Our Teachers
Our team is comprised of dedicated Early Childhood Educators who bring a vast amount of formal education, years of experience, and an over all loving, caring demeanor. We work to stay current with our curriculum, training and new developments in our field. We believe in collaboration between educators and strive to do and be better every day.
Kechelle
Center Director
Kechelle Jackson has been part of the SPCDC community since 2013 and has served as Director since 2021. Born and raised in Seattle, she has always loved being active in her community through dance, sports, and the arts. That passion for movement and creativity grew into a career dedicated to education and working with children.
She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and spent over five years as a preschool teacher, while also mentoring and leading enrichment programs. Kechelle also taught at a local dance studio for more than 10 years, sharing her love of dance with students of all ages.
In 2012, she founded Emerald City Creative Arts, which offers art and dance enrichment programs across the greater Seattle area, including with Seattle Public Schools and SPCDC. She has also served as Treasurer and now President of the Dance Educators Association of Washington.
As Director, Kechelle is passionate about partnering with families and staff to foster a joyful, creative, and supportive learning environment for every child.
LESLY
Pre-K Teacher
4 – 5 year olds
Lesly Gomez joined SPCDC as a University of Washington volunteer in the spring of 2024 and quickly became a valued member of the teaching team. After serving as a float teacher, she is excited to step into the role of Lead Teacher in the PK classroom.
Lesly recently graduated from the University of Washington with a Bachelor of Arts in Medical Anthropology & Global Health and has also completed coursework in Early Childhood Education. Her unique educational background, combined with her hands-on classroom experience, has strengthened her passion for supporting young children’s growth and development.
Lesly is committed to creating a nurturing, culturally responsive learning environment where every child and family feels valued, supported, and encouraged to learn through play and meaningful experiences. She looks forward to continuing to build strong relationships with children and families while helping every child thrive throughout the school year.
AVERY
Young Pre-K Teacher
3 – 4 year olds
Avery Altig graduated from the University of Washington in 2026 with a degree in Early Childhood and Family Studies. She first joined SPCDC as a University of Washington volunteer in the fall of 2024 and became a float teacher in the summer of 2025.
With a passion for creating engaging, inclusive, and collaborative learning environments, Avery is committed to helping every child develop a strong sense of belonging within the classroom community. She believes that meaningful relationships and positive experiences are the foundation for lifelong learning.
Avery is excited to continue building strong connections with children and families while fostering a classroom where every child feels supported, encouraged, and inspired to learn through play and exploration.
ARIANA
Toddler Teacher
18 months – 3 year olds
Ariana Roybal graduated from the University of Washington in 2026 with a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and Family Studies. She first joined SPCDC as a University of Washington volunteer in 2023 and has been a valued member of the teaching team ever since.
Ariana’s passion for early childhood education began while volunteering in a preschool during high school and was further inspired by becoming an aunt at a young age. Through her classroom experience, she has developed a strong belief that children thrive when they feel safe, valued, and free to be themselves.
Ariana is dedicated to creating a warm, inclusive classroom where every child feels welcomed, seen, heard, and loved. She values building meaningful relationships with children and families and looks forward to partnering with them to support each child’s growth and learning throughout the school year.
Careers
Want to join our team? Check out our current openings or email your resume and cover letter to spcdckids@gmail.com.
