Bright Haven Child Care Center
Learn About Your Teachers
Cornelia | Assistant Teacher (Toddler)
I have worked as a Teacher and Director for Preschool children for twenty years. I was a Guardian Ad Litem for the State of Florida and a counselor for Families at Risk.
​
What do you find most rewarding about working with children?
I love to get children excited about learning and discovering their world.
​
What has been your favorite activity to facilitate?
My favorite activity is to teach children about nature. I love gardening and hope to do more with our children at Bright Haven.
Marino | Lead Teacher (Preschool)
I’m in my eighth year of working with children with experience as a nanny, in an immersion preschool, and in daycare. I’ve also taught calligraphy to students through 5th grade. I love exploring the Grand Circle and going to concerts!
​
What do you find most rewarding about working with children?
What I find most rewarding is seeing children accomplish new things and witnessing their growth up close.
​
What has been your favorite activity to facilitate?
I love the sense of togetherness when children sing along to the piano. I also enjoy craft time, seeing many children joyfully exclaim, “I did it!” when they finish their projects.
Katharine | Assistant Teacher (Preschool)
My name is Katharine, and I’ve been working with children for over 3 years. I moved to Washington from Brazil in December 2024, and my background is in dance and early childhood education. I love helping little ones explore movement and creativity. Some of my favorite things to do in my free time are playing guitar, arts and crafts, and spending time outdoors.
​
What do you find most rewarding about working with children?
What I find most rewarding is seeing the child’s confidence grow when they master a new skill, express themselves freely, or make new friends.
​
What has been your favorite activity to facilitate?
One of my favorite activities to facilitate has been crafting, playtime, and storytelling.
Mya-li | Administrative Assistant
Hello, my name is Mya-li (My-yuh-lee). I have been working with children for what feels like forever—babysitting, tutoring, coaching sports, and serving as a summer camp counselor and assistant director. I have lived on three different continents and am an avid dog and horse lover! While I may not be an Oak Harbor native, the PNW is one of my homes. I graduated in Hospitality Business Management and Human Resource Management (go Cougs!).​
​
What do you find most rewarding about working with children?
Seeing the excitement and happiness in kiddos when they figure out how to do something, and can't contain their excitement to share their newly learned skill or piece of knowledge. ​