Miss Paula
Island Room – Lead Teacher – Montessori Certified
I love working with children because every day is different and a wonderful new discovery for each child. Children teach me more about the world and how to be a better person. I love their honesty and kindness.
I grew up in Melbourne, Australia and have always had a keen interest in education and music. I studied violin at Monash University and secondary music education at The University of Melbourne. In Melbourne, I worked at private and public schools teaching violin and viola and also established my own private instrumental music school. Since living in Seattle, I’ve taught in early childhood education, an area that I consider to be fundamental in child development.
I started at Creative Learning Center as an assistant teacher in August 2017. I found that the Montessori philosophy resonated with my own teaching, especially the guided learning to empower and build the child. In 2018, I embarked on starting my Montessori teacher certification which I completed in 2019. Becoming a Montessori teacher was very meaningful to me, teaching me more about myself and more importantly how children learn and how to speak to them effectively.
In June 2026, I received the Exceptional Educator of the Year Award from the Mercer Island Preschool Association. It was a great honor, and I am so grateful for the support and encouragement of my colleagues, students, and families.
In my spare time, I enjoy music, hiking, skiing and trying cuisines from around the world.
Miss Fai
Island Room – Student Intern from Montessori Teacher Preparation of Washington
I am intern at Creative Learning Center. I graduated with a Bachelor degree from Faculty of Education at Chiang Mai University. I worked as a teacher in a small public school in my hometown in Thailand. Then, I decided to become an Au Pair in the US. After being an Au Pair, I have gained a lot of new experiences and opportunities in my life. I have a supportive host family with host kids who are adorable and kind. The kids are going to Montessori school. This inspired me to learn more about the Montessori’s philosophy.
I decided to apply to Montessori Teacher Preparation of Washington because I want to learn how Montessori provides proper childcare, education, and activities for children. From my experiences, I know that I love being around children, doing activities with them, and seeing them grow and develop every day.
In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my family and friends, hiking, traveling, taking photos, playing badminton and gardening.
Miss Cecelia
Island Room – Assistant Teacher
My girl studied in CLC for two years. She couldn’t speak English before she went to CLC. Now she has become so confident and is willing to learn everything in her elementary school. CLC is an amazing place with lots of love and passion, where my girl and I love so much. I am proud to be a part of it.
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in fashion design from Shin Chien University of Taiwan and Bunka Fashion College in Japan, so I can speak Mandarin and Japanese. Also, I had four years of Mandarin teaching experience for kids aged 4 to 6. I like to interact with children, love their shining eyes when they are learning new things.
On the weekends, I love sewing, reading books and doing art projects with my girl. My daughter and I enjoy hiking and camping when the weather is nice.