Rocio, Lead Teacher, Toddler Room (18 months - 2.5 years)

Rocio joined the Kids Place Team in 2023 and has several years of experience volunteering and working in education with young children.

Rocio holds an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is eager to utilize her bilingual skills to incorporate Spanish into our program. In her free time, Rocio 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

Joy, Lead Teacher, Preschool One (Ages 2.5-3.5 years)

Joy joined the Kids Place team in 2017 and has extensive experience working with elementary-age children. She also has a bachelor’s degree in elementary education. In addition to working with children, Joy enjoys photography, singing, reading, and watching NBA games.

Her favorite children’s book is It’s Not Easy Being a Bunny by Marilyn Sadler.

Mary, Assistant Teacher, Preschool One

Mary joined the Kids Place team in 2024 and has several years of experience working with children. Mary also has a Bachelor's Degree in business management from the Walla Walla Community College and is excited to use her bilingual skills to integrate Spanish into our preschool program. In addition to working with children, Mary enjoys watching movies, learning about nature, and spending time with her family, especially with her younger brothers.

Her favorite children’s book is The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry & the Big Hungry Bear by the Big Hungry Bear.



Liz, Lead Teacher, Preschool Two (Ages 3.5 - 5.0 Years)

Liz joined the Kids Place team in 2025, bringing a warm, nurturing spirit and a love for children to our community. Liz comes with extensive experience from Walla Walla Public Schools and is currently completing her Elementary Education degree, which she will earn in the spring of 2026. Liz is excited to use her bilingual skills in the classroom.

Her favorite children’s books are the Junie B. Jones series by Barbara Park

Kaysa, Assistant Teacher, Preschool Two

Kaysa joined the Kids Place team in 2024, bringing her passion for working with children to the classroom. Kaysa has an Associate’s degree from the Walla Walla Community College and has returned to study Early Childhood Education. She is excited to use her bilingual skills to integrate Spanish into our preschool program. Kaysa also enjoys creating art, watching movies, and spending time with loved ones. 

Her favorite children’s book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

Jody, Center Aide

Jody has been with the Kids Place since 2002 and has over 30 years of experience working with young children. In addition to working with children, Jody loves spending time with her husband, two grown children, and their families (especially her 4-year-old grandson). She also enjoys reading, gardening, camping, walking, and spending time with their family pets.

Her favorite children's story is Dream Animals by Emily Winfield Martin.