LEADERSHIP
TEACHER Tina
Tina Baumann, Executive Director
Tina was hired in August of 2020 after relocating to the Walla Walla area. She has been working in the Early Childhood Education field for over 25 years. Most recently Tina was the owner of Children In Bloom Day School for 10 years.
In addition to working with children, Tina enjoys spending time with her husband and three grown children, reading, crafts, long walks and playing with her French Bulldog, Frankie.
Her favorite children’s book is We are All Welcome Here by Penfold & Kaufman.
TODDLER (Ages 1.5 - 2.5 Years)
TEACHER Maeve
Maeve Duffy, Lead Teacher
Meave has worked in licensed childcare for over 7 years. She has an associates degree in Early Childhood Education. She has worked at the Kids Place since December 2015.
In addition to enjoying working with children Maeve has a love of music, singing and reading. She also loves being a mom to her 9 year old daughter, Chloe.
Her current favorite children's book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle .
TEACHER JOY
Joy McMahon, Assistant Teacher
Joy has experience working with elementary age children prior to joining the teaching team at Kids’ Place. She has her bachelor’s degree in elementary education. She started working at Kids’ Place in August 2017.
In addition to working with children, Joy likes to sing, read, and watch NBA games.
Her current favorite children’s book is: It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler.
P-1 (Ages 2.5 - 3.5 Years)
TEACHER RIELEE
Rielee Fox, Lead Teacher
Rielee has several years of experience working with young children prior to joining the teaching team at The Kids' Place. Rielee is working towards her associates degree in Early Childhood Education at Walla Walla Community College.
In addition to working with children, Rielee enjoys spending time with her two dogs, road trips, and swimming!
Her current favorite children's book is I love You So by Marianne Richmond.
P-2 (Ages 3.5 - 5.0 Years)
teacher lyn
Lyn Carvajal, Lead Teacher
Lyn has over 5 years of experience working with young children. She graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor degree in Sociology. She just joined the teaching team at The Kids’ Place this October, 2023.
In her free time, Lyn enjoys cooking, baking and many other creative activities.
Her all time favorite children’s book is: Are You My Mother? by Dr. Seuss.
TEACHER RACHEL
Rachel Carson, Lead Teacher
Rachel has experience working with children of many ages as an assistant teacher and as a coach. Rachel enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, fishing and spending time with her family.
Her favorite children's book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss
SUPPORT STAFF
TEACHER JODY
Jody Buttice, Center Aide
Jody has over 30 years experience working with young children.
In addition to working with children, she loves spending time with her husband ,two grown children and their families (especially her 2 year old grandson). Jody enjoys reading, gardening, camping, going on walks and spending time with their family pets.
She is very excited to join The Kids’ Place.
Her favorite children's book is Dream Animals by Emily Winfield Martin.
TEACHER ROCIO
Rocio Torrez, Center Aide
Rocio has years of experience volunteering and working in education with young children. She joined The Kids’ Place Family in March, 2023.
In her free time, she enjoys watching movies and spending time at the park with her family
Her favorite children's book is My First Hundred Words by Simon & Shuster.
Teacher ABBY
Abby Main, Center Aide
Abby is currently a senior majoring in Anthropology at Whitman. She has several experiences working with preschool children as a camp counselor. She started working at The Kids’ Place in September, 2023.
In addition to working with children, Abby loves spending her time reading books and being outdoors in nature for exciting hiking trips.
Her current favorite children’s books are: Bear Snores On by Karma Wilson and Goodnight Moon by Margaret Wise Brown.
TEACHER SAMANTHA
Samantha Kernodle - Shigley, Assistant Teacher
Samantha is passionate about early childhood education. She has extensive experience working with children ages 6 months - 7 years. She is excited to start her collegiate journey in Early Childhood Education at Walla Walla Community College.
In her spare time Samantha loves to be outdoors by the water with her husband and two girls. Additionally, Samantha enjoys snuggling up with a good book.
Her favorite children's book is Take Heart My Child by Ainsley Earhardt
Teacher Ella
Ella MacRae, Lead Teacher
Ella is a student at Whitman. Ella is majoring in psychology with plans to pursue her masters in education. She has experience working with preschool aged children in classrooms, camps and afterschool programs.
In addition to working with children Ella enjoys hiking, arts & crafts and spending time with her Cavapoo puppy named Baby.
Her current favorite children’s book is Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey.
TEACHER MARIA
Maria Ramos, Substitute Assistant Teacher
Maria has worked with children of all ages for over fifteen years. She has an associate’s degree in early childhood education. She started working at Kids’ Place in May 2016.
In addition to working with children, Maria likes to walk and garden.
Her current favorite children’s book is: Wonder by R.J. Palacio.
TEACHER RUBY
teacher lucy
Ruby Chavez, Substitute Lead Teacher
Ruby has volunteered in public schools for over ten years. She has her associates in Early Childhood Education and is currently working towards her bachelor's degree at Columbia Basin College. She started working at Kids’ Place in January 2018.
In addition to working with children, Ruby likes to go on walks with her dogs, drives, and travel.
Her current favorite children’s book is: Sofia Valdez: Future Prez by Andrea Beaty
Lucy Collins, Center Aide
Lucy is currently a sophomore majoring in Sociology and Studio Art at Whitman College. She has been working with preschool-aged kids at summer camps, and after-school programs.
In addition to working with children, she enjoys reading, crafting, and going on hikes.
Her favorite children's book is Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.