Welcome to Tulalip
Early Learning Academy

Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy (BJTELA) focuses on early childhood education. It sits on 4 acres overlooking Tulalip Bay and serves children from birth to age 5. BJTELA offers an Early Head Start program for children from birth to 3 years old, while the preschool program is for children aged 3 to 5. The preschool program offers different options, such as ECEAP and Montessori. BJTELA believes that every child should have access to quality education. Eligible students can attend school for free.

TELA Expansion

TELA is expanding its facility by adding a new wing to house three additional classrooms for the birth-to-three program. When completed, the new classrooms will be bigger, allowing more children to be enrolled in each class. The new wing is expected to open early in 2024.

The Tulalip Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy official site - Culture and Language image of traditional hand drums in a classroom.

Culture and Language

BJTELA is revitalizing the Lushootseed Language and Culture by bringing our cultural way of life back to our children and families through our classroom activities and our special cultural days.

Read More
Child showing a cool cookie – curriculum

Curriculum

BJTELA not only offers a quality academic and social/emotional educational experience for children from birth to five, but also provides numerous services that support and strengthen the well-being of children and families.

Read More
At BJTELA, we do our best to ensure that children get their educational needs met academically, culturally, and socially emotionally.

Referral Services

BJTELA provides referral services to children and families including Music Therapy, Reflective Network Therapy, Speech Therapy, and we partner with Marysville School District to provide Developmental Preschool.

Read More

Our Services Include:

  • Education:
    • Child centered, developmentally appropriate curriculum
    • Language and literacy, math and science
    • Social/emotional and problem solving skills
    • Teacher–to–student ratio exceeds the minimum standards
  • Family Support:
    • Resources and referrals
    • Home visits and family events
    • Leadership opportunities and adult education
  • Health and Nutrition:
    • Developmental screenings
    • Health screenings
    • Personal safety curriculum
    • Healthy meals

Our programs serve children and families in Tulalip and the Marysville School District service area.

Meet the Staff

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Tami Burdett, Montessori Manager.

Tami Burdett

Montessori Manager

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 Mary Sewell, Preschool Teacher.

Mary Sewell

Montessori Teacher

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

Michelle Cooper

Education Coordinator B–3

Image of teacher assistant Laurissa Chavez

Laurissa Chavez

Teacher Assistant

Mary Moses

Mary Moses

Teacher Assistant

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

Rica Carson

Teacher Assistant

Image of teacher assistant Jamila Zahir

Jamila Zahir

Teacher Assistant

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

Jennifer Romer

Teacher

Crystal Phillips

Crystal Phillips

Preschool Teacher Assistant

Celum Hatch

Celum Hatch

Teacher Assistant

Image of TELA staff member AJ Parrish

AJ Parrish

Montessori Teacher

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

Leah Williams

Teacher

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

Marissa Reeves

Teacher Assistant

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

Kara Hoskins

Teacher

Christina Hayes Teacher Assistant

Christina Hayes

Teacher Assistant

Shala Douglas Teacher

Shala Douglas

Teacher

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Sarah Cleveland, Teacher.

Sarah Cleveland

Teacher

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

Yunidia Oropeza

Teacher Assistant

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

Dana Jones

Teacher Assistant

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

Cheryl Chuckulnaskit

Teacher Assistant

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

Olivia Gomez

B-3 Teacher Assistant

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

Shannel Perbera

Teacher Assistant

Cindi Staub

Cindi Staub

Teacher

Anita Buxton Teacher

Anita Buxton

Teacher

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

Yesenia Araiza

Preschool Assistant

Selena Dominguez

Selena Dominguez

Teacher

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

Makyna Lancaster

Teacher Assistant

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

Katina Brown

Teacher Assistant

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

Desirae Williams

Teacher Assistant

Image of TELA staff member Annie Enick

Annie Enick

Family Advocate

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

Cidney Marteney

Teacher Assistant

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

Julie Dompier

Teacher

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

Sheryl Fryberg

Director

Image of teacher assistant Isabel Gomez

Isabel Gomez

Teacher Assistant

Raenell Fryberg

Raenell Fryberg

Teacher

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

Taylor Burdett

ECEAP Manager

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Erin Smith, Teacher.

Erin Smith

Teacher

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Jennifer Taylor-Forsberg, Billing Coordinator for TELA

Jennifer Taylor-Forsberg

Billing Coordinator

Frances Culps

Frances Culps

Teacher Assistant

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

Marysa Sylvester

School Counselor

Alicia Carlisle B-3 Family Advocate

Alicia Carlisle

B-3 Family Advocate

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

Jasmine Salazar

Teacher Assistant

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Cynthia Lopez, Teacher.

Cynthia Lopez

Teacher

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

Melissa Salinas

Teacher

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Kelly Lute, Teacher.

Kelly Lute

Teacher

Denise Norsworthy

Denise Norsworthy

B-3 Teacher Assistant

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

Chantel Verbovanec

Family Advocate

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

Jamie Frick

Teacher

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

Stacy Miranda

B-3 Teacher

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Shoshanna Haskett, Preschool Teacher.

Shoshanna Haskett

Preschool Teacher

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

Anna Foldesi

Teacher Assistant

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

Kristin Brown

Teacher Assistant

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

Marcella Gonzales

B-3 Teacher

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Mekyla Fryberg, ERSEA/Grants Administrator.

Mekyla Fryberg

B-3 Grants Manager

Kathryn McCormick - Administrative Clinical Supervisor at BJTELA

Kathryn McCormick

Administrative Clinical Supervisor

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

Kristina Young

Montessori Teacher

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

Briana Howlett

B-3 Teacher Assistant

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Ramona Stearns, Teacher.

Ramona Stearns

Teacher

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

Kristy Chuckulnaskit

Teacher Assistant

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Bradley Althoff, Teacher.

Bradley Althoff

Teacher

Selena Cienfuegos

Selena Cienfuegos

B-3 Teacher

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

Molly Hatch

Birth-3 Teacher Coach

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

Samantha Marteney

Teacher

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

Angelina Reeves

Teacher Assistant

Health Safety & Nutrition Coordinator

Allie Taylor

Health Safety and Nutrition Coordinator

Nicole has an AA in early childhood education and has worked at TELA for over a year.

Nicole Crandall

B-3 Teacher

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

Sherrie Orr

Montessori Teacher

The Tulalip Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy Marcilena Vela, Birth to Three Administrator.

Marcilena Vela

B-3 Manager

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

Briana Saiz

Teacher

Summer Rybicki

Summer Rybicki

Teacher

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

Carmel Savoie

ECEAP Family Advocate

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Mona LaFlore, Licensed Mental Health Counselor.

Mona LaFlore

Licensed Mental Health Counselor

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

Absyde Ann Dacoscos

Family Engagement Coordinator

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

Jaclyn Molina

B-3 Teacher

Vee Gilman

Vee Gilman

Therapist

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

Mitena Matta

Teacher Assistant

Melanie Bonnet

Melanie Bonnet

Teacher Assistant