Meet Our Infant Team

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Infant Manager

Val was born and raised in Germany and moved to the States in 1986.  She and her husband moved to Washington in 2015. They enjoy exploring WA and its beautiful places. She loves reading, crafts, and relaxing at home. Their kids are all grown up and living with grandbabies in other states.  Val has always loved children and was blessed to be able to work in the infant department of her church for 11 years. After that she was a nanny for several other families. Val can't wait to love and take care of your little ones.

Yellow Bumblebees, Infant Teacher

Olga came from Uzbekistan 6 years ago. She is a loving wife and mother to her daughter named Ulyana. Working with children brings her great joy knowing she has had a hand in helping them learn and grow. Olga has been an infant teacher at Mini Einstein's for over four years and has loved every moment and is look forward to many more years.

Red Ladybugs, Infant Teacher

Keara first joined Mini Einstein's as a support teacher and gained experience working with all ages from infants through age 5. She has been an infant teacher for over a year and has enjoyed every exciting moment. Keara can't wait to get to know you and your infant. She is currently working on her certification to become a pediatric nurse practitioner. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, drawing, dancing, and shopping. 

 Support Teacher Floater. 

Sahar loves being a part of Mini Einstein's and is excited to get to know your family! Sahar's background experience is as an Attorney at Law for eight years prior to becoming a teacher at Mini Einstein's. She has a PhD in Administrative Law and Masters in International Law as well as training in Early Childhood Education. She is a very energetic and compassionate person and loves dealing with young kids. Sahar came from the Middle East and can tell a lot of stories about life in that part of the world.  

Orange Tigers, Waddler Teacher

Kayla began her journey at Mini Einstein's as a support staff teacher before she became the Orange Tiger's teacher. She worked in a daycare in Riverton, Utah, where she gained experience caring for infants and toddlers. She has experience babysitting since she was 12 years old. She comes from a large family and is used  to having a lot of people around her. One of her passions is art, and she can't wait to incorporate it with the kids and get creative. Kayla enjoys being outside and active and loves being able to run around with the kids.

Magenta Monkeys, Waddler Teacher

 Karime was a volunteer babysitter for 3 years. She spent time reading and assisting with homework with children from Connell Elementary for 2 years. She is currently a student at Washington State University and is double majoring in criminal justice and political science with a minor in psychology. Her favorite hobbies include reading books, being outdoors, and painting.  

Magenta Monkeys, Waddler Teacher

Mai Lee left party planning to become a nanny and later a caregiver to provide companionship to elderly individuals. She loves helping those in all walks of life, but mostly Mai Lee found her passion in working with children. Being blessed with the opportunity to help your children learn and grow has been very exciting for her. She is an aunty of fifteen nieces and nephews whose ages range from one to eighteen years of age and they sure keep her busy on the weekends! Mai Lee is super excited to be here to work with the children alongside her co-teacher Sandy.

Magenta Monkeys, Waddler Teacher

Mai Lee left party planning to become a nanny and later a caregiver to provide companionship to elderly individuals. She loves helping those in all walks of life, but mostly Mai Lee found her passion in working with children. Being blessed with the opportunity to help your children learn and grow has been very exciting for her. She is an aunty of fifteen nieces and nephews whose ages range from one to eighteen years of age and they sure keep her busy on the weekends! Mai Lee is super excited to be here to work with the children alongside her co-teacher Sandy.

Teal Turtles, Toddler Teacher

Emily has worked in childcare for over four years and loves it! She has worked with every age group from 2 months to 5 years old and enjoys them all. She is currently going to school to be a children's psychiatrist and her passion is to help children reach their full potential through positivity and support. In her personal time she enjoys painting, crafting and running with her dog, Herbert, as well as spending quality time with family and friends. Emily so excited to be part of the team here at MELC and is excited for the future with her awesome group of mini Einsteins.

Teal Turtles, Toddler Teacher

Rosita joined Mini Einstein's as a toddler teacher and has loved every moment.  She previously worked at a family amusement park where her interest in working with children began. She made the decision to join Mini Einstein's to further her experience and knowledge in working with young children. In her free time, Rosita enjoys hiking, drawing, painting, and spending time with friends.

Purple Pandas, Toddler Teacher

Romina has years of experience working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers as well as school-aged students.  She is looking forward to many more years of learning, fun, and adventures!  She was born in Argentina and moved to The United States when she was 18 years of age, with her mom and brother. They first arrived in Miami, Florida where they lived for more than ten years. She went to Miami Dade College to obtain a degree in Psychology. While working towards her degree the sister of a friend asked her to help her at her preschool and that's when she discovered her true passion. Since that day, December 1st, 2015 (coincidently the day of her birthday) she has been working as a preschool teacher. 

Purple Pandas, Toddler Teacher

Romina has years of experience working with infants, toddlers, preschoolers as well as school-aged students.  She is looking forward to many more years of learning, fun, and adventures!  She was born in Argentina and moved to The United States when she was 18 years of age, with her mom and brother. They first arrived in Miami, Florida where they lived for more than ten years. She went to Miami Dade College to obtain a degree in Psychology. While working towards her degree the sister of a friend asked her to help her at her preschool and that's when she discovered her true passion. Since that day, December 1st, 2015 (coincidently the day of her birthday) she has been working as a preschool teacher. 

Black Penguins, Preschool Teacher

Danika is very excited to be your child's teacher! She was born and raised in Washington State, but she is Russian and Guyanese! She began working in childcare at the age of 16, and continues to grow her knowledge and further her education. She is engaged and has an adventurous puppy. She is obsessed with plants and even has a green house in her living room! 

Pink Flamingos, Preschool Teacher

Brandiann begain her journey with Mini Einstein's as a parent with her own children attending Mini Einstein's as toddlers almost ten years ago. She was working in nursing, specializing in dementia, TBI, and hospice care before becoming a teacher at Mini Einstein's in 2015. Brandiann loves that, by changing careers, she is now able to help and guide in the beginning stages of one's life.  Brandiann's first two years as a teacher was as a toddler teacher and now she has the joy of working with all ages. We are all a big family at MELC and Brandiann is so happy to be a part of it! "I trusted the care of my children to MELC, so thank you for doing the same with your children." 

Silver Foxes, Preschool Teacher

Jocelyn has been with Mini Einstein's for over two years. She started with Mini Einstein's as a waddler teacher before becoming a preschool teacher. She began her education in Early Childhood Education with child development classes in high school for three years. She has had a passion for working with children since she was young. She is furthering her education in Early Childhood Education and hopes to transfer to UW in the near future to complete her bachelor's.  She was born and raised in Wenatchee, and recently moved into her own place. Jocelyn loves to explore and spend time in the great outdoors with the beautiful evergreens.

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 Blue Peacocks, Pre-K Teacher

Sara has been teaching at Mini Einstein’s since 2019. She moved here from California and has fallen in love with Washington! She lives in Lake Stevens with her boyfriend Nick and is looking forward to new adventures! She used to teach 4-5-year old’s in California for a little over a year, and is very excited to get back to this age group. Sara is working on getting her bachelor’s degree in child development, and her goal is to teach kindergarten once she graduates. She has always enjoyed working and being around children. They are so curious about the world which makes teaching them so much fun! Outside of work, Sara loves to relax at home with loved ones and go to the gym. She looks forward to this year and getting to know you and your children.  

Blue Peacocks, Pre-K Teacher

Lisa has worked in childcare for about twenty years. She has worked as a floater, cook, lead teacher, and an assistant director. Her passion for teaching young children started when she was in high school. She is currently working on obtaining her Associates is Early Childhood Education.

Green Alligators, Pre-K Teacher

 Sylvia went to Western Washington University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English. She then went into the education program to get a teaching certificate for K-8. Sylvia became a substitute teacher in the Shoreline School District for several years, then decided to work as a preschool teacher at Kinder Kampus. She had been with the preschool for 8 years and seen many students come and go. Sylvia took a break from preschool and worked at a lawyer's office and the accounting field as the opportunity came up. Most of her free time is spent with her 8-year-old niece and soon to be 4-year-old nephew since their parents work as small restaurant owners 6 days a week. They are the reason that made Sylvia miss the days of teaching preschool. Sylvia looks forward to meeting you and getting to know your children more and more every day.

Green Alligators, Pre-K Teacher

 Sylvia went to Western Washington University and graduated with a Bachelor's degree in English. She then went into the education program to get a teaching certificate for K-8. Sylvia became a substitute teacher in the Shoreline School District for several years, then decided to work as a preschool teacher at Kinder Kampus. She had been with the preschool for 8 years and seen many students come and go. Sylvia took a break from preschool and worked at a lawyer's office and the accounting field as the opportunity came up. Most of her free time is spent with her 8-year-old niece and soon to be 4-year-old nephew since their parents work as small restaurant owners 6 days a week. They are the reason that made Sylvia miss the days of teaching preschool. Sylvia looks forward to meeting you and getting to know your children more and more every day.

Brown Bears, School-Age Teacher

Amelia has been a teacher at Mini Einstein’s Learning Center since 2013. She was also the White Wolves teacher at MELC South Education Support Camp. She is originally from Yakima, WA where she graduated high school in 1999 and received her diploma from A.C. Davis High School. A few years later, she received her CDA in Infant/Toddler. She is continuing her training in Early Education through annual workshops. She has been working with children for 16 years, starting out as a babysitter for a friend, then as a teacher’s assistant for a toddler room. Throughout the years she has worked with different age groups from infants to preschool. Amelia loves to do arts and crafts, but does not always have time for it at home. So she is always trying to do some interesting and fun artwork with the children in her class. She enjoys going to the beach and exploring new and different places. She also loves playing games that challenge her mind and cause her to engage her thought process in different ways. 

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Golden Eagles, School-Age Teacher   

Ashley Morga been known as “Ms. Ashley” for over 15 years now, having been a dance studio owner and instructor for 13 years before making the move into child care. She recently completed her Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education and also holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where she studied both dance and history. She believes that kids weren't meant to sit still and is excited to continue working with kids and watching them grow! When she's not at MELC, Ashley enjoys exploring new places around the Pacific Northwest and traveling, especially to the Caribbean and Europe. She also enjoys watching her daughter, Madison (named after her alma mater!), grow and discover her own interests of playing hockey, swimming, baking, and drawing.

White Wolves, School-Age Teacher

 Narissa was born in Chanburi, Thailand and raised in Shoreline, Washington. Her father was in the U.S. Navy, and she admires that MELC is a veteran-owned company. She is currently working on earning her AA in Early Childhood Education. She plans to further her education at the University of Montana. Prior to working at Mini Einstein's, she coached volleyball at Kellogg Middle School and nannied for family friends. Narissa played sports growing up and fell in love with fast pitch softball. Her success in high school and select travel teams led to her desire to play in college. Other than softball, she enjoys singing, fishing, and hiking.  

 Support Teacher Floater

Will can be found in the school environment most days of the week, if it's not at Mini Einstein's, it will be at one of the schools in the Renton school district! His mom has been a lifelong teacher in the Renton school district. Having her there gave him the chance to learn from her over the last 2 decades. From the gen ed classroom, he went to a specialized program to pursue an applied associate in the culinary arts. Food is one of his passions in life. He recently bought an old '93 Chevy Silverado which takes up most of his Sundays. 

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 Support Teacher Floater

Ms. Ngoc is married and has two grown children, one boy and one girl. She was born and raised in Vietnam. She became a U. S. Citizen in 2019. Ngoc graduated from Hanoi Foreign Language Teacher’s University, majoring in French. She has 10 years’ experience working in the early education field, including running her own preschool/kindergarten school in Hanoi for 6 years. On March 15, 2020, she will have spent 3 years working with MELC as a substitute teacher. In this position, she has had a chance to work with all the teachers and students at the school. She appreciates all the love and support she has received from management, the teachers, the students, and the parents. Working with children has been her desire.  Her hobbies are making crafts from paper, Origami, drawing and traveling. Ngoc looks forward to continuing working toward the goals of MELC. 

Support Teacher Floater

Oscar began working at Mini Einstein's to gain experience working with young children in an education setting, as well as to gain experience personally to merit. Oscar has worked at Mini Einstein's for over a year and looks forward to learn more as time passes here!  He has always been around children growing up. Oscar thinks his strong suits are motivating and being active.  He is very resilient, which comes in handy. Oscar wants to learn more about technology and seeks a future in coding and robotics! He would even like to build an app one day, one similar to the app we use here! He enjoys eating spicy food and Mexican candy. He also enjoys playing video games and streaming on his computer.

Oscar looks forward to getting to know you and your children.  "We all learn and grow together!"

Support Teacher Floater

Sahar loves being a part of Mini Einstein's and is excited to get to know your family! Sahar's background experience is as an Attorney at Law for eight years prior to becoming a teacher at Mini Einstein's. She has a PhD in Administrative Law and Masters in International Law as well as training in Early Childhood Education. She is a very energetic and compassionate person and loves dealing with young kids. Sahar came from the Middle East and can tell a lot of stories about life in that part of the world.

Support Teacher Floater

 Narda is originally from Perú and is fluent in Spanish. She has 2 kids, a 12-year-old girl and an 11-year-old boy.  She has been working with kids for 11 yrs now, from Infants to School Age children.  Narda has an ECE degree with some additional Psychology courses taken.  She has been with MELC since October 2020.  In her spare time, Narda loves to bake, read,  watch movies with her kids, and play board games. 

Support  Team Member

Asha spent time babysitting while in high school. She began learning Mandarin while attending high school and can count to 99 in Mandarin. She was part of Oakland Natives Give Back a nonprofit organization serving her community to supply children with school supplies. Her interest in working with kids began at a young age when growing up in her grandmothers daycare. She is currently a student at Sacramento State working on her Psychology degree.  Once finished she wants to work with children in the juvenile and foster care system to become a role model to youths in need.

Support  Team Member

 Sandy was born and raised in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. She left everything behind and moved to Washington a few years ago. She has many years of volunteer work with children including working with special needs children and managing craft booths for children. She attended the University of Hawaii at Manoa, which is also where she met her husband Daniel. Some of her hobbies include spending time with family, eating, and traveling. Her love of traveling has sent Sandy and her husband all over the world. 

School Chef

 Sandra has been a part of Mini Einstein's since March 2012 as a parent. She became our school chef for a year before spending 5 years as a waddler and toddler teacher.  Now Sandra continues to support our center through her own company as our janitor and substitute. 

School Chef

Ki was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. He enjoys the outdoors, Pokémon cards, Spiderman, painting and cooking.  He is eager to bring his knowledge of food to your child's plate. He has worked in the food industry for roughly 6 years and has picked up a fair share of tasty but healthy meals and snacks. He is excited to share those ideas with your little ones in hopes of expanding their horizon with foods they may not try at home! Ki is happy to provide a delightful yet well balanced meal for children every day.

Owner, Program Director

Samantha founded and established MELC to continue to serve her community. She graduated from Central Washington University with her BA in Elementary Education. She has three young children Harrison, Xena, and Lilly. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and glamping/camping.

Owner

William along with his wife founded and established MELC in 2013 when he retired from the Army. He has continued to further his education and currently has his gunsmithing, machinist and programming degrees. He enjoys spending time with his wonderful wife and three amazing children.

Assistant Director

Janice started her journey with MELC as a support teacher in 2011 and later as a preschool teacher before joining the management team. She obtained her Associates of Arts.  Janice is currently working on completing her BA in Human Development with a certification in ECE through Washington State University global campus.  Outside of work she enjoys spending time with her family and cats. 

Program Supervisor

Haley began her journey with MELC as a toddler teacher in 2011 and later became a pre-k teacher before joining the management team. She has an extensive background in social services and youth development.  She graduated from Seattle University with her BA in Psychology and her CDA in Child Development. Outside of work she is a mother to two children, an avid volleyball player, artist and animal lover.

Bookkeeper

Nicolle has a background working in childcare centers both as a teacher and in administration. She received her AA in Early Childhood Education and continues to work closely with Mini Einstein's as the bookkeeper. In her personal time, she enjoys travelling and spending time with her family. 

Maintenance

Kevin was born and raised in the South Puget Sound and has travelled around the world. He is a father to five children and an Army veteran who recently retired after 20 years serving in the army. He is a volunteer peer counselor for Veterans in Crisis and has an Associate of Arts degree. In his spare time he enjoys bird watching and spending time with family.

Volunteer

Ms. Pat has been a volunteer at Mini Einstein's since 2013. She is an army veteran and was a para educator for special education in the Kent school district for 13 years. She is mother to Samantha Sciacca, owner and program director of Mini Einstein's. She enjoys shopping on HSN and spending time with her 7 grandchildren.

Volunteer

Ms. Lee was an infant teacher with Mini Einstein's for 5 years before retiring in 2018. She obtained her certification in Social and Human Services in 2013. Ms. Lee was the owner and founder of several businesses in the greater Seattle area for over 15 years. She is known as "Halmonie (grandma)" to the students at MELC.