Mill Creek Staff

Rachel Apostolos

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means being part of a community that truly cares about the families we serve. I love spending time with kids and being a part of each student’s growth and development. I especially enjoy watching them form friendships as the year progresses.

When I have free time, I enjoy reading, playing soccer and spending time with my family. I also love sports and walking my dog Griffey.

Nicole Bates

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means that I get to work and see all these wonderful little people.I enjoy seeing them everyday and watching them grow throughout the year.They make me laugh everyday. I have been involved with childcare and early childhood education for many years. I love it!

When I have free time, I enjoy walking with my dog Stella. I love spending time with my husband, three boys and finding new restaurants to try.

Stacy Benson

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, is supporting the students and staff daily. Kids at the Creek was a great environment to send my kids to when they were younger, and now I find that it’s a very special place to work. I love hearing laughter throughout the halls and the excitement and energy from kids as they play and learn with friends and have fun. I have been in Early Childhood Education for many years and continue to enjoy it.

In my free time, I like being out on the water with my husband, Dad and two sons. At home I love snuggling with our fluffy and cuddly cat, Blaze, and taking time to read a good book.

Alisha Blizard

Being a part of the KATC team fills me with joy and gratitude. I embrace my role as leader to the kids in our local community and challenge myself to continually find ways to have a positive impact on their growth socially, emotionally, and academically.

When I have free time, I enjoy going on adventures with my family, reading, and game nights.

Tiona Booth

Being a part of the KATC team means having fun, laughing and feeling supported while at work. I feel that as a team we work toward something greater than ourselves. Working in this team helps make me a better person, not just at work but also in my personal life.

When I have free time, I enjoy being with my son. We enjoy the beach, having family dinners and playing outside. When it's just me, my favorite pastimes are watching movies and going for walks.

Jennifer Bogdan

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means I get to be a part of a community that surrounds and supports each other in a million different ways.

When I have free time, I enjoy hanging out with my husband and any of our 4 kids, or going to the gym.

Casey Cerezo

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means a day full of hugs and smiles. I enjoy watching my students have an excitement for learning and it brings me happiness watching them grow.

When I have free time, I enjoy watching Christmas movies, year round, as well as spending time with my family hanging out at the lake, beach, or cuddling up at home together.

Linnaya Cooper

Being a part of the KATC team is such a privilege. Every day, I'm surrounded by enthusiastic students, and each day with my class is an adventure filled with fun and exploration. I genuinely love helping students learn and grow. The joy I feel seeing their excitement to come to school and delve into new topics is beyond words.

In my free time I enjoy crafting, baking, and engaging in fun games with my three daughters. I'm passionate about gardening and, unless the rain intervenes, you'll often find me outdoors — hiking, taking leisurely walks, or soaking up the sun while swimming at the beach.

Bekah Cratch

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means being surrounded by a group of people all dedicated to giving kids their very best. The best of their time, their resources, and their energy. I am so excited to partner with this team and be a part of that.

When I have free time, I enjoy spending every second with my husband and two daughters. We love family outings, like the zoo and aquarium!

Pamela Crumpacker

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means a full circle. What I mean by this is at one time I was a Washington State Licensed home daycare provider. I left the corporate world when I had my first child to stay home with her and began to take in other children. This was ideal for me so I could stay home with my own children while caring for other parents' children. When my own children started middle school, I closed my daycare and went back into the corporate world. Now, I am retired and back to my first love, teaching children.
When I have free time, I enjoy the outdoors with my husband, dog, grandchildren and friends. We hike, mountain bike, kaykay and glamp. For those of you who are not sure what glamping is, it is taking our rig out to a campsite in the forest and doing all the above and returning to our cozy cabin on wheels.

Erika Drajeske

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means being able to teach young children, watch them grow and develop their social-emotional skills, all while making new friends and playing. I look forward to being a part of a community of adults where I can share life and love.

When I have free time, I enjoy singing, gardening, listening to audio books, walking with friends, knitting, sewing, spending time with my husband and adult children and talking on the phone to family far away.

Pamela Eidukas

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means a super fun, but also meaningful experience with my kiddos
and teaching partners every day. I truly love being a part of their lives and watching them grow. One of my favorite things is seeing all of their adorable smiling faces coming to school so ready to learn and have fun!

When I have free time, I enjoy dinners out with family & friends, reading, napping, & cuddling with my tiny dog, Chloe (I REALLY love dogs!). I am a huge fan of all types of art and culture, and absolutely love going to local art walks and gallery showings.

Amby Ellis

Being a part of the KATC team for me means having the privilege of impacting young children through play and being a part of a preschool with philosophies that align perfectly with mine. Working with preschooler’s is my gift and I am blessed to work in an environment that allows creativity along with a unique group of educators.
When I have free time, I enjoy golfing with my husband, traveling to visit my grown kids and grandkids, being outdoors, exercising, family time with my siblings, nieces and nephews, church activities and reading a good book.

Suzeann Everroad

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means being part of a school with Philosophies I feel so passionate about! I feel so blessed to be a small part of each child’s growth and watching them blossom.

When I have free time, I enjoy acrylic painting, spending time with my family and friends and cuddling with my fur baby, Malachi.

Shimin Fan

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means having the opportunities to contribute and be part of the kids growing process in our community and also to work with a great team that shares the same values. It also energizes me when I see their cute faces.

When I have free time, I enjoy cooking and staying with the family.

Rachel Farevaag

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means being a part of a school community that is filled with cute smiling faces and supportive coworkers. I enjoy being able to support both teachers and administrators with tasks that make their days run smoothly.

When I have free time, I enjoy watching my kids play sports, gardening, working out, going on day trips and relaxing with family and friends.

Denise Hampton

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means having the privilege of getting to know so many children and families in our community and watching the kiddos learn and grow! The ladies and support staff I work with are all wonderful, which makes it such a joy to come to work every day!

When I have free time, I enjoy traveling to Texas and California to see my 8 grandchildren, and when I am home, hanging out with my dog Kira!

Debra Helland

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means working together to create a community and learning everyday and growing together. It means to me, making our classroom safe and friendly.

When I have free time, I enjoy reading, spending time with my grandchildren and children and traveling when I am able to. I would love to travel to England, Scotland and Ireland. However, I would really enjoy going to Israel to see the Holy Land. That one is at the top of my list.

Megan Kammerzell

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means belonging to a group of dedicated teachers and administrators. I enjoy being a part of the student’s lives and watching as they grow throughout the years. It is such a joy to get to be a part of the KATC team.

When I have free time I enjoy running and being active. Getting to spend quality time with my family and watching our three girls grow into loving little ladies.

Michelle Kelly

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means working with the most amazing people and doing a job I absolutely LOVE every single day! Teaching kindergarten brings me a tremendous amount of joy. Each year I get to watch student relationships bloom and a classroom community that bonds like a family. My goal is for my students to love coming to school each day as much as I do! KATC is my home away from home since I also attend church here at Gold Creek.

When I have free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, grabbing a cup of coffee with friends, growing in my faith through Bible study, and playing soccer.

Nicole LaBranche

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means being surrounded by wonderful teachers, administrators and friends. It means a day full of fun, laughter and learning with kids.

When I have free time, I like to spend it outdoors with my husband and two boys. We love hiking and exploring all the beauty of the PNW.

Monika LeMoine

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means being a part of a wonderful team and community which I call my happy place. I enjoy both of my roles as a teacher and teacher assistant.

When I have free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking and traveling.

Sarah Lenaburg

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means being a part of an amazing community of students, parents, teachers and our admin team. Everyday is full of smiles, laughter and the most generous hearts. KATC is a place where kids will learn, play and grow together. I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this team and help develop young bright minds.

When I have free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two sons. I love traveling or planning our next travel adventures, especially Disney vacations!

Leesa Link

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means providing kids with a positive, joyful environment where they can discover, experiment, extend their interests, and exercise their creativity with a smile. I’ve been with KATC for years and enjoy helping kids develop independence and self-confidence.

When I have free time, I enjoy cycling, kayaking, dirt biking, illustrating adult coloring books, and outdoor adventures with my husband and two sons.

Leia Lumsden

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means getting to come to a job that brings me complete joy every single day and working with some of the most amazing and fun staff ever! No matter how my day has been going, those little smiling faces always make me so incredibly happy. I started as an elementary school teacher prior to having kids, but decided that my heart was with preschool aged kids! Now that my kids are all done with preschool at KATC, I still get to continue to come here for work…and nothing is better than that!

When I have free time, I enjoy hiking, kayaking, paddleboarding, snowboarding, watching my 3 girls play their sports and playing with my dogs, Coda and Keela and my cats, Clove and Zip.

Ketal Macwan

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means great fun, full of adventure and exploring new things with my class and my teaching partner. I truly enjoy what I do and appreciate each unique personality that I meet in my class. I believe that Early Childhood Education is so important because it is the time when the child is shaping his/her personality, routines and has a drive to learn.

When I have free time, I enjoy reading, cooking and also love walking/hiking.

Helen Markopoulos

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means an opportunity to be involved with the kids that live in our community. I love seeing my students grow into confident and compassionate individuals. It is amazing watching them learn new skills in the classroom and enjoy their time at school.

When I have free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters. I love traveling, cooking, singing and dancing and spending time with the people we love.

Pam Michiels

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means a day full of fun and adventure with my class and teaching partner. I enjoy being a small part of each student's growth and development and it brings me joy to see them loving to come to school every day. I have been teaching in the field of Early Childhood for years and it just never gets old!

When I have free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends playing games, going on adventures, traveling and being outdoors.

Maxine Northen

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means making a difference in the lives of little ones. I enjoy working with my teaching partner, co-workers and administrators. Together we make up an amazing team helping children grow and learn each and every day. I have worked in many different school settings for a number of years and can easily say that KATC is my favorite. It is my Happy Place!

When I have free time, I enjoy riding mountain bikes with my husband, walking our dog and spending time with our amazing adult daughters.

Sophia Olson

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means growing with others who are also interested in teaching and growing my teaching skills.

When I have free time, I like to get boba tea or acai bowls. I love spending my time outside, and with family and friends.

Linda Pardee

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means a day full of fun and adventure with my class. I also enjoy being a part of a community that is filled with the life and energy that comes with the children in our classroom, as well as our supportive coworkers. I also enjoy being a small part of each student's growth and development. This is why I have been teaching in the field of Early Childhood for years. It just never gets old!

When I have free time, I enjoy spending it with my husband and grandchildren, finding great restaurants and gardening. I also enjoy having coffee with a friend.

Ann Marie Sanchez

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means I get to be a part of an amazingly talented team of teachers and administrators who are passionate about kids. I feel very fortunate to be part of KATC and look forward to a great school year.

When I have free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and three boys. We love to go to the movie theaters or watching baseball and football games.

Cheryl Scott

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means being a part of a program that is constantly growing and learning how to best love and educate preschoolers. I’m able to not only be able to guide and play with adorable preschoolers, but I get to learn from my amazingly positive co-workers. I get to use my creativity in trying new ways to present classroom materials and I love watching preschoolers’ development throughout the year. Every day is unique! I’ve been in early childhood education for 13 years, my 4th year at KATC, and I truly look forward to each day I get to be at KATC.

When I have free time, I enjoy quality time with my husband and our 3 children. We enjoy playing and watching sports, skiing, hiking, and traveling. I also love baking, exercising, reading in coffee shops, and talking with friends while walking or sitting around a firepit.

Leslie Sorenson

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means working with women dedicated to the education and successful future of children. It’s a place full of energy on a daily basis with children excited to come to school. The wonderful women who strive to do their part in preparing them for the adventure of learning, makes it a very happy place to be!

When I have free time, I enjoy gardening, playing with my three dogs, going to soccer games cheering for my grandchildren and going on walks with my husband of almost 40 years.

Susan Stehr

Being a part of the KATC team, for me means being a part of a community that creates a safe, emotional spiritual environment that fosters kindness, teaching children to be accepting of others while working together collaboratively. Everyday, I see little minds bloom and it’s magical. These kiddos, with their boundless energy and curiosity, inspire me. Their growth, first steps in learning, giggles, even their strong emotions, all mean the world to me. Shaping and guiding these young lives has been my passion for over a decade and it’s a privilege to be a part of this KATC team. I truly enjoy those breakthrough moments when a child has understood or remembered something, and that sense of independence and pride shows in their face and demeanor. I’m grateful for every moment.

When I have free time, I have fun boating, hiking, and spending time with my husband and two children.

Valerie Stiger

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means I enjoy being here every day! Each day is different, from talking to the children, working with our amazing staff, and connecting with parents. KATC has been a place where I have grown as an educator, even after all these years and I have the privilege of watching the children grow as well. Watching children’s confidence grow with each year and the happiness in their eyes is rewarding!

When I have free time, I enjoy reading, walking my dog, and not cooking as much any more. My children are grown and my husband and I are enjoying the empty nest. Now that they want to spend time with us, when they can, it is fun to hang out with them!

Laurie Sweet

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means working with amazing children along with a supportive assistant. I love watching children learn, grow in their development and make new friends. Our staff is so encouraging of each other and the families we serve.

When I have free time, I enjoy cycling long distances with my husband, reading a great book or creating hand-made cards for special occasions.

Christi Vert

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means starting my day with the energetic staff. Sharing ideas and engaging with little ones. Learning new ways to interact with young kids and help them learn new things about their world.

When I have free time, I enjoy reading, gardening,and taking walks with my dog, AbbieMae. I enjoy spending as much time as I can with my four grandkids.

Heather Young

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means having the awesome privilege to help kids develop a lifelong love of learning, curiosity and exploration. I get to help them discover their strengths, conquer challenges, and build their confidence. Every day is non-stop fun! I truly have the best job ever!

When I have free time, I enjoy adventuring with my husband and 3 boys, learning new things, cooking, indulging my inner-foodie, and reading.

Woodinville Staff

Maria Allen

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, I get the privilege to help prepare these little students, through play, for their academic journey. My goal is to help them be kind, confident and eager to learn. I look forward to a year full of fun.

When I have free time, I enjoy cooking, reading and taking walks with my family.

Lisa Baker

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means that I get to work with outstanding and professional staff members and administration who support each other and have the same goals to see each student have fun with learning.

When I have free time, I enjoy reading, traveling, going to concerts and spending time with my family.

Brittne Caldera

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means being a part of a bigger community, striving to help your children grow and learn in the best way possible. It means having a fun filled day in a space that allows us to have a new adventure every day. Being a part of child development gives me so much joy and purpose!

When I have free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and 3 children. We are most likely going to or coming from a softball or soccer game or practice. I love to read, bake and garden.

Dawnn Cheng

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means I am a part of a community working together to help develop the youngest of thinkers.

When I have free time, I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends. We often go and watch some of our favorite sports. I love watching football, soccer, and basketball. I also enjoy baking and working in the garden.

Kerri Coverstone

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means I get to work with an amazing group of like-minded teachers with the same goal of helping the students grow through a learning environment. It is a privilege to be able to help and watch them develop new skills throughout the school year.

When I have free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, daughter and our two dogs. I also enjoy being outside and going shopping.

Aubrey Fenimore

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means building relationships with my students and coworkers and helping to create a positive and uplifting learning environment. I enjoy all the fun and silliness that comes with working with preschoolers, and love learning from them as well!

When I have free time, I enjoy reading, drinking coffee, and spending time with my husband.

Laurie Foraker

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means a warm welcoming environment where staff and students are seen, heard, and loved. It brings me so much joy to see the kids' smiling faces as they arrive at school for another day of fun and learning.

When I have free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching my kids play sports, going to Sounders games and baking.

Cindi Foutch

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means I get to enjoy all the smiling faces coming to class to play and learn as they grow and develop new skills every school day!

When I have free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and daughters. I also love to cook and bake all sorts of yummy things!

Jill Hernandez

Being part of the KATC team, for me, means an opportunity to give back to the community that has given so much to my family. Each day I look forward to being one of the first people who gets to introduce children in our area to education. I am truly honored and excited to watch the kids develop throughout the year and it is so much fun to see how much they grow.

I am the owner of a small local Charcuterie company, so my weekends are often busy. However, when I have free time, I spend it with my family running around the area finding something fun to do or zipping over to the gym for a workout. We are proud members of Gold Creek Church and couldn’t feel more blessed to have found this fantastic church community.

Areya Perman

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means to be a part of something greater than myself by helping to nourish and encourage the next generation to become the best, healthiest, and most creative versions of themselves possible, alongside a team of people who feel more like family than coworkers.

When I have free time, I enjoy reading books of many different genres, expressing my own creativity via writing, and researching things that have caught my attention.

Lindsey Shelp

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means playing a small role in helping every child I come into contact with know that they have value and have something special that only they bring to the table. I feel so honored to be in this role and I feel so lucky to work with such a great team.

When I have free time I enjoy spending it with my Husband and our two small children. We are fairly new to this area so we love to explore new parks and find great places for a meal. When I find myself with time alone I enjoy spending it by going to a coffee shop to read or see a movie.

Christina Stone

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means joining a community of friends. I love being a part of building the learning foundation for young children. The best part is seeing smiles on faces while they learn through play. I am so lucky to be able to take this journey with a strong and loving community who have a passion for teaching.

When I have free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and youngest daughter. We love to take our dogs out to play and enjoy nature when the weather permits. I also enjoy traveling to visit my older children who live in the warmer and sunnier parts of the country.

Teresa Stoops

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means enjoying a community where each child is celebrated. Getting to watch them grow through art, play, group activities, music, reading and dance brings such joy and satisfaction. Working with the team of directors and fellow teachers here is fulfilling. I have been in the classroom for many years and feel so blessed to be here.

When I have free time, I enjoy playing with my grandchildren, spending time with all my gal pals, and most of all being with my husband. I enjoy all things Washington, especially the Skagit Valley and being near the water. I love to read, bake, garden, walk and do crafty things.