Meet our Teachers
Because we are a preschool managed by parents, our school board reserves the right to select the very best preschool teachers. Our teachers have studied early childhood education and have college degrees in Early Childhood Education. They offer our children a positive, nurturing environment from which to grow and provide direct guidelines, expectations and support for parents in classroom participation.
Owls, Eagles, and Explorers
Ms. Kristie came to BHCP in 2016 as a parent with her youngest daughter, who was in the Owls class. She served on the board as the registrar. Falling in love with the Co-op model, in 2017, she became a teacher. She now teaches the Eagles, Owls, and Explorer classes. She has a broad knowledge of different teaching philosophies and strong experience in leading the development and implementation of curriculum. She has taught in several schools and childcare centers, emphasizing learning through creative play, and holds an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bellevue Community College. Ms. Kristie is passionate about the creative process and play-based learning.
In her spare time, Ms. Kristie has volunteered with the local PTSA and Girl Scouts. With her husband and two daughters, Kristie enjoys exploring the Pacific Northwest in her travel trailer and spending quality time with her family.
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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 cozy cup of tea, and wandering through little markets to find the perfect pair of teacher earrings. With her love of color and creative expression, she’s affectionately known as “the rainbow teacher.”
Bates Child Studies Instructor
Lisa has worked for Bates Technical College for 7 years. She is a tenured professor with her MS in Early Childhood Education. She has been a preschool teacher, curriculum developer, program supervisor as well as Director of various child care settings. Lisa is also a mother of two. She is passionate about play based learning and spent time in New Zealand and Canada studying their early childhood practices. She is excited to work with you to support your children’s development.