Teaching Staff

STAFF

Our teaching staff are all dedicated professionals who love working with kids. Parents may contact teachers at home or via email at any time.

Andrea Hirata – Bio not currently available.

Augusta McMurray – Bio not currently available.

Karen Dorr - B.A. in English, minor in speech, teaching certificate from U.W. Former home daycare provider. Junior high teaching experience. Work with blind and visually impaired 3 to 5 year olds. Many years work in religious education department of her church. Continuing education with emphasis on developmentally appropriate practices and special needs. Teaching with Kirkland Preschool and Little Friends' since 1992. Two young adult children working and in college and who attended this school. Loves discovering new children's books at the library and working in her yard.

Karla Stettler - Associate of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education & teaching certificate from North Seattle Community College. Six years work with community college daycare program. Work with blind infants and toddlers. Many years volunteer work in children's schools, including PTA. Active in church choir and as children's song leader. Director and counselor for children's church camp. Continuing education in integrated programs for special needs children. Teaching with Kirkland Preschool since 1988. Three young adult children in a family which frequently backpacks together. Two attended this school.

Retha Van Gent - Bachelors in Education from Oregon State University. Many years elementary teaching experience in small Alaskan villages. Continuing education in math and language arts. Joined Kirkland Preschool in 2002. Tutors at her children's school. Enjoys reading and being her sons' #1 sports fan.

Patrice Bahnsen – Bio not currently available.

Carolyn Cavin Wirkman - Music major & graduate of Ithaca College. Teaching degree from Seattle Pacific University. Teaching experience in Lake Washington School District at John Muir Elementary. Volunteer work with Girl Scouts. Continuing education in administration, adult education, emergent curriculum, and gifted education. Teaching at Kirkland Preschool since 1978. Two adult children, a grand daughter who attended this school and a grand son who is currently attending, three cats, and a love of opera and books.

Kirkland Preschool staff are active members of the Eastside affiliate of the
Washington Association of Educators of Young Children and its national organization.