Hi families! My name is Kelleigh "Kiwi," and I’m thrilled to be one of the Program Supervisors at Lakemont and a teacher here at Forest Friends. I have over 14 years of experience working with children in various roles—most of that as a career nanny—and have always felt deeply connected to the wonder, creativity, and growth that early childhood brings.

I hold a BA in Humanities with a Minor in Communications from Washington State University and am a certified Early Childhood Educator in Washington State. I’ve had the incredible joy of watching my own child thrive in the Forest Friends community, and stepping into a leadership role here has been so meaningful to me, both personally and professionally.

At FFP, I’m passionate about fostering a nurturing, play-rich environment where kids feel empowered to explore, take risks, and connect with nature and each other. I’m also dedicated to supporting our teachers and families with care, communication, and collaboration. I can’t wait to share in another year of laughter, learning, and forest magic with your kiddos!

Hi all! My name is Reb (also known as Reb Raspberry or Teacher Reb) and this is my second year here at Forest Friends. I’m originally from New Jersey, and am fairly new to Washington. I studied behavior and health at Boston University, and have experience working with infants and toddlers in both educational and early intervention settings. I’m currently working towards a master of social work, and hope to eventually enter the field of animal assisted therapy. I have loved experiencing life and nature in the PNW so far, and feel so lucky to be exploring the outdoors with your little ones. I’m looking forward to meeting you all and having some fun in our beautiful park!

Hello Families! My name is Clotilde, and I’m so happy to be joining the team as a teacher’s assistant!
I’m originally from France, where I worked as an occupational therapist. I’ve always loved being around children and supporting their growth—especially in a setting where they can learn through nature and play.
I’m also a mom of two, and one of my children is part of the Forest Friends preschool. As a family, we enjoy spending time outside—hiking, exploring, and getting creative with crafts.
I’m truly looking forward to getting to know your children and sharing in the joy and wonder of outdoor learning with them!

Hi there! My name is Mackenzie Macaroni and I am thrilled to be a part of Forest Friends Preschool. I have 10 years of childcare experience as a nanny and now have transitioned into teaching and it has been such a joy to watch children learn and grow in an outdoor environment.  I was born and raised here in the beautiful Pacific Northwest and love teaching kids about plants nature and all the fun things the outdoors have to offer. I graduated from Bellevue college and am continuing my degree in early childhood education. Excited to spend my days learning with your kiddos! 

Hello! My name is Jamieson and I’m so happy to be joining this wonderful community. My biggest passions are teaching young humans and learning from the natural world, so I’m incredibly excited to have found a place where I can combine both. I’ve been teaching for over 8 years in various schools. Some highlights are leading a classroom at a Montessori preschool and braving the midwest winters at a wonderful outdoor school near the Twin Cities.When I’m not teaching, I can almost always be found hiking with my dog in the mountains or going on rock climbing trips with my partner. The PNW has been my home for the past 3 years, and I can’t wait to keep deepening my relationship with our remarkable area!

Hi! My name is Denae and I couldn’t be happier to be joining this Forest Friends community! My husband, australian shepherd, and I just moved from Kansas where I’ve taught 1st grade for the last 3 years:) I have my Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education with Special Education and am working towards my Master’s in Developmental Psychology. Outside of the classroom I enjoy reading, baking, and traveling (54 destinations and counting)! I can’t wait to get to know my students and families, contribute my teaching to make this a wonderful year, and help young learners grow academically, socially, and emotionally!

Hi everyone, I’m teacher Sadie! I graduated last year from the University of Puget Sound with a BA in Environmental Policy and Communication Studies. I have a combined 7 years of experience working with children and teens of all ages. I grew up in WA playing outside and I strive to share the joys of learning in nature with your littles! For the last few years, I have been working in an outdoor setting teaching kids about the environment and how to create a relationship with the natural world. I love watching kids get more comfortable outside, not afraid to get dirty, and see the endless possibilities of learning outdoors. I can’t wait to meet your kiddo and see what strengths and curiosities they bring to the natural world.

Maddelyn will join the Lakemont Sprouts Team!

Hello, my name is Jessie and I am so excited to meet your little ones! I recently moved to Washington from Nebraska and have been so grateful for access to all the tall trees, sparkling waterfalls and mushroom species! I went to school for Conservation Biology and have worked with children for many years as a dance instructor, hike leader, and preschool teacher. I am passionate about combining my love for nature with the magic of early education. I am inspired everyday by the expansive minds of children and how they interact with the flora and fauna around them. It’s such a joy to see the world through their eyes and I am always amazed by how much I learn from them about curiosity, tenacity, and the joy of simple pleasures. I’m so looking forward to leading our classroom with a child-led, collaborative, and mindful teaching philosophy.

Jenn Mann is a play-based educator and mom of two adventurous kids — Killian (8) and Elora (5). Her journey into education began when she saw that traditional preschool wasn’t meeting her son’s needs, prompting her to explore new ways of learning. That path led her to the nature school and homeschooling community — a place where children are free to follow their curiosity, learn through hands-on exploration, and develop a genuine love for discovery.

With an extensive background in the arts and years of international travel, Jenn brings a unique blend of creativity, adaptability, and cultural awareness to her work with children. She is passionate about creating environments where kids feel safe, inspired, and empowered to explore their world. Whether leading outdoor adventures, fostering imaginative play, or encouraging self-expression, Jenn’s approach is rooted in warmth, connection, and a belief in every child’s potential.
 

Madisen "Marmot" Hilligoss recently returned to Washington, where she grew up, after 8 years in the beautiful mountains of British Columbia. While there, she received an interdisciplinary bachelor's degree from Quest University, focused on environmental science, ethnoecology, and environmental art. Her varied work experiences include raft guiding, wildlife surveying, preschool teaching, and ski instructing. She has also been an environmental educator at a small town nature center and led after school programs. Outside of work, Madisen is an artist specializing in natural paint making, and has taught workshops in natural paint making at Crater Lake National Park, children's nature camps, and earthskills gatherings. A deep desire to help people of all ages feel connected to the natural world has guided much of her life, and she is so excited to help the Treefrogs on their journeys of loving the Earth!

Hi all, my name is Alisha! After earning my bachelor's in education at the University of Washington, I'm excited to start my journey at Forest Friends Preschool as Alisha Acorn! Growing up in Washington inspired my passion for nature and outdoor recreation, from kayaking and camping to picking blackberries along local trails. When I'm not hiking with my Australian Shepherd, you can usually find me working on art projects, collecting knickknacks, or experimenting with new coffee recipes. I'm eager to be outside, rain or shine, helping spark curiosity in young minds, and I can't wait to teach, explore, and learn alongside the kiddos and staff at Forest Friends.

Hey there! My name is Maddie Dauterman and I’m so pumped to be at Forest Friends. I’m originally from Minnesota, but have fully accepted the PNW as my home. I have a degree in educational studies and have always loved working closely with kiddos to help them learn and grow and foster a love for all things outdoors. I have experience teaching Preschool, as a professional nanny, and working in the Ed Department at the Woodland Park Zoo. In my free time, I love exploring local trails, birding, reading, baking, kayaking, and generally spending time in nature. I can’t wait to share these passions with the little minds at Forest Friends and help them find their own!

Hey, I’m Hannah! I’ve been teaching in the early learning world for 18 years where I have gained experience in teaching many different needs and activities from special needs gymnastics to the typically developing preschool classroom. I just recently moved to eastgate with my partner and daughter. I grew up around the Snoqualmie valley and nature in the PNW outdoor is close to my heart. I believe children are the best leaders and curriculum developers and love following their lead. It’s our job as senior learners to support their ideas and innate drive to learn. Some of my special interests include: plants, human development, creating art of all kinds. 

Hi everyone! My name is Daniela (Dani “Daisy” to your little ones!) and I am so excited to be joining the team at Forest Friends. I have about 10 years of experience working with children through a wide variety of roles including but not limited to - nannying, float teaching, and tutoring. I am incredibly passionate about fostering a safe and inclusive space where children can build their confidence and experience the world at their fingertips. It is such an honor to be able to watch children learn, grow, and lead through play and exploration, and I am so eager to have the great outdoors as our classroom!

When I’m not working or going to class, I enjoy hiking, reading, gardening with my pup, Luna, and singing in a local choir on the weekends. 

I am so excited to meet you all and build meaningful connections with you and your little ones!

Hello! My name is Pavi. I knew my calling was to be around kids when I quit my software engineering job. I did my associates in early learning at Bellevue college. 

For the past ten years I have been with my kids and also doing various roles in the early learning settings. I love this profession as I am surrounded by little ones all day. I feel this is a very important stage in a child's life and I would love to be a part in their beautiful journey. This is my first year in Forest Friend and I am so looking forward to the school year. I believe that children learn best in play and in nature and I am thrilled that our kids get the best of both. In my free time, I love doing art with my kids and going on trails with my family. 

Hi everyone! My name is Arielle and I could not be more excited to be part of Forest Friends. Two of my greatest joys are taking care of little plants and little humans. I have 7 years of experience teaching beginning readers and have worked in both traditional school settings and outdoor education. I love facilitating opportunities for play-based and project-based learning. I grew up in New Mexico where I had the privilege to explore the outdoors, build fairy houses to my heart's content, and develop a deep connection to the earth. I got my BA from Williams College in Massachusetts where I also spent time on a number of farms. In my free time I enjoy gardening, sewing, dancing, yoga, and water polo. 

Hello there:) My name is Angelina but your kiddos know me as “Angie avocado”. I am so happy to be part of the Forest Friends team and get to discover wonders of the world with your children everyday! I grew up in North Bend Washington and found the beauty in working with children at a young age as my mom was an educator herself. I have been working with children for about five years and have loved learning more as well as watching your kiddos learn everyday! I got my Academic certificate in early childhood development from North Idaho College. Forest Friends preschool allowed me to combine my love for the outdoors and teaching all in one! I look forward to meeting you all:-)

Hi! My name is Miss Zoe Zoo. I absolutely love working outside with the kids and animals at Forest Friends. I graduated from the University of Hawaii at Manoa with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and am passionate about teaching the importance of cultivating kindness. In my free time you’ll find me hiking, swimming, or relaxing outside. I’m looking forward to another year with the FFP community! 

Hi! At Forest Friends I’m known as Miss Amanda Amanita. I’ve always been an artist, dreamer, and nature lover at heart so when I found FFP for my kid I fell in love. I’m passionate about the child centered approach and inspiring magic and wonder in children’s lives. I can’t wait to be helping your kiddos learn and explore on the farm this year! In my free time you can find me camping, hiking, foraging for mushrooms, taking photos, and making art with my family.

Hello! My name is Haley. Almost every job I have had has been alongside children. I’m passionate about education that is empowering, supportive, and magical! I love the values we have at FFP and am so grateful to work outside everyday. I was born and raised in Washington and every year I fall more in love with the land here. When I’m not teaching I am thrifting funky clothes or taking pictures! I’m so excited for this school year at the farm! 

Kumusta kayo? My name is Eliana Grose (but your kiddos call me Elli “Evergreen”). For the last four years, I’ve cultivated my teaching skills through studying Secondary Education at Wheaton College, where I got my degree in English Literature. This gave me the amazing opportunity to work with middle school and preschool students in a traditional classroom setting. Growing up in Minnesota, I spent a lot of my time exploring the woods and lakes of my home state, which developed my passion for the intersection of education and the great outdoors. I’m excited to help foster your children’s appreciation for nature, while collaborating with the Forest Friends team to create a classroom environment of belonging. When I’m not teaching, you’ll often find me reading and writing poetry outside. Mary Oliver is my personal favorite :)

Music Man Jack comes for music at Lakemont every Friday and to the farm the last Friday of every month!