Bright Haven Child Care Center
Learn About Your Teachers
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Shaeena | Lead Teacher (Toddler)
My name is Shaeena and I’m an experience early childhood educator with seven years of hands-on experience working with children from infancy to Transitional Kindergarten. Throughout my career, I’ve held roles such as a primary teacher, lead teacher and administrator assistant. These roles have given me a well-rounded understanding of both classroom instruction and program operations. I earned my college degree with a major in Psychology and a minor in Family Studies & Child Development, equipping me with a strong foundation in child growth, behavior and learning. Outside of the classroom, I enjoy traveling, cooking and baking, which often inspires creativity and connection in my teaching.
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What do you find most rewarding about working with children?
What I find most rewarding about working with children is watching them grow, gain confidence and discover the world around them. Providing children with a safe and loving space where they feel supported and valued means everything to me. The joyful and genuine connections I build with children and their families each day are what truly make this work so meaningful.
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What has been your favorite activity to facilitate?
One of my favorite activities to facilitate is circle time! From storytelling to singing songs, the language and joyful moments that blossom during circle time has made it one of my favorite experiences to have with children.
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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What has been your favorite activity to facilitate?
One of my favorite activities to facilitate has been crafting, playtime, and storytelling.
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Tristen | Assistant Teacher
I have had the privilege of working closely with families in the community in childcare, for over a decade. It's been wonderful watching the children grow and succeed in their lives.
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What do you find most rewarding about working with children?
The most rewarding thing is seeing children learn and utilize new skills. It's so fun to see them realize they learned something new, and share it.
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What has been your favorite activity to facilitate?
I love encouraging anything creative. Whether it be art, music or personal expression. I think creativity and imagination are important to mental development.
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!).​
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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. ​
Shylo | Administrative Assistant
Hello, my name is Shylo (Shy-Low). I have always had a passion for early learning and child development as I have a couple kids of my own who love to spend their time playing pretend, quoting Disney movies or singing at the top of their lungs. I tend to spend as much time as possible with them in my free time but outside of them. I enjoy playing video games, table top gaming and binge watching shows I have already seen. I love watching college football and will always be a die hard Utah Utes fan. Honesty, integrity and kindness are the core foundations of who I am and how I live my day-to-day life. I am eager to implement these core values in our center.
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What do you find most rewarding about working with children?
Every child is so different and diverse in who they are and I love that I have the privilege of seeing a child blossom into their own individual personality. Children are such unique characters and I enjoy getting to see how their brain works.​