The Tender Leaves team

Meet the people
beside your child.

Familiar faces. Thoughtful support. Room for every child to belong.

Get to know the educators who share our days of discovery.

An adult holding an open picture book while children gather close to look at the pages.

Our teachers

  • A smiling man with glasses wearing a tan sweatshirt with an REI logo, leaning on a railing in an indoor setting.

    Teacher Calvin

    Master’s in Teaching, University of Washington; Washington State Teaching Certificate; Health and Fitness Endorsement. More than 12 years in physical education and classroom instruction inform Calvin’s movement-rich, inclusive approach.

  • Close-up of a woman's face smiling outdoors, with green leaves and tree trunk in the background, wearing a red top and makeup.

    Teacher Heather

    Heather brings Lead Teacher and Preschool Program Director experience. BA English with Honors, UC Santa Barbara; counseling/psychology certificate, UC Berkeley Extension; Washington ECE certificate. She is completing an AAS in ECE at North Seattle College.

  • A woman with short black hair, wearing glasses, sitting at a table with a floral skirt, taking a selfie. In the background, there are pictures on the wall and a vase with pink and purple flowers.

    Teacher Pia

    Pia combines communications, advertising, and design experience with years as a nanny. She loves nature exploration, arts, crafts, and hands-on learning.

  • Young woman with long red hair and fair skin taking a selfie on a beach with sand and rocks, during sunset or late afternoon.

    Teacher Bella

    Issabella, known as Bella, brings theater experience and a history of helping younger students. Imagination, creativity, and helping children feel heard shape their approach.

  • Mary Zell

    Teacher Mary

    Mary’s background spans medical work and childcare administration. She is pursuing psychology studies and values emotional development, inclusion, and every family’s sense of belonging.

  • Close-up of a young woman with long dark hair, wearing sunglasses on her head, a nose ring, a green knitted sleeve, and a colorful outfit, resting her face on her hand outdoors with a blue sky, green leaves, and a building in the background.

    Teacher Anais

    Anais has taught children ages 2–4 in French private schools. She comes from a family of educators and enjoys supporting children’s learning and growth.