Toddler
Hawthorn Guide - Sophie Nguon (she/her) was born and raised in Seattle, Washington. She has been a part of Three Tree Montessori School since July of 2007. Sophie began as a toddler assistant and chose to take the Assistant to Infancy training in Portland, Oregon in 2014. In 2015, Sophie became the lead guide in the Hawthorn Toddler Classroom. Sophie loves the practice of Montessori and its philosophy supporting the whole child. Her favorite part about Three Tree is the welcoming community and caring staff. Outside of school Sophie enjoys being outdoors, reading, cooking, exploring new places and new foods, and loves spending time with family and friends.
Hawthorn Assistant - Sherri Siler (she/her) has been with Three Tree Montessori School since 2005. "They are literally my second family!" She was born and raised in Washington and has never left except for an occasional vacation here and there. She has three children. A 20 year old son who works at the family business, Siler's Concrete Cutting, and 8-year old fraternal twins who attend TTMS in the Bigleaf Maple classroom, completing their last year in lowerr elementary. She loves spending time with family during her free time and watching her children play sports!
Hawthorn Assistant - Maycn Curameng (she/her) recently joined TTMS in September 2024 and is very excited to take on a new role in the Hawthorn community. In her free time, Maycn likes to spend time with her loved ones, cook, and listen to music.
Dogwood Guide - Gabby Almanza (she/her) joined TTMS in 2007 and has 19 years of experience working with children. She has two children that attended Three Tree, Jesse and Jalen. Her mom, Imelda, and sister, Claudia, both work at TTMS. In her time here, she has attended the 2013 Montessori Congress and in 2024, took her A to I Toddler Assistant training in Washington D.C. Gabby enjoys gardening and cooking spends her time exploring the PNW and is involved in many of her children’s sports. Gabby fell in love with Three Tree her first day observing; the feeling of community as you walk in the door, having a place where children could have the freedom to be children and learn at the same time, where a natural way of learning came from the child and was guided by the adults. It felt like home away from home.
Dogwood Assistant - Mary Barajas (she/her) has several years of experience working with young children. She has worked as a private tutor on and off, and from 2012 to 2015, she tutored exclusively while living abroad. From 2017 to 2019, she worked as a teacher in a daycare center, alternating between the toddler and preschool rooms. In late 2019, Mary joined Three Tree, floating around the building as support staff before joining the Dogwood Toddler classroom. Mary has two daughters. When at home, they enjoy sharing their hobbies together. They often fill their weekends with art, movies, music, games, and trips to local parks and beaches.
Dogwood Assistant - Adriannah Ployer (she/her) has been with us since August 2023 and is very excited to start her second year here at TTMS in the toddler classroom. In her free time, Adriannah loves to be outside with nature and spend time with loved ones.
Children's House
Red Cedar Guide - Lyrik Lopez (she/her) has been working for the school since 2018 and has loved becoming apart of the Three Tree community ever since. In her free time she enjoys cooking, baking and getting to explore the Pacific Northwest.
Red Cedar Assistant - Mel Ordaz (she/her) is excited to join the Three Tree family. Mel has worked in education for 5 years. She is the oldest of 7 and has always worked with children. They never cease to amaze me! Mel enjoys reading, walking, baking, listening to music, and drawing in her spare time.
Sitka Spruce Guide - Michael Myers (he/him) was born and raised on the North Shore of Massachusetts. He volunteered for Big Brothers, Big Sisters, directed lacrosse at an elementary-level summer camp, acted as a resident advisor and tutor for A Better Chance, and volunteered to teach ELL classes at night for adults. Later, while substituting full-time at Harborlight Montessori School, he found his passion as an early childhood educator, as a Montessorian. He completed his A.M.S. Early Childhood Credential with M.I.N.E., a Master's Degree in Early Childhood Education with Gordon College, and a Massachusetts State Licensure in Early Childhood Education. After working as an assistant teacher, lead teacher, and co-lead teacher, Michael traveled to China to work as an English Language/Culture Teacher and Teacher Trainer at a Montessori school. Michael moved to Seattle to work in a one-room schoolhouse, an outdoor classroom, and a unique, "transition to kindergarten" classroom for the Bellevue School District. Along the way, Michael became certified in Positive Discipline Parent Education, O.W.L. K-1 & 4-6 Facilitation, M.A.C.A.R. Level 1, and Right Response Advanced. He joined TTMS in 2024.
Sitka Spruce Assistant - Sarah Keiser (any pronouns) is happy to be working with the staff and children of Three Tree Montesori School as a new classroom assistant. Sarah graduated from Washington University of St. Louis in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in psychology. She loves learning about the human mind and the way that children see the world. In her free time, Sarah likes to study languages, read, sing, and explore new places and activities.
Douglas Fir Guide - Gloria Treseder
Douglas Fir - Cheerdelle Hoyer (she/her) joined TTMS after moving to the US from the Philippines. Cheerdelle studied fashion design and pattern-making in a technical school and volunteered at a Sunday school. In her free time, Cheerdelle likes to sew clothes, mend and alter garments for friends, cross stitch, draw, write, learn about history, and go on long long nature walks with her loved ones.
Madrona Guide - Morgan Walker (she/her) grew up a Montessori child in Michigan. She received an undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education and Masters in Reading Education before taking her Montessori training in Minnesota. She is in her fifteenth year of working at Three Tree. Her two children are currently in high school. Morgan, her husband, and two children try to spend as much time outside as possible in their spare time.
Madrona Assistant - Claudia Almanza (she/her) has been working at TTMS since 2006! She started working as a toddler PM substitute after school. After graduating high school she joined our community full time, as a toddler assistant for 3 years. She has many years of experience in both primary and toddler environments. Claudia has 2 sons Jonathan (10) Jacob (6). During her time off she loves to read books and being outdoors.
Western Hemlock Guide - Meagan Johnson (she/her) graduated from Montessori Northwest in Portland, OR with her Primary Guide certification in 2015. During her studies, she was thrilled to be placed at Three Tree for her observation and practice teaching hours. Meagan has now been part of the Three Tree community since 2017 and is excited for her fifth year as a Children's House Guide. Meagan’s two sons, Erik (8) and Soren (5), also attend TTMS in the lower elementary and primary environments. When she’s not working, Meagan enjoys taking in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest with family hikes and adventures with her sons and husband.
Western Hemlock Assistant - Catrina Bergstrasser (she/her) has worked with children of all ages for the past 13 years. She loves to inspire and teach children of all ages the love for nature and themselves. Catrina began in 2019 as a Support Staff and is now the Western Hemlock Classroom Assistant. She has three adult children and a granddaughter who calls her Oma. One of her favorite things is being by a river or salty body of water listening to the birds. She enjoys gardening, camping, and spontaneous road trips.
Lower Elementary
Bigleaf Maple Guide - Lynda Harrington (she/her) joined TTMS in 2001 after falling in love with the principles of Montessori philosophy. With a BA in English and AMI Montessori diploma, she has experience as a lower elementary teacher, upper elementary, and with a one-room schoolhouse style ages 6-12 room. Lynda took a brief sabbatical in 2019 to work at Marin Montessori but realized that because of the grit and determination that is emblematic of the TTMS community, Burien was where she really wanted to be. She will be leading the Bigleaf Maple classroom community and providing coaching to adults, working towards the very highest quality Montessori for everyone. For fun, Lynda enjoys cooking, gardening, going for walks, mastering corny jokes (aka Dad Jokes), and playing the guitar.
Bigleaf Maple Assistant - Abbie Chacon (she/her) is excited to join the Three Tree family this year. She graduated from Western Washington University in 2019 with a degree in Media and Cultural studies. She has always enjoyed working with kids and served as a nanny for several different families over the last 7 years. In her spare time, Abbie enjoys journaling, cooking, and exploring nature with her dog, Pepperoni.
Aspen Guide - Meaghan Biggs (she/her) joined TTMS in 2011 and has over 15 years of experience working with children. Meaghan graduated from Highline College in 2015 with an associate's degree in early education. In 2024, she graduated from The Montessori Institute of Denver with her elementary Montessori certification. In her free time, she enjoys exploring Washington through hiking and camping.
Aspen Assistant - Mary Margaret Moore (she/her) is the Aspen assistant. She grew up in the high-desert of New Mexico, and moved far away to upstate New York where she got her BA in Art History & Visual Culture from Cornell University and played Division I Volleyball. After college she moved to Paris, France and became a dancer and physical actor and pastry chef. In 2009, Mary Margaret moved to Seattle, and she is now pursuing somatic + conceptual dance, a mom, a partner, a Feldenkrais Method practitioner, and a committed member of the Three Tree Montessori community. Natural and crafted ecosystems are a newer passion for Mary Margaret. Dancing, playing, and supporting the flourishing of humans and plants are her favorite hobbies.
Upper Elementary
Alder Guide - Paige Garmendia (she/her) joined Three Tree in the Fall of 2022. She is enjoying being back in the beautiful Pacific Northwest after working at a Montessori charter school in Oakland, CA. She has worked with children from ages 6 months old up to 15 years old, and is Montessori trained for ages 6-15. In her free time, Paige enjoys playing Dungeons and Dragons, gardening, cooking, crocheting, and spending time with my family. She and husband recently got married and have a mini zoo of pets at home (4 dogs and a cat)!
Alder Assistant - Isaias Gomez (he/him) was born and raised in Seattle. While Isaias began his Montessori experience here at TTMS, he has prior experience working with children as a gymnastics coach. He graduated from University of Washington with a bachelors in Psychology. He is currently attending elementary training at Montessori Center of Minnesota. In his free time, he enjoys going on hikes and visiting all of the farmer's markets. His favorite morning beverage is iced coffee.
Support Staff
Support Staff Lead - Imelda Almanza (she/her) has been an Assistant at Three Tree Montessori School (TTMS) since 2006. She has worked with each level over the years and has taught Spanish. Currently, Imelda is the lead support staff. Imelda has two daughters who work at TTMS, Claudia and Gabriela. She also has two grandchildren who attend school here and two that have graduated. Imelda loves working at TTMS and considers it her home.
Support Staff - Emyrose Aizawa (she/her) is originally from the Chuuk Islands of Micronesia. She graduated from the Caroline College and Pastoral Institute (CCPI) extension of Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii in 2014. Before coming to TTMS, Emyrose spent two and a half years working with elementary-aged children in Micronesia. Emyrose is a wife and a mother of two daughters. When she's not at TTMS, Emyrose enjoys spending time at home and enjoying life with her family. She also enjoys exploring new places.
Support Staff - Lucia Hernandez (she/her) studied in Mexico and graduated as an industrial production technician. Lucia has 3 children of her own and is excited for her time at TTMS with your children. Lucia enjoys plants and animals and spends much of her free time outdoors. Lucia looks forward to more time at TTMS with the children and staff that fill her days.
Support Staff - Yaritza Hernandez (she/her) started working at TTMS in November 2022. Yaritza has worked with children in various capacities since 2015. Yaritza enjoys working with children and has 3 of her own. When she's not at TTMS, Yaritza loves spending time with her family and her children, going for walks, listening to music, and reading.
Support Staff - Lisa Johnson (she/her) joined Three Tree Montessori in 2007. Since being employed at Three Tree she has had the pleasure of working in all environments. Lisa holds an Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education from Lake Washington Community College and has worked in the early childhood education industry since 1977. Lisa enjoys watching the children's progression in learning at all different levels, all age groups and at their own pace.
Support Staff - Shereno Nayab (she/her) is from Afghanistan. She has been living in the United States for more than two years. Shereno has over five years of work experience, including three years working with children in schools and early childhood programs. She has a bachelor’s degree in law from Salam University. Shereno enjoys working with children and wants to continue growing in this field. Shereno says it makes her happy and proud to support children in their emotional and spiritual growth.
After School Care Staff - Alexis Papanastasiou (she/her) has been working with children since 2014, both as an assistant teacher and as a dance instructor. She brings years of leadership experience from her work with multiple nonprofits. Outside of the classroom, Alexis is active in competitive Greek dance and choir and is a proud cat mom to three cats. This is her first year at Three Tree Montessori, and she is excited to be part of the community while pursuing her degree in education.
Support Staff - Farhia Sharif (she/her) joined TTMS after moving to the country as a new immigrant. Farhia completed her bachelor's degree in education in Kenya and was a math and chemistry teacher in her home country. She is a mother to two children, 4 years old and 2 years old. Farhia loves spending her free time cooking and going out with her family to learn more about the diverse culture and beautiful environment in the US. Farhia says that her time at TTMS has made for a joyful and welcoming transition to life in a new place.
After School Care Staff - Ava Cook (she/her) enjoys art, working with children, and singing songs. Ava hopes to become a children's book illustrator someday and is currently pursuing a degree in graphic design. In her free time, Ava enjoys drawing, playing piano, and writing stories.
Support Staff - Debbie Wheeler (she/her) has 12 years of experience in adult caregiving and is the primary caregiver for her autistic brother. Debbie enjoys crocheting and describes herself as a Looney Tunes-collecting, thrift-store junky who is a total kid at heart.
After School Care Staff - Barbara "Barb" Toates (she/her) is the former owner/operator of an in-home daycare. Barb has also for the YMCA where she facilitated Play 'n Learn groups and hosted Family Night. Barb loves God and her family and says that going to the beach makes her happy.
Education Support Staff - Jen Latini (she/her) received her BA in history from the University of Colorado in Boulder. After moving to Seattle with her husband, Ryan, in 2012 she completed a K-8 teaching certificate program through Western Washington University. She taught sixth grade and first grade in the Highline School District. Her daughter, Cora, is an elementary student and her daughter, Robin, is part of the Children's House community at Three Tree Montessori. Jen likes carrying plant, bird, and mushroom identification guides for added entertainment on hikes in the Pacific Northwest.