Our Staff
Jennifer Pruitt
Stars 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
Tonya Cunningham
Stars 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
Kieko Kawahara
Stars 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 whom attended HSLP. Kieko enjoys reading, jogging and playing tennis.
Favorite Children’s Book: Bark George by Jules Feiffer
Monica Dadashi
Twinkles Teacher
Monica grew up in Kirkland and at Holy Spirit Lutheran Church. Both of her children attended Holy Spirit Preschool and it was a foundational experience for their social development. Monica is thrilled to work with children at Holy Spirit, watching them learn and grow through play. She believes in supporting each child as an individual, by emphasizing their talents and gifts. Monica enjoys reading and going for walks with her twins. She lives in Kirkland with her children, cat, and bunnies.
Favorite Children’s Book: We’re Going on a Bear Hunt by Michael Rosen
Corrine Zarfos
Twinkles Teacher
Corrine has enjoyed working in early childhood for 8 years at HSLC. She has experience with babies through 6 years old. Corrine is empathetic and works to incorporate each child’s individual needs into the learning objectives. Science and Art are her favorite things to do with children, as you can see their problem solving and creativity in real time. Corrine loves animals of all kinds and has spent time volunteering at local shelters. She enjoys spending time in nature and going to her family’s cabin in Eastern Washington. Corrine lives in Martha Lake with her husband and their pets. '
Favorite Children’s Book: Babies Around the World by Puck and Illustrated by Violet Lemay
Kelly Burns (photo coming soon)
Administrator
Kelly is thankful to be part of Holy Spirit Preschool staff. As a stay-at-home mom for the last 16 years, she spent her time volunteering in the church nursery and helping run VBS for Eastside Foursquare Church. She loves being part of the community and helping at her kids school. She enjoys being around kids, teaching them new things, and being silly. Kelly lives in Kirkland with her husband Andrew, their four boys and a Labsky named Coco. They love to spend time together playing sports, boardgames and being outdoors. Kelly enjoys hiking, camping, swimming, even though her favorite season is winter. She loves puzzles, coffee, and reading. She is excited to see where the Lord leads her on this new adventure.
Favorite Children's Books: Mousekin’s Golden House and Goodnight Moon
Becky Cole
Director
Becky grew up in Minnesota and moved to the Seattle area in 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