We pride ourselves in having experienced and highly educated staff members at our center.
Seattle Learning Center employs lead teachers that have the work experience and educational background related to early childhood education. Most of our teachers have bachelor’s degrees or a CDA (Child Development Associate Credential).
The leaders and administrators of the school have master’s degrees in education and extensive child care work experience. Our leaders and administrators are trained and skilled in managing early learning teachers. They actively support teachers, students and parents each day. They champion providing a high quality early learning program.
SLC sets the bar high in ensuring that we employ instructors who see the field of early childhood education as a career. We believe maintaining a highly educated and experienced staff is essential to providing an exceptional early learning environment.
All staff members participate regularly in continuing education and professional development trainings. SLC staff is required to complete a Child First Aid & CPR certification, background and reference check, TB test, blood borne pathogens training, 30-hour childcare basic training, and other annual trainings required by the Department of Children, Youth and Families.
In reviewing the information below, note the extensive experience of our staff. We pride ourselves in having low turnover with our teachers and admin!
LILY TALLEY – Owner and Executive Director – Founded SLC in 2009
Miss Lily has worked with children for over 20 years. Her experience includes working with infants to high school-aged students. She is a state-approved early education trainer and an adjunct faculty member at Seattle Community College where she teaches behavior guidance, infant/toddler development, and special education courses. Miss Lily has a master’s degree in education from University College London, a diploma in business administration, and is currently working to complete her doctorate in education. She also holds degrees in education, history, and economics from De La Salle University, Philippines. Miss Lily is a certified teacher in the United Kingdom and Washington state. She is very passionate about early learning. Working with children is her life’s work. Miss Lily has a daughter who is a graduate of SLC, and her husband Brandon helps run SLC’s Montlake location.
KELSEY GROOTSKY (formerly GUSTAFSON) – Executive Assistant (2020 to present)
Miss Kelsey has a bachelor’s in literature and cultures with a minor in writing from UC Merced. She worked in office positions in the fields of engineering, technology and insurance from 2013-2020. But her whole life she has cherished any time spent with children through family and friends, volunteer opportunities and organized playgroups. Miss Kelsey was a teacher in the Maple classroom for 2.5 years after completing practicum hours at SLC and has earned her ECE Initial State Certificate. She loves experiencing the world alongside the joy and energy of kids and guiding them towards the best life each individual can live. Miss Kelsey likes reading sci-fi and fantasy novels, going on walks with her husband and playing with their 10 year old tabby cat.
Queen Anne Staff
TERRI BURNEY- Rainbow Lead Teacher (2016 to present)
Miss Terri has worked with infants and toddlers for over forty years. She has acquired a Child Development Associate (CDA) certificate and continues to complete various courses about early learning. She loves children of all ages and has worked at multiple highly accredited centers both as a teacher and an administrator. Miss Terri strives to create strong bonds with the children in her care and encourages family involvement as much as possible. She recently became a children’s book author and published her first book, Long and Tall.
SAVANNAH YOUNG – Garden Co-Lead Teacher and Administrative Coordinator (2021 to present)
Before SLC, Miss Savannah worked with early learners at a play-based learning facility on the east side of King County since she moved to WA in 2018. She has a bachelor’s of science in behavioral health and a master’s of science in early childhood education and special education. She lives in the Fremont neighborhood, loves exploring Seattle, visiting the coast and crafting with her partner. Miss Savannah is grateful to work with early learners and be a facilitator who guides them through critical stages of their development. When working with children, her goal is to help them hone their natural desire to learn in a loving and safe environment.
RENU SHARMA – Treehouse Co-Lead Teacher (2021 to present)
Miss Renu has a bachelor’s and master’s degree in sociology from India. With over six years of experience working in a structured preschool, she also operated a family child care in California for five years. She enjoys working with children, motivating and stimulating their learning and learning from them, as well. She loves spending time with her students and supporting their curiosity and love of learning.
NIKKI VICTA – Garden Co-Lead Teacher (2022 to present)
Miss Nikki is a lead teacher for our Garden classroom and we are so happy to have her. She has a bachelor of psychology from University of Washington and has made an instant connection with all of our students. She is a positive force in SLC and inspires love, laughter and curiosity in the children she works with.
MATEO CUADROS – Support Teacher (2022 to present)
Mr. Mateo is currently a Seattle Pacific University student working on his bachelor’s in clinical psychology and counseling. He has five years of experience in an elementary classroom setting and finds joy in learning about what makes each child special and unique, there is always something we can learn from them!
POLLYANN JUDKINS – Treehouse Assistant Teacher (2023 to present)
Miss Pollyann has worked with kids of all ages for over 13 years as a private nanny and for Highline School District’s preschool program in Burien, WA. She is originally from Eastern Washington and studied addiction and counseling at Whatcom Community College and has an associate’s degree. Miss Pollyann has experience working with adolescents and teens in a group counseling program and enjoyed actively engaging with their families to best serve their children’s needs. Miss Pollyann loves working with children and watching them grow and learn!
RACHEL RODRIGUEZ – Sunshine Lead Teacher and Program Coordinator (2023 to present)
Miss Rachel has a bachelor’s in public health from Texas A&M University, a master’s in healthcare administration from University of Texas, as well as multiple ECE credits from UW and John Logan College. She has over five years of experience working in the childcare field as an infant and toddler teacher and was recently an assistant director in a large childcare center in Illinois before moving to Seattle to join her sister. She enjoys spending time at home crafting and exploring what her new city offers.
SHEREE CLIFTON – Sunshine Support Teacher (2023 to present)
Miss Sheree earned a bachelor’s of science in elementary education from University of Central Florida and has over 20 years of experience as an elementary school teacher. Miss Sheree moved to Seattle from Florida a few years ago and feels so thrilled to be close to her son, daughter, and grandchildren in the area. Miss Sheree enjoys traveling and is excited to hopefully visit Paris soon!
KANDA KANNASUT – Garden Assistant Teacher (2023 to present)
Miss Kanda has a bachelor’s in psychology from Brigham Young University, Hawaii and has over 5 years of experience working with children as an assistant preschool teacher. She is originally from Thailand and according to her, can cook the best Thai food! She loves working with children and enjoys hiking and watching movies.
JAIDEN HOYT – Co-Lead Treehouse Teacher (2023 to present)
Miss Jaiden has a bachelor of arts in human development with a concentration in early childhood from California State University. She has 3 years experience working with children and is very excited to be back in the classroom! She loves how children express themselves in so many different ways and enjoys supporting them as they explore their own development. Miss Jaiden likes sewing, caring for her plants and hopes to adopt a cat in the near future.
RACHEL JONES – Assistant Sunshine Teacher (2023 to present)
Miss Rach has a bachelor of science in business administration with a minor in education from the University of South Carolina. She has experience working with kids in non-profit settings as well as being a nanny and a coach. She is new to Seattle and is excited to spend time outside in the beautiful local nature. Miss Rach has a strong passion for working with young kids and is friendly and approachable. She prides herself on creating a safe and welcoming space for children to learn. Miss Rach enjoys hiking and photography and has a cat named Oliver who she loves dearly.
Montlake Staff
MARISSA HERRERA – Support Teacher and Cook (2014 to present)
Miss Marissa grew up in the Philippines and she speaks Filipino. She has three adult children and two grandchildren who reside all over the world. She worked as a cook in various restaurants before working at SLC. She helps in the Maple room and prepares the school’s meals from scratch. She loves to travel and cook.
RAQUEL RELATADO – Maple Co-Lead Teacher (2019 to present)
Miss Raquel has a bachelor’s degree in sociology from Mindanao State University. She moved to Seattle in the summer of 2019. Before that, she lived in the Philippines and owned and operated her fish, rice, and fruit farm. Miss Raquel lives in Central Seattle with her husband and two teenage children.
ROSE WEATHERFORD – Program Coordinator & Willow Co-Lead Teacher (2022 to present)
Miss Rose is originally from New Jersey and grew up in New Mexico. She then moved to Montana and before coming to Washington. She is the mother of four adult sons. Previously, Miss Rose has worked as an EMT, preschool teacher, preschool director, and a behavior technician. Her last position was at a preschool in Kirkland where she worked as a pre-k teacher. She has a BS degree in psychology and education from Western New Mexico University. She lives in Lynnwood with her husband and two dogs. Miss Rose loves playing the drum and attending concerts when she is not at work.
NIGITHA SUBRAMANIYA – Willow Assistant Teacher (2022 to present)
Miss Nigitha is originally from India and has a wealth of cultural experience that she is willing to share with us. Miss Nigitha has a BA in Commerce and is currently working on a master’s degree. She loves working with kids because she can make an impact on their future. She wants to motivate children and help them develop in positive ways.
AUBREY MCCANN – Willow Assistant Teacher (2023 to present)
Miss Aubrey is originally from New Jersey. She has a degree in fashion studies from Montclair State University and has over 8 years of experience working with children. Through that time she has been a kindergarten and pre-k teacher. Miss Aubrey loves working with kids because they are fun and creative. She enjoys supporting their growth and learning.
TAMMY LAM – Support Teacher and Enrichment Instructor (2018 to present)
Miss Tammy worked for SLC as an infant-toddler and preschool teacher for over 3 years. She has a BS degree in child development and a master’s in special education. She has returned as a support teacher and provide weekly Mandarin lessons with our students! Miss Tammy loves sharing her knowledge of cultures and language, and inspiring children to pursue their curiosities and interests. Miss Tammy lives in Federal Way with her husband and enjoys traveling in her free time.
ADDIE SCIAMMAS – Intern (2022 to present)
Miss Addie is currently working on her bachelor degree at the University of Washington. She has a background working with children as a mother’s helper, swim instructor, volunteer in her church nursery, as well as babysitting. Her goal is to work in speech pathology and she enjoys working with young children.
BRANDON TALLEY – School Administrator and Support Teacher
Mr. Brandon is a graduate of Seattle Pacific University with a bachelor’s degree in finance. He has worked in the banking and financial industry until he decided to work at SLC full-time. Brandon is in charge of managing SLC Montlake’s administrative paperwork and book keeping. He also takes care of the school building’s maintenance. Brandon is married to Miss Lily and they have a daughter who is a graduate of SLC. He loves to bike, hike, read books, and have fun in the outdoors.