Meet our Teachers
As a parent-managed preschool, our school board thoughtfully selects teachers who reflect the heart and values of our community. Our educators have formal education in early childhood development and are committed to ongoing learning and reflection.
They bring warmth, curiosity, and deep respect for young children into the classroom each day. They create a positive, nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore, grow, and belong.
Our teachers also partner closely with families, offering guidance, clear expectations, and supportive communication to help parents feel confident and engaged in their classroom experience.
Eagles and Explorers
Ms. Sandra brings over 19 years of experience in early childhood education to our community. She has spent much of her career as a lead teacher in Head Start/ECEAP programs, supporting young children and their families through thoughtful, relationship-based care.
Sandra holds a BA in Psychology and a certificate in Child Development. She is also fluent in Spanish, which allows her to build strong, meaningful connections with a wide range of families.
Her teaching is rooted in creating a warm, welcoming classroom where every child feels supported. She has extensive experience developing individualized learning plans, guiding classroom teams, and partnering closely with families through daily communication, conferences, and home visits. Earlier in her career, she worked as an educational therapist, supporting children with learning differences including dyslexia and ADHD.
Sandra joins us as our Eagles teacher, and we are so excited to have her steady presence, deep knowledge, and gentle care leading this classroom. She will also be part of our Explorers teaching team.
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Sparrows, Hummingbirds, and Explorers
Ms. Kelly first joined Benson Hill as a student volunteer three years ago and never left. After years of caring for her nieces and nephews and working as a nanny, she found her calling in early childhood education. This is her second year teaching, and she’s poured her heart into building a classroom full of joy, connection, and curiosity.
Kelly has earned her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Green River College. Much of her learning has happened right here at Benson Hill, growing alongside the children, families, and amazing educators (shoutout to Ms. Kristie!) who make this place feel like home.
Her classroom is Reggio-inspired and grounded in play, wonder, and the spirit of co-learning that makes cooperative preschool so special. She’s deeply passionate about anti-bias education and supporting children as they grow into kind, curious humans in a diverse world. Her north star? Mister Rogers. Her goal is that everyone who enters her classroom feels safe, seen, and deeply cared for.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Kelly is a proud auntie to seven incredible nieces and nephews. She grew up just down the road from Benson Hill and feels honored to give back to her home community. She loves a good story, a cup of tea, and searching markets to find the perfect pair of teacher earrings.
Legacy Teacher
As we say goodbye to Ms. Kristie, we hold so much gratitude for the years of care, leadership, and heart she brought to Benson Hill.
Ms. Kristie was a guiding force at Benson Hill, starting as a parent then teaching in the Sparrows, Owls, and Eagles classrooms and helping shape the heart of our community. She founded the Explorers program and established it as a long term exploration of STEAM projects. Her deep belief in play-based learning, the creative process, and strong relationships with children and families is woven into the fabric of our school.
Through times of change and challenge, Kristie was part of what carried Benson Hill forward. She showed up with consistency, care, and a steady presence that grounded both classrooms and community. Her passion, philosophy, and energy helped define what Benson Hill is today.
She will forever be part of the halls of Benson Hill, in the way we value play and creation, in the connections we build, and in the joy that fills our classrooms.