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 Debby Toungate, and I am so excited to be your child’s teacher this year. My journey with CKS began in 2006. What started as leading in City Kids Club quickly grew into a lifelong passion. Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving in many roles including assistant teacher, lead 3’s teacher, and substitute teacher.

Preschool children have always held a special place in my heart. Time and time again, I find myself drawn back to this age group because I truly find such joy in helping them learn, grow, and discover God’s love. I am returning to lead teaching because I feel called to help make it a wonderful experience, and hope that every child will leave knowing just how special they are.

I can’t wait to meet your family and share an amazing year together!

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)

Hello! My name is Christine Schultz, and I’m thrilled to join the teaching team at City Kids. I love showing children that learning is an adventure—we’re God’s little explorers with endless things to discover!

I grew up in British Columbia and attended Prairie Bible boarding school before studying at Trinity Western University. Life took me abroad for five years as an international model, but my greatest joy has been marriage and raising our three children. During those younger years I spent many years volunteering in their schools, church, and sports.

Now, I’m completing my Early Childhood Teacher’s Certificate and stepping into this new season with excitement and gratitude. The Lord has filled my heart with a passion for teaching, and I’m eager to invest in the next generation.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Matthew 19:14 Jesus said “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.

Hello! My name is Lori Martinez and I’m beyond excited to join the team at City Kids School as an Assistant Teacher. 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 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 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 Jolene Power, and I am so excited to be joining the teaching team at City Kids School!

I graduated from the University of Washington with a bachelor’s degree in Business before spending 10 years in leadership roles in retail management and at Amazon. During that time, God placed a clear calling on my heart to become an elementary teacher. Following His lead, I earned my Master’s in Teaching and spent the past two years preparing for the classroom through student teaching and substitute teaching in lower elementary.

I feel incredibly blessed that God led me to City Kids to begin my teaching career. My desire is to create a classroom where every child knows they are loved by God and where we can grow together in His Word. I am so excited to have a joyous year in Kindergarten!

One of my favorite verses is: James 1:17: “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” (NKJV)

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

Hello, my name is Kaitlin Bargreen, and I am thrilled to be part of the Pursuit Elementary team and look forward to a wonderful year ahead.

I will be teaching 1^st and 2^nd grade at Pursuit Elementary. Before coming to Pursuit,  I graduated from the University of Tennessee, where I earned my bachelor’s and graduate degrees in Early Childhood Education. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching preschool, elementary, and university students. I have also spent time training early childhood educators at the local, state, and national levels.

My greatest desire for my classroom is to create a space where children genuinely want to be—where curiosity is sparked, engagement runs deep, and a lifelong love of learning takes root. I am committed to implementing high quality curriculum and creating a learning environment thoughtfully designed to meet children’s needs and support their growth each and every day.

I believe classrooms should radiate joy and be a place where learning is engaging for all children. My goal for the classroom is to create a community of learners that grow together as we challenge ourselves to learn new skills and develop new understandings.

One of my favorite Bible verses is Philippians 4:8-

“Fix your thoughts on what is true, honorable, and right, pure, lovely, and admirable. Think about things that are excellent and worthy of praise”.