Our Teachers
We prioritize competitive pay for our valued teachers and require all of them to have completed a college degree. As a result, we are grateful to maintain high teacher retention rates.
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Miss Ashley
Director and Teacher
Ashley grew up in the beautiful pacific northwest and joined the Pixie family in 2021. She graduated magna cum laude from the University of Washington with a degree in Culture, Literature and Arts. She then went on to study teaching and earned her K-8 Teaching Certificate from the University of Washington. While working as a classroom teacher, Ashley earned her National Board Certification in Preschool-8th grade reading and language arts. Her favorite subjects to teach include reading, social emotional learning and science. Before coming to Pixie Hill, Ashley worked in preschool for students with special needs, and then taught primary grades in the Bellevue school district.
Ashley loves teaching preschool because of the natural curiosity young children have, and the openness with which they share their joy and love with everyone around them. She also loves singing songs, getting messy and being silly with preschoolers! Ashley believes Pixie Hill is a special school because of the warm, caring nature of the teachers and the close relationships they are able to make with the students and families. She also likes belonging to a small, non-profit, community based school where the priority is in ensuring that each child has a great school experience.
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Miss Bailey
Teacher
Bailey is in her fifth year at Pixie Hill, a place that holds a special spot in her heart—she attended preschool here alongside her sister many years ago, where her mom also taught, making her role as a teacher even more meaningful.
Bailey studied Early Childhood Development at San Diego State University and San Diego Mesa College, where she earned her Associate’s Degree. She has also worked as a nanny, interned at other preschools, taught horseback riding to children, and served as a camp counselor at an outdoor summer camp in the San Juan Islands—an experience that sparked her passion for working with children long-term.
Her favorite subjects to teach are nature and art—especially when she can combine the two, sparking curiosity and creativity in her students while helping them develop an appreciation for both.
Bailey loves teaching preschool because of the kids! Connecting with different families each year, getting to know each child’s unique personality, and watching them grow is both special and rewarding. She also cherishes Pixie Hill’s close-knit community, the amazing team of coworkers, and the freedom teachers have to design curriculum and structure the day to best support each child’s needs.
When she’s not in the classroom, Bailey enjoys exploring the San Juan Islands and spending time with friends and family.
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Miss Susan
Assistant Teacher
Susan grew up in Bellevue and recently moved back to the area, excited to reconnect with the community she has calls home. She earned her BA from the University of Washington, her K–8 Teaching Credential from Chapman University, and her Early Childhood Education certification. After teaching in both elementary and preschool settings, Susan discovered her true passion in early childhood education.
She loves watching little ones explore, discover, and grow—whether it’s through messy art projects, exciting hands-on science experiments, or silly songs that fill the classroom with giggles. For the last several years, she has taught preschool in a small, close-knit school and treasures the cozy atmosphere where she can really get to know both the children and their families. She is excited to have found that same special environment here at Pixie Hill and looks forward to making preschool a joyful and memorable adventure!
Outside the classroom, Susan enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring all the Pacific Northwest has to offer with her husband. She also loves hanging out with her three sons, traveling, and getting lost in a good book.
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Miss Rebecca
Substitute Teacher
Rebecca is in her fourth year of teaching at Pixie Hill, where she loves being part of a community that feels like family. With over ten years of experience working with children in private homes, early education centers, and as a K-5 arts and crafts teacher, she brings a wealth of knowledge and care to the classroom. She holds an M.Ed. in School Counseling from Point Loma Nazarene University and a Bachelors in Literature, Culture and the Arts from the University of Washington.
Rebecca’s favorite subject to teach is arts and crafts—she loves watching children light up with pride over something they’ve created and seeing their social and emotional growth throughout the year. She recently started Petals Art Club, where she teaches arts and crafts to K-5 students, further fueling her passion for creative expression.
What Rebecca loves most about Pixie Hill is its small group setting, cozy home-like atmosphere, and the beautiful outdoor space that makes learning feel both natural and joyful.
When she’s not teaching, Rebecca enjoys weight training, yoga, nature walks, cooking delicious meals, and taking long road trips to explore new places—though Washington will always be home.
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Miss Cristina
Substitute Teacher
Cristina grew up in Mexico and graduated from the University of Minnesota where she studied Public Health. During the past years, she has developed a passion for Childhood Education while raising her own children. Passionate about nature and wonders of the world, she enjoys sharing her knowledge with children and guiding them through their own discovery of the world. In her free time, Cristina enjoys outdoor and cultural activities with her family and getting muddy while gardening.
Parent Volunteers
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Katie Kratzer
President
Katie is originally from the Midwest but happily chose to call Mercer Island home after living all over the Seattle area. She and her husband are parents to three young boys. Prior to being a “stay at home” parent Katie worked as a brand experience designer. She enjoys tapping her old talents to share the magic of Pixie for others to see.
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Caitlin McHugh
Vice President
Caitlin is a native Mercer Islander and, in fact, a Pixie Hill alumnae! In her day job, she works for a non-profit whose mission is to progress Alzheimer’s disease research through data sharing. In her off time, she wrangles her two children and knits whenever able. The Pixie Hill community is dear to her and she enjoys supporting the school as a board member.
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Tim Sargent
Facilities Liaison
Tim was born and raised in the PNW and has called Seattle home for the last 15 years. He works as a Vice President of Strategy & Planning for Symetra Financial in Bellevue. Outside of work, Tim enjoys tending to the garden, challenging himself to a new recipe, riding his bike, and having fun with his family. He's excited to be a part of the wonderful Pixie Hill community.
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Emily Yu
People
Emily traded the urban sprawl of Los Angeles for Seattle over a decade ago, choosing Mercer Island as home with her family. Once a healthcare administrator in urgent care operations, she now "stays at home" with her two kids. She enjoys nearly all wilderness adventures, catching up with friends, and reading when she can.
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Felicia Erlich
Legal Liaison and Fundraising
Bio coming soon.
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Kristi Oberg
Communications + Marketer
As a native to Estonia, Kristi recently moved to Mercer Island and joins the board with a wealth of knowledge working in the nonprofit sector with a focus on Communications.
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Open
At-Large Representative
Please contact our School Director or Board President if you would like to fill this seat.
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Open
Fundraising Co-Chair
Please contact our Board President if you would like to fill this seat.
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Open
Treasurer
Please contact our Board President if you would like to fill this seat.