Welcome to The Children’s Garden where it all begins!
Let us introduce our dedicated and passionate preschool staff while remembering we were all curious little explorers too, discovering the world one block, one story, and one friendship at a time.
From painting masterpieces on the easel and the unforgettable excitement of circle time to the learning how to interact with our peers, we understand the importance and magic of early childhood education.
Nurturing the next generation of dreamers and doers if our higher calling. Each staff member brings their unique blend of professional expertise and a heartfelt commitment rooted in The Garden way. Together, they create an environment filled with wonder, kindness, community and endless possibilities making The Garden a place where tiny footprints lead to lifelong memories!
Donna Cook Misner, Teacher
BA in Psychology, Education and in Special Education for gifted and challenged children, York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada, 1984. Donna has been at The Children’s Garden since 2004. Mother of a Garden Grad.
Brook Steussy-Edfeldt, Teacher
BA in a self-designed major combining cultural studies, communication and the expressive arts from Western Washington University, 2005; MA in Human Development with a specialization in leadership in education, Pacific Oaks College, 2009. Brook graduated from the Children’s Garden as a student in 1986 and returned to teach there in fall of 2010.
Cara Kovac, Teacher
BA in Psychology, University of California, Irvine, 1990. Montessori Teaching Certificate from MEIPN Washington. Cara has been teaching in Issaquah for 15 years and has been at The Children’s Garden since 2013.
Cari Kovats, Teacher
BA in Speech and Hearing Sciences, Washington State University; National Student Speech Language Hearing Association. Teaching Certificate, Elementary Education, K-8 Endorsement, Seattle Pacific University. Four years teaching kindergarten Lake Washington School District. Experience as substitute teacher and speech therapist. Mother of three Garden Grads.
Emily deCordova, Teacher
University of Louisville, Louisville, KY Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art. Ten years planning and teaching art. Emily has been at The Children’s Garden since 2022
Brin Hamilton, Office Manager
BA in fine arts, Eastern Michigan University. Business owner and parent of two Garden Grads, Brin runs the day-to-day business of the school. She is available in the school office from 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., Monday through Friday
Belleamie
Belleamie is a sweet and gentle grey mouse. She deeply cares about how children are feeling and is always up for making a new friend. She magically appears when someone looks like they might need to talk. Belleamie has been at The Children’s Garden since 1977.
Parsley Flakes
Parsley Flakes is our special unicorn friend who visits to celebrate birthdays. Although Parsley doesn’t speak, she will whisper in the teachers’ ears and the children love to hear the sound of his bells ringing, signaling his arrival!
Baby Burpee
Baby Burpee sometimes joins the group at circle, where he re-enacts inappropriate behavior (that the teachers have witnessed that day with the children). The children help identify the inappropriate behavior as a group. Mostly Burpee just cries, and needs to go back to the shelf for a nap–we all agree that he isn’t ready to come to school yet! But we always give Burpee another chance on another day.
