Our Teachers
There are a few things we believe about preschool that are at the core of who we are at TDP. The foundation is always the relationship we as teachers build with kids. Significant learning happens through significant relationships. This cannot be replaced by expensive curriculum or environments. We love and invest in kids and that is when the real life learning happens.
Ms. Mandi
My name is Mandi Smith and I was born and raised here in the Snoqualmie Valley. My love for this Valley and its' people definitely contributed to my desire to open The Discovery Preschool here, in my hometown.
After graduating from Mt. Si, I attended Central Washington University where I earned my degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. After graduating from CWU, I married my high school sweetheart, and began teaching first grade at Fall City Elementary School which I loved.
After teaching there for four years, I took some time off from teaching to have three children of my own, with the hopes of one day opening a preschool. In 2007 with a five year old, a four year old and a one year old at home, we opened the doors to The Discovery Preschool. We created the school we wanted for our own kids.
I was so fortunate to live out my professional dream, while providing a wonderful learning environment for my own kids and so many of the children of The Snoqualmie Valley.
Now, I am the mom of three grown kids. Our oldest daughter is an elementary school teacher, our son is a firefighter and our youngest is in college working on her teaching degree. I think I love this preschool age even more than I did before as it is now behind me in my own family. I still pinch myself sometimes that TDP is ours.
Ms. Jen
My name is Jen DelGrande Paradissis and I have taught preschool in the Snoqualmie Valley since 2003. I began teaching at The Discovery Preschool in 2007, when it opened.
I knew this magical age was my passion very early on in life and I feel very lucky to have been able to work in this field in this fabulous community.
I love keeping track of where my former students spread their wings! If I had a magic wand I would make my own kids Ivy and Reed 4 years old for forever! But, they are grown now…Ivy teaching in her own Kindergarten classroom, married with my first Grandchild and Reed is working in Seattle after graduating from WSU.
So, at my house now it is just my husband Chris and I.
When I am not at school I love to ski and do yoga and I am starting to be able to travel a little. I am passionate about our community and the people who live here and I love knowing I am helping it flourish, one Preschool kid at a time!
Ms. Dana
My name is Dana McCabe. I moved to Carnation in 2005 from Maryland where I was born and raised. My husband, Brad and I have been married over 20 years, and we have three awesome kids, Patrick, Connor, and Natalie.
Our kids are very active, two playing soccer year round and the other running. When we aren’t watching them, we love to be outside enjoying the beautiful area we live in.
I started teaching swim lessons when I was seventeen and that was when I realized that I really enjoyed watching children accomplish something. From there it has evolved into teaching preschool since 2009.
I did have the pleasure of teaching middle school math and science before having my own kids. Middle School was another age that I really enjoyed as well. I love what I do, the diversity that my job brings and the excitement of children.
Ms. Kaley
My name is Kaley Villnow and I live in Fall City with my husband and our three kids. We love raising our family in the Snoqualmie Valley! I grew up nearby in Issaquah and went on to get my degree in Elementary Education and Psychology at Seattle Pacific University. I taught 2nd/3rd grade in the Issaquah School District for 7 years.
I took a break from teaching while my kids were little, which brought me to TDP. My oldest son started preschool here in 2018 and I fell in love with this school! After all three of my kids were done with their preschool years I knew I wasn’t ready to leave this special place, so here I am! I wholeheartedly believe in everything that makes this place so special: building relationships with kids, meeting them where they are at, providing learning choices that are fun and engaging, and of course the most important work of childhood: play!
Apart from teaching, I love taking my dog on walks, reading, puzzling, hiking, watching my kids play sports, and doing anything crafty! It is such a privilege to walk alongside kids as they learn and grow, and I am grateful I get to be part of a very special community here at TDP!
Ms. Karen
My name is Karen Laub. My husband and I moved to Snoqualmie in 1999 and we have enjoyed raising our children here in the Snoqualmie Valley. We have three grown kids. One is now teaching, one is in College and one is at Mount Si. They still keep us busy!
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Child, Consumer and Family Studies with an Emphasis in Preschool Education from Washington State University. I started teaching after I graduated from WSU, and have worked with kids ranging in age from 2 to 5 years old in a variety of settings. It's interesting to look back on the places that I've taught in because they all look a bit like The Discovery Preschool. They have each welcomed a range of ages, with activities that grow and expand as a child masters the skills surrounding it, and they are bright, colorful, cheerful places. Places where children are welcome to be who they are, and grow.
As I found the need to find a Preschool for my youngest daughter, I found what was familiar here at TDP, and after she moved on to Kindergarten, I was lucky enough to start working here in 2017. It has been so much fun. I love seeing the look on a child's face when they realize they can do something they thought they couldn't, and the joy that just comes from being a Preschooler...if we could bottle the energy, the curiosity and innocence we would all be rich.
Ms. Katie
My name is Katie Skorupa, and I am so excited to be part of The Discovery Preschool family!
I grew up in Bellevue and attended Washington State University, where I earned my degree in Human Development. I have spent my whole life working with children, including preschool education, running before- and after-school programs, and summer camps. I also spent many years teaching dance to adults!
My husband, Jesse, and I moved to the Snoqualmie Valley in 2014 when we bought our first home. We have two wonderful kids, Melissa (6th grade) and Liam (2nd grade). Both attended The Discovery Preschool, and our family loved it so much that I knew I wanted to be part of this special school!
I love the curiosity, creativity, and joy that preschoolers bring to each day. When I’m not at school, I enjoy yoga, dancing, and spending time with family, friends, and our two Labs, Dulce and Lilibet. I feel so lucky to be part of a school that holds such a special place in our family’s hearts!
Ms. Sara
My name is Sara Montgomery! My husband, Scott, and I moved to the Snoqualmie Valley in 2008, and we’ve loved making this community our home. Since 2009, I’ve been primarily a stay-at-home mom, raising our two children, Rowan and Sadie. This preschool holds a special place in our family because Sadie attended here years ago, making it especially meaningful to now be part of the community in a new way.
Over the years, I’ve also had the opportunity to work in a preschool, volunteer in children’s classrooms, and work part-time at a pediatric physical therapy office. I’ve always loved being around children and creating an environment where they feel safe, supported, encouraged, and free to be themselves.
I’m naturally nurturing, creative, and playful, and I love being silly, laughing, and finding fun ways to engage with kids. I’m so excited to bring my love of children, joyful energy, and enthusiasm for learning into the classroom. I feel incredibly fortunate to be part of this wonderful community!