Staff
Kathleen M. Westover, ma
Owner/Director
Kathleen is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a specialty in children and family. Her undergraduate degree is in Elementary Education with a Master’s Degree in Applied Behavioral Science. She taught children in a preschool classroom and adults in a community college setting in the areas of Early Childhood Education, behavior management, foster parenting and adopting older children. As a clinician in community mental health for 10 years and private practice for over 20 years she worked with children, adolescents, adults, couples and families in outpatient and residential settings. She consulted to school districts, early learning, daycare homes, daycare centers and Head Start programs. She works with divorcing parents and the legal community to develop parenting plans that are sensitive to the needs of children.
Dixie Edmonson
co-director
Dixie knew when she was in high school that she wanted to be a teacher and she has been working tirelessly to achieve that dream ever since. She has a bachelors in Early Childhood Education with a minor in social justice. When she gets time to enjoy herself she likes to swim, hike and most of all spend time with her daughter. She has two cats and a snake, all of whom she loves. In the classrooms she is very hands on and passionate about helping to foster their growth and development by creating a safe space where they are encouraged to work with each other and grow in their own way.
Hannah Wagenblast
Program supervisor
Hannah is a student at Western pursuing a Bachelors in Psychology and hopes to become a high school teacher. One of her favorite things to do is go camping and hang out on the beach with her friends. Hannah loves to travel and go on road trips. The last road trip she went on was to visit friends in Yakima two months ago. She grew up in Puyallup, Washington. Hannah had a few younger siblings and a cousin she would watch when she was old enough. She also worked with other kids when she volunteered at church. Something she likes to do in her free time is watch movies. One of her favorite movies is Ten Things I Hate About You.
seanna Yonally
lead teacher- enchanted sky room
Seanna has an extensive background in Early Childhood Education working in the field since 2012. After earning an Associates of Art degree in Visual Communication she realized that her true desire was to continue positively impacting the lives small children each and every day; and she has done so ever since.
Julie Flores
Lead Teacher- safari room
Julie often volunteered as a teacher's assistant at local schools in her area when she was just a teen. Having a large extended family she often found her self helping to corral and entertain the younger kids in her family. She often considered becoming a teacher but wasn't sure if it was right for her. However, eventually she found herself drawn back to working with children and has worked for us for several years now. She started here as an assistant teacher and has worked her way up to positions with more responsibility. She has her bachelors in Elementary Education at Western Washington University. When she isn't at work or school she enjoys using her free time to spend with her partner and their adopted dog Cedar.
simon sobie
lead teacher- camper room
information coming soon
Stephanie Schuster
co-lead teacher- enchanted sky room
information coming soon
Brenna Hudson
back-up lead teacher
Brenna has been employed at James Place for two years. The most rewarding aspect of working with children for her is fostering and observing their curiosity. She finds great pride in watching children play and learn from one another, as it reflects their growth and development. Currently, she is studying at WWU to become an elementary school teacher. When she is not at school or work, she can often be found relaxing in her hammock, enjoying the outdoors, or exploring antique stores.
Amanda Peitzman
Back-up lead teacher
information coming soon
Madelyn Fornia
back-up lead teacher
Madelyn sincerely enjoys engaging with children and participating in their daily activities. She appreciates their curiosity, individuality, and vibrant personalities, and she takes pride in getting to know each child's unique qualities. With experience in childcare, Madelyn values being an active part of their routines. She is patient, caring, and reliable, dedicated to ensuring that children feel safe, comfortable, and well cared for.
AVARI HARRISON
BACK-UP LEAD TEACHER
information coming soon
Kyla Eshner
BACK-UP LEAD TEACHER
information coming soon
Hailey Phanhthavilay
teacher assistant
Hailey enjoys working at James Place because she is passionate about supporting children's growth, learning, and self-discovery. She believes one of the most rewarding aspects of her job is getting to know each child's uniqueness and observing how, despite their small size, they possess vibrant personalities and strong senses of self. Working with children consistently brings joy and laughter to her day. She is currently a student at Western Washington University, pursuing a degree in elementary education with a focus on early childhood education, and she appreciates the opportunity to further develop her experience in this field.
megAN ADAMS
teacher assistant
information coming soon
landon mihill
teacher assistant
information coming soon
zheous abalos
teacher assistant
Zheous has experience working with individuals of diverse age groups, ranging from college students to young children. He enjoys acknowledging achievements with small, sweet treats when permitted; otherwise, he finds verbal praise to be an effective form of encouragement. Originally from Chicago, he values educational settings as some of the few opportunities outside his home during childhood, which has contributed to his enthusiasm for teaching. He particularly appreciates teachers who create a welcoming and safe classroom environment. As an educator, he aims to reciprocate that kindness and demonstrate that the classroom can be both a place of learning and enjoyment.
CARINA HEI
CLOSER
information coming soon