What Makes Us Unique

preschool program staff

Maggie Darlow (front) teaches at NannyBoo's on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. She has a background in science and worked as a molecular biologist until her first child was born. After experiencing the cooperative preschool program with both of her children, she realized her calling was to work with children. She earned a degree in Early Childhood Education and has now been teaching preschool for 11 years. Most of this time has been spent in cooperative preschool classrooms where parents and teachers work closely together. Maggie brings that spirit of cooperation to NannyBoo's and welcomes collaboration with parents, viewing them as their child's first teacher.

Maggie sees her main role as helping children develop their ability to name and manage their emotions, while creating meaningful connections with their peers and community. She uses her love of science to foster inquisitive and creative observation, experimentation, and problem-solving. Whether making messy art or playing house, Maggie knows children are always learning and that play is the “work” of childhood.

Maggie lives in Beacon Hill with her husband and two teenage children. They love to play board games and watch classic movies together. When she has time to herself, Maggie enjoys knitting, going for long walks and runs, and reading.

Amrita Huja (right), teaches at NannyBoo's Preschool on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays. Teacher Ami joins us from King Street Cooperative Preschool, where she taught for more than 12 years. She has also worked with young children through Kids Create Art Enrichment, Seattle Public Schools, Seattle Colleges' Parent-Child Center, and the Roots of Empathy program.

Before becoming an early childhood educator, Ami earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography and spent over 10 years working as a fine art and commercial photographer, including six years as a photojournalist for ColorsNW magazine. Her arts background inspires the classroom with hands-on, messy, process-based art experiences that encourage exploration and self-expression. Ami is a certified Roots of Empathy instructor, WonderLead-certified teacher, children's yoga instructor, and trained teaching artist. She has also completed extensive training in positive discipline, mindfulness, anti-bias, and outdoor and nature-based learning.

Ami believes meaningful learning begins with natural curiosity and personal connection. She works with children to build, strong communication, collaboration, cooperation and problem solving skills. Preschool is a time to foster children's social-emotional growth alongside a lifelong love of learning.

Originally from Hawaiʻi, Ami was raised in a biracial, multiethnic family with an Indian Sikh father and a Polish-German mother. She values celebrating diversity, exploring identity, and creating an inclusive, social justice oriented classroom. Outside the classroom, Ami enjoys spending time with her two young-adult children and two mischievous cats. She loves cooking, gardening, making art, and exploring nature. Whenever possible, you'll find her swimming, paddleboarding, or walking along the beach.

Ashley Nienaber (right) teaches at NannyBoo's Preschool on Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. As our "Music Together Specialist", she integrates weekly Music Together sessions as part of the standard preschool day.

Ashley holds a degree in Speech Pathology with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. After the experience of birthing her second son at home, she became a trained doula and has supported birthing families over 10 years.

When her 3 sons started school, she went back to her early childhood roots working as a preschool educator and reading interventionist in South Seattle.

A creative at heart, Ashley delights in pairing her love of music with her background in family-supported child development. Singing and playing the piano since she was a child in a variety of capacities, Ashley feels that making music together with others is one of life's greatest gifts we can share. Being a Music Together Specialist feels like a unique blending of many of her passions. She looks forward to building a musical community together!

Kim Weatherby (left) is the Owner and Administrator for NannyBoo Schools (Columbia City and Beacon Hill Location). She oversees Preschool and Pre-K Programming, both in the Standard Day and Extended Day Program. She and her husband Joe have been married for 25 years and have two daughters ages 20 and 16. *Her girls are pictured at their pre-k and preschool age above. Kim graduated from the University of Washington with a degree in Social Work. Prior to teaching at NannyBoo's, Kim worked with youth and families in the Rainier Valley for 20 years. She’s been a Social Worker, After School and Summer Program Director, and Non-Profit Administrator for an outdoor preschool program for children with special needs. She also directed a transitional housing program for homeless individuals and families. Kim loves identifying the strengths in people of all ages and giving them opportunities to shine. She celebrates different energy levels, personalities, intelligences, and cultures.

OUR EDUCATIONAL VALUES

Children learn best when they feel known and loved.
Play is a young child’s work, and is how they best learn. Fun should be the key element to any learning activity.
Every child is unique in a multitude of ways including their learning style.
There are many definitions of success.
Emotional intelligence is a key component of kindergarten readiness.
School should be a place of joyful engagement (play), creative skill building, and connected community.
Learning is best achieved when parents and teachers work as a team to support the child’s optimal development.
Continuing education of teachers supports meaningful interactions with students, and vibrant curriculum.
Teacher continuity during these early delicate years is imperative for the success and confidence of students.