School Leadership

Bunny Nido Lead Teacher

Born and raised in Japan, Ms. Alisa moved to Seattle in 2023. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Kwansei Gakuin University and developed an interest in Montessori education through her academic training. She is passionate about creating a joyful, caring environment where infants feel secure as they learn, play, and form trusting relationships. Ms. Alisa especially treasures the happiness children show when reconnecting with their families at the end of the day. Outside school, she enjoys traveling, reading, studying Spanish, and spending time with her two cats.

Giraffe Toddler Lead Teacher

Ms. Gina is an AMS-trained Montessori educator with nearly 20 years of experience in early childhood education. Her strengths in communication, leadership, and classroom management help her create engaging, developmentally appropriate environments where toddlers build independence, curiosity, and compassion. She values close collaboration with teaching teams and families and believes that strong partnerships allow children to explore with confidence and develop a lasting love of learning. Outside school, Ms. Gina enjoys traveling and spending time with her family.

Elephant Toddler Lead Teacher

Ms. Caity earned her Bachelor of Science in Biology from Oregon State University, with a pre-education focus. Her previous experience includes academic tutoring and coaching collegiate volleyball. She is completing Montessori Infant & Toddler teacher training through MEIPN and continues to deepen her practice through both coursework and classroom experience. Ms. Caity is passionate about supporting children’s identity, self-regulation, and sense of purpose while honoring each child’s individual growth. Outside school, she enjoys volleyball, puzzles, cooking, and gardening.

Panda Toddler Lead Teacher

Ms. Lacey holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and an AMI Montessori Diploma for ages 2½–6. She also has experience in bilingual learning environments and teaching Mandarin to young children. Her practice is grounded in careful observation, respect for each child’s pace, and the Montessori principle of freedom through self-discipline. Ms. Lacey prepares meaningful experiences that support children’s physical, cognitive, emotional, and social development while creating a warm environment where toddlers feel safe, respected, and confident to explore.

Bunny Nido Assistant Teacher

Ms. Amily has nearly five years of experience working with young children. Joining Avocado deepened her interest in Montessori education and strengthened her commitment to supporting children through their individual developmental journeys. She finds great meaning in being present for both everyday milestones and more challenging moments, offering children patient and consistent care as they explore the world. Ms. Amily values continuous learning and looks forward to growing alongside the children within Avocado’s nurturing bilingual community.

Bunny Nido Assistant Teacher

Originally from Colombia, Ms. Angela is bilingual in Spanish and English. She is an AMS-certified Montessori Assistant Teacher with six years of experience supporting infants and toddlers. She appreciates Montessori education for the way it nurtures independence, confidence, and respect for each child’s individual development. Her experience as a mother has further strengthened her patience, empathy, and understanding of young children’s needs. Ms. Angela is committed to creating a warm, safe, and nurturing environment where every child can grow at their own pace.

Giraffe Toddler Assistant Teacher

Ms. Fei supports toddlers at the beginning of their Montessori journey. She believes every child has unique interests, ideas, and a personal pace of development. Guided by respect, careful observation, and gentle support, she helps children feel safe, valued, and ready to explore. Ms. Fei works closely with the classroom team to maintain a calm, thoughtfully prepared environment that encourages independence, confidence, and social awareness. She deeply values the trust families place in Avocado and the consistency that a caring school community provides.

Giraffe Toddler Assistant Teacher

Ms. Cathy grew up speaking three languages, an experience that shaped her appreciation for culture, communication, and early language learning. She has more than four years of experience working with toddlers, preschoolers, and pre-kindergarten children. Warm and enthusiastic, she enjoys helping children learn, grow, and build confidence through meaningful everyday interactions. Ms. Cathy is excited to share her multilingual perspective with the Avocado community. Outside school, she enjoys traveling, relaxing, and spending time with friends and family.

Elephant Toddler Assistant Teacher

Ms. Jiayi has an academic background in psychology, which informs her interest in children’s emotions, behavior, and development. She recognizes that every child brings a unique personality, perspective, and pace of learning to the classroom. Through listening, patience, and encouragement, she helps children feel understood while developing greater confidence and independence. One of the most meaningful parts of teaching for Ms. Jiayi is watching a child move from needing support to proudly completing a task on their own.

Elephant Toddler Assistant Teacher

Ms. Dephne has eight years of experience in early childhood education. She supports children’s independence through patient, step-by-step guidance and gives them time to explore, practice, and grow. Attentive and detail-oriented, she enjoys getting to know each child and responding thoughtfully to their individual developmental needs. Ms. Dephne values strong partnerships with families and is honored to witness the many small but meaningful moments that shape a child’s growth in an environment of care, respect, and freedom within limits.

Panda Toddler Assistant Teacher

Ms. Penny graduated from Beijing Normal University and has more than six years of experience working with young children. Gentle, observant, and deeply caring, she brings a calm and steady presence to the classroom. She pays close attention to children’s emotional needs and offers thoughtful support during transitions and big feelings. Through Chinese language and cultural experiences, Ms. Penny also helps strengthen communication and connection with children and families, creating an environment where toddlers feel seen, understood, and ready to grow.

Panda Toddler Assistant Teacher

Ms. Alison earned her degree in Public Health–Global Health from the University of Washington. Growing up in a family of educators helped inspire her interest in children’s development and her appreciation for Montessori values. She supports children with warmth and respect, encouraging confidence as they build new skills and expand their English vocabulary. Ms. Alison enjoys helping create a classroom where children feel welcomed, capable, and excited to learn. Outside school, she enjoys thrifting, visiting the beach, exploring Seattle, and spending time with friends.

Bee Primary Assistant Teacher

Ms. Mia has more than three years of experience in early childhood education, including work in a public preschool program with children ages four and five. She completed her bachelor’s degree in China and an associate degree in Dallas. As both an educator and a mother of two, she values the trusting relationships children build with their teachers and especially enjoys their honest and imaginative conversations. Ms. Mia appreciates Avocado’s warm community and finds joy in watching children learn through exploration, meaningful materials, and everyday discovery.

Bee Primary Assistant Teacher

Ms. Allijah grew up in the Seattle area and attended a Montessori school as a child, an experience that inspired her lasting connection to this approach. She began working in Montessori education in 2019 and continues to deepen her understanding of children’s individual developmental journeys. As an English teacher, she creates a nurturing and engaging environment where children can build vocabulary and communicate with confidence. Ms. Allijah is passionate about recognizing each child’s unique way of learning and helping children experience the joy of mastering something new.

Bee Primary Montessori Intern Teacher

Ms. Julia is completing her Montessori Early Childhood teacher training and gaining practical experience in Avocado’s Primary environment. Her experience caring for young children, along with being a mother of two, has strengthened her understanding that every child develops in a unique way. She enjoys observing children, learning their personalities, and supporting their growing independence. Ms. Julia especially values the Montessori practice of giving children sufficient time and space to work through challenges and experience genuine pride in what they can accomplish for themselves.

Eagle Primary Lead Teacher

Ms. Annie earned her AMS-accredited Associate Early Childhood Credential in 2014 after a career in banking, volunteer work, and several years as a stay-at-home parent. Since entering Montessori education, she has found great purpose in supporting children’s academic growth, confidence, creativity, and independence. She is committed to cultivating a lasting love of learning and respect for the environment through purposeful work and enthusiastic guidance. Outside school, Ms. Annie enjoys biking, hiking, camping, traveling, cooking, and spending time with her family.

Eagle Primary Assistant Teacher · Primary Chinese Program Coordinator

Ms. Xuxu holds a bachelor’s degree in Education and a master’s degree from Johns Hopkins University. She previously taught for three years in an English–Chinese bilingual school and is continuing her professional development through Montessori teacher training. She values an approach that respects each child’s pace, interests, and potential. A lifelong guzheng musician, Ms. Xuxu introduces Chinese language and culture through music, art, stories, and history, helping children develop both communication skills and an authentic appreciation for cultural learning.

Eagle Primary Assistant  Teacher

Born and raised in Beijing, Ms. Vicky is studying Education at the University of Washington. Her earlier experience in Avocado’s Bee classroom strengthened her appreciation for Montessori education and its emphasis on independence, curiosity, hands-on learning, and respectful guidance. She plans to pursue formal AMS Montessori training as she continues developing as an educator. Ms. Vicky enjoys creating a supportive bilingual environment where children feel confident exploring Chinese language and culture while growing as capable, independent learners.

Orca Nido Lead Teacher

Originally from Orange County, California, Ms. Aide moved to Kirkland in 2014. Her Montessori journey began in 2016 and has been shaped by her experience as both an early childhood educator and a Montessori parent of three children. She is passionate about creating a calm, safe, and thoughtfully prepared environment where infants feel respected and secure as they develop new skills and independence. Ms. Aide values strong, trusting relationships and close partnership with families, recognizing that consistency between home and school supports children’s confidence and well-being.

Octopus Toddler Lead Teacher

Ms. Xiange  holds a bachelor’s degree in English, a Master of Education, and a Montessori Infant & Toddler (0–3) credential. She has more than six years of experience in education, including over three years in early childhood classrooms.

Ms. Annabelle was drawn to Montessori education by its deep respect for each child and the principle of “following the child.” She values careful observation and thoughtful guidance, offering the right amount of support at the right time so children can explore, grow, and experience success independently.

She also values close partnerships with families and strives to ensure every child feels happy, secure, and genuinely cared for—the foundation from which confidence and independence can grow.

Jellyfish Toddler Lead Teacher · Head of School

Ms. Coco is an AMS-credentialed Montessori educator whose journey began through motherhood and a desire to understand children more deeply. Before moving into school leadership, she spent many years working directly with children as a lead teacher. In the classroom, she values careful observation, respectful guidance, and freedom within clear limits. Ms. Coco founded Avocado around the values of independence, empathy, and responsibility and remains closely connected to classroom life, supporting children, educators, and families across both campuses.

Orca Nido Assistant  Teacher

Ms. Sunny has worked in licensed early learning programs since 2021, supporting children ages one through six in both lead and assistant teaching roles. She completed her Early Childhood Education certificate at North Seattle College and is fluent in Mandarin. Ms. Sunny values careful observation and recognizes that each child may need a different kind of support—a quiet reminder, a meaningful classroom job, or simply more time. She strives to understand who each child already is and provide the individualized care they need to grow with confidence.

Octopus Toddler Assistant  Teacher

Ms. Miku’s multilingual upbringing shaped her appreciation for language learning and the value of early exposure to different cultures. Her experience with children began through student teaching in a bilingual elementary classroom, and she has now worked with toddlers for three years. She enjoys supporting children as they develop communication skills and the practical abilities needed for greater independence. Ms. Miku is excited to share her love of language with the Avocado community while helping toddlers feel capable, connected, and eager to learn.

Jellyfish Toddler Assistant Teacher

Ms. Daniela has more than four years of experience caring for children and holds an AMI Montessori certificate. Her training has helped her develop a calm, respectful, and hands-on approach to supporting young learners. She values environments where children are encouraged to work independently, follow their natural pace, and build confidence through meaningful experiences. Ms. Daniela finds great joy in watching toddlers try new things, overcome challenges, and discover what they are capable of doing for themselves.

Jellyfish Toddler Assistant Teacher

Ms. Bing enjoys being part of children’s learning, exploration, and growth each day. She approaches her work with patience, care, and encouragement and looks forward to building meaningful, trusting relationships with every child. Within the Chinese-language environment, she supports children as they communicate, participate in classroom routines, and develop confidence through everyday experiences. Ms. Bing values growing alongside the children and helping create joyful, memorable moments within the Avocado community.

Penguin Primary Lead Teacher

Ms. Mounika began her Montessori journey in 2019 and has continued building her training and classroom experience as a certified Montessori lead teacher. She has independently led classrooms and supported children in developing confidence, independence, and a natural love of learning. She is also continuing her college education and working toward an Early Childhood Education Director credential. Ms. Mounika enjoys creating peaceful, nurturing environments where children feel respected and encouraged to explore. Outside school, she enjoys long drives, tennis, and hiking.

Beluga Primary Lead Teacher

Ms. Yim holds a bachelor’s degree in Social Work from Thailand and completed her Montessori teacher training through Montessori Teacher Preparation of Washington in 2016. She has more than eight years of experience teaching in Montessori classrooms. Ms. Yim enjoys designing hands-on experiences that spark children’s natural curiosity while strengthening independence, confidence, and joy in learning. She feels honored to support each child’s unique interests and development and values close partnership with families. Outside school, she enjoys parks, beaches, and visits to the dog park.

Dolphin Primary Lead Teacher

Ms. Peggy is a certified Montessori educator with several years of classroom experience and a background in child development psychology. As both a teacher and a mother, she understands the importance of creating a warm, respectful, and nurturing environment during the early years. She carefully observes each child, follows their interests, and supports individual development while encouraging independence and a lifelong love of learning. Ms. Peggy places great value on building trusting, meaningful relationships with children and families.

Penguin Primary Assistant Teacher

Born and raised in Montana, Ms. Rio moved to Washington several years ago. Her family is originally from Japan, and she is fluent in both Japanese and English. Her experience in Avocado’s Bellevue Bee classroom introduced her to the ways Montessori education supports independence, confidence, and a love of learning. Ms. Rio is passionate about encouraging children’s curiosity and helping each child recognize their individual strengths. She works to create a positive, welcoming classroom where children feel comfortable exploring, communicating, and trying new things.

Penguin Primary Intern Teacher

Ms. Luyao studied Early Childhood Education in college and worked for four years at an international kindergarten in China. Through this experience, she developed a strong appreciation for supporting young children’s learning and development. She believes every child is unique and deserves patience, encouragement, and care. Ms. Luyao creates a safe and engaging bilingual environment where children feel confident expressing themselves, exploring new ideas, and developing meaningful connections. She also values positive partnerships with families as an essential part of supporting each child.

Beluga Primary Assistant Teacher

Ms. Sijia has four years of experience in education and is fluent in both English and Chinese. As both an educator and a mother, she brings care and understanding to children’s developmental needs and believes every child has unique strengths and potential. She uses creative, engaging activities to help children build a strong foundation in Chinese language and early learning. Ms. Sijia strives to create a safe and joyful classroom where kindness, encouragement, and meaningful relationships inspire children’s confidence and love of learning.

Beluga Primary Assistant Teacher

Ms. Luna holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and previously worked as an assistant teacher in another Montessori program. Her interest in working with children began through a student mentorship program and grew into a lasting commitment to early education. She values Montessori education for recognizing each child as an individual and supporting confidence, independence, and discovery. Ms. Luna especially enjoys children’s “aha” moments and works to create a respectful environment where curiosity can flourish. Outside school, she enjoys swimming, paddleboarding, art, singing, and training her dog.

Dolphin Primary English Teacher

Ms. Chloe earned her bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education, with an endorsement in Sociology, from Western Washington University in 2024. Before graduating, she lived and worked in Madrid, Spain, where she taught English and gained experience supporting children from diverse backgrounds. She enjoys creating a positive, welcoming environment where children feel confident learning and growing. Ms. Chloe brings creativity, enthusiasm, and an international perspective to the classroom while supporting each child’s individual strengths and development.

Dolphin Primary Assistant Teacher

Ms. June holds a degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Marketing. She believes education is not about preparing the path for the child, but preparing the child for the path. To her, Montessori education means trusting children—knowing when to guide, when to step back, and when to give them space to say, “I can do it myself.” Ms. June brings patience, care, and respect to her work and supports children as they develop confidence, independence, and a meaningful connection to Chinese language and culture.