I am Sheryl Nelson, the School Principal of City Kids School since 1998, and, as of 2025, the Principal of Pursuit Elementary in Kirkland. Before stepping into educational leadership, I was a teacher in early childhood education for 10 years. I firmly believe I have a calling to invest in the next generation.

I believe God uses every season of our lives to shape who we are. I began my career as a recruiter in a personnel firm, helping candidates find their ideal jobs for six years. I found great fulfillment in making a meaningful difference for each person I supported. While attending Newport Mesa Church in Costa Mesa, California, I served as a teacher trainer for five years, equipping and supporting volunteer teachers in early childhood education.

Academically, I earned a master’s degree in teaching in 2010 and a bachelor’s degree in sociology in 1983. My education and experiences have fueled my passion for guiding the next generation with bold faith and fostering a love for learning.

During my tenure in educational leadership, we have continuously maintained our state license with DCYF (Division of Children, Youth, and Families) since 1998. In 2013, we partnered with Washington Early Achievers to prepare children for success in school. I am honored to work alongside an exceptional team of like-minded educators who teach from a Christian worldview.

I have been married to my best friend since 1982, and we are blessed with three adult children and six grandchildren, who bring me immense joy. My passion for supporting children and families in social-emotional learning, character development, faith, and academic growth has fueled the thriving communities at both schools. I believe this legacy will continue to flourish.

I am proud to be part of such an incredible, faith-filled community.

Sheryl Nelson, MIT | Kirkland Campus Principal
City Kids School & Pursuit Elementary

(425) 739–1227
sheryl@citymin.org

Hello, my name is Kristy Lara. I have an earned bachelor’s degree in Children’s studies from Eastern Washington as well as an earned CDA (Child Development Associates) and love to keep learning. I have a sense of humor, love to guide children to new discoveries, am teachable, enjoy interacting with parents, and love God with all my heart.

My classroom is colorful, fun, and safe for the inquisitive 2.5 – 3-year-olds. We have age-appropriate activities that invite a child to play and learn through hands-on activities.

One of the most exciting things in my classroom is watching children learn through play. It is not hard—it’s natural. I love to put a new activity out and watch as the children discover it, test it out, play with it, and get ahold of the “concept” without even trying.

My favorite verse is Philippians 4:6-7:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Hello! My name is Karina Tseng.

I’ve been a part of the teaching team at City Kids School since 2018. In 2020 I earned a degree in Christian Studies from Regent University. I love being an assistant teacher in the two-day program. Kristy Lara and I focus on creating our classroom to be warm and inviting for our students. Striking up a conversation through a Disney, Marvel or Star Wars songs is one of my favorite ways to make a connection with a student.

I recently got married and gained two amazing children to my already two amazing children, now I have four amazing children.

My favorite verse is: “With tender humility and quiet patience, always demonstrate gentleness and generous love toward one another, especially toward those who may try your patience.”

Ephesians 4:2 TPT

My name is Bonnie Anderson, and I am excited to be joining the teaching team and specifically the 3-day teachers at City Kids School! I have an earned bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from Warner Pacific College in Portland Oregon. I love children and I have 5 adult children of my own. I am delighted to be a part of the thriving community at City Kids School!

I have found that children learn best when they are having fun. I believe a classroom should be inviting and full of exciting hands-on activities. My desire is that every child will know they are unique and greatly loved by God and that they will make new friends while exploring both God’s Word and the world in which we live.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Proverbs 3:5-6 (TPT):

“Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make.”

Hello, my name is Sue Cheng,

I am excited to start my sixth year at City Kids School as an Assistant Teacher. I grew up in Taiwan and have a nursing degree. I worked in the ER/Surgery/Anesthesia as a nurse for many years before becoming a teacher. Prior to joining City Kids School, I was a bilingual pre-school teacher. When I’m not teaching in Preschool, I am a Sunday school teacher and enjoy reading and spending time with my family.

I love teaching children and helping them with hands on learning. My intention is that each child will love coming into our class with a big smile and enjoy having fun with their friends. I will encourage them to learn how to face difficulties and overcome them. As an assistant teacher, I will help each child to build a good attitude toward life in addition to the formal teaching from the lead teacher. I believe preschool will help them for the rest of their life.

My favorite scripture verse is:

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” Ephesians 4:2-3 (NIV)

Hi! I’m Natalie McEathron and I’m honored to join the teaching team at City Kids School as Lead Teacher with our 2 Day class. I have earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Justice Studies from Arizona State University and am working towards a certificate in Early Childhood Education. I’ve been married to my husband Grant for 8 years and we have two beautiful daughters who are both students at CKS.

I love watching a child’s eyes light up with awe and wonder as they learn something new for the first time. The 2’s class is the first step into education for many littles and it’s such a fun place to watch your child learn through play. We will create age appropriate art projects, sing new songs and grow in our love for God and His love for us.

One of my favorite verses is John 1:15 “The light shines brightest in the darkness, and the darkness can’t overcome it.” I love sharing the light that comes from Jesus and pointing children to His promises.

Hello, my name is Nadia Madalina,

I am so excited to return to City Kids School as an Assistant Teacher. Before having my second child, I was an Assistant Teacher from 2017-2021. Also, I enjoy being the Kids Choir teacher at my church. I have a son in elementary school and daughter who will be attending City Kids School.

Working with children and watching them light up with joy as they discover and learn something new brings me delight. It is a passion of mine to help them learn especially about God and discover who they are in Him, also helping them to become the person He is calling them to be. Helping them realize their full potential will help them thrive in every other area of their life. On Christ, the solid rock, I stand.

My favorite verse is “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-6 NIV

Hello! My name is Anna Benes. I have an earned Associate of Arts Degree from Grays Harbor College in 2003. Then I worked as a cosmetologist for 20 years. I have 4 children and my youngest three have been students at City Kids School.

Over the last 7 years of being a parent at City Kids School, I am so excited to join the teaching team. I completed the initial early learning certificate, required for all early learning educators, and I’m excited to spread my passion for helping children of all abilities with their education and play. My youngest child is Autistic, and I have dedicated my life to learning about how to help children with communication and development.

Pursuing a new direction in my career path of education is an exciting change, and being able to help children is an amazing opportunity. I look forward to assisting in the 3-half-day class and being a part of this community.

One of my favorite verses is: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Psalm 139:14

Hello! My name is Tami Duryee.

I am extremely excited to be teaching the Pre-K class at City Kids School. I have been teaching in Early Childhood since 1990. God has always had His hand on my life, and I am delighted for my adventure at City Kids School. I really love the Pre-K/Kindergarten age as they genuinely like learning new things. I specialize in HANDS ON LEARNING as I find hands-on-activities to be the best way to connect to the learning.

Because GRACE and FAITH are especially important in my life, I will share my favorite verse: “For it is by GRACE you have been saved through FAITH.” EPHESIANS 2:8

Hello! My name is Lori Martinez and I’m beyond excited to join the team at City Kids School as an Assistant Teacher, in Pre-K. I can’t wait to meet you and get to know you! Before we meet, first let me tell you a little about me.

Before coming to City Kids School, I had the honor to volunteer on several missions’ trips to Sri Lanka where I assisted the teachers and students in their day-to-day activities and helped to feed them; this was a life changing experience. I have volunteered in summer camps with elementary students and loved to listen to their concerns and joys. I would give them hugs, high fives and throw them kisses. The children knew I loved them. I also speak fluid Spanish.

I find great joy in being able to help my students understand difficult concepts and to help them to grow socially and emotionally.

Working as a teacher is an incredible privilege. I’m so very happy to begin the school year. And this season of my life.

One of my favorite verses is: “Even though I walk through the darkest valley I will not fear for you are with me your rod and staff comfort me.” Psalms 23:4

Hello, my name is Dina Pan and I teach our amazing Pre-K class! I am a graduate of the University of Washington where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Interdisciplinary Arts and Sciences with an emphasis on Culture, Literature, and the Arts. I also earned a Washington State Teaching Certificate in Elementary Education. Prior to coming to City Kids School I taught in the Northshore School District and at Bright Horizons.

From an early age I wanted to be a teacher. I grew up with parents who were both educators and their love for teaching inspired me. Now I feel so privileged to be teaching at City Kids School and working with such an amazing teaching team.

My goal for students is to make learning fun. I love to teach using songs, movement, repetition, and creative activities. One of the most rewarding things about teaching is watching a child have his/her “aha” moment. When a child finds understanding or accomplishes a task that they have been working diligently on such as writing a letter or number correctly I love to see the “aha” moment and this without doubt brings joy to my heart.

One of my favorite scriptures is Philippians 4:13:

“I can do all things through him who gives me strength.”

Hello! My name is Bonnie Schwindt and I have been teaching in early childhood for over 20 years. I am thankful to be part of City Kids School where I continue to provide fun, engaging learning opportunities for children to explore the world around them. I have a 2-year AA degree from Edmonds Community College and have benefited from attending WAEYC (Washington Association for the Education of Young Children), and Northwest Ministries Conferences where I have strengthened my knowledge in Early Childhood Development.

I find great joy when I hear a child is excited to come to school each day!! School can be fun! I encourage my students to try new things, using all their 5 senses, and the outcome is confidence in themselves and their abilities. Most importantly, I want them to know who God is and how much He loves them, fostering positive interactions with their peers, and encouraging them to develop new friendships.

One of my favorite Bible verses is: “I can do all things thru Christ who gives me strength.” Philippines 4:13

Hello! My name is Starr Brown and I am excited to be your child’s teacher this school year.

I attended Washington State University and earned a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and a minor in Psychology. I then went on to compete my Masters in Teaching at Western Governors University in February 2023. Since then, I have been a substitute teacher in various grade levels in the Lake Washington School District.

Since graduating with my Masters in Teaching, my passion has been to have my own classroom, as I love helping students learn and grow. In my classroom your students will be able to be themselves, create friendships, use their creativity, and find a love for learning.

One of my favorite scriptures is Proverbs 31:25:

“She is clothed in strength and dignity, she laughs without fear of the future.”

Hello, my name is Josh Toungate. I have an earned Associate of Arts degree, and I am currently working towards a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science and Game Design from DigiPen Institute of Technology in Redmond Washington.

I am an alum of City Kids School. Before being hired at City Kids School in 2020, I volunteered in my church for 9 years working with all age levels from 2-year-olds to kindergarten. My focus is bringing both fun and God to the classroom to create a joyful and safe environment for the benefit of learning.

One of my favorite scriptures is: “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11