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The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Mekyla Fryberg, B-3 Manager.
Mekyla Fryberg
B-3 Manager

Mekyla Fryberg is a Tulalip Tribal Member who has worked at BJTELA since 2015. Throughout her time with the organization, she has held numerous roles, including her most recent position as B3 Manager. Mekyla enjoys serving her community by building meaningful relationships, instilling a love of learning, and witnessing children's growth and development. She is dedicated to continuing efforts to increase the language and cultural incorporation within BJTELA.

Mekyla received her associate's degrees in 2011 and 2014. She then earned her bachelor’s degree in Human Services in 2020 and her master’s degree in Human and Family Development in 2022. She is currently pursuing her doctoral degree in Educational Leadership with a focus on Educational Psychology.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Sheryl Fryberg, Director.
Sheryl Fryberg
Director

Sheryl is a Tulalip Tribal member and has lived on the Tulalip Indian Reservation her entire life. She has been in leadership positions since 1990, and involved in cultural activities for over 35 years. Her passion is to revitalize tribal language and culture. Sheryl’s goal is for the children to know the Lushootseed language, their history, and their cultural ways of life. Research tells us that if our children are well grounded in their language and cultural way of life they will be more successful in their academics, their careers and their life.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Taylor Burdett, Education, Disabilities Administrator.
Taylor Burdett
ECEAP Manager

Taylor Burdett is Tulalip Tribal Member that has worked in Tulalip Early Learning since 2005. She's held various roles, beginning with the Aftercare program at Montessori. She then connected with ECEAP as a Teacher Assistant, Lead Teacher, Education & Disabilities Administrator before becoming the ECEAP Program Manager.

Taylor received her Bachelor's Degree in Sociology in 2013 and obtained her Master's Degree in Marriage, Couples, and Family Therapy in 2017.

Staff

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Absyde (Abby) Dacoscos, Family Engagement Coordinator.
Absyde (Abby) Dacoscos
Family Engagement Coordinator

Abby has worked with TELA since 2015 and loves fostering families and students with opportunities for engagement that promote positive growth in all areas of child development. She has an AA in Early Childhood Development and a BA in Applied Psychology.

Image of TELA staff member AJ Parrish
AJ Parrish
Montessori Teacher

AJ has been working in early childhood education since 2010. She feels honored to guide and educate the beautiful children of Tulalip. She has a great duty to develop them into lifelong learners within the Montessori philosophy.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Alexa Javadi, 3-5 Preschool Teacher Assistant.
Alexa Javadi
3-5 Preschool Teacher Assistant

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Alice Abuan, Teacher Assistant.
Alice Abuan
Teacher Assistant

Alice has been working in early childhood education since 2022. She enjoys building relationships with the students.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Alicia Carlisle, B-3 Family Advocate.
Alicia Carlisle
B-3 Family Advocate

Alicia has worked at TELA since 2012 and has been in early childhood education since 2008. She loves working with families and helping them achieve their goals.

Health Safety & Nutrition Coordinator
Allie Taylor
Health Safety & Nutrition Coordinator

Allie has been working at TELA for over five years and loves watching the children grow and develop over the years.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Amanda Biddle, B-3 Teacher.
Amanda Biddle
B-3 Teacher

Amanda has worked in early childhood education since 2014. She enjoys watching the children learn and grow, and helping them discover new things.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Angelina Reeves, Teacher Assistant.
Angelina Reeves
Teacher Assistant

Since 2011, Angelina has been working in early childhood education. She enjoys guiding children's learning and development.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Anna Foldesi, Teacher Assistant.
Anna Foldesi
Teacher Assistant

Anna has worked at TELA since 2015, and she has an associate degree in early childhood education. She believes in teaching the Whole Child philosophy, an approach that values the development of the whole child – physical, social, emotional, and cognitive.

Image of TELA staff member Annie Enick
Annie Enick
Family Advocate

Annie, a Tulalip tribal member, has worked in early childhood education since 1994. She is happy to see Montessori students returning with their children.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Annistazia Kramer, B-3 Teacher Assistant.
Annistazia Kramer
B-3 Teacher Assistant

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Ardena Diaz, Teacher Assistant.
Ardena Diaz
Teacher Assistant

Ardena Diaz began working in Early Childhood Education in 2021 and joined TELA in 2023. She finds it incredibly rewarding to work with children and watch them grow each day. Ardena looks forward to continuing her education to become a teacher and is dedicated to supporting each child's learning journey.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Briana Saiz, Teacher.
Briana Saiz
Teacher

Briana has been working in early childhood education since 2021. She enjoys working with the children and their families in the community.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Carmel Savoie, ECEAP Family Advocate.
Carmel Savoie
ECEAP Family Advocate

Carmel has been working for TELA for over 12 years and in early childhood education for the tribe for over 18 years. She loves helping the families she serves.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Chantel Verbovanec, Family Advocate.
Chantel Verbovanec
Family Advocate

Chantel has been working in early childhood education since 2003. She enjoys supporting the needs of students and families at TELA.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Cheryl Chuckulnaskit, Teacher.
Cheryl Chuckulnaskit
Teacher

Cheryl has been working at TELA for over two years. She enjoys working with the children and helping to build the foundation for a healthy and happy childhood.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Christina Hayes, Teacher Assistant.
Christina Hayes
Teacher Assistant

Christina has worked in Early Childhood Education since 2014. At TELA, she enjoys building relationships with families and watching children grow.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Cidney Marteney, Teacher Assistant.
Cidney Marteney
Teacher Assistant

Cidney has worked in early childhood education since 2015. She takes pride in contributing to her community and nurturing children's growth.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Cierra Fryberg, Teacher Assistant.
Cierra Fryberg
Teacher Assistant

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Courtnie Reyes, Program Support Specialist.
Courtnie Reyes
Program Support Specialist

Courtnie Reyes is a Program Support Specialist at TELA, where she began working in 2025 after first volunteering in Early Childhood Education in 2024. She loves starting each day by welcoming students and families, and she finds it deeply rewarding to see children arrive excited to learn. Courtnie is dedicated to helping create a positive beginning to each child’s day. She is currently working toward her BA in Early Childhood Education as part of UW’s Cottonwood cohort.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Dana Jones, Teacher Assistant.
Dana Jones
Teacher Assistant

Dana has worked for TELA for 18 years and loves following children to help them grow their knowledge from within.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Desirae Williams, Teacher Assistant.
Desirae Williams
Teacher Assistant

Desirae has been working in early childhood education since 2018. As a Tulalip tribal member, she strives to integrate traditional teachings into the children's daily lives.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Domonique Houle, Teacher Assistant.
Domonique Houle
Teacher Assistant

Domonique Houle began working in Early Childhood Education in 2024 and joined TELA the same year. She enjoys being with children and supporting them as they learn and grow. Domonique strives to bring kindness and care into the classroom each day. One of her favorite parts of the work is watching children make new connections and seeing their joy and excitement as they discover new things.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Eddie Reeves, B-3 Teacher Assistant.
Eddie Reeves
B-3 Teacher Assistant

Eddie Reeves began working in Early Childhood Education in 2019 and joined TELA in 2024. She enjoys spending his days in culturally based learning environments designed for all children. Eddie finds children fun, entertaining, and energizing, and she values being part of their intellectual, social, and emotional development.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Emma Armstrong, Teacher Assistant.
Emma Armstrong
Teacher Assistant

Emma Armstrong began working in Early Childhood Education in 2025 and joined TELA that same year. She loves working with children and enjoys watching them grow and learn each day. Emma also appreciates the opportunity to learn more about Native culture through her work at TELA.

Image of teacher assistant Isabel Gomez
Isabel Gomez
Teacher Assistant

Isabel has worked in childhood education for almost a year and loves working with kids. She loves getting to know them and watching them grow.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Jamie Frick, Teacher.
Jamie Frick
Teacher

Jamie has worked for TELA for over five years and loves watching the children grow and learn.

Image of teacher assistant Jamila Zahir
Jamila Zahir
Teacher

Jamila has worked in childhood education for over a year and loves working with kids.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Jasmine Jack, Teacher.
Jasmine Jack
Teacher

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Jennifer Romer, Teacher
Jennifer Romer
Teacher Coach

Jennifer has worked for TELA for over three years and holds an AA in early childhood education. She has been working in the Early Childhood field for over 15 years, and is currently pursuing her BA in Human Development in Early Childhood. She strives to help children understand that just like them; she learns something new every day. Her goal is to help children navigate their own path in life culturally, emotionally, and socially.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Julie Dompier, Teacher.
Julie Dompier
Teacher

Julie started out as a parent volunteer in the ECEAP classroom in 2001. She has an AA from Northwest Indian College in Native American Studies with an Emphasis on Early Childhood Education. She loves building relationships with the children and helping them learn new things. Julie looks forward to growing and learning alongside your child as they prepare for the next steps in their educational journey.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Julie Ike-Andrews, Teacher Assistant.
Julie Ike-Andrews
Teacher Assistant

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Kara Hoskins, Teacher Assistant.
Kara Hoskins
Teacher

Kara has been working in early childhood education since 2006. She enjoys working with families and creating partnerships to foster children's development.

Kathryn McCormick - Administrative Clinical Supervisor at BJTELA
Kathryn McCormick
Administrative Clinical Supervisor

Kathryn has worked for Tulalip since 2000 and at BJTELA since 2016. She loves working with children, families, and teachers and collaborating to meet the children's needs in their families and community.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Katia Brown, Teacher.
Katia Brown
Teacher

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Kaylie Simpson, Teacher Assistant.
Kaylie Simpson
Teacher Assistant

Kaylie Simpson began working in Early Childhood Education in 2025 and joined TELA the same year. She enjoys helping children learn new skills, build confidence, and reach important developmental milestones.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Kiona Dumont, Front Desk.
Kiona Dumont
Front Desk

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Kristin Brown, Teacher Assistant.
Kristin Brown
Teacher Assistant

Kristin has worked in early childhood education since 2006. She enjoys the close bonds she's formed with the amazingly talented teachers. She also loves being a positive role model for the kids.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Kristina Reeves, Teacher.
Kristina Young
Montessori Teacher

Kristina has been working in early childhood education since 1994. She holds an AA degree in early childhood education and strongly believes that the earlier a child begins learning, the better. Kristina takes pride in watching her students grow and feels honored to be a part of their educational journey.

Image of teacher assistant Laurissa Chavez
Laurissa Chavez
Teacher Assistant

Laurissa has a CDA (Child Development Associate) from Northwest Indian College. She has worked in childhood education for over six years and loves building relationships with the children and helping them learn new things.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Lillian Rounds, Teacher Assistant.
Lillian Rounds
Teacher Assistant

Lillian Rounds began working in Early Childhood Education in 2018 and joined TELA in 2025. She enjoys building close relationships with families and loves watching children grow while learning about their culture.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Marcella Gonzales, Teacher.
Marcella Gonzales
B-3 Teacher

Marcella has been working in early childhood education since 2017. She loves working with the Tulalip community and watching the children grow.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Marina Edelman, Teacher Assistant.
Marina Edelman
Teacher Assistant

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Marissa Reeves, Teacher Assistant.
Marissa Reeves
Teacher Assistant

Marissa has been working in early childhood education since 2006. She finds joy in creating meaningful relationships with the children and their families.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Mary Sewell, Preschool Teacher.
Mary Sewell
Montessori Teacher

Mary has been working in early childhood education since 1989 and earned her Montessori teaching certificate in 2010. She creates a nurturing and consistent environment for children and their families.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Marysa Sylvester, School Counselor.
Marysa Sylvester
School Counselor

Marysa has been working as a school counselor since 2018. She loves working with the kids and families.

Melanie Bonnet
Melanie Bonnet
Teacher Assistant

Melanie has been working in early childhood education since 2004. She finds it rewarding to hold space for growth and learning in the children.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Melissa Salinas, B-3 Teacher.
Melissa Salinas
B-3 Teacher

Melissa has worked in early childhood education since 2008. She finds holding space for growth and learning in the children is rewarding.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Michelle Cooper, Education Coordinator Birth to Three.
Michelle Cooper
Education Coordinator B–3

Michelle has worked for TELA for over six years. She holds a BA in Special Education from Western WA University. Her goal is to ensure that our young children are getting the love, nurturing, education, and life experiences that they deserve to help them be successful in their life’s journey, wherever that takes them.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Mikail Montez, Teacher Assistant.
Mikail Montez
Teacher Assistant

Mikail Montez began working in Early Childhood Education in Fall 2025 and joined TELA during that same time. She loves working with young children each day and finds joy in watching them grow and learn. As a former Tulalip Montessori student, Mikail is grateful for the opportunity to give back to a community and program that poured so much into her.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Misty Fryberg, Teacher Assistant.
Misty Fryberg
Teacher Assistant

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Mitena Matta, Teacher Assistant.
Mitena Matta
Teacher Assistant

Mitena has worked for TELA since 2016 and loves watching the children grow and learn.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Molly Hatch, Teacher Coach.
Molly Hatch
Birth-3 Teacher Coach

Molly has worked for TELA for over ten years and enjoys being with the kids and watching them learn and grow.

Nicole has an AA in early childhood education and has worked at TELA for over a year.
Nicole Crandall
B-3 Teacher

Nicole has been working in early childhood education since 2017. She finds joy in watching children learn and grow, and is grateful to be a part of their lives.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Olivia Gomez, Teacher Assistant.
Olivia Gomez
B-3 Teacher Assistant

Since 2017, Olivia has been working in early childhood education. She enjoys helping children learn, watching them grow, and achieving their goals.

Raenell Fryberg
Raenell Fryberg
Family Advocate

Raenell has worked in early childhood education since 2015. She enjoys spending time with the children observing their personalities and milestones.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Rica Carson, Teacher Assistant.
Rica Carson
Teacher Assistant

Rica has been working in early childhood education since 2016. She adores working with the children and cherishes watching them learn and grow.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Samantha Marteney, Teacher.
Samantha Marteney
Teacher

Samantha has worked for TELA for two years and loves getting to know and spend time with all the kiddos.

Shala Douglas Teacher
Shala Douglas
Teacher

Shala has worked for TELA for over eight years. She loves watching them learn and grow through the program.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Sherrie Orr, Teacher.
Sherrie Orr
Montessori Teacher

Sherrie has been working in early childhood education since 1995. She enjoys observing children learn and grow, as well as building relationships with their families.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Stacy Miranda, Teacher.
Stacy Miranda
B-3 Teacher

Stacy has been working in the field of early childhood education since 2010. She enjoys her work at TELA, as she gets to witness children grow and develop, making a positive impact on their lives.

Summer Rybicki
Summer Rybicki
Teacher

Summer has been working in early childhood education since 2020. She loves being part of the children’s lives and watching them grow.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Tyra Gallagher, B-3 Teacher Assistant.
Tyra Gallagher
B-3 Teacher Assistant

Tyra Gallagher began working in Early Childhood Education in 2025 and joined TELA that same year. She finds the work deeply rewarding, especially the opportunity to play a pivotal role in a child's early development. Tyra takes joy in providing love, care, and attention to Tulalip and local youth, supporting them during such an important stage of their growth.

Vee Gilman
Vee Gilman
Therapist

Vee has been working in music therapy since 2015. She loves spending time with the children and collaborating with the teachers and families.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Weeyaya Brown, Teacher Assistant.
Weeyaya Brown
Teacher Assistant

Weeyaya Brown is an Assistant Teacher at TELA, where she began her career in Early Childhood Education in 2025. She finds joy in watching children grow and develop into the unique individuals they are becoming.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Yunidia Oropeza, Assistant Teacher.
Yunidia Oropeza
Teacher Assistant

Yunidia has worked at TELA for two years and holds a BA in Education. She worked for seven years as an elementary school teacher in Mexico and for seven years for Volunteer of America (ECEAP Program) as a Teacher Assistant. She loves working at TELA and enjoys seeing the children and their smiles. Her philosophy is to guide and allow children to explore while they learn from their own experiences.