resilient. When not at work I can often be found happily hanging out with my wife, Kat, our dog, and our two cats.
Deb Curtis (she/her), MENTOR Teacher
Greetings! My name is Deb Curtis. I am a passionate advocate for children and childhood and have many, many years working with children and teachers in early childhood programs, observing and studying children. I have a deep respect for children and their amazing abilities for relationships and learning. I am a fierce advocate for equity and anti-bias education practices and protection of the natural world which I bring to all of my work with children and adults. Along with teaching children I have worked with educators in programs, seminars and institutes all over North America. I am the co-author of many books related to working with young children. You can learn more about these resources at redleafpress.org and childcareexchange.com. I worked for several years at EELP in theTrillium and Salmonberry rooms and left to live in California for a while. I am grateful to be back and look forward to getting to know your children and you. I live in Edmonds, with my partner of 38 years, Lonnie Bloom. Our 36 year old son Casey lives in West Seattle. We all love baseball and I spend a lot of time watching each of their teams play in the Puget Sound men’s baseball league. I also love to be in the natural world, camping, hiking and walking.
Sandra Floyd (she/Her), Studio Teacher
I have been in the early childhood education field for more than 15 years and have worked within many different settings and philosophies. I am currently both a preschool teacher and a mentor teacher at EELP. I truly love working with children and feel blessed that I have found my passion. In the last ten years I have expanded my work in the field by lecturing on the Reggio Emilia philosophy, mentoring teachers, designing preschool classrooms and art studios and contributing to publications and training DVDs. At the heart of my teaching is the belief that teaching and learning happens within relationship. I also believe that the combination of play and critical thinking is how children learn best. When I am not working I am most likely spending time with my friends and family, who all live in the area. Having my family in the Seattle area has kept me living here the majority of my adult life; going from elementary school all the way through the University of Washington. The lack of sunshine has been a constant struggle for me, but is alleviated by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. Another passion of mine is traveling the world. In the past few years I have been able to visit and even work in a few childcare centers in different parts of the globe. I love to expand my knowledge of what quality early education looks like.
Rose Hailemariam (she/Her), Trillium teacher
My name is Tsigereda Hailemariam (Rose). I was born in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, the second of four children. I came to the United States of America in 2017 to reunite with my husband. My ultimate hobby is cooking Ethiopian dishes and watching movies. I developed a strong sense of devotion for children after I started working for Sound Child Care Solutions as an assistant teacher. I love to continue to learn about children in my next endeavors and I am very excited to join the Epiphany Early Learning team.
Carina Maciel (she/Her), Trillium teacher
Hello! My name is Carina and I’m super excited to be joining the community at EELP! My passion for early childhood education started at a young age as I learned from the best, my mom! I grew up in eastern Washington and moved to Seattle in 2012 for school. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Public Health from the University of Washington. After I graduated, I yearned to work with children again and dove back into early childhood education. My love for children and working with families through partnerships has been extremely rewarding. It’s such an honor to be a part of a child’s growth and development because it makes a difference. In my spare time, you’ll catch me practicing my Spanish, participating in runs and hikes, going to live music events, and spending time with my loved ones. I look forward to working with the community at EELP and helping the children continue to grow as wonderful individuals.
Kayla stejskal (she/Her), Trillium Teacher
I started here at EELP in 2018 as a Blackberry and Salmonberry teacher, then a year later joined the Trillium room as a toddler teacher. I graduated from Western Washington University with a BAE in Early Childhood Special Education, so EELP feels like a perfect fit! During my five years in school, I worked and volunteered in a variety of preschool and elementary school settings, including other Reggio-Emilia inspired classrooms. However, I spent the majority of my time as a teacher for the early learning program at the local YMCA. I got to watch the children grow and discover themselves over the years, which is an experience I cherish here at EELP as well! Outside of the classroom I enjoy spending time with my husband Jesse, going for walks or hikes, cooking and eating new foods, playing video games, and snuggling with my two cats, Moose and Smokey.
barbara brittenham (she/her), Blackberry teacher
What I love about teaching is that I am always learning along the way, I have learned so much about and from young children during my career as a Teacher and Nanny, and I am very excited to continue my teaching journey at EELP. I earned my AAS Degree in Early Childhood Education from North Seattle Community College and my BA in Education from Central Washington University, majoring in ECE and minoring in Elementary Education, receiving a WA Provisional Teaching Certificate. I have continued my education, some of which includes classes at Hilltop, Pacific Oaks, and a year long mentoring program through Rice University in their Early Literacy Project. I live in Magnolia with my husband, I am happy when I have a chance to get out for walks and work in my garden.
Alea fry (she/Her), Blackberry Teacher
Alea Fry has been teaching at EELP since 2014. She lived in Ellensburg, Olympia and Seattle previously. She has a BA and is currently working on a Masters in School Counseling. Alea currently lives in north Seattle near Green Lake and loves the park.
Lydia Schelly (she/her), BLACKBERRY Teacher
I am so excited for the opportunity to work with everyone at EELP! I graduated from the University of Washington in 2020 with the intention of teaching high school, but ended up in an early childhood position and fell in love. I love watching children learn about and discover their world, especially as they build relationships with their peers. I think that we as adults have a lot to learn from children, and I feel incredibly privileged to get to spend my days with them. I am a strong believer in the Reggio-Emilia philosophy and have had the opportunity to work in a Reggio-Emilia inspired classroom in the past as well. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my cats, reading, and taking walks around the city.
Megan Arnim (she/Her), Salmonberry & Mentor Teacher
My journey into the world of Early Childhood Education started way back in 1994, when I began working one-on-one with children with special needs. I loved that work so much that it inspired me to earn a Washington State Teaching Certificate with an Early Childhood endorsement through Pacific Oaks College. Right out of school I joined the staff of Hilltop Children’s Center, where I honed my craft for more than 16 years in a strong Reggio inspired program before joining Julie Bisson at the newly opening EELP. Outside of teaching, my life is filled with my husband Erick and our two beautiful daughters, Elizabeth and Amelia. We make our home “up north” in Lynnwood, where we fill our time with friends, pets, music and dance lessons! I love this work so much! At EELP I am both a classroom teacher and a mentor teacher and I love the chance this gives me to collaborate with both the amazing children who make up my classroom community, and the amazing teachers who make up the EELP staff. I feel truly blessed to be able to come to a place every day where I get to intentionally advocate for children and families and practice the values I hold most dear to my heart. I so look forward to meeting you and I know that together we’ll build the kind of strong, loving community where children thrive!
Morgan Hullinger (she/her), Salmonberry Teacher
Hello, my name is Morgan and I’m super excited to be joining the EELP community! I recently graduated from UW, where I majored in Early Childhood and Family Studies and minored in Disability Studies. I am originally from Eastern Washington but moved to Seattle for college and loved it here! Working with children and their families has always been my passion, and I’m so grateful that I’ve had the opportunity to work and volunteer in various childcare facilities around the city, and now here at EELP. In addition to teaching, I enjoy painting, reading, going on walks, and playing with my two cats, Stella and Luna.
Nicki Hao (she/her), Huckleberry Teacher
Hello! This is Nicki and I am very excited to be joining the Epiphany Early Learning Preschool team!
I graduated from The University of Hong Kong with a master’s degree in education having
previously finished my Postgraduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education. My past nine years have
been filled with laughter from kindergarten students from diverse cultural backgrounds. My most
recent experience includes four years at a Reggio inspired British private school in Hong Kong. I am
an advocate for child-centered learning and believe that it is important to empower young children to
be creative and critical learners. During my free time I enjoy spending time with my family,
exploring the outdoors, and traveling. I have completed a few cross-country road trips which
ultimately led to my love for the Pacific Northwest. Having recently settled in Seattle, I really look
forward to starting my new journey with you and your children at EELP!
Louisa jackson [she/her], huckleberry teacher
I am so excited to be joining the learning community at Epiphany! I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts from Loyola Marymount University and completed my Master’s in Teaching at Seattle University. I have spent nine years teaching Kindergarten, First Grade and Second Grade in the Renton School District and 6 years teaching Preschool and Pre-K. I also have training in the Reggio Emilia philosophy. I believe that it's a unique and special opportunity and privilege to turn kids on to learning, imagination, a sense of community and citizenship. I look forward to building connections and fostering creativity with EELP students, families and colleagues. I enjoy my free time belly laughing with friends and family, getting lost and found in nature, creating collages, pretending to be a chef, and immersing myself in the world of a good read. I am an avid traveler, having traveled to over 25 countries, and I'm fluent in Spanish. I consider myself a lifelong learner and am always on the lookout for the next adventure and discovery.venture and discovery.
Sheyla Rodriguez (she/her), Huckleberry Teacher
Hola! My name is Sheyla Rodriguez I was born in Piura, Peru; I migrated to the U.S in 2005 and have lived in Seattle for 6 years. I graduated from Skagit valley college with my AA in early childhood education and currently in school to complete my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and family studies. My Passion is working with children; I have been working with children for over 8 years, I have worked with preschoolers- 6th graders. I consider myself to be very social, and a very positive person. My goal for the school year is to create a fun, welcoming, and loving classroom, to support and guide each child’s interest and make a positive impact in their life’s. I believe that we are lifelong learners, and I am very eager to learn and grow together with my new students! If you and your family are curious to knowing more about me, please feel free to ask! I couldn’t be happier to be in Huckleberry classroom working with all your wonderful children!
Sonali Saraf (she/her), Huckleberry Teacher
Hello! My name is Sonali Saraf and I’m thrilled to be a part of the Epiphany Early Learning team! I recently moved to Seattle from Baltimore, Maryland, where I graduated with a Bachelor of Science from the University of Maryland Baltimore County. I am also an alumnus of the Americorps VISTA program, a national anti-poverty program supporting local nonprofit organizations to lift their communities out of poverty. I’m so grateful to have spent 7 years teaching, 2 of which were with toddler and Pre-K students! In the classroom, I am passionate about creating a nurturing environment for children that fosters learning and supports growth, and I strongly value an anti-bias and anti-racist education. In my free time, I love exploring the outdoors, baking treats for my friends and family, competing in trivia, and annoying my cat, Fallon (a.k.a. Luxury). I can’t wait to meet you and your children!
Jackie Badillo (she/her), floating Teacher
Hi my name is Jackie and I am so excited to be a part of the Epiphany Early learning team. I have been working in the childcare industry for about 4 years now. Working with kids is something I am passionate about and I love watching the children bloom and seeing the new abilities they gain as they become older. I’m currently a Seattle Pacific University student, and I’ll graduate in the spring of 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in clinical counseling psychology. I enjoy going on hikes, working out, painting, and trying/ exploring new things. I’m looking forward to starting my new journey at EELP and can’t wait to meet you and your children!
Toya Harris (she/her), Floating Teacher
Hi my name is Toya Harris.Born and raised in Tacoma Washington. I moved to Seattle in 2004 to pursue a career in fashion. I graduated in 2008 from the Art Institute of Seattle with a bachelor's degree in fine art and fashion marketing. I’ve always wanted to be a mom and have always loved being in the company of children. I'm an older sister, an Aunty and was the local babysitter while growing up. I started getting tired of retail and realized that the fashion industry wasn’t what I thought it was. I started nannying and wanted to try out a classroom setting. In 2012 I started my career in teaching and have been ever since. I’m in love with watching children become independent and excited about learning while their confidence builds. When I’m not teaching, I’m at home with my little one. I love music, fashion and art. I DJ at local clubs and events in the city. I’m excited to be a part of the EELP community!
Jo Jenkins (she/her), Floating Teacher
I love working with kids, and I am so excited to be part of the EELP community! I am originally from Grand Rapids, Michigan, where I got my Bachelors in Psychology and Neuroscience, and I recently moved to Seattle and am completing my EdS Degree in School Psychology. My previous work with kids has mostly been at an outdoor education center, where I worked with kids of all different ages and abilities! Outside of work, I love to hike, run, and read.
FATIMA MONYR (she/her), Floating Teacher
I was born in Morocco. I came to the United States in 2009 in order to pursue my dreams and to experience life. I love working with children. I like to see them grow and learn. My first interactions with children started from my home. I helped my mom to raise three of my younger brothers since they were born. Also, I used to teach children French back home. I have a bachelor's degree in English literature and a second one in Social Work, both from Morocco. I like to spend my free time reading, shopping, and hanging out with friends. I love traveling and experiencing different places.
Hieu-Anh Nguyen (She/Her), Floating Teacher
Hello! My name is Hieu-Anh Nguyen, and I am currently a student at the University of Washington (go dawgs!). I am a second-year majoring in Early Childhood Family Studies, and I want to be a teacher out of college. I have two years of experience working with children, which comes from the time I spent volunteering at my local parish, teaching the Bible study program. I also have 1 year of experience working in daycare centers. My favorite hobbies are exploring new cafes to study at, reading books, playing piano, and baking! I also love to go on walks with my friends, if the weather isn't too moody that day. I'm so excited to begin this new journey with EELP, and cannot wait to work with you!
Frehwot Peterson (she/her), Floating Teacher
Hello, my name is Freh. I’ve been working with children since I was 15, which has been a fulfilling journey. What I value most about teaching is witnessing their curiosity and eagerness to learn. Guiding them through activities and lessons as they grow and develop is incredibly rewarding. It’s a privilege to nurture their individuality and see them become confident individuals. Outside of work, I enjoy running, coding, reading, knitting, spending time with God, and volunteering.
Kylie Scarff (she/her), Floating Teacher
Hi! My name is Kylie and I’m super excited to be a part of the EELP team. I’m from California and am fairly new to Seattle but I am loving it. I am the oldest of 4 kids and have loved working with children throughout my life. I am currently in Seattle University’s School Psychology Masters Program and I am really enjoying it. I have a Bachelors in Psychology from University of San Diego. Outside of work I like to write, read, draw, and listen to music.
Shilpa Srinivasan (she/her), Floating Teacher
Hello! my name is Shilpa, and I am so honored to be joining the EELP community as an assistant teacher! I am currently studying to get my degree in Early Childhood Developmental Psychology at SNHU. I grew up here in Seattle and graduated from Roosevelt High School in 2019. I gained a passion for working with children from experience being a camp counselor as well as baby sitting for friends and family. I am so grateful to have the privilege to begin my career as a teacher in a community as tight knit and special as EELP! There is so much to learn from children, as well as every fellow staff member, and I look forward to it. My hobbies include painting and drawing, as well as spending time outdoors! I am so excited to meet everyone and am so grateful for this opportunity!
Fatima Waggeh (she/her), Floating Teacher
Hello my name is Fatoumata Waggeh though I prefer to go by Fatima or Tima and I'm thrilled to have recently joined Epiphany Early Learning as a floating teacher. Originally from the Gambia, I'm new to Seattle and am excited about the opportunity to work with such a dedicated team. I'm looking forward to collaborating with each of you and contributing to the nurturing learning environment EELP is known for.
Ariel Zaslav (she/her), Floating Teacher
I am thrilled to join the team at EELP and re-ground myself in early childhood after working primarily in Jewish education for the past 15 years. After pursuing work in sustainable agriculture, I opened an early childhood program (twenty years ago!) with a friend and spent three years immersed in learning alongside the children in our program. It was here that I discovered the philosophies of reggio emilia and emergent curriculum. Since then I have worked in jewish preschools, as a synagogue education director, created and ran a summer camp program, taught handwork classes to kids of all ages, designed experiential curriculum focused on jewish peoplehood, taught Hebrew and worked with youth in preparation for their B'nei Mitzvot. I am currently pursuing my Masters degree in Trauma Trauma Informed Education from Antioch University. Outside of work and school I am usually hanging out with my family which includes my partner David, my children Madrona (12) and Gahlia (8) and our pup Trudy. I am also a passionate gardener, fiber artist, herbalist, food preserver and home cook. I love working with young children because of their inherent brilliance, their zest for discovery and their delight in the world.
Other wonderful staff you’ll meet:
jim watkins (he/him), Chef
Jim grew up visiting the farms of his food-loving family in Virginia, and his attachment to food eventually led him away from his initial career in social work. "I come from a family that really celebrated food, so when I made a career change I realized that it was something I always loved, that I was really good at, and that I had a passion for. I have always had a great appreciation for the art of cooking, but had never even considered the idea of making a living as a culinarian." After working at some of the best restaurants in Minneapolis, Jim was hired as the Executive Chef of the Aveda Spa in Osceola, Wisconsin, where he worked for three years before being hired as the founding chef of Cafe Flora here in Seattle in 1991. Since then Jim's contributions to the Seattle Food scene have included owner of "Plenty", a gourmet deli and cafe in the Madrona Neighborhood, Executive Chef of North Campus Dining at the University of Washington, Director of Dining Services at Bastyr University, as well as a mentor and cooking instructor at various schools around the city. Jim's cooking mission and philosophy has always been based on whole body health and mindful eating. Jim continues to enjoy following his passion by contributing to the community and moving away from the often stressful pace of large scale dining projects. Epiphany Early Learning feels like the perfect fit for his life right now, by combining his love of cooking and working with children.
Addison Sechler (They/Them), Assistant Chef
Hello! I am excited to join the team here at EELP. I am bringing with me my experience in culinary arts, creativity, and outdoor education. Being raised in professional kitchens fostered an interest in culinary exploration early on that has become a very fulfilling part of my life. After working in a few kitchens in the past, I chose to begin my career in organic grocery retail. This path offered more varied experiences and connections, while satisfying my love of sharing food and enabling me access to affordable, quality ingredients. In summer, 2022, I volunteered with Earth Path Programs in Ottawa, Ontario as an outdoor educator. There I facilitated archery and carving workshops while also assisting mentors during day-long classes. I like to spend my time at home making art, harvesting wild foods, and learning new skills with my family and friends.
JADE OAKLIEF (SHE/HER), KITCHEN ASSISTANT
Jade Oaklief (she/her) is a senior in high school and a full time running start student at North Seattle College. She works part-time at EELP when her schedule allows, mostly in the kitchen as an assistant chef, but you'll find her in classrooms sometimes as well.
ADriana beach (She/Her), Kitchen Assistant
Hi my name is Adriana! I am so excited to be working with you all at Epiphany Early Learning Preschool. I am a recent graduate of Garfield High School. I have two sisters and two brothers that I love a lot. My favorite things to do are to draw, sing, listen to music, and dance. My mom jokes and says that we should own stock in crayola and paper supplies as I have quite the collections of pens, color pencils, coloring books, and paper. Please say hi to me when you see me on campus.