Schwartz ECS Faculty + Staff

Introducing the teachers and classrooms for 2025-26 School Year

Administration | Infant Classrooms | One-Twos Classrooms | Two-Threes Classrooms | Three-Fours Classrooms | Pre-K | Kindergarten | Support Staff

Administration

Carrie Stull | Co-Director, Operations + Admissions, Schwartz Early Childhood School
Carrie Stull has been the director of early childhood at Schwartz ECS since 2018. She holds her BA in science and has been in early childhood education for over twenty years. She has years of experience working with special needs and that is one of her true passions.  She has attended many professional developments including an education seminar in Israel, reflective supervision, and is a trainer on Positive Discipline. Carrie has four of her own children and has been married for over twenty years. Prior to working in early childhood, she was in the US Army where she served in Korea as part of a military intelligence unit. In her free time, she enjoys soccer, soccer, and more soccer, spending time with her family and watching movies. “There is no greater joy than spending my days with children.”

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Tara Bloomer | Co-Director, Education, Schwartz Early Childhood School
Tara has been working with Schwartz ECS since March 2007. She spent many years teaching in both the two’s and three’s programs before joining the leadership team. Tara stepped into the role of Education Coordinator in 2015 and the role of Associate Director in 2017. Tara holds a B.S. in psychology from the University of Washington. She has created programs for our school like the year-long New Hire Orientation Program and served as the New Hire Coordinator for the first year of its existence. Since then, Tara has worked alongside the new hire coordinators as the program has evolved. In her time here, Tara has also focused on developing committees for teacher retention and appreciation. She continues to educate herself as a professional by attending as many conferences and workshops as possible. Some of her favorites include annual Day of Dialogues, NAREA, Promoting First Relationships workshop, the Reflective Supervision—Zero to Three conference, and visiting the Opal School for their Summer Symposium. Outside of the classroom, Tara enjoys spending time with her family and finding new, fun activities to do with her children. Both of her older children had amazing journeys through the J. Her youngest son is now in the one’s program enjoying his experience here as well. Tara looks forward to building on her relationships with the children, families, and teachers of the Schwartz ECS in the coming year.

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Shayna Giuliano | Associate Director
Shayna has been a member of Schwartz ECS faculty since 2010, but she’s been a member of our SJCC community since 1996, when her family moved to Mercer Island from Los Angeles. Shayna taught in the 3s and Pre-Kindergarten Programs for her first four years on our faculty. In 2014, Shayna joined the Leadership Team as Education Coordinator, then she became Assistant Director in 2016, and Associate Director in 2017. Shayna graduated from the University of Washington with Honors with a B.A. in sociology. Additionally, Shayna earned a certificate in teacher leadership and a Masters of Education in Instructional Leadership, both also from UW. Shayna has participated in many professional development conferences, including the Boulder Journey School Summer Conference, Opal School Summer Symposium, Seeds of Empathy training, an intensive practicum at the Evergreen Community School, numerous Day of Dialogue conferences, the UW’s Mindfulness Research Conference, Promoting First Relationships training, and multiple Reflective Supervision & Consultation trainings, to name a few. In her role on the Leadership Team, Shayna especially enjoys building authentic relationships with children, teachers, and families in our school, and inspiring joy in every interaction.

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Margaret Farlin-Forbes | Educational Innovation + Pedagogy Lead
Margaret joined Schwartz ECS faculty in 2016. A Washington native, she holds an early childhood education teaching certificate from UCLA Extension as well as a degree in communication and cultural anthropology from Western Washington University. Prior to joining our school, she taught at a performing arts preschool in San Mateo, California, and taught dance, yoga, and music in various preschools around the San Francisco Bay Area. Margaret has also interned in primary school classrooms, and created a running clinic for young girls. Margaret takes pride in helping curate a thoughtful, inclusive, Reggio and art-enriched community in her classes. She is very excited to continue to learn and grow with all of her new students this year. Outside the classroom, Margaret enjoys spending time with her husband and two dachshunds, cooking, traveling, and playing in the great PNW.

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Kim Goulter-Dunn | Pedagogical Coordinator
Kim returned to her native Seattle after 8 years on the East Coast and rejoined the Schwartz ECS faculty in 2017 after 15 years away. She holds a bachelor’s degree in anthropology from the University of Washington and a culinary certificate from Le Cordon Bleu in Cambridge, Massachusetts. Kim taught in 3s, 4s, and Infant Programs for five years at Country Village Day School and here at the J. After working as a restaurant manager and a bookseller for a few years, Kim moved to Massachusetts and attended culinary school. Kim found her way back to working with children as a preschool chef and 1s teacher for the Children’s Corner. Kim is looking forward to another year pursuing her passion for education and child development. Kim’s other passion is aerial circus arts, which she has been doing since 2009.

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Infant Classrooms

Jordan River Classroom

Monika Das
Monika began teaching in the Infants Program in April 2018. She holds a diploma in pre-primary education with a specialization in the Montessori Method, from Teacher Training Society in Calcutta, India. She taught high school in Hyderabad, India, before moving to San Francisco, where she volunteered as a child care provider and Sunday School teacher. Monika has lived in Seattle for three years. When she’s not teaching, she enjoys cooking new recipes, spending time with family, camping, and exploring new places. She’s looking forward to getting to know all the families and beginning this new journey together.

Chunhua Xiang
My name is Chunhua Xiang. I’m originally from China and have been living in the United States for 12 years. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing from China and a Master’s degree in Computer Science from Arizona State University. I’m excited to join the SJCC team and contribute my skills and enthusiasm. I love spending time with children and have volunteered at my church for three years as a Sunday morning teacher for newborns and toddlers.

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Bat Yam Classroom

Amanda Denney
Amanda (she/her) is originally from Texas where she earned her BS in Early Childhood/Elementary Education. She has 17 years of teaching experience in both the public and private sectors, specializing in Transitional Kindergarten and Special Education in Texas, California, and Washington. She moved to Seattle in the summer of 2019 and currently resides in West Seattle. Outside of work, Amanda is growing her green thumb as a new homeowner who inherited 5 fruit trees and numerous mysteries in her garden. On her days off, you’ll find her playing her harmonica, baking for her girlfriend, or reading in her hammock. She loves puzzles, people, and pie! Amanda is looking forward to growing her knowledge of the Reggio Emilia practice and becoming part of the wonderful community at the J!

Steffanie Noell
Steffanie joined the Schwartz ECS faculty in 2023. She is very outgoing, adventurous, compassionate, and full of life. She has worked with children for the past seven years, ranging in age from six weeks old to five years old. In 2014, she graduated from University of Nevada, Reno, with a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies. She feels very lucky to have found her dream job in which she is able to watch children grow at their own pace and be their mentor along the way. Steffanie loves the outdoors, and can often be found camping, hiking, biking, or skiing. She also loves music and traveling, and when she’s not exploring the outdoors, she’s usually planning a trip or at a concert.

Kristie Werner
Kristie, or Kiki as her friends call her, has lived in the Seattle area for 14 1/2 years. She graduated with a BA in Music from Sacramento State University in 1998 specializing in vocal performance. She was teaching music full-time (voice and piano lessons) from 2013-2019, when she realized she needed something a little more steady that would also free up her evenings to pursue her passion for performing. She knew she was great with kids, so she took a job teaching preschool, and that was it! She was hooked! This last year she received her Child Development Associate Credential and is over the moon to bring that new knowledge as well as her love of music and art, to the Schwartz ECS! In her free time, Kiki performs in musicals in theaters all around the Puget Sound area. She also loves camping with her wife and dog and hosting game nights!

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Nir Oz Classroom

Reena Sharma
I bring over 2 years of valuable experience working at KinderCare, where I’ve had the privilege of assisting children between the ages of 2 and 5. My commitment to nurturing the development of young minds is further complemented by my professional background. I’ve also worked in the procurement department for the State of Texas. Academically, I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and a Master’s in Business Administration. Beyond my professional and educational qualifications, I have a passion for outdoor activities, particularly hiking in mountainous terrain. This enthusiasm for exploration and adventure translates into a dynamic approach to problem-solving and creativity. I believe my diverse experiences and love for learning make me well-suited to excel in this position.

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One-Twos Classrooms

Kinneret Classroom

Ayano Ketkhounaroun
Ayano joined the Schwartz ECS faculty in 2023. She was born and raised in Japan where she earned an MA in biology. After graduating, she wanted to further pursue education and experiences so she moved to the United States. While attending college she was able to work and gain experience in different fields, one of which was early childhood education where she discovered what she enjoys doing! She has taught and cared for children professionally for over eight years. Being surrounded by children, seeing their reactions and the innocent look in their eyes brings her joy. She is constantly reminded of how precious life is. In her spare time, she volunteers at local schools assisting in arts and crafts and spending time with her beautiful children. They love to listen and dance to music together.

Sapna Sharma
Hello, I’m Sapna and my journey in early childhood education spans across two continents and two years, enriching me with diverse experiences and perspectives. Before the Schwartz ECS, I spent a year at the Bothell Family Co-Op preschool, working with a class of preschoolers. Prior to that, I worked in India as an Assistant preschool teacher. These experiences have deepened my love for working with children, a journey of mutual learning that I find incredibly rewarding. I firmly believe that early childhood education plays a pivotal role in shaping a child’s overall growth and personality. I’m excited about this opportunity at the J and look forward to creating meaningful learning experiences for all the children and building strong relationships with their parents. Academically, I hold a postgraduate degree in commerce. On a personal note, I live with my husband and 2 daughters (4 and 10). Outside of my professional life, I cherish spending time with my family, exploring the stunning landscapes of the Pacific Northwest through road trips and enjoying new recipes which my husband keeps experimenting with.

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Eilat Classroom

Yarden Gordon
I was born and raised in Israel in a kibbutz (with an additional 4 years growing up in Las Vegas!). I moved to Seattle in November 2023. I have four years of experience working at a childcare in my kibbutz five years of experience working in a youth organization, working in the education unit at the IDF during my army service and even as a counselor at Camp Solomon Shechter in summer 2023. Outside of school I enjoy the outdoors, cooking, spending quality time with family and friends and good cafés! I am excited to work at the Schwartz ECS and connecting to the amazing Jewish community we have here!

Maria Hemstad
Maria Hemstad joined the Schwartz ECS faculty in 2023. A Washington native, she loves spending time with her nieces and nephews in the area. She is excited to begin work in the education field and is eager to connect with the SJCC community.

Melania Hernandez-Romero
Hi everyone! I’m from Acapulco, a gorgeous coastal city in Mexico filled with coconut water and memorable sunsets. I’ve been in the U.S. for three years now and came here with the goal of fulfilling my dream of working in Early Childhood Education. I completed my degree at Bellevue College, after already earning one in Environmental Science—because I discovered my true passion. I also have a background in Psychological First Aid, which has helped me build strong connections with children.
My hobbies include hiking, writing poetry, reading, watching shows, and swimming—though I haven’t been able to swim much here because the lakes are freezing cold all year long! My future goal is to get a Master’s in Speech and Language Pathology so I can continue supporting children in their developmental journey

Seema Rajesh                    
I am a dedicated mother of two wonderful boys who bring endless joy and adventure into my life. With over two years of experience as a teacher, I’ve had the privilege of nurturing young minds and helping them grow. My passion for playing and interacting with kids extends beyond my professional life and into my role as a loving parent. In my spare time I love cooking and exploring outdoors.

Maddie Scileppi
I’m glad to join the Schwartz ECS team! I am a former accountant turned candy maker who is making the switch to the early childhood profession for the first time. I’m originally from Mercer Island but now live with my family in Woodinville. In my free time, you’ll find me with my 3 little kiddos spending time outside hiking or playing, baking in the kitchen, or reading.

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Two-Threes Classrooms

Golan Heights Classroom

Tamar Bayer
Tamar was born in New York, but moved to Israel in high school. While in Israel she lived mostly in Haifa and graduated from Haifa University with a BA in social work. Tamar moved to Bellevue more than 20 years ago. She began teaching Hebrew and Sunday school at Temple De Hirsch Sinai soon after moving to the area. When her children started preschool there, she began to sub in the preschool classroom. She later became a 2s teacher and also taught preschool’s Judaic programming. Most recently, Tamar taught ages 3-5-years in the Bellevue Public Schools. In 2020, Tamar completed her Initial Early Childhood Certificate at Bellevue College. During her free time, Tamar enjoys cooking, baking, and spending time with her family. She and her husband have 2 young adult children and a fur-baby (dog). Tamar is excited to begin working at the J. She is looking forward to meeting new coworkers, families, and children.

Savas Sanin
Savas joined the Schwartz ECS faculty in 2022. He was born and raised in Turkey and graduated from the school of medicine in 1990. He holds a post-graduation degree in the medical field. Savas has worked with children since he moved to the United States five years ago. He is driven by two main philosophies: see the positive side of everything and be respectful to nature. In his free time, he likes to write poetry and cook.

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Gilboa Classroom

Kristin Mannari
Kristin has been at the Schwartz ECS since 2013, teaching in our 2s and 3s programs. She holds a bachelor’s degree in children’s studies from Eastern Washington University with a minor in communications and an associate degree in early childhood education from Bellevue College. She has attended several professional development trainings including Understanding Misbehaviors, Brain Biology, Teaching Self-Regulation Skills (2015); Engineering Design, Thinking and Action (2016); Promoting First Relationships workshop in Seattle (2017); and “Curriculum” and Understanding Relationships in the Field of Early Childhood Education (2018). Alongside teaching, since 2005, Kristin has taught karate at the Washington Karate Association’s Kinder Karate Program to children ages 3-6. Kristin was born in Fukuoka, Japan, but grew up in the Seattle area. She loves to play “tourist” and explore and photograph new areas she has not yet been. She looks forward to creating many more relationships with the families and children of the Schwartz ECS community.

Sofya Spektor
Sofya has been teaching at the Schwartz ECS since 1992, in the 1s, 2s, and 3s Programs. She has attended a variety of professional development opportunities in Jewish education, as well as Crib to Classroom (2011, 2013) and Day of Dialogue (2015, 2016) conferences. Originally from Ukraine, Sofya came to the United States in 1989 with her husband and two boys, who were 8 and 4 years old. Now Sofya is a grandma to two lovely grandchildren, Tyler and Brandon. She loves her job and the people she works with. She strongly believes it’s her second home, where she’s building partnerships with families and teachers in the Schwartz ECS community. Outside work she likes to read, cook, and spend time with her family and friends.

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Tabor Classroom

Sveta Crabtree
Sveta Crabtree joined the Schwartz ECS faculty in 2023. She was born in Russia and holds a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. She worked as a researcher at the University of Victoria in Canada for several years before she married and moved to Seattle in 1995. Sveta started volunteering in her youngest daughter’s preschool in 2007, and has continued to work with children ever since. After gaining further education, she obtained an early childhood education certificate from Bellevue College. Sveta is inspired by children’s creativity, as well as the excitement and curiosity children exhibit when they explore the world around them.

Valerie Kearns
Valerie is Seattle-born and raised, as well as an active member of the Jewish community. She grew up at Temple Di Hirsch Sinai, and continues to be involved as a Sunday School teacher on weekends. Valerie went to WSU to earn her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology. She has worked in the mental health field for the past three years in inpatient and outpatient settings with youth, families, and adults. She hopes to earn a master’s degree in social work within the next few years while engaging in her other passions for children and Judaism at the J. When she is not working, Valerie enjoys spending time in the kitchen cooking or baking, hanging out at home with her dog (a 70 lb. standard poodle) and fiancé, or spending time with family chatting over a good meal. She is so excited to be a part of the Schwartz ECS community!

Colleen Taylor
Hello everyone! It’s great to meet you. My name is Colleen, I’m so excited to be your new teacher’s assistant at the Schwartz ECS! I’ve lived overseas in England for the past decade but I’m happy to be settled back in the states in my hometown of Washington. In the past, I have been a nursery practitioner, providing the highest standards of care and also creative fun for nurseries in the UK who have practiced the Reggio Emilia style approach to learning. This has opened up my eyes to an amazing world of teaching and how we can foster a sense of community and collaboration with children and teachers. I can’t wait to get to know you all and help you grow and learn! I have also studied two years of Modern Hebrew Language and Culture as a minor in university and am excited to be immersed in the language again. In my spare time I love to venture out into the great outdoors, horseback ride, draw, Irish dance and play the violin! Fun fact: I grew up on a dairy farm in Wisconsin and used to name all my calves (baby cows)!

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Kibbutz Classroom

Sam Bell
Born and raised in Seattle, Sam joined the Schwartz ECS in 2022. Sam holds a bachelor’s degree in educational studies from the University of Washington. Prior to completing her BA, she played two years of college soccer for Shoreline Community College women’s soccer team while completing her associate’s degree. Prior to joining ECS, Sam worked at the West Seattle YMCA as a lifeguard, swim instructor, and swim team coach. Outside the classroom, Sam loves going to the beach or lake, swimming, playing soccer, traveling, playing sports, and attending sporting events.

Chae Christensen
Chae joined the Schwartz ESC team in summer 2023. He has lived in Washington his entire life, and graduated from Western Washington University with a Bachelor of Arts in psychology and human services, along with a minor in education and social justice. He spent his graduation year in lockdown, and once he was free to enter the workforce Chae became a psychiatric child care counselor at Western State. He continued with his passion of working with children and worked as a K-2 special education para educator. He joined the Schwartz ECS in 2023 and is excited about the Reggio philosophy and to continue with his learning. When Chae is not working with children he finds himself watching reality TV and taking short walks to the store.

Me’lia Pasillas
Me’lia attended the Schwartz ECS program as a child and joined the teaching staff in fall of 2023. She has been working with young children professionally since she was freshly 16 years old with previous years of babysitting experience. Me’lia has worked with a wide variety of ages with the most experience in three years to school age. Me’lia holds a passion for art and has studied various art forms throughout her high-school career and partial college. She is excited to bring her passion into the classroom and hopes to inspire our young artists in their creative journeys. Outside of the classroom, Me’lia works on her art and spends time with her family and friends. She is happy to continue building her experience within this strong community and looks forward to making a difference in the young lives of the J.

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Three-Fours Classrooms

Tiberias Classroom

Alina Shehova
Alina has been teaching children ages 2-6 for more than 17 years. She holds a master’s degree in ecology with a CDA certification. Outside the classroom, she enjoys going no walks with her family, visiting new places in the greater Seattle area, and traveling. “Strive for progress, not perfection.”

Sara Fish
Sara joined the Schwartz ECS faculty in 2023. She graduated from Edmonds Community College in 2011 with a degree in early childhood education and has worked in various preschools. She loves working with children: “Seeing their curiosity and love of learning is so inspiring and rewarding!” She lives in Issaquah with her husband, Scott, and their black lab, Masy. Outside the classroom, Sara loves to cook, watch new shows or movies, go thrift shopping, and relax outside.

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Jerusalem Classroom

Jamie Pasillas
Jamie returned to the Schwartz ECS in 2023 along with her daughter, Me’lia. She began teaching young children when she was a sophomore in high school in 1997. She she worked in different centers, primarily in the 2’s classes. She first joined the Schwartz ECS in 2005 in the one’s class, with Me’lia starting her journey at the J in the 2’s. She taught at the J for 3 1/2 years in the one’s and two’s classes. She left after her second child to stay home with them. After 2 years she started teaching again with multiple age groups before returning to the J in 2023. She is excited to get back to a strong community with a passion for the Reggio Emilia approach. In her free time she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. She has a passion for Disney and football. She loves to travel, watch movies or adventure outdoors, especially on a beach. 

Mariel Campoverde
Mariel Campoverde joined the Schwartz ECS faculty in 2022. She is a recent graduate from Seattle University with a degree in environmental studies and fine arts. She is originally from San Francisco and moved to Seattle a few years ago. Mariel has worked with young children in a variety of positions over the past seven years, and has also worked with kids of all ages as a camp counselor, tutor, mentor, and outdoor educator. In her spare time, she loves exploring the outdoors, gardening, and reading. Mariel loves to observe how each individual child learns and engages with the world around them and she is excited to learn alongside them at the Schwartz ECS!

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Tel Aviv Classroom

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Netanya Classroom

Tamarra McCain
Tamarra joined the Schwartz ECS support staff in 2022. She graduated from WWU in 2016 with a degree in psychology and received her MS in family and human development in 2019 from ASU. She has worked with children and families for over a decade. Tamarra and her husband live in Lynwood with their 11-year-old orange tabby. Outside the classroom, she loves to cook, read, and create art in many different forms.

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Ca’esarea Classroom

Jessica Hass
Jessica was born and grew up in Washington. In 2018, she graduated from the University of Washington with a B.A. in Early Childhood and Family Studies, focusing on teaching and learning, with a minor in history. She has experience volunteering with children aged three to kindergarten. She previously worked at a preschool for three years. In her free time, Jessica loves spending time outside, especially camping and hiking. She also enjoys reading and crocheting. She is excited to get to know the children and learning with them.

Peymaneh Mollazadehherisi
Peymaneh joined the Schwartz ECS faculty in 2023. She holds a degree in children’s art instruction. Her passion for art started from a young age and she credits the growth of her talent to the encouragement that she received from her parents and professional art teachers. She has taught art techniques to children for about two years. She always tries to tap into children’s “inner artist,” which she truly believes we all possess. Peymaneh believes art gives children the space to create, find purpose, and learn new skills.

Yasmin Sorto
Yasmin is originally from Los Angeles and moved to the Seattle area in 2008. She has been teaching for over 17 years and loves nature and learning new things. Yasmin looks forward to getting to know everyone and creating lasting relationships with the families and children in the school.

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Kindergarten

Tsfat Classroom

Melissa Uhlmann
Melissa joined the Schwartz ECS faculty in June 2015. She holds a B.A. in educational studies with minors in U.S. history and art from Knox College. Melissa taught in the 3s and 4s Programs at the Chicago JCC for nine years and spent seven years teaching three-year-olds in Naperville, Illinois. She also taught high school math in the Chicago Public School District and spent two years as a Space Camp instructor for 9-18-year-olds. Outside the classroom, Melissa enjoys reading, music, flying, following the space program, and traveling. A transplant from Chicago, Melissa is looking forward to working with the students and teachers this year. “I’m excited to see the joy on the children’s faces as they discover new things.”

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Support Staff

Sally Avraham
Sally has taught in the Schwartz ECS since 2017. She is originally from Israel, where she completed a bachelor’s of education in early childhood and earned her teaching certificate, with a specialization in early childhood and special education. She has more than 12 years of experience teaching children with special needs, and seven years of experience working in elementary schools. Sally has also been a children’s Arabic teacher. Outside the classroom, Sally enjoys baking, cooking, traveling, exercise, and listening to music. Sally lives in Bothell with her husband, Shai, and their two children, Emily and Daniel—who’s a student at the Schwartz ECS! This year Sally is looking forward to building relationships with the amazing children and families of our school.

Amy Hardisty
Amy Hardisty joined the Schwartz ECS faculty in 2023. She was born and raised on Mercer Island, graduating from Mercer Island High School in 2009. In 2013, she graduated from Western Washington University with a BA in psychology. She completed a graphic design program in New York in 2017, before moving to Los Angeles, where she worked as a paraeducator and substitute teacher. A certified yoga teacher, Amy enjoys traveling, painting, dancing, hiking, meditation, and spending time with the people she loves. 

Taylor Jacobs
My name is Taylor Jacobs. I myself am a former student of ECS and now, my two kids also attend here too (Reuben and Rose). I grew up in Newcastle, WA, had my Bar Mitzvah at Herzl Ner Tamid and after attending Bellevue High School (and MIHS for Radio classes) I went on to WSU to attend the Edward R. Murrow School of Communication. I’ve worked in and around the Seattle sports scene on Radio and Marketing for well over the last decade plus, but I’m excited for the opportunity to work with everyone at ECS.

Sofia Masoumian
Sofia joined the Schwartz ECS faculty in 2022. She has been a teacher for 11 years, teaching preschool to first grade. Her philosophy is that each child is unique in his or her own way and might learn in different ways than others. By acknowledging this as their teacher, she is able to help children discover their individuality and work alongside them to maximize learning. Sofia looks forward to instilling in your child the same great love for learning that she has developed over the years.

Irene Moshenskiy
Irene has been working at the Schwartz ECS since 1998. She has taught in our 1s, 2s, and 3s Programs for more than 21 years, and worked in our Infants Program. She has been attending Crib to Classroom Conferences for more than a decade and has attended the 2015 Seattle Infant Toddler Conference, workshops in Positive Discipline and Jewish education, and Seattle Child Care Resources Conference (2017). Day of Dialogue (2018). She recently visited Epiphany school with Reggio Emilia inspiring approach for learning experience. Prior to the J, Irene worked at Shoreline Community College’s preschool. Irene holds a degree in finance from a university in Russia, and also studied at Shoreline Community College. A Russian native, Irene has lived in Seattle since 1993. An active learner, Irene enjoys studying the resources of Reggio Emilia teaching philosophies and is always working to expand her knowledge. When she is not teaching, Irene enjoys spending time with her family and friends (especially her grandchildren, Leo and Olivia), reading, cooking, gardening, and hiking.

Esteban Naranjo
Esteban joined the Schwartz ECS faculty in 2022. He was born in Quito, Ecuador, where he studied journalism at the Universidad Central de Ecuador. He completed English proficiency studies at Edmonds Community College, where he was also working on an associates’ degree. Prior to the J, Esteban worked with kids from preschool to high school as a PE and music teacher. He is also a certified tennis coach— during his employment at the Colegio de Liga in Ecuador, his team earned first place two years in a row.  Esteban has worked in early childhood education for the past four years. He is a professionally trained singing teacher, and loves to enrich his classrooms with music. Outside the classroom, he enjoys playing live music with his band, going to the gym, and coaching tennis.