In the Classrooms:

Kimberly Adams

Mrs. Adams has been a head teacher in the Maple Tree Classroom at St. Nicholas Montessori School since 2006. She received her Montessori training at Spring Valley Montessori School in 1996 and taught there prior to coming to St. Nicholas. She is married and has two grown daughters.

Mrs. Adams brings a kind gentle and calm presence to the classroom. She loves children as is evidenced in the eyes of her students. She has created a three-year curriculum which follows the children through their entire time in her classroom. She instills peace, love, patience and honesty in all she is and does. The children model her example.

Diana Concannon

Mrs. Concannon first came to St. Nicholas in 2007. She worked as an assistant teacher for two years, completing her Montessori training in 2009. She is the Head Teacher in the Evergreen Classroom. She has five children, three young adults and two school-age children. Mrs. Concannon brings an enthusiasm and energy to the classroom as she explores and develops her expertise. Mrs. Adams is her mentor and together they share materials and ideas and curriculum. She encourages her students to challenge themselves as she continues to challenge herself to new heights of learning.

Ayumi Hayatsu

Mrs. Hayatsu joined our staff in 2009. She received her Montessori training in 2008-2009 with Mrs. Concannon at Spring Valley School. She works with Mrs. Adams in the Maple Tree Classroom. Her background includes almost ten years in the business world working with graphic design and web developing prior to beginning her career in education. Her first child care experience began 5 years prior to joining us here. She has many interests and talents to bring to the classroom including her native language, Japanese, her love of origami, American Sign Language and Chinese.

Mrs. Hayatsu enriches the classroom with her many talents. She also brings her youthful enthusiasm to the children through ever-changing origami projects and independent art activities as well as sign language games and songs.

Debra Pickering

Mrs. Pickering has worked at St. Nicholas Montessori School since 2004 as an invaluable assistant teacher. She works with Mrs. Concannon in the Evergreen Classroom. She and her husband have four children: the youngest is now in college. She is looking forward to the birth of her first grandchild in February 2012!

Mrs. Pickering has a quiet, gentle nature with the children. They feel safe and secure around her. She guides and directs with patience and kindness, yet the children respect and honor her in the same manner she treats them.

In the Office:

Carol Fisher

Mrs. Fisher has 30 years of experience at St. Nicholas Montessori School purchasing the school from its founder in 1981. She has a degree in Education (CWU) as well as a Master's Degree in Education Administration (UPS). She has Primary and Elementary Montessori Teaching Certifications. She and her husband have two grown children and three grandchildren, two recent alumni and one still attending St. Nick's. The fourth grandchild will make his or her arrival in March 2012!

Mrs. Fisher brings years of administrative experience as well as teaching experience to the staff, parents and children of St. Nicholas. Montessori has been her "way of life" for over 30 years. She is a strong advocate for Montessori and loves watching the children of her extended family (St. Nicholas children) grow. It is a special delight when alumni drop by!

Shauna Higgins

Mrs. Higgins has been at St. Nicholas Montessori School since 1999. She began working part time in extended care while attending college. Since then she has worked in the classroom full-time as an assistant teacher, co-teacher, and in the office. She completed her Associates Degree in 2002 and her Montessori Early Childhood Certification in 2006 from MEIPN through Seattle University. She and her husband have one young daughter at St. Nicholas now and a new little baby boy at home. She works part-time in the office.

Mrs. Higgins brings order and organization to our office. She is quick and efficient in all her duties and does it all with a smile on her face - and usually a laugh to accompany it!