Meet the Team
Children at Sisu grow into capable, resilient, and compassionate humans - deeply connected to nature and to one another.
Get to know our team, a close-knit crew of attentive educators.
Our Staff
Teacher Sanna
Head Puddle Jumper, Owner
Sanna loves muddy boots, fresh air, and the joy of seeing kids thrive outdoors. With a degree in Early Childhood Education from Finland and years of experience teaching forest school, she’s passionate about helping children grow through play, exploration, and connection with nature.
When she’s not at Sisu, you’ll find her adventuring in the wilderness with her silly border collie, Mr. H -usually riding along in her dear old rusty Jeep on their way to trails, rivers, mountains, or backcountry skiing.
Teacher Heidi
Teacher Heidi is a Washington native who grew up with a menagerie of pets and a life long love of the outdoors. Today, she cultivates that same wonder in her family and students. Alongside her husband, she has raised their two children in Redmond with a shared appreciation for the natural world, a value they put into practice on weekend hikes with the family dogs.
As an outdoor teacher, Teacher Heidi feels fortunate to be able to explore Sisu’s forest with the children while encouraging curiosity and fostering a love and respect for nature.
Teacher Carolyn
Carolyn grew up on a farm near Ottawa, Canada where she worked in her parent’s vegetable gardens, cared for goats and gained a true love of the natural world.
Carolyn has been working with children for over 20 years as an elementary teacher and a Montessori preschool teacher. She has a degree in Education, a Washington State teaching certificate and a Montessori credential in early childhood education.
Carolyn loves living in the Northwest, hiking, biking, camping and skiing with her husband and two sons. She and her therapy dog Bella volunteer at schools, libraries and hospitals. She loves exploring the forest with children at the amazing outdoor preschool program, Sisu!
Teacher Kathy
Kathy was lucky enough to spend her formative years very close to Everglades & Biscayne National Parks, learning to explore the outdoors from an early age. Her nature-loving family often brought in wildlife to rehabilitate, further instilling a love of nature.
After a degree in Computer Science & Engineering from the University of Florida, Kathy moved to the PNW where she ultimately started a family. Passionate about teaching, she’s spent the last 20 years volunteering with children - teaching scouting, art and math skills to primary aged children - before joining our school community five years ago. When Kathy isn’t teaching she enjoys hiking, foraging, and spending time with her dogs and family.
Teacher Megan
Teacher Megan has been a valued teacher at our school for the past five years. Outside the classroom, she pursues her passion for photography in her business Better Together Photo Co-op.
As a “Jane” of many trades, Teacher Megan is also our resident handy woman, always ready to build or fix what’s needed around the property, from practical repairs to inspired new projects. Teacher Megan even crafted our two beloved mud kitchens, which are now a cornerstone of our outdoor play space! When she’s not teaching or creating at school, Megan enjoys spending time with her family and dogs, relaxing at her cabin near the mountains in Plain, Washington.
Teacher Cat
Teacher Cat is a dedicated educator whose belief in the profound mental, physical, and social benefits of nature shapes her teaching. Her journey began at 16 as a preschool English teacher in Mexico, continuing in U.S. childcare programs after her move. She holds a B.S. in Child Development from California State University, Fresno (2019).
In 2021, she moved to Washington seeking to merge her vocation with her love for the outdoors. The arrival of her son offered a deeper learning about child-led discovery, which she now integrates into her practice. Teacher Cat sees the forest as the ideal classroom for collaboration and curiosity. She’s enthusiastic to explore Sisu's forest - facilitating play, co-creating stories, and exploring alongside her students.
Join Our Team
Curious about joining our faculty or staff?
Reach out and we’ll be in touch about current or future opportunities.