THE SCHOOL:
Located in a loving home right off East Mercer Way surrounded by nature and peace. Easy drop-off and plenty of parking.
THE CLASSROOM:
The classroom is organized with genuine Montessori materials. It is a calm space with open areas for the children to work.
Ms Yiyi Anderson (Sophia)
THE TEACHERS:
I began my professional journey as a journalist with The People’s Daily, China’s national newspaper. However, after the birth of my first child in 2014, I shifted my focus and pursued an MBA with a specialization in Early Childhood Education, driven by my deep enjoyment of spending time with children.
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In 2016, I transitioned into teaching at a Montessori school on Mercer Island. My passion for early childhood development and my dedication to utilizing my resources have enabled me to make a meaningful impact on children during their crucial formative years.
Ms Donna Chen
​​After a successful 30-year career as a CPA, I shifted my focus to early childhood education following the birth of my youngest daughter, whom I welcomed into the world at over 50. Driven by a passion for learning and nurturing young minds, I earned my Washington State Early Childhood Education Certificate.
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For the past six months, I have been volunteering at Bright Horizons and Bellevue College Early Childhood Education Center. I firmly believe that children thrive best in a relaxed, loving, and supportive environment. I enjoy listening to them, engaging in meaningful interactions, and creating learning experiences that foster their unique creativity through play. Witnessing their growth and development in such an environment is truly rewarding.
Ms Franny Finstorm
Franny Finstrom holds dual Bachelor’s degrees in Music Education and Piano Performance from Northern Illinois University. She furthered her music education at the Kodály Institute of the Liszt Academy of Music in Hungary, where she specialized in early childhood music education, piano pedagogy, and researched the impact of music on language development in young children. In July 2024, Franny completed the Summer Dance Institute for Teachers at the Creative Dance Center in Seattle.
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With extensive experience teaching early childhood music and movement, piano lessons, and music theory, Franny also brings valuable classroom experience as a Montessori preschool teacher. She resides in Seattle with her husband and two children.
Ms Yanqin Rao
As a National Level 2 Psychological Counselor from China, I specialize in the mental health of children and adolescents. Throughout my career in China, I provided support to numerous children and families dealing with challenges such as academic pressure, attention issues, developmental delays, as well as mild autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and ADHD. My certification as a Montessori Assistant Teacher further enhances my ability to understand and address the developmental needs of children.
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Currently, I volunteer as a teacher at LooffAn Bilinguals Montessori, where I strive to create a nurturing and safe learning environment. By combining my expertise in education and psychology, I aim to help children flourish both academically and emotionally.
Ms Linda Liu
Art offers children a powerful way to express ideas, convey emotions, engage their senses, and explore color, process, and outcomes. As a freelance illustrator and online art instructor, I love working with kids. Teaching art to children is a rewarding experience, and I view my role as introducing them to the creative world of art while helping them develop techniques along the way. In our classes, I focus on creating a calm, joyful environment where kids can explore their creativity without stress.
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Feel free to check out more of my work on my Facebook page: Lindaartdaary.