Meet Our Teachers
Experienced, dependable and here for the long run.
Our teachers are what families talk about most. Four of them have each spent 30 years or more in early childhood education, and our lead teachers have been with First Place for seven to nine years. They are reliable, they know every child by name, and they go the extra mile for the children in their care.
Carolyn Brown
Early Learning Director
Ms. Carol has worked in early childhood education for 40 years and directs early learning at First Place.
At First Place: 10 years · In early childhood education: 40 years
Child Development Associate (CDA) · AA in Early Childhood Education · Bachelor’s in Dual Language Early Childhood Education, Early Childhood and Family Studies
“I love watching young children grow in confidence as they learn new skills, discover the world around them, and develop meaningful relationships. The early years are full of curiosity, excitement, and opportunities to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning.”
Families should know: “I am passionate about partnering with families to support each child’s success. I believe every child is unique, capable, and deserving of a nurturing environment where they feel safe, valued, and encouraged to reach their full potential.”
Stacy Brown
Lead Teacher, Family Support and School Administrator
Ms. Stacy has worked with young children for more than 35 years, leads a classroom and is the School Administrator families call about enrollment.
At First Place: 9 years · In early childhood education: 35+ years
AA in Early Childhood Education · Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and Dual Language Early Childhood
“I love the look young scholars get on their faces when they learn, grasp and master a developmental skill.”
Families should know: “I enjoy working with children and families, and I love learning from their scholars.”
Cheryl Donaldson
Lead Teacher, toddlers
Cheryl has spent more than 40 years in early childhood education and leads a classroom of one- and two-year-olds.
At First Place: 7 years · In early childhood education: 40+ years
Certificate in Culturally Responsive Early Childhood Education, Antioch University
“I love teaching the one- and two-year-olds because I love watching how much growth happens between the beginning and the end of the year. It is a privilege to build skills that promote confidence.”
Families should know: “My passion comes from a place of love for the children I serve daily.”
Tiffany Jones
Lead Teacher
Tiffany brings more than 30 years in early childhood education and two degrees in the field to the classroom. Tiffany builds every family relationship on respect.
At First Place: 8 years · In early childhood education: 30+ years
AA and BA in Early Childhood Education
“I love watching children explore and create with a smile, and seeing them grow while they learn.”
Families should know: “I care about families and believe they should be valued and respected no matter what.”
Nicole Woods
Assistant Lead Teacher, Amphibians
Nicole has worked with young children for more than 20 years. Nicole completes more than a dozen trainings every year while studying for a bachelor’s degree in early learning education.
At First Place: 3 years · In early childhood education: 20+ years
Three Washington State early childhood education certifications · Bachelor’s in early learning education, in progress
“Children this age are the most impressionable. If you teach them important skills and values now, it shapes them to become successful in life. Being a part of that is the most amazing feeling.”
Families should know: Nicole is a parent of six and calls teaching a lifestyle.
Verna Grissette
Assistant Teacher
Verna has taught young children for more than 40 years and has been part of First Place for 11 of them. Verna sees parents as a child’s first teachers and treats every family with respect.
At First Place: 11 years · In early childhood education: 40+ years
AA in Early Childhood Education
“I love it when students come in ready to learn, grow and gain more skills. It is so satisfying to watch the children gain the skills and the words to describe themselves.”
Families should know: “I believe parents are the first teachers and should be given respect. I’m here to support families and help children grow and learn new skills.”
Amina Nur
Assistant Teacher
Amina helps children make sense of what they are doing and how the world around them works.
At First Place: 2 years · In early childhood education: 2.5 years
“I like supporting the children and helping them understand what they’re doing and how the world works.”
Families should know: You can talk with Amina anytime about your child and your child’s day.
Teya Ahmed
Assistant Teacher, supporting every classroom
Teya grew up in early learning. Teya’s mother owns a childcare program, and Teya helped care for many siblings long before becoming a teacher.
At First Place: 4 years · In early childhood education: 10+ years
Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families certifications
“Your children will be in great, safe hands.”
Families should know: “My mom owns a daycare, and I grew up with a lot of siblings, so childcare is in my blood.”
Gianna Starks
Assistant Teacher, supporting every classroom
Gianna works across our classrooms and is completing a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education.
At First Place: 2 years · In early childhood education: 3+ years
BA in Early Childhood Education, in progress
“I love seeing kids blossom into their own as the school year goes on.”
Families should know: “I really take my job seriously, and I want to help your children succeed.”
Virginia Gilioli
Behavioral Support and Afterschool Enrichment Specialist
Ms. Virginia was born in Italy and raised in a bilingual, bicultural home, and holds a degree in psychology. Virginia leads afterschool enrichment and is on hand at rest time for any child who needs extra support.
At First Place: 1 year · In early childhood education: 2+ years
Bachelor’s in Psychology, minor in Social Welfare
“I love teaching this age because I enjoy seeing their personalities and confidence grow.”
Families should know: “I really value the different cultures and languages each child brings to a classroom.”
Lois Vaughn
Administrator and Family Support
Ms. Lois has worked in early childhood education for more than 30 years, including 10 years as a classroom teacher, and now handles administration and family support at First Place.
At First Place: 9 years · In early childhood education: 30+ years
AA in Early Childhood Education
“I started as a teacher and taught for 10 years. I loved seeing the children’s openness and excitement at learning new things and how they approached each class eager to learn.”
Families should know: “When I started over 30 years ago in this profession, I didn’t realize it was my calling. But I love working with children and I want them to grow and develop. I know that helping them become positive and confident contributors to society starts at an early age and requires working with parents. I feel so fortunate that families trust us to be a part of that development.”
