Melissa – Early Childhood Educator 🎨

Melissa brings creativity, warmth, and a love for learning to A Quiet Forest Preschool. As a college student studying speech pathology, she has a deep appreciation for how children grow, develop, and communicate.

Melissa’s experience includes babysitting and working in summer camps, where she discovered her passion for supporting children’s exploration and milestones.

She is our resident arts and crafts enthusiast—always ready to experiment with new art forms and dive into creative projects. Whether it’s messy finger painting or building nature-inspired masterpieces, Melissa embraces the process and encourages children to express themselves freely.

“I love watching the joy on a child’s face when they reach a milestone or discover something new—it’s like seeing little seeds sprout before your eyes.”

Melissa’s playful spirit and dedication to celebrating every moment make her a wonderful part of our forest family.

Windy – Early Childhood Educator 🌿

Windy brings a unique blend of knowledge, experience, and passion to A Quiet Forest Preschool. With a diverse educational background in Ornamental Horticulture and Paralegal Studies, her heart has always been rooted in human rights and the rights of children.

Windy believes in:

• Supporting learning through play.
• Providing safe spaces for risky play where children can explore, get messy, and grow.
• Encouraging self-grace, understanding, and compassion for others.

With 7 years of experience in a Montessori program—2 years in the classroom and 5 years as an administrator (serving as registrar and school nurse for 35 staff and 130 students)—Windy brings organizational skill, care, and delight to her work with children. She is thrilled to return to the heart of the early childhood classroom, where small school settings allow her to make meaningful connections.

“Children learn best when they’re free to explore, take chances, and embrace mistakes—it’s how strong roots are grown.”

Meredith – Owner & Director 🌲

Meredith’s roots run deep in A Quiet Forest Preschool. Growing up in the program her parents started in 1990, Meredith spent her childhood surrounded by laughter, learning, and the magic of nurturing care. She worked alongside her mother through high school and returned full-time after her son was born.

Meredith brings a rich tapestry of experience:

• Educator & Leader: Worked in multiple preschool programs, ran summer camps at her art studio, and volunteered with children through Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, and YMCA coaching.
• Veteran Service: A retired Army Veteran with over 20 years of service as a Medic and Nationally Registered EMT, Meredith’s dedication to safety is unmatched. She’s certified in CPR/First Aid and has previously been an instructor.
• Lifelong Learner: Meredith holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Business and Marketing (Washington State University), an Associate’s in Business (Pierce College), and a Bookkeeping Certificate (Bellevue College). She’s currently pursuing her Early Childhood Education AA at Bellevue College.

Meredith’s love for children, education, and community inspires her to carry on the family legacy while infusing it with her own passion for nature, creativity, and exploration.

“Every child is a seed with the potential to grow tall and strong. My role is to nurture that growth with care, compassion, and curiosity.”