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.
Sophie Beck | Lead Preschool Teacher
Sophie is a passionate and fun-loving teacher from Seattle. She has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Painting & Drawing from University of Washington, where she also studied music and was an active member of the Husky Marching Band. She has four years of experience as a teacher and administrator in a center-based childcare program in downtown Seattle, where she primarily worked with children between 18 months and 4 years of age. She loves incorporating music and art into her teaching practice as a means of fostering creativity in young children. In her free time she enjoys painting, reading, going to concerts, and playing with the Husky Alumni Band.
Gui Lichteuheld | Assistant Preschool Teacher
Gui just moved to Seattle from Rio de Janeiro, where he has been teaching kids for over two years. Gui has a passion for geography, and got his start teaching as a geography teacher. He really enjoys caring for kids and connecting with them through play, and is super excited to join our team at Ivy Blossom! Since moving to Seattle, Gui has really enjoyed the city but is still adjusting to the weather after living in sunny Brazil. In his free time Gui enjoys playing volleyball (weather permitting), relaxing at home, and anything Harry Potter related.
Maria Ogden Hernandez | Lead Infant Teacher
Picture & bio coming soon!
Kelsey Gomez | Lead Toddler Teacher
Kelsey is a Texan transplant who found her way to Seattle in 2022. For years, she has immersed herself in the joy of working with children, wearing various hats, such as: a nanny, teacher, and substitute. She is currently working with the infants and toddlers at Ivy Blossom, and loves entertaining them with music and crafts. Kelsey enjoys unwinding at the local café with a drink while journaling, soaking up the sun, paddle boarding, and feeding the ducks at the local parks.
Cassie Carabellese | Lead Toddler Teacher
Cassie has been working with kids in various places across the country for almost two years, and has taught in schools from Oregon to Tennessee. She loves hanging out with the toddlers and taking part in their silliness! Cassie went to school for pastry making, and is still a stellar baker in her free time. She also enjoys relaxing by playing video games, reading, or listening to music alongside her dog Sierra.
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.
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!
$27-$30/hr, DOE.
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.
$20-$23/hr, DOE.
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!
$26-$28/hr, DOE.
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!
$22-25/hr, DOE
Full medical/dental/vision coverage.
PTO, sick days, and paid vacation.