

Meet Our Staff

Founder
Ms. Cleo
Hi everyone, I received my bachelor’s degree which included a teacher-training component in China. After graduating, I worked at the New Oriental School as an English teacher in Beijing. In 2015, I came to the US and later worked at the Bellevue School District. After visiting an AMS Montessori school I was moved by the Montessori philosophy. This powerful experience led me to enroll and complete my AMS credential. I am very passionate about early childhood learning and have dedicated my life to promoting education and social development. I obtained the WA State Early Childhood Education Certification (Proficiency Level) and Positive Discipline for Educators Certification. To enhance my professional development, In 2021 Spring, I enrolled in my master's degree program at UW. In 2023, I obtained an Early Childhood Leadership certificate at the Havard Saul Zaentz Initiative. Meanwhile, I started Montessori Infant and Toddler teacher training at MEIPN.

Director Of Early Childhood Development
Ms. Sun
I have been working in the Montessori field 22 years, serving in various roles as a teacher, principal, and trainer. During my tenure as a Montessori professional, I have had the privilege of working in different parts of the world, In Seattle, I worked as a Montessori teacher. Upon returning to China, I worked in Beijing and Guangzhou as an academic director; at the Montessori School of Shanghai, where I served as a
principal while also teaching a toddler class. In 2007, I obtained my trainer credential, which enabled me to teach teachers in mainland China. Vietnam and the Philippines.
I am passionate about working with children. I believe every child deserves an education that nurtures their individual strengths and interests, and the Montessori method offers just that. As a Montessori Coach, I look forward to sharing my expertise with teachers and working together to provide an exceptional educational experience for children.

Program Coach
Ms. Ashley
I was born and raised in Washington State finished my master’s degree in Education and International Development at UW and have 8 years of experience working in education. I am an EMA Early Achievers' Coach with Child Care Resources (BrightSpark). I have been passionate about education for as long as I can remember. I will employ evidence-based coaching tools to provide valuable guidance and support to EMA's early learning staff, facilitating their employee development fostering an environment of continuous improvement, and maintaining EMA's high-quality early learning programs. I look forward to working together with EMA.

Toddler Lead
Ms. Jeanna
I am originally from Morgantown, West Virginia and moved to Seattle in 2007. I obtained an AMS Montessori credential in 2012 and have worked as a Montessori lead teacher for 11 years. I have a bachelor’s degree in Visual Arts with a Teaching Certification. I enjoy drawing, painting and visiting Art Museums.
I love all the mountains and water in and around Seattle. I enjoy taking walks, swimming, and being out in nature. I’m an aunt and have three nieces and have enjoyed seeing them grow up and become adults. My family and friends are very important to me. I’m excited to be here and looking forward to working with all children and parents.
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Teacher Assistant
Ms. Lorna
Hi, my name is Lorna N. I am so excited to be EMA’s new teacher assistant for the 2022-2023 school year. I would like to share a few things to get to know me. I graduated with my BA from the California State University, San Bernardino, in Early Childhood Education. I have worked as a teacher assistant and a childcare lead teacher. I moved to Washington from California and look forward to making it my home! I enjoy reading, hiking, and collecting mugs. My favorite holiday is Halloween.

Zumbini Dance Instructor
Ms. Sabina
Sabina Monn studied music and movement education at a College of the Arts in Switzerland. She taught a variety of subjects (to all ages: toddlers to adults): music (rhythmics, musical, choir, children’s orchestra, group percussion, piano, cello, voice), dance/movement, drama, and art. Her classes were at schools, churches, community centers as well as private lessons. She is currently teaching Zumba (Regular, Gold, Kids, and Zumbini), freestyle, music, and movement classes.