Meet Our Dedicated Team
Meet the dedicated team helping our children learn and grow. Our staff combine professional expertise with a community‑oriented co‑op spirit.
Our Teachers
Elise Cranston, Pre-Kindergarten
Experience: Elise joined Magnolia Co-op in 2024 as our Pre-K teacher. With a background in Theology, Spanish, and TESL, she discovered her passion for early childhood education while working as a nanny and preschool teacher.
Teaching Focus: Elise’s classroom emphasizes joy, learning, autonomy, and empathy. Elise is especially gifted at learning the interests of each child and following their lead to inform her curriculum choices and classroom design.
Fun Facts: Outside of school, she enjoys cooking, live music, outdoor exercise, and social justice. She lives in Queen Anne with her husband Tyler.
Mike Pandorf, Threes, Thursday Toddlers & Music Enrichment
Experience: Mike has been a teacher at the co-op since 2022, beginning with Enrichment classes and now leading the Multi-Age Classroom. He draws on his parenting experiences and training as a musician at the Jacobs School of Music at Indiana University.
Teaching focus: Mike believes music is a powerful tool to inspire and connect children!
Fun Facts: Mike enjoys playing brass instruments, cooking, and home improvement. He lives in Magnolia.
Diana Wagner-Boyd, Infants & Twos
Experience: Diana has been part of the Magnolia Co-op since 2014 and has been teaching in co-op communities since 1997.
Teaching Focus: She brings creativity, music, and fun to the classroom, drawing on her theater degree from Cornish College of the Arts and her experience teaching children of all ages. Her guitar and lively collection of songs make circle time truly magical and create joyful, memorable experiences for the children.
Fun Facts: Diana enjoys gardening, hiking, rock climbing, surfing, and roller-skating. She lives in north Seattle with her husband Ed, her cockatiel Frisbee, and cat Missy.
Haley James, Friday Toddlers & Multi-Age Classroom Lead
Experience: Haley has 3+ years of experience working with young children and holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. As a mom to a young child herself, she also brings a firsthand understanding of the joys and challenges of this unique stage.
Teaching Focus: Haley believes young children learn best through play, exploration, and connection. She loves getting to know each child, following their interests, and creating a welcoming space where they can be themselves, try new things, and find a little magic in learning.
Fun Facts: Outside of school Haley enjoys spending time with her family at local parks, having a cozy day in with her two cats Wally and Eleanor, and a cup of coffee! :)
Melanie Martin, Teaching Assistant
Experience: Melanie has brought creativity, care, and joy to the MAC for many years, with a multi-generational connection to the co-op through her family.
Teaching Focus: Melanie does an amazing job creating a nurturing and playful environment for all children. Melanie also loves to create art during class time.
Fun Fact: Outside of school, Melanie loves to walk the neighborhood and tend to her garden.
Mary Murray, Teaching Assistant
Experience: Mary has supported families as a caregiver and teaching assistant for several years at Magnolia Cooperative Preschool.
Teaching Focus: Mary’s specialty is connecting with each child’s interests and identifying their needs. Mary is also amazing at helping kiddos with learning a new and exciting art projects.
Fun Facts: Mary loves outdoor adventures like hiking and camping and loves to be in nature.
Our Director of Parent Education and Support
Becky Cooke, Prek, Threes, Twos and Toddlers
Experience: Becky started as an occupational therapist in NYC and found her passion for co-op preschool after her own experience as a long-time co-op parent.
Teaching Focus: She brings an OT perspective to understanding neurodiversity and sensory needs.
Fun Fact: Becky enjoys volunteering, walking in Discovery Park, gardening, and sharing her love of the outdoors and mushrooms. Ask her about salmon!