Our Staff

Yasuko Allen

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means working together with wonderful teachers to create fun and loving space for the little ones to explore and learn new things. I love supporting all our staff and jump in wherever I am needed.

When I have free time, I enjoy spending time with my husband and our two children or knitting or crocheting with a nice cup of coffee or tea.

Harriet Anderson

Being a part of the KATC team means seeing the Joy and smiles of these little Children and my Teaching Partner as we play, learn, and grow together. I had the privilege of having 25 totally terrific years serving Children and their Parents in my own in-home Daycare and preschool. Children are so very Precious, and every day is a Wonderful new experience with them.

When I have free time, I enjoy spending it with family and friends, researching things I am passionate about, reading, and taking long walks with my sweet little dog.

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.

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.

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.

Kellie Browne

Being part of the KATC team, for me, means being able to spend my day surrounded by an amazing teaching team where I get to share, enjoy and help shape our students. Everyday brings something new and fun in our classroom.

When I have free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. We love watching and supporting all our favorite football, soccer and baseball teams. I also enjoy cooking and playing with our fur babies.

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.

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.

Janae Felix

As a member of the KATC team, I have the privilege of continuing my lifelong career of working with children. One of the biggest joys is witnessing their development as they progress throughout the year.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and grandchildren, as well as going on nature walks with my granddoggy.

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.

Leia Iverson

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.

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.

Cassie King

For me, being a part of the KATC team means shaping each child’s journey and doing it while having so much fun!
When I have free time I enjoy spending it with my husband and two daughters, going on all sorts of adventures.

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.

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.

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.

Michelle Nelson

As a member of the KATC team, I find joy and excitement in watching each child blossom every day. I am grateful to play a small part in their day! In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, and reading.

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.

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.

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.

Catherine Weholt

Being a part of the KATC team, for me, means that I am part of a a dedicated school community that deeply values children and is committed to instilling a love and wonder of learning. Kids bring me a ton of joy and I’m honored to have a “front row seat” and cheer them on as they grow each day.

When I have free time, I enjoy reading, walking, traveling to new places, golf, thrifting, singing/playing piano and spending time with friends and family.

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.