Joyful Learning, EverYday
About Our Staff
Our Teaching Staff
At Little Woods Preschool, our teachers are patient and caring professionals who are passionate about early learning. They are dedicated to providing a warm and engaging environment that fosters each child's whole development.
Our staff have trainings to further develop teaching skills, create new learning experiences and collaborate with one another.
All staff meet the WA State licensing requirements including; DCYF trainings, Food Handler's Card, CPR, First Aid & AED trained.
Meet Our Staff
Danielle - Owner & Director
Meet Danielle
Danielle has spent over 15 years working with young children, beginning as a Kindergarten teacher in public schools before following her dream of building a preschool rooted in joy, curiosity, and community. She believes learning spaces should feel beautiful, organized, and full of wonder. She designed Little Woods Preschool to be a place where children feel safe, inspired, and excited to explore.
She earned her Master’s Degree in Teaching from the University of Washington and holds certifications in Early Literacy and English Language Learning, along with a Washington State teaching license. Over the years, Danielle has taught children and adults in Seattle Public Schools, the University of Washington, and Antioch University. She is also a published curriculum writer and was honored to be a two-time Fulbright Scholar.
Little Woods Preschool grew from Danielle’s passion for early learning and her vision of a nurturing environment where children can grow at their own pace, with kindness and creativity at the heart of every day.
Outside of early learning, Danielle loves hiking, gardening, and spending time with her family, friends, and pets.
Keisha - Teacher
Meet Keisha
Keisha has worked with children in various capacities for nearly 10 years. She started off doing coursework for her degree in music therapy in 2016, providing group music therapy sessions for at-risk youth and children with disabilities.
In 2021, she began teaching general music and movement classes in preschool programs in Seattle and Bellevue before moving on to being in the classroom full-time. After several years working in childcare, she attended a post-baccalaureate program at Western Washington University in Communication Sciences and Disorders.
Keisha applies her speech and music teaching techniques with the children at Little Woods. Students love Keisha's playful, hands-on teaching style and enjoy singing and dancing with her each day.
She loves to celebrate each child for their unique strengths and builds strong, meaningful relationships with her students.
Outside of teaching, Keisha loves to knit, hike and play music!
Taylor - Teacher
Meet Taylor
Taylor has taught children ages two through six for the past 15 years. During this time she has earned her Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education and continues to learn and keep up with new research and conversations in the field.
Taylor’s experience in Montessori, Reggio, and Waldorf has shaped her into the teacher she is today. Pulling bits and pieces from each philosophy to best support her students. She believes in the magic of childhood and aims to protect it. Creating a space that is both calm and full of life. Where every child feels loved and safe to explore their creativity. She feels most passionate when learning alongside her students. When she can catch those special moments and extend on a child’s learning.
Outside of the classroom Taylor enjoys reading, swimming, and being in nature. She loves the beginning of every season and creating rhythms for each.
Dejay - Teacher
Meet Dejay
Working with children has been a meaningful part of Dejay's life since he was fifteen years old, when he spent five summers as a camp counselor in Pennsylvania. Those experiences fostered his love for the outdoors, reinforced the value of learning through exploration, and inspired his passion for helping children feel safe, supported, and encouraged.
Throughout the years, Dejay has served on environmental and social outreach boards as both a student and mentor. These experiences strengthened his belief in the power of community and the importance of creating spaces where people feel welcome to share, listen, and learn from one another.
As an Army veteran, Dejay brings a strong commitment to safety, patience, and calm communication. He understands the importance of providing steady guidance and creating a secure, nurturing environment where children can thrive.
Dejay is currently attending North Seattle College, where he is continuing his studies in early childhood education and youth outreach while deepening his commitment to serving children and families in the North Seattle community.
Outside of the classroom, Dejay feels most at home exploring nature through hiking, camping, cooking for his wife Lauren and traveling.
TW - Music Teacher & Assistant Teacher
Meet TW
TW is a singer/songwriter and performer based in Seattle. She also teaches Mini Meter classes at Meter Music school.
In her music classes she encourages self expression and creativity. We love how she engages our little learners with warmth, joy and encouragement.
TW loves teaching music to young children as it builds language, emotional expression, confidence and community. She uses a mix of traditional children's songs and current popular songs to captivate the students and get them singing and dancing! We’re so lucky to have Ms. TW teach our music class each week!
Besides teaching at Little Woods, TW enjoys reading, hiking, superheroes (her favorite is Spiderman!) and dancing!
Nicolle - Spanish Teacher & Assistant Teacher
Meet Nicolle
Nicolle is a creative educator who finds inspiration in art, painting, nature, and the sea. She enjoys creating, exploring new ideas, and appreciating the beauty in life's little details.
With over six years of experience working with young children, Nicolle has found teaching to be an important part of both her personal and professional growth. She believes that early childhood education is about much more than a curriculum, it is about listening, supporting, understanding, and celebrating each child as they discover who they are.
Nicolle loves learning alongside her students and is continually inspired by their curiosity, creativity, and ability to find joy in the simplest moments.
Outside of teaching, Nicolle enjoys making art, walking her dog, and cooking!