Meet Our Dedicated Teachers & Parent Educators

Meet the dedicated team helping our children learn and grow. Our teachers and parent educators combine professional expertise with a community‑oriented co‑op spirit.

Our Teachers

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Diana Wagner-Boyd, Infants, Twos, and Split Age

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 to the classroom, drawing on her theater degree from Cornish College of the Arts and her experience teaching a wide range of ages. 

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.

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Jillian Bentley, Toddlers

Experience: An award-winning teacher with decades of experience, Jillian has taught French and Multilingual Learners in K-12 schools, she has taught in the Enrichment programs at MCP, and she has served as a parent mentor. She is currently completing a Masters in Education in Early Childhood Education.

Teaching Focus: She is passionate about parent education, fostering connections within the community, and learning through play!

Fun Facts: Jillian enjoys biking, swimming, cooking, baking, crossword puzzling, and spending time with friends, family, and her two pups, Felix and Edgar. She lives in Magnolia.

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Nicole Appell, Threes

Experience: Nicole has been teaching 3-5 year olds at the Co-op since 2021 and has over 20 years of experience as a K-8 Art Specialist. 

Teaching Focus: She believes in nurturing children’s wonder and joy through exploration and creativity. 

Fun Facts: Nicole enjoys making art, hiking, and exploring beaches with her family. She lives in Magnolia.

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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. 

Fun Facts: Outside of school, she enjoys cooking, live music, outdoor exercise, and social justice. She lives in Queen Anne with her husband Tyler.

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Mike Pandorf, Multi-Age Classroom

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. He centers the curriculum in the MAC around individual interests, music, and the arts. 

Fun Facts: Mike enjoys playing brass instruments, cooking, and home improvement. He lives in Magnolia.

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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: Creating a nurturing and playful environment for all children.

Fun Fact: Loves connecting with children and co-op families

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Mary Murray, Teaching Assistant

Experience: Mary has supported families as a caregiver and teaching assistant for several years. 

Teaching Focus: She enjoys connecting with each child’s interests 

Fun Facts: Mary loves outdoor adventures and nature.

Our Parent Educators

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Jharman Lightner, Infants

Experience: Jharman is a PhD candidate in developmental psychology and has taught parent education at Edmonds College. 

Teaching focus: She supports our infant class by helping families understand early development.

Fun Fact: Excited to join the MCP team and help families navigate early learning.

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Adrianne (Ady) Kenady, Friday Toddlers

Experience: Ady has years of early childhood experience and holds a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education

Teaching Focus: As former co-op parent, she enjoys creating supportive, engaging environments for toddlers.

Fun Fact: Passionate about nurturing young learners

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Becky Cooke, Twos, and Pre-K

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!

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Lea Evans, Threes, Thursday Toddlers

Experience: Lea has been supporting families since 2001 and has taught adult education at North Seattle College since 2018. 

Teaching Focus: She specializes in parent coaching, Positive Discipline, and postpartum support. 

Fun Fact: Lea enjoys biking, hiking, and spending time with family, and is passionate about guiding children and families.