Staff
Academy Teachers are dedicated and enthusiastic educators. Their goal is to build each student’s self-confidence, while providing them with the tools necessary to continue their education in a confident and positive manner.
PRESCHOOL TEACHERS
Hi, my name is Ms McKenna and I have worked at Mukilteo Academy since 2015. I’m currently the all-day preschool teacher and enjoy every minute of it. I graduated from Kamiak High School in 2012, and graduated from Edmonds Community College with an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 2019. I plan on attending an online university program in the near future to earn my bachelor degree.
I have always had a love for children even when I was young. Though education wasn’t my first choice as a career path, I quickly fell in love with teaching. After hearing stories from my Nana who was a special education teacher and getting to experience firsthand how much of an impact teachers have on a child’s growth and development, I realized I wanted to pursue a degree in teaching and help shape the young minds of the future.
Outside of work and school I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and especially my dogs Stella & Henry. I’m always up for a new adventure, that’s usually when the best memories are made. I also enjoy walking, getting lost in a book, and the beach.
I feel very blessed to be able to work with children every day. They touch my life in more ways than one. At the start of each new school year, I look forward to the new and exciting experiences the year will bring.
Hi, my name is Ms. Nia I have been working in early childhood education for over 25 years and truly enjoy being part of children’s growth and development. I joined Mukilteo Academy in 2022 after both of my boys attended preschool here, and I am now grateful to be teaching in the Preschool program.
I love incorporating art into the classroom—painting and creating projects with the students is one of my favorite parts of teaching at MA. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, listening to live music, and spending time outdoors. My favorite adventures are exploring local beaches with my husband and our two boys.
PREKINDERGARTEN TEACHERS
Hello, my name is Ms. Kristi and I am one of the All-Day Prekindergarten Teachers at Mukilteo Academy. I have been teaching here since 2005 and am so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful team!
Prekindergarten is such an exciting year of growing and learning. The goal of Prekindergarten is to give the children all of the tools they need to be successful Kindergartners. We focus on a letter of the week through activities, math, science, art, pre-reading and sign language. Also, each month we have a special art docent project. I have always had a love for children! Even in high school I worked at a childcare center after school. I then moved to Japan where I worked at Camp Zama preschool and childcare center. After having my first child and moving back to the U.S, I was a stay-at-home mom for 7 years.
I am married to a wonderful man named Mike and have 3 children: Louden, Madison and Mackenzie. We love to travel, being outdoors, and spending time with our family and friends.
I look forward to being a part of your child’s educational life.
Hello, my name is Ms. Marisa and I am one of the All-Day Prekindergarten Teachers at Mukilteo Academy. I have been teaching here since 2019 and am so thankful to be a part of such a wonderful team!
Prekindergarten is such an exciting year of growing and learning. The goal of Prekindergarten is to give the children all of the tools they need to be successful Kindergartners. We focus on a letter of the week through activities, math, science, art & pre-reading. Being in education has always been a part of my life. I graduated from The University of Washington in 2001 with a BA in Sociology and a minor in Criminal Justice & Society with plans to be a Youth Social Worker. My calling though continued to pull me to early childhood education. I began by working at the Shoreline Children’s Center teaching Preschool for several years while I went to Western Washington University for my Teaching Certificate. I then graduated in 2005 and accepted an offer to teach All Day Kindergarten in Arizona for the Glendale Elementary School District. I taught for several years in Arizona before I moved back home to teach 1st grade for the Mukilteo School District. I taught for 5 years and then had my first child. I stayed home for many years. In 2019 after having my own children enjoy the program here, I began teaching again and feel such peace in my soul to return to the classroom after having my own children.
I am married to Ben and we have 3 children~ Raegan, Tatum & Parker. We have 3 mini dachshunds: Murphy, River and Tahini. We love to travel, be outside & make memories as a family.
I look forward to being a part of your child’s educational life.
KINDERGARTEN TEACHER
My name is Ms. Nicole and I have been teaching at Mukilteo Academy since 2013. I graduated from University of Montreal, Canada (Arts and Sciences) in 1995. I also hold a Bachelor’s Degree of Special Education from University of Montreal, Canada, and graduated in 1998. After teaching 5th grade for 8 years with children with behavioral issues and learning disabilities, I decided to stop teaching and start my family. During that time, I kept myself engaged through an online education program and graduated in 2005 from University of Quebec, Canada, and have a Diploma of College Studies with a specialty in Psychology. We moved to the Seattle area in 2005 and decided it was a great place to start a family.
Philosophy about Teaching and Classroom Goals
Teaching is my passion. I embrace every challenge given to me and love to see children grow socially, emotionally and academically. I teach the “whole” child to ensure a good solid foundation. It is my responsibility to empower children to become confident individuals. My range of skills and attributes emphasizes empathy and all aspects of interpersonal relationships. I consider myself to be a kind, helpful, patient, and enthusiastic teacher. I enjoy having fun during lessons and have a great sense of humor that promotes exciting learnings. I motivate and sustain children’s interests through active learning and play. I am strongly committed to continuous improvement, based upon a fundamental motivation to inspire student success.
When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I also love running, exercising and traveling.
CLASSROOM ASSISTANTS
My name is Ms. Sarah and I help assist the teachers in the Mukilteo Academy classrooms. I also prep the art projects that the children put together and love to see how they make the art their own. My teenage sons both attended Mukilteo Academy for preschool/prekindergarten and they have both continued their love for school and learning. While not working I enjoy spending time with my husband Tim, sons Mason and Jack and dog Rogue.
My name is Ms. Zoe I attended Mukilteo Academy from 2008–2010 and absolutely loved my school days here at MA+. My positive experiences as a student continue to inspire me to work toward my dream of one day having my own early childhood classroom.
My favorite part of each day is seeing the children’s excitement and joy in the classroom. I feel honored to be part of their early learning journey. Outside of school, I enjoy creating art and spending time with my family and friends.