Our experienced teachers provide a safe, caring and educational environment for our families. They are believers in a play based education. Through play children can develop social and cognitive skills, mature emotionally, and gain self-confidence.
On This Page:
Teacher Cathy
Director & Parent Educator
I began teaching at North Cooperative in the fall of 2007 and became the Director in 2012 when the previous Director, Marilyn, who served the school for 40 of its nearly 50 years, retired. It is an honor to continue her tradition of leading a school where parents, caregivers and children learn together in a play-based environment. When we come together like this in our community, the kids come first, and we can freely let them explore their world. We follow the children as they lead us through their play full of learning, new friends and adventures. The goal is to help every child develop the critical skills of problem solving, self-sufficiency, emotional regulation, realization of self-worth and appropriate social interactions, all through play.
I bring many years of education, teaching and parenting experience to my position. However, I am clear that all members of our school have something to share to the richness and depth of our understanding as we spend time together with our precious little ones. I strive to be non-judgmental, respecting where each person is in their personal understanding and abilities. Whether you are trying to figure out how to walk; speak a new language; piece together a puzzle or sort out discipline techniques that are completely different to anything you know, everyone in the room can help, even if it is simply encouragement. Take or leave ideas as they suit you. We are just here to help.
I am driven by the notion that together we all give to our rich community, we welcome each other’s diversity, and provide a special place where children and families can work and learn together.
I graduated from the Evergreen State College with a Bachelors of Arts, became a Certified Montessori Instructor then went back to Evergreen and earned a Masters in Teaching. I taught and directed in Montessori schools for 10 years of my career. I spent 5 years as the Program Director at a Therapeutic Learning Center for abused and neglected children where I taught both children and parents. As the Director, Teacher, Parent Educator at NCCP, and as a mother of three boys, I am continually thinking of best practices; to help children and families reach their goals. There are many individuals whose work has influenced my practice including: Jane Nelsen’s work on Positive Discipline, Fred Donaldson’s ideas on Original Play, Tim Andrews ideas on PBIS, Bev Bos, Alfie Kohn, Dr. John Gottman, and Daniel Siegel. However, the most influential is Howard Glasser’s, Nurtured Heart Approach. NHA builds the inner wealth or self-esteem in the child. As a Certified Trainer, I have experienced the joy of children and parents who have experienced this transformative education.
I conduct my classes in an Evergreen seminar style where new ideas, questions or concepts are presented with plenty of time for discussions. Through the Nurtured Heart Approach, I work with parents and caregivers to work through behaviors to bring forth the greatness within each child. I see parenting as a continuum that reflects our upbringing, culture, and willingness to change. No one is or will ever become a perfect parent. We all make mistakes and dislike how we handled certain parenting challenges. The art of good parenting is to face our mistakes and strive to improve our skills to better meet both the needs of our children, ourselves and community. Let me know how we can help!
Teacher Liz
Associate Director & Parent Educator
I received my Bachelor’s Degree from the University of Montana in 2004. After traveling and volunteering in orphanages abroad, I returned to the Seattle area in 2007. Previously, I worked as a Director of Operations for the U.S. office of a nonprofit based in Vietnam that provided orthotics, prosthetics and scholarships to children affected by landmines and agent orange. Most recently, I taught at a play based preschool on Mercer Island for five years before taking some time off to stay at home with my (now) two children.
I first became involved with NCCP as a parent when my husband and I enrolled our son in the Family Mornings class. The welcoming and inclusive cooperative structure and environment at the school was such a wonderful experience. And, the parent education and support at the co-op proved to be invaluable; especially during the transition from one to two children in our family. In particular, I benefited greatly from learning about and implementing the Nurtured Heart Approach that NCCP focuses on in their parent education.
To say I am excited to be back in the classroom and working in an environment where children learn through play and are celebrated for their individuality, is truly an understatement. I am honored to be able to work in a school that embodies the concept of a village for families to feel supported in their parenting journeys. I am passionate about NCCP; look forward to furthering my own personal knowledge of The Nurtured Heart Approach; and feel fortunate to share it with parents and members in our community.