I started Creative Learning Center in the fall of 1994. My goal was to make a lovely and stimulating environment where children had the opportunity to spread their wings and learn all the great things Montessori has to offer. I always tell people, “It isn’t about filling the children with facts and figures, but to spark their innate curiosity and love of learning.” It has been an honor and privilege to guide these adorable children for the past twenty-five years!
My everyday goal is that my students go home and say ‘I had so much fun at school today!!’
I have been teaching as a Lead Teacher at C.L.C. for over six years. However, I have thirteen years combined experience with young children as an Aupair, Nanny and a Teacher. I earned my Montessori Teacher Diploma from ‘Montessori Teacher Preparation of Washington’. in early 2014. I also earned my bachelor’s degree in Communication Arts (Public Relations) with Honor II from Chiang Mai Rajabhat University in Thailand.
I really enjoy working with children as their simple approach to everyday life intrigues me and offers me a chance to learn from them.
Outside the classroom, I love watching a movie, reading, cooking Thai food and spending time with my husband and our two beloved cats (Subie & Malcom).
Hi there! My name is Roxanna Clementi Ruiz, but around the classroom everyone knows me as Miss Roxy!
I am so grateful to be part of the Mountain Room and this wonderful school community. With over 10 years of experience in early childhood education, I truly feel lucky to spend my days learning, laughing, and growing alongside young children.
I have a degree in Dance and Child Development and am Montessori certified through Montessori Hills Academy TCP in San Diego, California. Ever since I was in high school, I knew that working with children was what I wanted to do. Teaching isn’t just my job—it’s something I genuinely love.
Over the past year, I have had the joy of building relationships with our families and watching so many children grow in confidence, independence, kindness, and curiosity. One of my favorite things about being a teacher is seeing those “I did it!” moments and helping children discover what makes them unique.
Outside of school, I teach children’s Latin dance classes, play soccer, and enjoy bringing music, movement, and creativity into the classroom whenever I can. I believe children learn best when they feel loved, supported, and excited to explore the world around them.
Thank you for sharing your amazing children with us. It is truly a privilege to be part of their journey, and I look forward to another wonderful year together in the Mountain Room!
I was born and raised in San Diego and moved to Seattle in 2019. Before teaching, I worked with children as a nanny for almost 10 years.
Before coming to Seattle, I graduated with my AA in English/Child Development and also attended Purdue University to receive my BS in ABA therapy.
I feel so lucky that I get to help each child grow and flourish independently. Little ones offer such a new perspective on daily tasks, so I also value learning from them/seeing the way they tackle an important obstacle.
In my free time, I love to be outside in the sun reading a good book, hanging out with my pup Lennon, eating yummy foods, going to farmers markets.
Hello! My name is Irene, and I am so excited to be joining the Mountain Room this year. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and have recently earned my Montessori Certificate through the Montessori Teacher Preparation of Washington. As part of my coursework, I completed my internship at Creative Learning Center, and I am thrilled to continue my Montessori journey with the CLC community.
I bring a year of hands-on Montessori classroom experience, where I provided individualized lessons, led engaging circle times, and collaborated closely with my teaching team to create a positive, nurturing learning environment. Before moving to the U.S., I also taught in Spain, which helped me develop a deep appreciation for inclusive and culturally rich education. I look forward to getting to know the children and families in the Mountain Room and supporting each child’s growth and love of learning.
My name is Isabella and I have been passionate about childhood education and development for about 8 years; I love creating a fun and nurturing environment for children to learn and grow.
I have a bachelor’s degree in Social Science from the University of Washington. I love spending my time outside of work reading, traveling, and spending time with family/friends.
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 my spare time, I enjoy music, hiking, skiing and trying cuisines from around the world.
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.
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 one year 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.
Every day I am thrilled to work with children and strive to make a positive impact in their life.
I graduated in Education from Chiangmai University in Thailand and moved to PNW 20 years ago. Now I’m working on an Early Childhood State Certificate from Seattle College. I earned my Montessori Teaching Certificated from North American Montessori Center.
I believe that Montessori methods allow teachers to help children reach their potential and foster independence and confidence in every student. I create an engaging classroom environment to be cultivated and secure to inspire, imagine and grow.
I have always worked with kids because it’s so much fun! I really believe that all children, in their early childhood, with an environment for experimentation, a guide to accompany them, discipline, order and freedom that Montessori education offers, are capable of creating and developing in a unique way thanks to the skills they learn in a space like this. I’ve been working with children for over 6 years! I’m also fluent in Spanish so your kids might pick up a few words from me!
I obtained my degree as a teacher in dramatic art in 2020 at the Central University-Teatro Libre de Bogotá, in Colombia. After that, I moved to Seattle to do my cultural exchange program as an au pair for 2 years. During this time, I completed different courses called (Performing Arts Industry Essential) at New York University Tisch School of the Art and (Creative Classroom) at Seattle Central College.
I started my training as a teacher in the year 2022 at the Montessori Teacher
Preparation of Washington and received my Montessori certification.
My name is Rebecca Wellnitz, and I have had the privilege of watching Creative Learning Center (CLC) grow and thrive since my high school years. Over the years, I have seen my mom’s journey as a teacher, school owner, and dedicated director, and it has been inspiring to watch CLC blossom into the wonderful community it is today.
My passion for working with children began at a young age through babysitting, nannying, working in daycare settings, and assisting at CLC during my college summers. I graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology and also studied Interior Design for nearly three years.
Professionally, I spent 10 years working in the nonprofit sector, helping families through foreclosure prevention programs. Throughout my career, I have also held a variety of childcare, nannying, and school-related positions, which have strengthened my love for supporting children and families.
I live with my husband and our two Golden Retrievers. In my free time, I enjoy Pacific Northwest hiking, running, exploring local coffee shops, photography, spending time with my 6-year-old niece, and, of course, spoiling my dogs. I am excited to be part of the CLC community and look forward to helping children learn, grow, and love school.
My name is Ashley, and I have six years of experience in early childhood education, including working as a lead teacher and assistant director. I have worked with children from infants and toddlers to preschool and pre-K, and I love working with young children because every day is different and full of curiosity, laughter, and little moments of growth.
I recently graduated from Central Washington University with a bachelor’s degree in law and justice. My education strengthened my interest in helping others, and I am excited to return to the classroom, where I can continue supporting children and families each day. In my free time, I enjoy cooking and baking, watching movies, spending time with family and friends, and going to Mariners games. I am very excited to be joining the CLC community!