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Leadership

The Tulalip Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy Marcilena Vela, Birth to Three Administrator.
Marcilena Vela
B-3 Manager
Marcilena has been working in early childhood education since 2000. She finds joy in making a positive difference in the lives of children by nurturing their love for learning.
The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Mekyla Fryberg, ERSEA/Grants Administrator.
Mekyla Fryberg
B-3 Grants Manager

Mekyla has worked for TELA for over three years and loves seeing the children learn and grown and building relationships with the families.

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 Tami Burdett, Montessori Manager.
Tami Burdett
Montessori Manager
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 Ann Dacoscos, Family Engagement Coordinator.
Absyde Ann Dacoscos
Family Engagement Coordinator

Absyde has worked for TELA for over two years and loves hearing the funny things that kids say.

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 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.

Anita Buxton Teacher
Anita Buxton
Teacher

Anita has over 27 years experience working with in early childhood education. She has a CDA and Early Childhood Education certificate. She enjoys working at TELA because she is able to be a part of a team that helps Tulalip children learn, play, and achieve.

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 Ardena Diaz, Teacher Assistant.
Ardena Diaz
Teacher Assistant

Ardena has worked in early childhood education since 2021. As a Tulalip tribal member, she enjoys connecting with her community and watching the kids engage with their culture.

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

As a Tulalip Tribal member, Bradley is a dedicated educator for the Tribal Community. He graduated from Marysville Pilchuck High School and received an associate's degree from Everett Community College and a bachelor's degree from Western Governors University. Bradley's goal for teaching is to encourage engagement with traditional ways of life and the world around us through gathering, Lushootseed language, and gratitude.

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

Briana has been working in early childhood education since 2021. She loves seeing the kids’ smiles and learning and growing with them.

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.

Celum Hatch
Celum Hatch
Teacher Assistant

Celum, a Tulalip tribal member, has taught the Lushootseed language in early childhood education since 2015.

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 Assistant.
Cheryl Chuckulnaskit
Teacher Assistant

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.

Cindi Staub
Cindi Staub
Teacher

Cindi has been working in early childhood education since 1999. She enjoys seeing the children smile as they learn new things. She has a masters in early childhood education.

Crystal Phillips
Crystal Phillips
Preschool Teacher Assistant

Crystal has been working in early childhood education since 2008. She enjoys working at TELA and seeing the kids discover new things.

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 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.

Denise Norsworthy
Denise Norsworthy
B-3 Teacher Assistant

Denise has been working in early childhood education since 2010. She enjoys working at TELA and forming bonds with the children and their families.

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 Erin Smith, Teacher.
Erin Smith
Teacher

Erin has worked for TELA for over four years and loves the children who make every day an adventure.

Frances Culps
Frances Culps
Teacher Assistant

Frances has been working in early childhood education since 1997. She loves working with young children and learning the Lushootseed language. It’s so rewarding seeing the children learning and growing.

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 Jaclyn Molina, B-3 Teacher.
Jaclyn Molina
B-3 Teacher

Jaclyn has been working in early childhood education since 2014. She enjoys working with the children and learning about the Tulalip culture and language.

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 Assistant

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 Jasmine Salazar, Teacher Assistant.
Jasmine Salazar
Teacher Assistant

Jasmine has been actively engaged in the field of early childhood education since the year 2021. She firmly believes that every child has a unique set of talents and abilities that should be recognized and celebrated.

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

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 Jennifer Taylor-Forsberg, Billing Coordinator for TELA
Jennifer Taylor-Forsberg
Billing Coordinator

Jennifer has been working at TELA since 2023. She enjoys learning about the Tulalip people and sharing in their culture.

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 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 Katina Brown, Teacher Assistant.
Katina Brown
Teacher Assistant

Katina has been working at TELA since 2022. She loves that TELA feels like a family.

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

Kelly has worked for TELA for over three years and graduated with a BA in Elementary Education. After graduating, she completed her Montessori Early Childhood Certification. She has been teaching early childhood education since 2003. She is passionate about teaching and her goal is to ensure that young children receive the loving, nurturing, educational environment they need to thrive and be successful.

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.

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

Kristy has been working in early childhood education since 2018. She loves helping the children to learn new things and watching them grow.

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 Leah Williams, B-3 Teacher.
Leah Williams
B-3 Teacher

Leah has worked in early childhood education since 2001. She enjoys building relationships with children and their families to build a lifelong learning foundation.

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

Makyna has worked in early childhood education since 2022. She enjoys being with the kids, witnessing their progress, building connections, and helping them with their needs.

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 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.

Mary Moses
Mary Moses
Teacher Assistant

Mary has been working in early childhood education since 2023. Being a Tulalip tribal member, she enjoys working at TELA and connecting with her community and children.

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 Meleah Enick, Teacher Assistant.
Meleah Enick
Teacher Assistant

Meleah has been working in early childhood education since 2022. She enjoys working at TELA, where she can help the children grow and develop into confident learners.

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 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.

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

Mona has a Master’s degree in Counseling and Guidance and has been working with children, adolescents, adults, couples, and families for over 17 years. She has worked for Tulalip Behavioral Health for over nine years and with the memorable toddlers at TELA for almost two years. Mona provides Reflective Network Therapy in the classrooms and loves seeing the little ones as they progress into healthy individuals.

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
Teacher

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 Ramona Stearns, Teacher.
Ramona Stearns
Teacher

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.

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

Sarah has been working in early childhood education since 1992. She loves making a difference in the lives of the children and shapes them into the adults they’ll become.

Selena Cienfuegos
Selena Cienfuegos
B-3 Teacher

Selena Dominguez
Selena Dominguez
Teacher

Selena has worked in early childhood education since 2018, creating a safe and nurturing environment where children can be themselves, express their emotions, and learn through play.

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 Shannel Perbera, Teacher Assistant.
Shannel Perbera
Teacher Assistant

Shannel is happy to be part of the TELA team and looks forward to being apart of the children’s early learning and educational growth.

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 Shoshanna Haskett, Preschool Teacher.
Shoshanna Haskett
Preschool Teacher

Shoshanna started as a volunteer with ECEAP during her senior year of high school and this experience helped her find her passion as a preschool teacher. She has an AA in early childhood education and is working towards a BA in early care and education. Shoshanna loves seeing the children learn new things and seeing the happy/excited expressions they have!

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.

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 Yesenia Araiza, Teacher Assistant.
Yesenia Araiza
Preschool Assistant

Yesenia has been working in early childhood education since 2020. She enjoys building relationships that will last forever.

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.