Kaleidoscope Preschool and Childcare Center
Meet Our Amazing Staff
Meet Our Amazing Staff
We are proud to show off the amazing people that we have working with us every day here at Kaleidoscope. Staff members with the tree icon serve our students in the forest program.
Miss Amber Paulsen, Director
I have worked at Kaleidoscope since 1996, after graduating from Western Washington University and earning a Bachelor's Degree in Interdisciplinary Child Development. I continued my schooling while living on Orcas, earning my Masters Degree in Education. My family keeps me pretty busy with 3 grown daughters, 2 sons still at home and 5 grandchildren. I love spending time outdoors, in my garden or working on our farm. My family takes every chance we get to appreciate this beautiful place we call home! I value the impact Kaleidoscope has on our community and appreciate that we are changing lives every day!
Miss Mimi Nikaido, Infant Lead Teacher
Hello! My name is Mimi Nikaido. I am the Infant Teacher. I was born and raised in Lima, Peru. I come from a family of two sisters and two brothers and I have two adorable nephews. Before moving to Orcas Island 2008, I lived in Miami Florida for almost 19 Years. I love and enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love to work with kids, especially infants. Working with infants has been amazing! Watching them learn and grow is something that I enjoy. I have been employed at Kaleidoscope since 2010. We are a great team with incredible passion for each individual child. I feel very lucky and proud to be part of such a great group of teachers.
Miss Breena Sunn, Preschool Lead Teacher
Hi Families,
My name is Miss Breena, and I am super excited to be a preschool teacher.
I grew up here on the island, now married with three young boys of my own, I’m very thankful to call the island our home. I have many years of experience working with school-aged children from working at the funhouse and I am looking forward to getting to know each of your littles. I know we are going to have so much fun together! When I’m not at work I love spending time with my family especially in the kitchen-my husband and I are total foodies. I also love reading, hiking, kayaking, and the beach is my complete happy place.
Miss Emma Orantes, Waddler Lead Teacher
Hello!
I am Ms. Emma and love having a career working with children. I have spent multiple years at Kaleidoscope as the Waddler Lead Teacher and nearly a decade in the early childhood world. I'm excited to continue with a new group of Waddlers. This age group is truly wonderful! They have so much to learn and explore. Assisting in their development brings me joy. I also have a son and daughter, I love being their mom! I have my degree in Early Childhood Education and can't wait to continue to apply my education to enrich your child's education! Teaching with enthusiasm and kindness I hope to help your children flourish. They are capable of so much.
Teacher Shelby Sanders, Forest School Lead Teacher
Hi families! My name is Shelby Sanders! I just recently moved to Orcas from Bellingham, but I’m originally from the Midwest. I went to college for Biology & Natural Resources where I got to study some amazing animals. During the pandemic I found my love for teaching and I’m so happy to be in an outdoor setting to get the best of both! I have a cat named Bernie and a partner named Luke. We can all normally be found reading or hanging outside looking at trees. I’m so thankful for such an amazing opportunity to live on Orcas and teach such awesome kids!
Miss Katy Minnis, Lead Toddler/Waddler Teacher
Hello families! I'm Katy Minnis and I am the lead toddler teacher. I grew up here on Orcas, returned after college, started working full time at Kaleidoscope and have been for four years now! I recently started a family of my own and welcomed my son, Shiloh, in late December 2024. Kaleidoscope feels like a family to me and I'm happy to be sharing it with all of you! It could also be because Miss Amber is my mom and Miss Emma is my sister! I love my job and the people I get to share it with. Thank you for sharing your kind and unique kids with all of us here at Kaleidoscope!
Becca, Office Support
I was born in St. Louis, Missouri but never stayed anywhere long growing up. At the University of Virginia, I primarily studied astronomy but also enjoyed several courses in the environmental science, anthropology, psychology, and American Sign Language departments. After graduating from UVA, I went on to live in Thailand and work at a school just outside of Bangkok. I filled roles from librarian to kindergarten teacher to advanced mathematics teacher. It was there that I discovered my love for helping others learn. I worked at Orcas Christian School teaching middle and high school math starting in 2017 until my husband and I left the island in 2022. In the year and a half we were gone, we welcomed our baby Ronnie and missed this place and community so much we started looking for a path back. I was thrilled to take a position at Kaleidoscope so we could return to the island where my husband and I met and fell in love and where our hearts feel most at peace.
Miss Q, Preschool Lead Teacher
My name is Shannon Quishenberry, but the kiddos call me Ms. Q. I have been a teacher of big kids for 35 years, 29 years in California and 6 in Washington. I have multiple teaching credentials and have taught kindergarten through college. I have two daughters who both live on the island, Bailey (28) and Emory (22)! My husband and I have been married for 25 years and enjoy gardening, hiking, kayaking, camping, swimming, and laughing at the dogs. My husband is a retired teacher who works at the public school as a sub. If you have big kids, they will know Coach Sievers. I have two adopted grandbabies at Kaleidoscope and I'm excited to take this new step into teaching little people as a Lead Teacher in Preschool. And I get to work with some of my favorite people!
Miss Kelly Doty, Kaleidoscope Chef "Our Cooker Teacher"
My name is Kelly Doty, I started working as the cook at Kaleidoscope in early 2017. I grew up here on The Island. My parents owned Orcas Homegrown Market, the natural food store and deli. My grandparents owned the adjoining Doty's A-1 Cafe and Bakery, so I was raised in commercial kitchens. From my parents I learned the value of whole, organic, and local food, which I try to include in the meal plan as much as possible.
I have worked in many different styles of restaurants, I have done catering, and worked festival booths, but so far cooking for the Kaleidoscope kids and staff has been some of the most rewarding work I've had. Your kids are not anonymous tourists for whom I cook one meal on a rushed vacation, but curious individuals who ask me questions and who I get to introduce to new foods (sometimes it's a challenge to convince them that purple carrots are still carrots though).
Miss Shelbi Rogers, Toddler Teacher
Hello! I’m Shelbi Rogers, I am so lucky and grateful to be a Toddler Teacher! I was raised on Orcas, graduated in 2014, then headed to Eastern Washington for college. I have worked at multiple childcare centers over the years off island, but came back home a couple years ago. Duke (pictured with me) is my 4 year old best friend. I love seeing toddlers learn and grow from everything they touch, hear, and see. It brings me so much joy to be their teacher and a part of their success. I am so excited for the opportunity to teach alongside an amazing friend, Miss Katy. We plan to laugh lots, get messy, and play hard!
Miss Delmy (Yanni) Ibarra, Preschool Assistant Teacher
Holla! My name is Delmy Ibarra but everyone knows me as (Yanni) is my middle name. I like to work in cleaning kitchens, with children, and I am a lover and defender of animals. Eight years ago I came to visit this beautiful island and I said that I would like to come again to stay for a while and my dream is fulfilled more now that I have one of my jobs that I like so much thanks, Kaleidoscope for giving me the opportunity.
Miss Iris Arevalo, Assistant Teacher
Hi my name is Iris Arevalo, I was born in Renton Washington. I lived on Orcas until I was 7 years old and then moved to another country. In January of 2023 I moved back to Orcas. I love working at Kaleidoscope because it brings me a lot of good memories when I used to be a student here, also I was the first Latina to come to Kaleidoscope. I'm really glad to share with the kids the beautiful and the awesomeness of Kaleidoscope.
Teacher Opal, Forest School Teacher
Howdy Friends! My name is Opal! I was born here in Washington but became a military brat when I was 6 years old. This fostered my love for travel and learning. As a teenager and an adult, I had the privilege of exploring many different countries & states.
My passions are for furry children (cats Gus and Sunny, dog Biscuit), cooking, art, plants, animals, and, of course childcare!
I'm so proud to be here to help the children at Kaleidoscope Forest School navigate their early years through nature.
Thanks so much for having me!
Teacher Jen, Forest School Lead Teacher
Hello! My name is Jen. Born and raised in Portland, Oregon, I moved to Orcas Island back in May. I am grateful to be working with Kaleidoscope providing support to local families and helping children connect with their community and environment. I have worked in childcare going on 10 years and I am working on completing my Early Childhood Education degree. Outside of school I love crafts of all kinds, hiking, music, and biking. I am pursuing knowledge in farming, animal care, ceramics, and sailing. I am excited to become more involved in the Orcas Island community and contribute to the marvelous team at Kaleidoscope.
Miss Melissa, Toddler/Waddler Lead Teacher
Hello! My name is Melissa. I was born and raised in Skagit County, I spent my longest time living in Anacortes so I am familiar with the islands and the sense of community here! My husband and I, along with our 2 children recently moved here from Utah and have been loving everything the island offers. I have been working with children since I was 12 years old when I took the American Red Cross Babysitting Course. I graduated from BYU-Idaho in Professional Preschool Education and have been working with children ever since! I love to see the children learn new skills everyday and to see their personality shine through. I am excited to get to know all of the families we are blessed to serve here at Kaleidoscope!
Yossi Carroll, Forest School Assistant Teacher
Greetings! My name is Yossi Carroll. I am 23 years old and I am originally from North Miami Beach Florida where I grew up with 5 other siblings, (1 sister and 5 boys made for quite the experience let me tell ya.)
I am coming from a pre-k classroom in Cleveland Ohio with a year's experience in an indoor setting. It is so exciting to now be outdoors all day long and to be experiencing the natural world as the guide for our learning endeavors. I truly love being a teacher and learn oh so much each day from the kids in any class I have been a part of. From my experiences thus far, working in childcare, although super challenging, has brought me the most embodied fulfillment and joy at the end of my week.
I too enjoy making art and am an artist who enjoys a handful of mediums. Some of my favorites to work with are singing/piano, painting in an impressionistic style, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, and acting/improvisation.
It has been such an interesting ride so far and arriving in Orcas with a job working with children and alongside an amazing staff is quite the blessing, and I am excited to continue on into my forest school adventure.
Daria Allen, Forest School Lead Teacher
My name is Daria Allen. I grew up here in the islands where my family still resides. In my undergrad programs I pursued
K-8 elementary and P-12 special education then transitioned to educational design and experiential learning for my Masters. I have spent the last 5 years teaching special education in the upper elementary setting. For a short time I’m excited to be back on island with my son spending time in the forest!
Natalia Clocker, Forest School Teacher
Hi there! My name is Natalia. Growing up my family moved states quite a bit, but I spent most of my childhood in a little cabin in Colorado. Being surrounded by wildlife and deep woods at a young age instilled in me a love for the natural world, and a strong interest in our connection to the elements around us. Outside of school you can find me creating something or exploring another forest! I’m so excited to be a part of the forest school team, and to have a hand in encouraging the curious minds here to learn through the environment around them, and through their own creativity.
Alexandria Beyer, Program Manager
I am delighted to be here with you all! My connection to Orcas Island began in 2017, when I came here to work as an Outdoor Educator and Expedition Guide with, you guessed it, YMCA Camp Orkila. I fell in love with this place, as one does. After two seasons here, I left with a sense that someday I might return. I am so grateful that this role with Kaleidoscope is what’s called me back to be a part of something I sincerely believe in.
My professional background has been focused primarily on Outdoor Education, Expedition Guiding, Coordinating, and Grant Writing. I received my Bachelor’s degree for Spanish Studies from the University of Minnesota in 2012, and I am currently enrolled in a program to become a Clinical Ayurvedic Practitioner through the YogaVeda Institute – this is a long haul pursuit I enjoy for the sake of learning and growing. Yoga and Ayurveda play significant roles in my life and are a place of refuge for me.
I’ve also had the privilege of living and spending significant time in South America, including Venezuela, Colombia, and Peru, and several states throughout the U.S. What’s remained consistent for me throughout my travels, pursuits, studies, and career paths is the joy I discover again and again in connecting with people, particularly children and youth. I am so happy to be here with Kaleidoscope and to be of service to our Island families.
New Staff
We are so excited to welcome LeAnn Klumb, Jessica Staub,
and Oscar Schragel-Rietz to our staff!
Their pictures and bios will be added here soon.
Rook Vergen, Forest School Teacher
Aang! Hello! I am Rook, and I use he/they pronouns. Thrilled to be in forest classrooms, I’ve returned to Orcas after my own magical childhood on the island. Utilizing my Theatre Arts degree from the University of Puget Sound in Tacoma, I endeavor to blend play and the sharing of knowledge amongst the trees, in the dirt, and in our imaginations. With a passion for education, teaching in the forest allows me to dovetail Indigenous ways of learning and being, honoring my Unangax̂ heritage and Two-Spirit traditions. While instilling respect and responsibility for ourselves, each other, and the land, the forest is an incredible space to hold and care for growing minds. I look forward to connecting with you, and opening hearts to empathy, compassion, and curiosity. Qaĝaasakung! Thank you!