About Us
LeighAnn Biesman | Co-Founder
LeighAnn is a mother of three. She has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education (ECE) with additional certifications in English as a Second Language (ESL) and middle school English, Reading and Language Arts (ELA). She taught first grade, fifth grade ELA, and a Title One reading pull-out program in Fort Worth, Texas, serving emerging readers in grades K-5. She also has five years of experience as a lead teacher in a center-based childcare in Seattle, working primarily with ages 11 months-2.5 years. Her most recent work was as a nanny for a family with two small children. She does life with her long-term partner and a menagerie of cats, and loves to thrift, drink coffee, and take care of plants in her spare time.
Renee Connor-Sheen | Co-Founder
Renee graduated from Trinity Lutheran College, with a Bachelor of Arts in Children, Youth, and Family Studies (CYFS) and a Minor in Early Childhood Education (ECE). She has experience working as a lead teacher in center-based childcares in Seattle. Renee's most current work was as a nanny for two years with two families with small children, and is part of a leadership planning and teaching team for a weekly Kid's (Pre-K-5th grade) Program. She lives with her husband, loves drinking coffee, reading, camping, and spending time with her family.
Juliet Gilbert | Operations Manager
Juliet is a dedicated mother to one amazing preschooler. She understands the importance of providing high-quality early childhood education, and she works closely with families and staff to support the preschool’s mission. When she’s not managing operations, she enjoys making sourdough bread, a hobby that connects her to the patience and nurturing care she believes is essential for both baking and raising young children.
Rebel Dodge| Lead Preschool Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Molly Whalen | Lead Preschool Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Kota McCarty | Assistant Preschool Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Maria Ogden Hernandez | Lead Infant Teacher
Maria is a kind and gentle teacher from Mexico with the majority of her experience with the infant-toddler age. She enjoys travelling, yoga and cooking, and spending her time with her husband and two dogs, George and WIllow.
Sophia Durand | Lead Toddler Teacher
Sophia has been working with kids of various age groups, primarily ages 1-5, for nearly two years, but truly loves working with toddlers. Having studied English and psychology in college, she prefers playing with and taking care of children. In her free time, Sophia loves to bake, read, play video games with her fiancé, and watch Jeopardy!
Eliza MacDonald | Lead Toddler Teacher
Eliza grew up in Auckland, New Zealand, and moved to the United States in 2023 to work at the Smithsonian Institution. She and her partner recently relocated to Seattle, to be closer to family, and she’s excited to be living in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Eliza brings experience working in art museums, museum education and many years as a private nanny to her role at Ivy Blossom, where she’s passionate about supporting and nurturing each child’s growth. In her free time, she enjoys crafting and going on walks around the city.
June Salviati | School Age Coordinator
June is a parent of two (cats). Studying child psychology and development, they have a passion for learning as well as creating encouraging, supportive, and creative learning environments. With three years of childcare experience as a paraeducator and substitute teacher in California, and one year as a Boys & Girls Club Counselor, June has brought their enthusiasm for teaching primarily to 3-7 year-olds. June lives in Seattle with their two cats, and enjoys reading old Sci-fi and playing Dungeons and Dragons.
Teens | Assistant Teachers
Bio coming soon!
Future Positions at Ivy Blossom Preschool!
Infant-Toddler Lead
Infant-Toddler Assistant
Infant-Toddler Assistant
Infant Room experience HIGHLY preferred!
CPR/First Aid, background check required.
CDA or willingness required.
Love and patience for babes REQUIRED!
Full medical/dental/vision coverage.
PTO, sick days, and paid vacation.
Infant-Toddler Assistant
Infant-Toddler Assistant
Infant-Toddler Assistant
Experience with basic infant care required.
CPR/First Aid, background check required.
Love and patience for babes required.
Full medical/dental/vision coverage.
PTO, sick days, and paid vacation.
Pre-K Lead
Pre-K Lead
Pre-K Lead
Preschool experience HIGHLY preferred!
CPR/First Aid, background check required.
CDA or willingness required.
Love and patience for children REQUIRED!
Full medical/dental/vision coverage.
PTO, sick days, and paid vacation.
Floater
Pre-K Lead
Pre-K Lead
Floaters have a bad rep in the childcare field- not here! We need and VALUE someone who can work in ANY room on ANY day.
CPR/First Aid, background check required.
Love and experience for/with birth-4th grade!
Full medical/dental/vision coverage.
PTO, sick days, and paid vacation.