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Forest Friends Teachers
Corrah "Canoe" Gonzales
Director & Farm Frogs Team
Forest Friends has allowed me to fulfill my lifelong dream of having my own little place to teach and learn with littles. I have seven plus years of childcare experience as a playground supervisor, pre-k teacher's assistant, office worker, professional nanny, camp and preschool director. I have worked with newborn children all the way up to high school, but my absolute joy in life is getting to watch this age range grow and learn. I am currently enrolled in an Early Childhood Education program to earn my state certificate. After graduating from Carleton College with a degree in Classics, I spent the next year working with children and preparing to open Curious Cub Childcare & Forest Friends Preschool. I am very passionate and dedicated to creating the best facility and program for all of my students.
Trina "Treefrog" Eichel
Assistant Director
& Lakemont Lichen Team
Hi all! Creating and working at Forest Friends has allowed me to combine my two passions of nature and teaching! I have an undergraduate minor in Educational Studies and BA in Environmental Studies from Carleton College as well as 8 years of experience working as a camp counselor, teacher, nanny, and tutor for infants to high schoolers. I love getting to watch my students grow and learn in their environment and getting to teach them valuable lessons about how to respect our earth and all the beings that inhabit it. I am so thrilled for another year of working with such an amazing community of teachers, students, and families.
Grace "Grape" Andritsch
Farm Frog Teacher & Program Coordinator
Farm Location
Hello everyone! My name is Grace Andritsch and I have nearly 10 years of varied experience working with children, and over two in the outdoor preschool setting specifically. I look forward to fostering a relationship built on trust and care with both you and your student over our time together, learning and growing together everyday! I have secondary educational experience in Human Development and Family Science as well as Sign Language Interpreting and am currently pursuing further education in Early Childhood Education. I aim to ensure that the precious hours we spend together outside each day are filled with love, compassion, and loads of laughter! I cannot wait to share in the joys of outdoor preschool together :-).
Santana "Star" Strange
Tadpole Teacher
Farm Location
Hey, my name is Santana Strange, or Santana Star, as the kids call me! Growing up on a farm at the base of the Grand Teton Mountains was an awe-inspiring experience that created my love for the great outdoors. As a child I would wander deep into the woods, spend hot summers splashing around the cold Snake River waters, pick huckleberries and fish some of the best fishing holes in the world with my father and grandfather. Saying I understand how valuable these experiences are for the development of children is an understatement, which is why I love teaching at Forest Friends Preschool! I joined this school as a second-year teacher with years of personal experience with my own child. I have completed my Assistant Teacher Certification from The Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest and am currently enrolled in the Early Childhood Education program at Bellevue College. I look forward to learning, growing, and serving the children and families in our community by developing trust-based relationships and exemplifying grace and courtesy in my interactions with all.
Kelleigh "Koala" May
Seedlings Lead
Hey families! My name is Miss Kelleigh. I graduated from Washington State University with a BA in Humanities and a Minor in Communications. I am currently in the process of getting my ECE certification and I have over 12 years of experience working with children. Most of my experience has come from being a career nanny. I have always had a passion for helping little minds grow and explore. Being a parent of a little one at Forest Friends preschool, I fell in love with the programs here and am so excited to be involved in the daily activities, learning, and nature that is FFP!
Lightner "Ladybug" Callahan
Farm Frogs
Howdy! My name is Lightner Callahan and I am from Austin, Texas. I have always been incredibly in love with and inspired by the outdoors…the beautifully tall Cedar Elm trees, the bright red prickly pears, and the blazing sun are where I find my energy. I’ve been working with kids my entire life, and can easily say there’s nothing more fulfilling. Children are so brilliant, and I adore working with them and this planet! I’m so stoked to work with the community that is Forest Friends, and get to know the flora and fauna of the Northwest. I’ve learned there’s nothing more powerful than gratitude, empathy, and kindness, and look forward to cultivating these things with my students, their parents, and this incredible staff.
Anna "Armadillo" Dickinson
Farm Frog Team
In addition to working for my associate degree at Bellevue College, I have plans to attend a university to pursue a degree in early childhood education and pediatric occupational therapy. Working with children has always played a significant role in my life, and I cherish the connections I can build with them. My goal is to leave a positive impact on every child's life and treat them with the love and respect they deserve so they can grow to be strong, independent, and confident individuals. I've had the pleasure of working as a nanny, camp counselor, daycare teacher, and gymnastics coach, which has helped me recognize how essential it is for kids to spend time outside experiencing nature. I can't wait to be a part of these kiddos' journeys!
Cassie "Caterpillar"Cunniff
Lakemont Lichen Team
I am currently working on my Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies, and am super excited to work in environmental education. I have worked at summer camps and I am so excited to continue working with kids, especially preschool-aged littles. I am originally from the East coast, but am excited to experience the PNW!
Jack Moran
Music Teacher
I have years of experience in childcare settings and have a love of teaching kiddos music! I play drums, guitar, ukulele, piano & the egg shakers! I am so excited to bring music to Forest Friends Preschool and dance with my students all year long :)
Are you interested in a Career with Forest Friends Preschool?
Learn more!
We care deeply about creating a professional career path for our early childhood educators. It is such important and intentional work that requires special skills and education. Therefore, we believe they should be compensated accordingly and have room to grow!
We provide:
A competitive wage
ECE certification tuition reimbursements
PTO
Accrued Sick Time
and for our full-time employees:
Medical Insurance
401k Match Program
We love the small close-knit teaching team we have and take the time to support our teachers and nourish a warm working environment.
Reach out to us at admin@forestfriendswa.com to learn more about joining the team!
