Our Children's Teachers
Kim Hagen 3s AM and Art and Science Lab
Kim has 11 years experience in the Bellevue College program, as teacher, as parent educator and parent. She holds a B.A. in Home Economics with an emphasis on Early Childhood Education. As a teacher she enjoys working with both the children and the parents. "I want to provide an enriching environment with fun and positive experiences to help facilitate that Co-op experience for everyone."
Ardis Mortenson 4s AM and PreK
Ardis has a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education. This is her 18th year teaching 2- 6-year-olds. She has experience working in numerous Bellevue College programs and several preschool/elementary programs. She truly believes teachers should be guides to learning, providing children with meaningful experiences based on exploration, discovery and wonder. "I’m thrilled to be part of a team that values and supports young children. I love the co-op spirit!"
Parent Educators
Sharon Romppanen 3s AM and Art and Science Lab
Sharon has been involved in the Bellevue College Parent Education program since 1989, first as a parent in the Bellevue College cooperative preschool program and then continued as a children’s teacher and parent educator. She has her Bachelor of Science in Education from Wheelock College in Boston and has been a parent educator with the Toddler, Creative Development Lab and Cooperative preschool programs for the last six years. She loves gardening, bicycling, skiing (anything outside) and traveling. Now that her two children are off to college, anything is possible! "I discovered my love for the program with my own children, got hooked and continue my passion through working with incredible teachers and wonderful, caring parents. I feel honored to be part of our families journeys through the parenting experience."
Mary Gentry 4s AM and PreK
Mary has a Master's Degree in Social Work . "A unifying theme throughout my career is a deep interest in stages of personal development/learning across the lifespan. I have worked with all age groups, infants through retirees. I especially enjoy working with young families. My first parent education experiences was as a mom with my own children (now 26 and 22) at Seattle Central Community College." Professional work experience includes: work with infants, wobblers, toddlers, preschoolers (3-5 years old); program development and direct service for new parents at the Program for Early Parent Support (PEPS); parent education instructor for Seattle Central Community College and Bellevue College programs; career and life planning with adults.
