Staff
Our Teaching Team
All of our teachers and staff are well-educated, highly experienced, enthusiastic and mature professionals who deeply enjoy their time with children. All have CPR/First Aid Certification and BBP Training. All teachers participate in a minimum of 16 hours of continuing education each year. We value each other for the gifts and talents each of us bring.
HEATHER PETERSON-BRUNO Director/ Program Supervisor
Heather has been working with children of all ages in a variety of settings since 1990. She works closely with teachers, families, children, the Children’s Center Board, EUMC staff, state licensor and other interested community partners. She is a member of International Association of Christian Early Educators (ACSI) and the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Heather has been at The Children’s Center since 2000.
KIM GIDNER Preschool Teacher/Assistant Director
Kim is STARS certified and thoroughly trained in child development, core Early Childhood topics and has a wealth of experience. She takes numerous continuing education classes in Early Childhood Education and has strong professional standards. She is a highly creative teacher who always has something very special going on in her classroom and fun, new activities for the children! She had a strong sense of responsibility and shows a lot of pride in her work and her relationships with families. Children respond well to her calm, soft-spoken and nurturing manner. Kim is an effective leader and an extremely valuable resource for all of the other teachers. She has been at The Children’s Center since 1998.
LACEY DAQUILA School-Age Teacher
Lacey has a solid understanding of child development through the Careers With Children program and extensive ECE and STARS training. Lacey has a very patient, calm and consistent manner. She is a good listener and supports each child with respect, compassion, and nurture.
Lacey has a broad range of experience with all our various programs and the children in each of our age groups. She employs many strategies and activities to help children develop their emerging skills and encourage confidence and independence. Lacey is an amazing person who is very responsible, dependable, kind, helpful and a highly valued part of our team.
KRYSTAL BRITTINGHAM School-Age Teacher
Krystal is currently working toward her degree in Early Childhood Education. She is a student at Everett Community College and has experience in caring for children from three months to twelve years from teaching Sunday School, babysitting, leading AWANAS and Vacation Bible School.
Krystal has a bright and cheerful personality and children adore her positive spirit, patient and caring manner. She takes great pride in planning a fun and balanced after-school program. And enjoys helping children with homework!
Krystal is STARS certified and has been at The Children’s Center since 2006.
JESSICA TAYLOR Before & After School
Jessica has completed the Careers With Children Program and is working toward a degree in ECE and Children’s Ministries.
Jessica is a gifted and confident teacher with a natural ability to lead and nurture. She has a firm understanding of the stages children go through as they grow and the ability to easily apply all that she knows. Jessica has a sparkling personality that really holds the children’s attention. Jessica has been at The Children’s Center since 2006.
RONNI HYDE Assistant Teacher
Ronni is simply adored by both children and staff alike! She is nurturing and patient with the children and is always spending extra time with them to ensure that they feel understood and valued and that their experience at preschool is happy, fun and secure. And she is a true asset to the teachers since she is always willing to go the extra mile to make sure that things are running smoothly! Her genuinely positive outlook and flexible attitude are invaluable in the classrooms!
Ronni has been at The Children’s Center since 2007.
LAURA MERCED Substitute Teacher
Laura has a wide range of experience with children of all ages and has taught preschool through elementary school age children. She has a Master’s degree in Education and is a teacher in the Mukilteo School District.
Laura is a patient, kind and loving teacher and quickly develops a strong rapport with the children. She possesses a very gentle and nurturing manner and puts her whole heart into her work. She is very dedicated and passionate about her commitment to children’s growth and development in all areas and is able to apply practical and creative strategies to teaching that address a variety of learning styles.
Laura holds many different positions in the program and has been at The Children’s Center since 2003.
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