Introducing the teachers and classrooms for 2025-26 School Year
Administration | Classroom Teachers | Support Staff
Administration
Tara Bloomer | Director, 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 the 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.
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 Master’s 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.
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.
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.
Nikki Lloyd | Developmental Specialist
My name is Nikki and I’m so delighted to be on the team at Schwartz ECS as the Developmental Specialist. My passion for early learning began after I had my oldest son and began working in preschool and early intervention. I love learning about the world through the eyes of a child. I love helping to unlock the brilliance in young minds. I love walking alongside families in this crazy beautiful journey called parenthood. When I’m not hanging out with young people I’m probably hanging out with my partner and our three boys. Maybe I’m cooking, I might be doing yoga, on a walk or a hike, or maybe I’m reading a book! You might find me cheering on the sidelines at a lacrosse or hockey game. You could even catch me doing some water color painting or supervising Ryan (my partner) as he gardens and tends to our house plant jungle.
Classroom Teachers
Sally Avraham
Sally has taught at Schwartz ECS since 2017. Originally from Israel, she earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a teaching certificate specializing in early childhood and special education. She has more than 12 years of experience teaching children with special needs, seven years of experience in elementary schools and experience teaching Arabic to children. Outside the classroom, Sally enjoys baking, cooking, traveling, exercising and listening to music.
Jo Ben-Shmuel
Jo (she/her) brings six years of experience as a teaching artist with Seattle Children’s Theatre and Seattle Rep, along with a background in preschool education and private child care. Originally from the San Francisco Bay Area, she earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theater from Cornish College of the Arts. Outside of work, Jo enjoys reading, knitting, paddleboarding and spending time with her girlfriend, Jamie, and their cat, Georgia.
Sveta Crabtree
Sveta joined Schwartz ECS in 2023. Born in Russia, she earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry and worked as a researcher at the University of Victoria in Canada before moving to Seattle in 1995. She began volunteering at her youngest daughter’s preschool in 2007 and has worked with children ever since. Sveta later earned an early childhood education certificate from Bellevue College. She is inspired by children’s creativity, excitement and curiosity as they explore the world.
Monika Das
Monika has taught in the Infants Program since 2018. She earned a diploma in pre-primary education with a specialization in the Montessori method from the Teacher Training Society in Calcutta, India. Before moving to the United States, she taught high school in Hyderabad, India. She later volunteered as a child care provider and Sunday school teacher in San Francisco. Outside the classroom, Monika enjoys cooking, camping, exploring new places and spending time with family.
Amanda Denney
Amanda (she/her) has 17 years of experience teaching in public and private schools, with a focus on transitional kindergarten and special education. Originally from Texas, she earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and elementary education and has taught in Texas, California and Washington. Amanda looks forward to deepening her knowledge of the Reggio Emilia approach. Outside of work, she enjoys gardening, playing harmonica, baking, solving puzzles and reading in her hammock.
Sara Fish
Sara joined Schwartz ECS in 2023. She earned a degree in early childhood education from Edmonds Community College in 2011 and has worked in a variety of preschool settings. Sara finds children’s curiosity and love of learning inspiring and rewarding. She lives in Issaquah with her husband, Scott, and their black Lab, Masy. Outside the classroom, Sara enjoys cooking, watching movies and television, thrift shopping and relaxing outdoors.
Liran Gabay
Liran brings a passion for helping children develop healthy, active lifestyles. He earned a bachelor’s degree in advertising and marketing communications and a Master of Business Administration in sports management. In Israel, Liran worked with children through programs ranging from individual mentorship to youth fitness. His academic background and hands-on experience inform a personalized, dynamic approach to teaching. Outside the classroom, Liran is a fitness enthusiast who enjoys inspiring others to embrace health and wellness.
Finn Guzman
Finn (he/him) earned a bachelor’s degree in education, communities and organizations and a master’s degree in intercollegiate athletic leadership from the University of Washington. He also serves as an assistant coach for Seattle Pacific University’s women’s basketball program. Finn is passionate about creating an inclusive, relationship-centered environment where children feel safe to explore, play and grow. Outside of work, he enjoys coaching basketball, cheering on women’s sports, exploring Seattle neighborhoods and discovering new coffee shops.
Amy Hardisty
Amy joined Schwartz ECS in 2023. Born and raised on Mercer Island, she earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Washington University in 2013. She later completed a graphic design program in New York before moving to Los Angeles, where she worked as a paraeducator and substitute teacher. Amy is also a certified yoga teacher. Outside the classroom, she enjoys traveling, painting, dancing, hiking, meditating and spending time with the people she loves.
Rebecca Harless
Rebecca brings more than three years of teaching experience to Schwartz ECS. A former JCC preschool student, she strives to offer children the same strong connections and loving kindness she experienced. Rebecca earned a bachelor’s degree in classics from Brown University and a master’s degree in teaching from Seattle University. She is passionate about holistic education that incorporates language, music and art and loves the joy and curiosity children bring to each day.
Jessica Hass
Jessica is a Washington native who earned a bachelor’s degree in early childhood and family studies from the University of Washington in 2018, with a focus on teaching and learning and a minor in history. She has three years of preschool experience and has also volunteered with children from age 3 through kindergarten. Jessica looks forward to learning alongside the children and building strong relationships. Outside the classroom, she enjoys camping, hiking, reading and crocheting.
Taylor Jacobs
Taylor attended Schwartz ECS as a child, and his two children, Reuben and Rose, now attend the school. He grew up in Newcastle and celebrated his bar mitzvah at Herzl-Ner Tamid. Taylor studied at Washington State University’s Edward R. Murrow College of Communication and has worked in radio and marketing within Seattle’s sports community for more than a decade. He is excited to return to Schwartz ECS and contribute to a community that has long been part of his family’s life.
Ryan Jess
Ryan has worked in early childhood education since 2018. He completed the RIE Foundations course in 2020 and continues to study the Reggio Emilia approach and child development. Ryan enjoys watching children learn and develop while offering support based on their individual needs. He believes every child brings a distinct personality, perspective and set of gifts to the classroom and is committed to creating an environment where each child can grow with confidence.
Kimberly Kanouse
Kimberly earned a bachelor’s degree in business from Washington State University and a master’s degree in teaching from the University of Phoenix. She spent 13 years with Scouting America, working with children and families while fostering a love of nature. Kimberly is also a registered yoga teacher and an exercise physiologist with the American College of Sports Medicine. She brings curiosity, adaptability, compassion and humor to teaching and is passionate about relationships, culture and helping others become healthy, engaged community members.
Shrija Kashyap
Shrija brings two years of early childhood education experience and four years of experience in administration and human resources. She earned both a bachelor’s degree in business administration and a Master of Business Administration. Shrija is passionate about creating a warm, nurturing environment where children can thrive and discover the joy of learning. She values engaging experiences that support children’s development. Outside the classroom, Shrija enjoys exploring nature, walking lush trails and discovering new places.
Ayano Ketkhounaroun
Ayano joined Schwartz ECS in 2023. Born and raised in Japan, she earned a master’s degree in biology before moving to the United States. While attending college, Ayano gained experience in several fields and discovered her passion for early childhood education. She has more than eight years of professional experience teaching and caring for children. Outside the classroom, Ayano volunteers with arts and crafts activities at local schools and enjoys listening and dancing to music with her children.
Akilli Lawson
Akilli grew up and attended school in Georgia before moving to the Seattle area in 2020. He enjoys working with children because of their remarkable sense of wonder and imagination and looks forward to contributing to a classroom community where he has already formed meaningful connections. Akilli has two children of his own. Outside of work, he enjoys music and cooking and is excited to share both interests with the Schwartz ECS community.
Kristin Mannari
Kristin has taught in the Schwartz ECS 2s and 3s programs since 2013. She earned a bachelor’s degree in children’s studies from Eastern Washington University and an associate degree in early childhood education from Bellevue College. Kristin has completed professional development in self-regulation, relationships, curriculum and engineering design. Since 2005, she has also taught children ages 3-6 in the Washington Karate Association’s Kinder Karate program. Outside of work, Kristin enjoys exploring and photographing new places.
Baylee Marsh
Baylee joined Schwartz ECS in February 2026 after five years as a certified nursing assistant. A Washington native, she is excited to begin a new professional chapter and continue growing in early childhood education. Baylee looks forward to building relationships with children and families while developing her skills as an educator. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family and exploring the outdoors.
Tamarra McCain
Tamarra joined Schwartz ECS in 2022 and has more than a decade of experience working with children and families. She earned a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Washington University in 2016 and a master’s degree in family and human development from Arizona State University in 2019. Tamarra lives in Lynnwood with her husband and their orange tabby. Outside the classroom, she enjoys cooking, reading and creating art in many forms.
Luz Miramontes Martinez
Luz was born in Mexico, where she completed high school and grew up on a ranch. Before relocating to Washington, she lived in Houston and worked at a child care center for more than a year. She also provided private child care on weekends and special occasions. Outside the classroom, Luz enjoys reading, strength training, painting and organizing. When visiting Mexico, she loves riding horses, stargazing away from city lights and watching the sunset.
Marleni Mojica
Marleni brings more than 25 years of experience in early childhood education. She began her studies at the Universidad Autónoma de Santo Domingo, building the foundation for a meaningful and rewarding career. Marleni believes educating the next generation is essential to creating a better world and considers supporting children during their early developmental years both her profession and her passion. She is excited to share her experience, dedication and love of teaching with the Schwartz ECS community.
Peymaneh Mollazadehherisi
Peymaneh joined Schwartz ECS in 2023. She holds a degree in children’s art instruction and has taught art techniques to children for about two years. Her passion for art began at a young age, encouraged by her parents and art teachers. Peymaneh strives to help children discover their “inner artist,” which she believes everyone possesses. She sees art as a powerful way for children to create, find purpose and develop new skills.
Irene Moshenskiy
Irene has taught at Schwartz ECS since 1998, working in the Infants, 1s, 2s and 3s programs. She previously worked at Shoreline Community College’s preschool and has completed extensive professional development in infant and toddler education, positive discipline, Jewish education and the Reggio Emilia approach. Originally from Russia, Irene holds a degree in finance and also studied at Shoreline Community College. Outside the classroom, she enjoys reading, cooking, gardening, hiking and spending time with family and friends.
Esteban Naranjo
Esteban joined Schwartz ECS in 2022 and has four years of experience in early childhood education. Born in Quito, Ecuador, he studied journalism at Universidad Central del Ecuador and English at Edmonds Community College. Esteban has worked with children from preschool through high school as a physical education and music teacher. He is also a certified tennis coach and professionally trained voice teacher who brings music into the classroom. Outside of work, he performs with his band, exercises and coaches tennis.
Steffanie Noell
Steffanie joined Schwartz ECS in 2023 and has seven years of experience working with children from 6 weeks to age 5. She earned a bachelor’s degree in human development and family studies from the University of Nevada, Reno, in 2014. Steffanie values supporting children as they grow at their own pace and considers teaching her dream career. Outside the classroom, she enjoys camping, hiking, biking, skiing, traveling, listening to music and attending concerts.
Heidi Orwick
Heidi is a Mercer Island High School graduate who is excited to return to her hometown. After having two children, she began providing before- and after-school care for school-age children. In 2019, Heidi joined the Goddard School, where she taught in its 1s, 2s and 3s programs. She loves helping young learners grow through play, creativity and discovery and strives to create a safe, caring classroom where every child feels valued, encouraged and excited to learn.
Jamie Pasillas
Jamie returned to Schwartz ECS in 2023 after first teaching at the school from 2005 to 2008. She began working with young children in 1997 and has taught a variety of age groups, with extensive experience in 1s and 2s classrooms. Jamie values the school’s strong community and Reggio Emilia-inspired approach. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, traveling, watching movies, following football and Disney, and exploring the outdoors—especially the beach.
Me’lia Pasillas
Me’lia attended Schwartz ECS as a child and joined the teaching staff in 2023. She began working professionally with young children at age 16, following several years of babysitting. Me’lia has experience with a wide range of ages, particularly preschool and school-age children. A lifelong artist, she enjoys bringing creativity into the classroom and inspiring young artists. Outside of work, Me’lia creates art and spends time with family and friends.
Fatima Pimienta
Fatima joined Schwartz ECS in March 2026. She earned a bachelor’s degree in English literature and theater production from Seattle University and completed postgraduate studies at Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City, the University of California, Berkeley, and Cornell University. Fatima spent more than five years working with multiple age groups as a clinician at Lindamood-Bell Learning Centers and Autism Learning Partners. She published a bilingual children’s book in 2024. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling and volunteering with community theater.
Adam Porad
Adam has lived in the Seattle area throughout his life. He discovered early childhood education while volunteering in his children’s cooperative preschool classroom and later coached Little League T-ball for children ages 3-5. Adam enjoys the enthusiasm children bring to learning and discovery. Outside the classroom, he practices and performs long-form improv with an independent group and enjoys traveling with his wife and their teenage children.
Seema Rajesh
Seema has more than two years of teaching experience and enjoys nurturing young minds as they learn and grow. Her passion for playing and interacting with children is shaped by both her professional experience and her role as the mother of two boys. Seema values creating joyful, supportive experiences that encourage children’s development and curiosity. Outside the classroom, she enjoys cooking, exploring the outdoors and spending time with her family.
Tomer Rubinchik
Tomer is a native Hebrew speaker who supports the bilingual 2s program as the Hebrew enrichment teacher in the Golan Heights classroom. He also teaches Hebrew to elementary-age students at Herzl-Ner Tamid and has worked with children and teens in Israel and the Seattle area. Before moving to Seattle, Tomer was a youth counselor at Kibbutz Afikim, where he planned activities and led group experiences. His professional storytelling background and love of imaginative play help bring Hebrew language and culture to life.
Savas Sanin
Savas joined Schwartz ECS in 2022. Born and raised in Turkey, he graduated from medical school in 1990 and holds a postgraduate degree in medicine. Savas began working with children after moving to the United States. His approach is guided by two principles: finding the positive in every situation and respecting nature. Outside the classroom, Savas enjoys writing poetry and cooking.
Maddie Scileppi
Maddie is a former accountant and candy maker beginning a new chapter in early childhood education. Originally from Mercer Island, she now lives in Woodinville with her family. Maddie is excited to join Schwartz ECS, build relationships with children and families and grow as an educator. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking and playing outdoors with her three young children, baking and reading.
Reena Sharma
Reena brings more than two years of experience working with children ages 2-5 at KinderCare. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and a Master of Business Administration and previously worked in procurement for the state of Texas. Reena’s varied professional experience strengthens her creativity and approach to problem-solving. She is committed to nurturing young children’s development and brings a love of learning to the classroom. Outside of work, Reena especially enjoys hiking in the mountains.
Sapna Sharma
Sapna brings two years of early childhood education experience across the United States and India. Before joining Schwartz ECS, she worked with preschoolers at Bothell Family Cooperative Preschool and as an assistant preschool teacher in India. Sapna holds a postgraduate degree in commerce and values learning alongside children while building strong relationships with families. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her husband and two daughters, taking road trips through the Pacific Northwest and trying new recipes.
Alina Shehova
Alina has more than 17 years of experience teaching children ages 2–6. She earned a master’s degree in ecology and holds a Child Development Associate credential. Alina is committed to helping children learn and grow while embracing the philosophy, “Strive for progress, not perfection.” Outside the classroom, she enjoys walking with her family, discovering new places throughout the greater Seattle area and traveling.
Yasmin Sorto
Yasmin has more than 17 years of teaching experience. Originally from Los Angeles, she moved to the Seattle area in 2008. Yasmin loves nature, values continued learning and enjoys sharing a sense of discovery with children. She looks forward to getting to know each child and creating lasting relationships with the families and children of Schwartz ECS.
Sofya Spektor
Sofya has taught in the Schwartz ECS 1s, 2s and 3s programs since 1992. She has completed professional development in Jewish and early childhood education, including Crib to Classroom and Day of Dialogue conferences. Originally from Ukraine, Sofya moved to the United States in 1989 with her husband and two sons. She considers Schwartz ECS a second home and values building partnerships with families and teachers. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking and spending time with family and friends.
Magdalena Swiniarska
Magdalena, who goes by Magda, was born and raised in Poland and earned a bachelor’s degree in English philology. She has worked with children since her teenage years as an au pair, English tutor and preschool teacher, most recently teaching in 1s and 2s classrooms at the Goddard School. Magda loves watching children learn, explore and express their creativity. Outside of work, she enjoys board games, fantasy novels and spending time with her husband, their dog and loved ones.
Melissa Uhlmann
Melissa joined Schwartz ECS in 2015. She earned a bachelor’s degree in educational studies with minors in U.S. history and art from Knox College. Melissa taught preschool at the Chicago JCC for nine years and spent seven years teaching 3-year-olds in Naperville, Illinois. She has also taught high school math and worked as a Space Camp instructor. Outside the classroom, Melissa enjoys reading, music, flying, traveling and following the space program.
Chunhua Xiang
Chunhua is originally from China and has lived in the United States for 12 years. She earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing in China and a master’s degree in computer science from Arizona State University. Chunhua enjoys spending time with children and has volunteered for three years as a Sunday school teacher for infants and toddlers at her church. She is excited to bring her skills, enthusiasm and care for children to the Schwartz ECS community.
Janice Xiao
Janice was born in China and moved to Washington in 2014. She earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting and has worked in early childhood education since 2022. Through this work, Janice developed a strong passion for supporting young children’s growth and development. She values creating a warm, inclusive learning environment and enjoys building meaningful relationships with children and families.
Support Staff
Maria Hemstad
Maria joined Schwartz ECS in 2023. A Washington native, she is excited to grow in the education field and build meaningful connections throughout the SJCC community. Maria enjoys supporting children and contributing to a welcoming school environment. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her nieces and nephews who live in the area.
Nila Sagan
Nila brings a genuine love of working with children and supporting their early learning and development. She strives to create a warm, calm environment where children feel safe, valued and encouraged to explore. An enthusiastic reader and lifelong learner, Nila enjoys sharing her curiosity with the children around her. She is grateful to be part of a caring community and looks forward to learning and growing alongside Schwartz ECS children and families.
