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!

Sarah Alves is a local mom of 3 boys, ages 14, 6,   & 2.5yrs) and has spent the past few years fully immersed in outdoor learning environments, teaching at two Forest and Farm Schools in Western Washington. Her teaching style has integrated elements of Montessori, Reggio Emilia and Waldorf inspired practices infused with an exciting nature focus, meeting each child where they are. Sarah has a love of learning showing up in her completion of Bachelor of Science degrees in both Criminal Justice and Computer Forensics, respectively. What Sarah appreciates most about children is their openness, resilience and endless curiosity. She LOVES the outdoors and hopes to pass that same love on to her own kids and to every child she interacts with!

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!

Hello! I’m Lauren “Lilac” ~ I’m thrilled to be joining Forest Friends as an Assistant Teacher! I was born and raised in Snohomish County, and even after lots of traveling, I feel incredibly grateful to call Washington home. I’ve spent much of my life teaching, guiding, exploring, and connecting with people, from nearly a decade in nonprofits like Greenpeace to teaching English, environmental science, fitness, and leading backpacking adventures with kids and adults. I’m continuing my studies in Early Childhood Education and currently have an AA with a focus in environmental science and psychology, which has shaped my passion for understanding people, nurturing an appreciation for our planet, and creating spaces where everyone feels safe, understood, and supported. I’ve always valued making room for people to be curious, creative, silly, and completely themselves, and I love that learning at Forest Friends happens through play, nature, music, animals, and following children’s discoveries. Outside of teaching, I’m a lifelong music nerd and DJ, and I’m happiest singing along to tunes, being at the river, hiking my favorite PNW trails, gardening, hanging with my cats and local critters, or occasionally turning a nature walk into a little Pokémon GO adventure. I can’t wait to get a little muddy, share some music and laughter, and discover the silly, wondrous world alongside your kiddos!

I’m Charlotte ‘Chinook’ and I’m delighted to be here. I’m originally from the San Francisco Bay Area and grew up outdoors exploring nature, camping, planting seeds in my garden, and swimming at our local swim club where I became a junior coach. I loved teaching the little ones to swim and be water safe.
I attended UC Davis and earned a BS in Biology with a special interest in Native Plants and I’m thrilled to share my passion for the outdoors with the kids. I am an imaginative storyteller and your children add crazy characters and even crazier events that create tall stories to keep us all entertained.
I love to sing and dance and do nature scavenger hunting. We watch for things happening around us whether it be trees budding, flowers blooming, insects burrowing, or frogs croaking. We name plants and birds and local wildlife together.
Your children bring me great joy with their energy and enthusiasm and I’m happy to help them learn and grow with respect and kindness and with an appreciation for the great outdoors.

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! 

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.

Hello families, my name is Maddelyn! I moved to Washington six years ago from Maine, where I spent my childhood exploring the woods and developing a lifelong love of being outdoors. I have over 10 years of classroom and nanny experience with all ages, infants to teenagers. I hold a Bachelor's degree in business management and love bringing creativity into everything I do. When I found FFP I was super excited to do both of my favorite things, working with children and being outside! My favorite part about working with kids is watching their curiosity and confidence grow.  When I'm not working you can find me camping, rollerblading, or reading a book on my patio. 

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.

My name is Jules, and I use they/them/their pronouns! In the classroom, I am Teacher Jules or ‘Jules Junco’! I am excited to be here! I have taught in many outdoor preschool classrooms before including Fiddleheads, Wildflowers Preschool, and Tiny Trees. I have worked in nature connection and education for over 12 years, and have worked in Early Childhood for over 6 years. My passion is building and tending to the ongoing work of how we can best care for ourselves, other people, and the place/space/Beings around us. Here’s some fun facts about me: I have a dog and 2 rabbits, I enjoy being outside and finding adventures from hikes to talking to mushrooms, making and creating all types of art, telling stories, singing, using silly voices, creating intentional Community, and asking questions about things. I am currently going back to school to get a B.A. in Early Childhood Education and have a M.Ed in Curriculum and Instruction, and Certificate in Education for Environment and Community.  I look forward to getting to know you and those you are connected with soon!

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 Bullfrogs on their journeys of loving the Earth! She has also previously worked in the Treefrogs classroom. 

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.

I knew I wanted to be a teacher when I was 7 years old! Ever since then, I have been working to make that dream a reality. From volunteering in my younger sister’s special education classes throughout grade school, to pursuing my Bachelor’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction, my passion for teaching has only grown.

I knew I wanted to teach TK/Kindergarten after being placed in a Kindergarten class for my senior internship! The littles definitely have my heart. After graduation, I spent two years as a special education paraeducator and 6 months as a long-term substitute teacher in a second-grade classroom.

This will be my fourth year working in the field of education, but my first year having my own class! I feel so blessed to be able to work with your wonderful students, and look forward to the upcoming school year.

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 there :)

My name is Lois and I am so grateful to have joined the Forest Friends Outdoor School! I am happily known as ‘Teacher Lois Lagoon’ while working with and learning from the endearing and creative kiddos who shape the magic and heart of this community. I have had the privilege to work alongside children and youth during my time as a Library Associate, Swim Instructor/Lifeguard, Camp Counselor, and Nanny. I also hold a BA in Psychology and am actively pursuing an MAED in Clinical Mental Health Counseling. Joining kids as they explore, challenge, and make sense of themselves and the world around them is truly a gift. Outside of my role as a teacher, you can find me reading three books at once, swimming, sharing tea with a friend, trying a new recipe with my partner, and hanging out with my two cats. 

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 :)

I’m so excited to be part of the Forest Friends Preschool (FFP) community! I have 12+ years of experience working with children in a variety of settings, including as a nanny, camp counselor, Certified Behavior Technician (CBT), and now preschool educator. I worked in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) for a year before joining Forest Friends, where I’ve loved bringing my experience, curiosity, and passion for connecting with children into the classroom.
I’m also a proud mom to a kindergartner, which has given me an even deeper appreciation for the wonder, growth, and joy of early childhood.
I’m especially passionate about inclusion and diversity. I believe every person has a beautiful and important place in this world, and I strive to create an environment where every child feels seen, valued, and celebrated. I love teaching children to care for one another, embrace differences, and develop a deep connection with and love for the earth.
Outside of school, you can usually find me trail running, cooking, traveling, or knitting. I’m so grateful to be at FFP and am excited to continue building relationships, creating community, and learning alongside our wonderful students and families!

Hello! My name is Audrey and am so excited to be a part of the Forest Friends team to help make outdoor school magic happen! I have my Bachelor's Degree in Wildlife Biology from Purdue University where my passion for the outdoors kickstarted my career. I then went on to work with the Forest Service where I spent several years conducting research on salmonid species. After I was ready to no longer live in a tent in the mountains, I switched gears to environmental education, working at a wildlife rehabilitation center. I am thrilled to now be part of the Forest Friends family where I help complete a lot of behind-the-scenes work, along with typical classroom duties! In my free time I enjoy trail running, fly fishing, and walking my dog Rita. I love witnessing the magic and whimsy that outdoor preschool produces and could not be more excited to be involved!

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