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Leadership

The Tulalip Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy Marcilena Vela, Birth to Three Administrator.
Marcilena Vela
B-3 Manager

Marci has over 17 years experience in early childhood education and 7 years experience at TELA. She enjoys giving back to her community by setting a positive educational foundation for the youth of Tulalip.

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, Teacher Assistant.
Absyde Ann Dacoscos
Teacher Assistant

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 worked for Tulalip Early Learning since 2010. She moved up from a part-time cook, teacher assistant and finally a teacher. She is absolutely HONORED to teach the beautiful children in the Tulalip community and feels a great duty to help guide and develop them into lifelong learners.

Alicia Carlisle B-3 Family Advocate
Alicia Carlisle
B-3 Family Advocate

Alicia has worked at TELA for over six years and has been in early childhood education since 2011. She is currently working towards a BA in Human Services from WWU. 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 Angelina Reeves, Teacher Assistant.
Angelina Reeves
Teacher Assistant

Angelina started working at the Tulalip Montessori when she was 14 as a Summer Youth Worker. She completed her Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential in early learning and Montessori training as a teacher assistant. She loves working with children, watching and helping them learn and grow their personalities and education.

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 for TELA for over three years and she has an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Hesser College in Manchester, NH. I have been in Early Childhood Education field since 1990. She believes in teaching the Whole Child philosophy, it is an approach that values the cultural values and the development of the whole child---physical, social, emotional, cognitive. Our young ones are the future.

Image of TELA staff member Annie Enick
Annie Enick
Family Advocate

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 Chavez Howlett, Teacher Assistant.
Briana Chavez Howlett
Teacher Assistant

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

Carlie Blatchford
Carlie Blatchford
Teacher Assistant

Carlie is a Tulalip Tribal Member and has been at TELA for over three years. She loves working with children and helping them achieve developmental milestones in the classroom.

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 Lemp, Family Advocate.
Chantel Lemp
Family Advocate

Chantel has been working with children for over 18 years. She was an ECEAP assistant and a B-3 teacher before becoming the TELA Family Advocate. She has an AA in early childhood education and in general studies. Chantel is looking forward to being part of the team that will help you and your child achieve your educational goals.

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.

Christina Hayes Teacher Assistant
Christina Hayes
Teacher Assistant

Christina has two years experience in Early Childhood Education. She loves working at TELA because she enjoys building relationships with the families in the community and watching the kids grow into amazing people.

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 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.

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

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.

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, Teacher.
Jaclyn Molina
Teacher

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

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

Jeniffer 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 Juli Sotomayer, Teacher.
Juli Sotomayer
Teacher

Juli is going into her third year as a lead teacher at TELA. Juli attended college at Brigham Young University-Idaho where she received a BS and AA degree in early childhood education. Her passion for working with children began long ago when she would ask to babysit kids in the neighborhood, teach dance classes to younger age groups, and play with littles every chance she got. Her philosophy behind teaching is that children should be able to learn, grow, and explore all through play; the early years of a child’s life are the most precious and powerful for their later years in life. She strives to create her classroom like another home for the children where they can interact, experience new things, feel comfortable and safe, all while growing their minds at a developmentally appropriate level.

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 Justice Vela, Teacher Assistant.
Justice Vela
Teacher Assistant

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

Kara has worked for TELA for over 12 years and enjoys supporting families and helping children grow and learn new skills.

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

Image of TELA staff member Katrina Lane
Katrina Lane
Family & Community Engagement Coordinator

Katrina is a Tulalip Tribal Member and has a degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked in the early learning field since 1998. Katrina enjoys being an advocate for children and a positive influence in family’s lives.

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 Kira Swanson, Teacher Assistant.
Kira Swanson
Teacher Assistant

Kira has worked for TELA for almost a year and loves when the children are excited to see her.

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

Kristin has worked for TELA for over three years and loves working beside amazing teachers and being a positive role model for the kids.

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

Kristina has worked for TELA for over 17 years, she holds an AA in early childhood education for Montessori. She believes that knowledge is power and that the earlier learning begins the better for the child. Kristina loves witnessing the groundbreaking moments or “firsts” for the children and seeing their face light up because they “got it”. She is proud to be given the opportunity to watch her students grow.

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

Kristy has been working at TELA for a year. She loves watching the kids grow and learn.

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, Teacher.
Leah Williams
Teacher

Leah has worked for TELA for over three years and enjoys building relationships with children and their families.

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 Marcella Gonzales, Teacher.
Marcella Gonzales
Teacher

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

Marissa has worked for TELA for over four years and loves watching the children grow.

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

Mary has worked for TELA for over 14 years and enjoys building relationships with kiddos/families and providing a nurturing, consistent environment. She holds a BA in Elementary Education. Mary completed training and received her certification to become a Montessori teacher.

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

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

Melissa has worked for TELA for over three years and loves watching the children grow.

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 for one year 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
Teacher

Nicole has an AA in early childhood education and has worked at TELA for over a year. She loves spending time with children and watching them achieve their goals.

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

Rica has worked for TELA for over three years and loves watching the children learn and all the love they have to share.

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 worked for TELA for over three years.

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 Sheila Pierre, Teacher.
Sheila Pierre
Teacher

Sheila has worked for TELA for over eight years and loves all of the children she works with.

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

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
Teacher

Stacy has worked for TELA for over three years and loves watching the children grow and learn.

The Tulalip Tribes’ Betty J. Taylor Early Learning Academy staff member Yoshie Matsui Kitchens, Teacher Assistant.
Yoshie Matsui Kitchens
Teacher

Yoshie has worked as an early childhood educator since 1993, when her youngest son was enrolled in a Navy child development center in Japan. She has worked at TELA for over 7 years. Her passion is to create a classroom atmosphere that is stimulating, encouraging, and adaptive to the varied needs of children, which fosters their diverse learning styles and builds self-esteem.

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.