Staff

Our kid's teachers

Kim Hagens 3's AM & PM

Kim has 11 years experience in the BCC 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 4’s AM & PM

I have a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education. This is my 18^th year teaching 2-6 year olds.

I have experience working in numerous BCC programs and several preschool/elementary programs. I truly believe teachers should be guides to learning, providing children with meaningful experiences based on exploration, discovery and wonder. I’m thrilled to be part of team that values and supports young children. I love the co-op spirit!

Parent teachers

Sharon Romppanen 3's AM & PM

Sharon has been involved in the Bellevue Community College Parent Education program since 1989, first as a parent in the BCC 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 MA and has been a parent educator with the Toddler, Creative Development Lab and Cooperative preschool programs for the last 6 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."

Wendy Hatheway, 4’s AM

Wendy has worked with children and their families for over 20 years. She earned her undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Washington, and worked for many years as a speech pathologist in preschool, elementary school and private practice settings. A major focus of her work involved parent education in addition to speech therapy. Wendy has two adult daughters, both graduates of the BCC Co-op preschool program. Her family enjoys many outdoor activities, including winter skiing and summer sailing. This is Wendy’s fourth year as a BCC Instructor. “I so appreciated the information and guidance I received as a co-op parent. It’s a pleasure to pass that on and be a resource for the next generation of parents.”

Lela Collins 4's PM

Lela started her teaching career 18 years ago at the Wichita Collegiate School in Kansas. Upon her return to the northwest she taught Kindergarten enrichment, Prekindergarten and Preschool on Mercer Island where she resided. Since joining BCC 4 years ago she has taught Toddler 1 and 2 classes, Young Threes, and all sections of Creative Development Lab. She is currently a Parent Education instructor for both Pine Lake Cooperative and the Enatai Wobbler class.

A graduate of Seattle University, Lela has a background in the Humanities in Art History and German. She has three adult children with whom she enjoys traveling, cooking and sharing a love of books. Lela has spent many years volunteering with families as an art docent, literacy volunteer, refugee resettlement coordinator and court appointed special advocate. She is an ardent supporter of parents and children learning and growing together, and she is delighted to join the Pine Lake Co-op!

This page was last updated on February 3, 2008. Please send comments to: webmaster@pinelakecoop.org