

Meet Our Staff

Director
Ms. Cleo
For the past 13 years, I have dedicated my career to working with young children. I received a Master's degree in Education from UW, meanwhile completed AMS credentials for 0-3 years old and 3-6 years old. There is so much to learn about children beyond Montessori philosophy. Therefore, I finished training and obtained the WA State Early Childhood Education Certification (Proficiency Level) and Positive Discipline training for Educators. I Also have completed an Early Childhood Leadership Certificate at the Havard Saul Zaentz Initiative to enhance my ECE leadership skills. During my leisure time, I love to spend time with my family, dance & work out. I have finished 200 hours of yoga teacher training, received young children's yoga teaching certification, and passed RAD Ballet Intermediate level (Merit).

Program Coach
Ms. Ashley
I was born and raised in Washington State finished my master’s degree in Education and International Development at UW and have 8 years of experience working in education. I am an EMA Early Achievers' Coach with Child Care Resources (BrightSpark). I have been passionate about education for as long as I can remember. I will employ evidence-based coaching tools to provide valuable guidance and support to EMA's early learning staff, facilitating their employee development fostering an environment of continuous improvement, and maintaining EMA's high-quality early learning programs. I look forward to working together with EMA.

Toddler Program Director
Ms. Cannyon
I am Originally from the state of Missouri and trained Violinist. I started my adventure of working with children in 2013 and have been a lead toddler teacher for the past 4 years. In my continuous pursuit of knowledge on subjects that fascinate me, I am currently working on my Montessori Certification! Forming a solid bond and sense of trust with each child as an individual is very important to my teaching and care philosophy as learning happens best in an encouraging and safe environment. I am passionate about the Whole Child Approach and facilitating play and interest-based learning, promoting independence and celebrating as real-world skills and connections form through it.

Bilingual Primary Lead
Ms. Linda
I earned my Montessori teacher Certificate in 2019 and worked as a bilingual Montessori teacher for several years. I graduated from Beijing Normal University with a master’s degree in law. My two boys both studied in Montessori school before entering into elementary school. I have a passion for being a Montessori teacher. The Montessori philosophy is a systematic approach to education that draws on the child’s natural development, independence, and confidence and is designed to allow each child to move at his or her own pace.This is why I am so passionate about the Montessori methodologies. There are so many teaching experiences I would love to share

Bilingual Co-Lead
Ms. Shullen
I was born and raised in Guangzhou, China, earned an AMS Montessori Certificate in 2020. I have a background in Psychology and Education and worked as a Lead Teacher within a Montessori classroom for several years. I graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Master’s Degree in Education. I believe the power and potential within children and love supporting children in blooming with their own talents. I am excited to join Evergreen Montessori Academy and being a part of this warm family.

Primary Lead
Ms.Anna
I am originally from the Philippines, where I studied Mass Communication in college. I moved to the US in 2009, first living in Florida and later to the beautiful state of Washington in 2012.
I started working at a local Montessori school in 2015 and completed my AMS Montessori Certificate in 2019 to become a lead teacher. I remained there for over nine years; however, I found the EMA philosophies and atmosphere inspiring and moving, motivating me to make a change.
A Montessori classroom provides the ideal environment for children to learn and grow. I strongly believe in empowering children to be independent, self-directed learners, or, in Maria Montessori’s words, “We must help the child to act for himself, will for himself, think for himself.”

Toddler Co-Lead
Ms.Vijay
I have completed a Master's degree in Education, Economics, and Business Administration with a passion for early childhood development. I have been dedicated to this field in India since 2007.
My commitment to fostering positive learning environments and enhancing educational experiences for young minds continuously motivates me to work with them. In the USA, I have been working in early childhood since 2020 and have completed CDA specializing in infants and toddlers. I have a passion for pursuing the Montessori certification, and I am excited to work at EMA, which will help to further my educational pursuits. I look forward to working with each of you in caring for your little ones.

Primary Co- Lead
Ms. Miao
I am deeply inspired by the Montessori teaching philosophies, which cultivate children’s independence and initiative within a nurturing learning environment. I am committed to lifelong learning and personal growth, continuously striving to enrich my ability to guide and support little ones. I have worked as a Montessori teacher for the past few years and earned my MACTE-accredited Montessori teacher certification. I find immense joy and purpose in working with children. I believe that teaching is a reciprocal journey where children teach me as much as I teach them. I am excited to continue my path of growth and learning through my work with EMA.

Teacher Assistant
Ms.Mary
I am originally from Persia. I obtained my bachelor’s degree in microbiology and moved to Washington. Iwas a stay-at -home mom for few years, until my kids were old enough for me to take the time to find a newprofession. I found my true passion for working with toddlers and have been a Montessori Assistant Teacherfor the past several years. Working in a Montessori preschool with little ones has been incredibly rewardingfor me. I love watching children grow and work independently while guiding them in an environment thatbalances freedom with structure

Toddler Lead
Ms. Anna
I worked in a Montessori school in Thailand for 2 years and taught young children through hands-on activities. I love teaching children and am passionate about making learning spaces for children that are fun and safe. I like to give each child individualized guidance and support to help them grow and learn. I was born in Myanmar, and I recently moved to the US to pursue my degree in Early Childhood Education at Greenriver College. I want to continue being a teacher here in the US at EMA. While working at EMA, I'm also planning on getting my Montessori Credential. In my free time, I like to go to the gym and play the violin. I’m excited and looking forward to working at EMA.

Teacher Assistant
Ms.Catherine
I was born in China and moved to Las Vegas when I was 11, and in 2021, I made the big move to Seattle! My journey into childcare started when I began working at a Montessori school, and that’s when I realized how much I truly love helping children grow and learn. I’m currently pursuing my degree in Early Childhood Education and am excited to continue expanding my knowledge and skills in this field. I’m passionate about creating a fun and supportive learning environment where children can explore their creativity and curiosity. I believe every child learns best when they feel safe, valued, and encouraged to be themselves. Outside of teaching, I love spending my time doing arts and crafts or experimenting with new baking recipes. There’s nothing more satisfying than creating something from scratch, whether it’s a piece of art or a fresh batch of cookies! I’m really looking forward to getting to know the children and families at EMA and contributing to their growth in a positive and engaging way.