Meet Our Team!

Owner/Teacher Leinani

Meet Leinani is a certified Washington State educator and has been working for the Northshore School District as a early elementary teacher since 2006. She helped to launch Northshore’s full-day kindergarten program in 2016 at Crystal Springs Elementary. During this time, she discovered that at the heart of education is an intentional relationship between students and families. She developed a strong understanding of how social-emotional skills are the critical thread that weaves together a community of learners while creating a safe and intentional space for learning…at ANY age. Leinani launched the Kindergarten Readiness Program for Creative Minds in 2022 as a way to proactively create a space for preschool children (and families) to prepare as they enter their Kindergarten year!

Teacher Kylie

Meet Kylie! She has been a lead teacher for 2 years at Creative Minds. She is passionate about working with children and providing a safe space as a lead teacher. Ms. Kylie obtained her BA degree in Psychology from San Francisco State and is certificated in Early Childhood Education. Upon graduating, she developed a passion for working with children in those important early years of life. She has worked with preschool and elementary aged children for the past 10 years in various educational settings. Ms. Kylie has fostered a love for helping children and families navigate these impressionable years. She is also dedicated to her own development as an educator and professional working with children and their families. Ms. Kylie is currently pursuing a M.Ed. in Mental Health Counseling at Seattle University. She is a mother of two young girls, ages 8 and 11, as well as two golden retriever fur-babies. Ms. Kylie loves to spend time outdoors exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest. In her free time she loves running, reading and spending time with friends and family.

Teacher Addie

Meet Addie!

Teacher Shelby

Meet Shelby! Shelby has over a decade of experience in child development and education. She believes children thrive when families thrive. Shelby was the lead teacher at Phinney Neighborhood Preschool Co-op for 3 years. As a former kindergarten teacher of 3 years, 4 years as a Special Education teacher in the Northshore School District, Shelby is well-versed in what makes a kindergartener successful as they transition into school and uses a child-centered mindset to get there. Her teaching follows a holistic approach that includes: academic exploration, social skills, communication and skills that foster independence in the classroom and beyond. Shelby believes that when children feel safe, loved, and supported by the adults and environment around them they flourish.

Teacher Tabitha