Our Team
Stephanie Moss, Executive Director
Being a part of Orcas Island Children’s House has transformed my “image of a child”. This Reggio-inspired Toddler Center and Preschool has made me keenly aware of how young children are strong, capable, creative, and rich in potential.
My love of teaching started as a teenager when I taught ballet to preschool-aged children. As a mom, dance teacher, and through various other means, I have found myself teaching and caring for children on a regular basis for over 30 years.
My vision for children in my care is that they feel safe and secure; know they are valued and loved unconditionally; feel the freedom to be themselves, no matter what that looks like; understand mistakes are part of learning; approach each day with curiosity and courage; and explore and discover the world around them with their minds wide open and hearts ready to soar.
I am currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education. In my spare time, I love to dance, garden, spend time with family, and take care of our small homestead.
Augusta McMurray, Program Supervisor and Lead Preschool Teacher
My interest in Early Childhood Education piqued in high school when I took an introductory class in ECE and assisted in a preschool. Subsequently, I earned an AA in Early Childhood Education at Yakima Valley Community College and a B.A. in Religious Studies; minoring in Philosophy, from Hunter College in New York City. I owe much of my love for the arts (which teaching is!) from my childhood, where I grew up running around backstage as my parents performed, managed, and taught theatrical studies at theaters throughout the country.
Because teachers are lifelong learners personally and professionally, I am currently attempting to learn how to tap dance and play the ukulele (perhaps even at the same time!). My recent professional adventures include two intensive teacher workshops: Summer Dance Institute for Teachers with Ann Green Gilbert at the Creative Dance Center in Seattle, WA and Professional Development in the Reggio Emilia Approach in Reggio Emilia, Italy. My husband and our two children moved to Orcas Island in 2011. I have been a teacher at Orcas Island Children’s House since 2013 and I have worked in Early Childhood since 2003. I am inspired to work with children every day because I believe every child has a unique gift to offer the world; I feel lucky to have a career where I get to witness it!
Ady Walker, Pedagogista
Growing up, I spent my summers and many weekends here on Orcas Island. I even attend Children’s House as a young child one summer and have fond memories of playing in the Farmhouse and under the big elm tree. In 2015, I moved here permanently with my husband and two children and began teaching in the Farmhouse.
Like so many in the field, I became interested in human development watching my own young children grow and learn. This fascination sent me back to school where I earned a master’s degree in Early Childhood Inclusive Education from Portland State University. At Portland State, I specialized in Constructivism and studied the work of the schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy.
Today, I moonlight as an adjunct instructor at Skagit Valley College, teaching one class in Early Childhood Education each year. I find fulfillment in working with educators because I think they are the key to better futures for children. I have come to know the teachers at Children’s House as some of the finest and most dedicated to their craft. It makes working at Children’s House a pleasure every day.
Johannah Shea, Preschool Teacher
Growing up as the daughter of a preschool teacher and an artist, I learned to appreciate the value of creativity and wonder at a young age. I find that children intuitively embody these important principles and believe this is part of why I have found myself drawn to working with children throughout various junctures in my life. In high school and college, I worked with children and students in both academic and recreational settings and have experience as a swim and synchronized swimming instructor, nanny, writing tutor, and English teacher. While these positions vary in breadth and discipline, I think they are all rooted in the desire to help children and students recognize their potential by creating safe and nurturing environments for them to discover, learn, and grow.
I came to Orcas Island in January of 2021 and began my time here working at The Orcas Hotel. I recently returned to the island after spending 8 months away as an English teacher in a rural town in southwest France. While teaching in the classroom, I was consistently inspired by the students’ creativity, wonder, and eagerness to learn. This appreciation is what prompted me to pursue teaching this fall at the Children’s House.
In college I studied English Literature and French at the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota and served as a peer writing mentor to undergraduate students throughout my studies. In this position, I helped students grow in confidence - in both their writing skills and in themselves. This role helped me to understand that given a safe and supportive environment, we are all capable of success. This realization is a large part of why I am incredibly excited for the opportunity to work at the Children’s House. I am grateful to be in a position where I can witness and guide children in their discovery of the world and hope to help them understand their invaluable place in it.
Amiya Porter, Preschool Teacher
A large amount of my childhood was spent on Orcas with my grandma, with every summer spent at Camp Orkila. It quickly became my favorite place, and something I looked forward to each year. Through my love of camp, I accepted a position as the Arts and Earth counselor for the summer of 2022.
My time spent as a counselor at Orkila strengthened my connection to working with children. With my background on the island, and my excitement for the future, it seemed right to continue my childcare journey at Children’s House.
Within my work as a camp counselor, former nanny, and being an older sister to my siblings - my goal has and will always be for children to feel seen, heard, and valued. Working with small humans has been the most rewarding experience for me. I feel so lucky to do it with Children’s House.
Destiny Mammano, Toddler Teacher
I am excited to serve Orcas children and families as an assistant preschool teacher at Children’s House. I moved to the island as a young child, and have fond memories of time spent outdoors, hiking and experiencing nature.
Inspired by my aunt Pamela Wright (OISD strings teacher), and having a toddler at home, I am looking forward to learning more about child development and Early Childhood Education.
In my free time, I enjoy baking, photography, and going to the beach.
Soeth Quintero, Toddler Teacher
I am passionate about working with children and enjoy helping them learn, express themselves through art, and grow as individuals.
I grew up on Orcas and come from a large family, with numerous cousins. I have always known that I wanted to work with young children and began formally training in early childhood education while working as a Toddler Teacher at another center in 2020.
Fluent in English and Spanish, I look forward to using my language skills to help meet unique communication needs of children and families at Children’s House.
Joanna Reynolds, Infant and Toddler Teacher
I have always had a heart for caregiving. Originally from the east coast, I come from a large family, including numerous foster and adopted siblings. From an early age, I have spent many hours caring for young children.
I especially enjoy caring for infants and toddlers, and look forward to joining the Toddler Center staff at Children’s House. Watching little ones learn and grow brings me so much joy.
Orcas has been my home since 2020. In my free time, I enjoy photography, drawing, and painting in my free time.
Brita Brahce, Aide
I have lived on Orcas (off and on) since 2010. Working at Orcas Island Children’s House is like a dream come true for me. I have had a long interest in working with children and completed my initial Childcare Basics Training through Washington’s State Training and Registry System (STARS) in 2013.
At Children’s House, I especially enjoy reading books to small groups of children. I also like being able to support them in difficult times by listening, helping, or offering a hug.
Most of all, I want to be a positive influence and make a difference in young children’s lives.
Board of Directors
The Children’s House Board of Directors is made up of a group of dedicated parents and community members committed to guiding and supporting OICH’s success. Board members provide strategic direction and oversight to Orcas Island Children’s House and lead it in achieving its mission. Board members play an active role in fundraising, fiscal oversight and strategic planning. In addition, they establish policies and procedures to ensure smooth operation of the organization. If you are interested in joining, or learning more about board service please contact us.
Current Board Members
Mallory Balcomb - President
Bryn Rueb - Vice President
Alexander Assaf - Treasurer
Whitney King - Secretary
Anne Kenady
Christianne Sinoo