Teachers, School Philosophy |

TARA JORGENSEN

“Ms. Tara” has been director and a teacher at the school for over 30 years. Tara is Montessori trained and certified through MTP of Washington-for children preschool age through kindergarten. She uses an interdisciplinary approach to teaching, weaving in the arts and outdoors when possible. She’s attended various workshop and child safety classes, as well as CPR through Seattle Children’s Hospital and has a history volunteering and being president of a guild for Children’s.

Tara finds purpose guiding little ones, while operating the school in the same area she grew up. Over the years she’s had the pleasure of getting to know many families in the Seattle area community and finds this aspect of teaching rewarding as well. In her free time, she continues to take classes to add to her expertise and also enjoys pursuing creative outlets. One being writing. Some of her favorite moments are creating art projects and songs with the students. Her teaching style has been described as intuitive and compassionate.

Nora Jorgensen graduated from Western Washington University in SS. She has helped with a few Summer camps, and substitutes on occasion. Her interests include hiking, river rafting as a guide, and skiing. She loves the outdoors. (She is also Ms. Tara’s daughter!)

Ms. Sheilah has a degree in Psychology with a minor in child psychology. She has been connected to Ms Tara’s since 2022, when her daughter started preschool, and is now a regular teacher. She has enjoyed helping over the past couple years, especially P-patch and art days. Sheilah enjoys outings with her family that involve gardening, traveling, and cooking.

Ms. Nicole completed intern hours at Ms. Tara’s while receiving Early Childhood Education credentials at Lake Washington Institute of Technology. Before that, she served as an engineer in the Navy. We’re thrilled she wants to continue teaching on occasion.

She loves working with kids through sports and education, and it shows through her energy level and engagement. She has coached at Lakeside, volunteers for the Special Olympics, and will be holding a camp at Ms. Tara’s in the summer of 2026.