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.

Although her children are in their 30’s, based on her experiences as an employed mother, she remains convicted by the need for quality childcare options. James’ Place is her effort to provide an environment that provides a “home away from home” for children that is developmentally appropriate, loving and aimed at each child achieving their full potential every day of their lives.

Julie Flores

Lead Teacher – Preschool Room

Julie has had previous experience volunteering with kids in a daycare and classroom setting. She is currently working on her transfer degree to Western in Early Childhood Education. In her spare time she enjoys reading and swimming. She loves the sun in summer and she is passionate about teaching children through hands on and immersive learning experiences.

Alisa Rothenbuhler

co-lead infant program

Alisa started at James Place May 2021 however has been working in childcare for 4 years. She has an identical twin sister as well as a younger brother. Alisa has a passion for working with kids and especially loves toddlers. She lives in Blaine, WA and loves to go to the beach with friends to look for beach glass. In the classroom she is great with the kids and loves to teach them new things each day.

seanna Yonally, aa

co-lead infant program

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.

Hannah Wagenblast

co-lead Preschool Room

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.