Cassy Wass

After receiving my degree in Youth Development Studies back home in Minnesota, I moved to Seattle to pursue a career in the field. Since moving here in 2012, I have been privileged to work with K-5 students as both an Afterschool Program Counselor and Director. I love working for Kids Co.—teaching kids how to build their character and explore new interests through Art, Science, Engineering, and creative play; no other job allows me to balance my creativity with my passion for community so well! When I am not developing young minds, I enjoy museums, baking, and all sorts of outdoor adventuring in the beautiful Pacific Northwest!

Lauren Bridges

HI!! I am Lauren and I am super excited to be back at Kids Co. I previously worked as the Program Coordinator 10 years ago. I love working with kids of all ages! I have been in the childcare field for almost 17 years! I have been a nanny as well as worked with youth in the King County Juvenile Drug Court. Since last being with Kids Co. 10 years ago, I have worked as a Director of a Montessori before moving to the YMCA. While at the YMCA I held 3 different positions. I began as the Program Supervisor for the Before and After School Age Childcare for almost 2 years. After that, I moved to the YMCA Early Learning Center and was the Center Director for 3 years at the YMCA Child Development Center (serving kids infant thru 5). From there, I moved to one of the main branches and was the Family Programs Assistant Director. During that time, I oversaw all the drop-in childcare (ages infant thru 13), ran all the parent nights outs, and put together many community events.

In my free time, I love hanging out with my family! I have 3 kids (a son who is 10, and 2 daughters ages 4 ½ and 2 ½ ) as well as many nieces and nephews that love to come to hang out. My kids and boyfriend and I spend many weekends involved in my son’s soccer with Seattle United and away at our family cabin on Hood Canal on the Olympic Peninsula.

I am thrilled to be back with Kids Co. and getting to know all the families at Kids Co. Cascadia!

Monica Drummey

I have been in the field of Early Childhood Education for twenty years. Beginning as a Montessori assistant, I later pursued a teaching certificate for Montessori Primary Education. Following my time in the classroom, I moved on to administrative positions in larger organizations serving children ages 2 months through 5 years.

I joined Kids Co. in September 2017 to open a new center at Decatur Elementary. We serve children from the Seattle Preschool Program and elementary students from the school. It is a wonderful community of learners and an exciting opportunity to grow with a new school community.

Liz Evans

I’m Liz, A recent transplant to the Pacific Northwest from the Big Sky state of Montana. I have been privileged with the chance to work with students in many settings, but I have found my niche in the before and after school setting. Prior to moving to Washington, I graduated with my Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Montana State University Billings. I am excited to bring my knowledge to the program at Decatur. When I ‘m not busy at work, you can find me outside exploring. I love to ski, hike, bike, and spend time on the water.

Vanessa Kitchner

In 2013 I started at Kids Co. as a full time Regional Sub. This provided a unique insight to the company and was a great experience for me to become familiar with all of the Kids Co. centers. I have worked in child care since 2009 and have become very passionate about enriching the lives of youth and creating a strong educational community for children and families to be a part of. After spending over 5 years in Portland, I decided to move to Seattle after graduating from Portland State University. Although Portland was very hard to leave, I quickly fell in love with Seattle, especially since I have been a long time Seahawks fan!

Brittany Smathers

I grew up in Pullman, Washington, where I later attended Washington State University. I hold a B.A. in Human Development with an emphasis in Family relations. I have worked in various child based centers including military, licensed childcare centers, private school, and tutoring. I have a small dog named Buddy who I love to hangout with and I enjoy thrift shopping and smoothies. I am so excited to be working with Kids Co. and providing families with the opportunity to leave their children in such a welcoming environment.

Anne Musquiz

I am a native of Seattle and have been in the childcare and education field for the last 25 years.  I was actually on staff here at John Hay Kids Co in 2004! It’s really fun to be back here and getting to be a part of this school community once again.  I love being a part of quality programs for children that foster growth and independence on their educational journey.  I always learn so much from young children and am thrilled to be able to share in all their stages of development-both cognitive and social.   In my free time I enjoy spending time with my two daughters who are busy teenagers, we love to travel and spend time out of doors when the weather is beautiful.  I also enjoy gardening, cooking and reading a great book!

Natalia Rodriguez

Born and raised in Seattle. I graduated in 2004 from Western University with a BA in Human Services. I have worked in the child care field for over 20 years. My experiences with children still fascinate me every day. I love watching them learn and teach themselves new things.

I joined Kids Co. nine years ago, have gained the knowledge of what goes into providing a high quality childcare. I have been very fortunate to be able to meet and work with amazing teachers and families.
Aside from work, I have three amazing children who are the light of my life and keep me on my toes!

Joseph Dumars

Born and raised in Louisiana, I graduated from Northwestern State University of Louisiana with a BA in Journalism in 2005. I have had the honor and pleasure to work in Youth Development for the last 10 years starting at The Harlem Children’s Zone (New York, NY) from 2009 to 2017 and the YMCA (Seattle, WA) from 2017 to 2019. Some of my past experiences include Student Advocate, Academic & Education Coordinator, Program Supervisor and Assistant Program Director. I love to help shape young minds and guide them towards reaching their fullest potential.

LaFawnda Williams

I’m an Alaska native who migrated South in order to attend Seattle Pacific University. I fell in love with Seattle and never left! My home-away-from-home is Kids Co. at McDonald where I get to spend quality time with all of your great kids and get to know the community as a whole. In my spare time I enjoy basketball, travel, and my family and friends.

Chinaza Nwokike

I moved from Nigeria back in 2008. Since then, I’ve lived in Seattle and have loved every part of it. I graduated from Washington State University with a B.S. in Psychology. I love growing and learning more about Kids Co.’s Mission while building great relationships with families and kids. I enjoy playing basketball, hiking and traveling.

Patrick Russell

I have been in the child care field for over twenty years, and I have been with Kids Co. for the past ten. I enjoy my job and the interactions with the families in our community. Every day is an adventure which is full of possibilities. Sharing my love of Art and Science with the kids is what makes me happy. Watching the lightbulb go off in a child’s head when they get excited about a project or experiment makes my day. Our team makes sure that all children in our care have a fun and positive experience and that families feel comfortable hanging out at our center.

Gerleza Jackson

Born and raised in Seattle, I was a child who struggled early on with reading. It took the love and time of a teacher that encouraged and instilled confidence in me. This sparked a light that made me to want to help kids learn to read, and have fun in school. My hope is that no child is left behind and that all children will love to learn, have fun and be inspired to follow their dreams.

Brenna McGinnis

I am born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and have called Seattle my home for the last 13 years. I have a passion for working with children of all ages. I joined Kids Co. almost two years ago and found my new place here at Tops K-8 a wonderful fit. I get to serve a community I not only live in but grow in as well. I bring with me my background in early child education degree as well as my love of art projects and STEM learning tools. I look forward to creating long lasting relationships will all my students and families. When I’m not at Tops you can find me exploring this beautiful city with my dog.

Adam Foote

Since graduating from Lewis & Clark College with a Major in Psychology and a Minor in Art, I have been working my way up the West Coast creating impactful youth development programs in my communities. I started my youth development career as an AmeriCorps Volunteer in Humboldt County California, where I was born and raised, by creating a before and after school program in an alternative high school while assisting teachers in their class room. This year is my third school year managing Kids Co. at West Mercer Elementary and my first at our newest location, Kids Co. at Northwood Elementary. I cherish calling the Pacific Northwest my home. When I have free time you can usually find me playing soccer, board games, and disc golf, hiking, taking pictures, and spending time with family and friends. I also grapple with the cognitive dissidence of supporting both the Sounders and the Timbers during soccer season.