Our Teachers
Bethany Still
Early Childhood Education Degree – Bellevue College
Bethany was our first teacher and opened the school in 2003. Bethany has over 20 years of teaching experience in the Bellevue College early childhood programs and at The Children’s Studio. She brings her deep knowledge of child development, her sense of wonder and play, and her wonderful sense of humor to her interactions with children.
Kirsten Heine
B.A. in Creative Writing – St. Olaf College
M.Ed in Elementary Education, DePaul University
National Board Certified Teacher in Early and Middle Childhood Literacy, Reading and Language Arts
Kirsten has over 20 years of experience teaching preschool, elementary school, and providing coaching and mentoring for teachers in the area of authentic reading and writing experiences. Kirsten has a particular interest in early numeracy development and brings her deep knowledge and love of the development of mathematical thinking to our program.
Mary Yuhas
B.A. in English- University of Washington
M.Ed in Elementary Education, Special Education focus- University of Washington
National Board Certified Teacher in Early and Middle Childhood Literacy, Reading and Language Arts
Mary has over 20 years of experience teaching preschool, elementary school, and as an instructional coach in the Bellevue and Northshore School Districts. Mary brings a particular interest in Social Emotional Learning, positive and gentle discipline, and curiosity about the needs being expressed by children’s behavior.
Shoko Sluis
Early Childhood education, Certificate of Achievement with High Distinction.
BA degree in English at Kansai Foreign Language University.
I joined the Children's Studio in 2013. I have15 years of experience teaching preschool and 10 years of experience teaching Japanese to elementary to middle and high school students.
I'm familiar with child development stages. I believe that everyone has a different way of learning and I'd love to support them in their development. I also believe that positive and respectful interactions with children always lead to their growth and great outcomes in their future.