Holy Spirit Lutheran Preschool Staff
Our dedicated staff of preschool teachers love working with families and helping each child to shine in their own unique way. Our teachers attend ongoing trainings and conferences to keep up with the very latest early childhood research. Cultivating joyful learners who are curious about the world around them is a commitment that our staff takes very seriously.
Ruth Hanley
4+ Class Lead Teacher
preschool@hslckirkland.org
Ruth has been a preschool teacher at HSLP for 5 years but has been involved in early childhood for much of her career. She graduated from UW with a degree in Women's Studies/Arts & Literature and believes that every child has their own unique superpowers - even though some superpowers may be in disguise at first. When children develop their strengths and interests with the help and love of their family and a strong early education foundation, they have the power to make this world a better place. Ruth lives near Kirkland with her husband, two daughters and their Airdoodle named Pepper. When she isn’t working at the preschool, she loves coffee and a good book, having dress-up tea parties with her daughters, and writing children's books.
Favorite Children’s Book: After the Fall (How Humpty Dumpty Got Back Up Again) by Dan Santat
Jennifer Pruitt
3+ Lead Teacher
Jennifer has worked and volunteered in childhood education programs at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church and the community for over fourteen years. Her four children were students of Holy Spirit Lutheran Preschool, and it brings her great joy to teach at the school that held them during their first steps of education. She believes that there is no greater gift than the imagination and curiosity of a child. In her free time, Jennifer likes to hike, camp, garden, and knit. She lives in Maltby with her husband, children, and two Goldendoodle dogs.
Favorite Children’s Book: I Am Enough by Grace Byers
Kieko Kawahara
4+ Teacher
Kieko grew up in Japan, where she developed an appreciation for the outdoors throughout the four seasons. She enjoys being outside and has fond memories of doing activities every day with her four siblings. She received a kindergarten Teacher License in early childhood education in Japan. Kieko has worked at Holy Spirit Lutheran Preschool for over 10 years. She enjoys being around kids, and loves to learn from the kids. what they are curious about, and their unique perspective on the world. Kieko has been married for over 20 years and they have two sons, both of them attended HSLP. Kieko enjoys reading, jogging and playing tennis.
Favorite Children’s Book: Bark George by Jules Feiffer
Tonya Cunningham
3+ Teacher
Tonya Cunningham is grateful to teach at Holy Spirit Lutheran Preschool, with its message of inclusivity and love for each individual child. Tonya's work with children encompasses 15+ years as a children's bookseller in ME, CO and Seattle. She's worked as an Outdoor Educator and as a Waldorf school teacher, as a Roots of Empathy instructor, and as a postpartum doula. She loves listening to what a child has to say and then discovering, learning, and imagining along with them. Tonya is a writer, a poet, and an artist. She lives in Lake Forest Park with her husband, 3 teenagers, and 2 dogs. In her free time find her at the beach, baseball games, and outside, enjoying nature.
Favorite Children’s Book: All the World by Liz Garton Scanlon
Dana Jacobson
Administrator
Dana is our Preschool Administrator and also loves her work with the babies in the Infant Room on Thursday mornings during Mom’s Midweek Ministry. She's excited to be part of Holy Spirit Lutheran Preschool, as it brings together several of her passions: education, child development, and faith. Some of Dana's favorite things are being an auntie, playing the piano, having coffee with friends or family, reading, bullet journaling, and caring for babies. She also loves her other work of organizing/decluttering clients' homes/offices and writing. Dana grew up in the Vancouver-Portland area, had the privilege of spending her junior year of college in Barcelona, Spain, moved to Seattle in 1992, and since 1999 has lived happily in her cozy little condo in Bellevue.
Favorite Children’s Book: The Relatives Came by Cynthia Rylant
Becky Cole
Director
Becky grew up in Minnesota and moved to the Seattle area is 1996. She joined the HSLC staff in 2007 as Children’s Ministry Director. Becky has an MBA, and a Certificate of Professional Studies in Children, Youth and Family Ministries. Becky and her husband, Christopher, have two sons who attended HSLP and she loves being a part of the school that helped shape her boys’ education. Becky enjoys reading, camping, traveling, attending soccer matches, and spending time with her family. She especially feels called to include every child, teach the grace of Jesus Christ, and live life as God called.
Favorite Children’s Book: Silly Sally by Audrey Wood