Beyond the ordinary

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A Profound Connection

Cottontail Creek Crossings didn’t begin in a classroom; it began in the quiet corners of my backyard among the wild rabbits that have always been my neighbors. My life changed when I rescued a vulnerable young cottontail I named Hop A. Long—HAL for short. For two months, we shared a bond that was nothing short of surreal. He wasn't just a rescue; he was a teacher in patience and presence.

A profound moment of my life occurred on the day he passed. HAL waited for me. I had been at work, and the moment I returned home, he allowed himself a gentle, peaceful passing. To have a wild creature trust me enough to wait for my return before letting go was a soul-stirring experience. It reinforced my belief that every living thing deserves a soft place to land and a witness to its journey. Cottontail Creek Crossings was named in his honor, as a sanctuary where that same gentleness and respect are extended to the youngest explorers.

Academic & Professional Foundation

While HAL provided the heart of this vision, my professional background provides the steel. I am a proud graduate of the University of Washington, holding a B.A. in Speech Communication alongside my degree in Early Childhood Education. My career is built on over 25 years of high-level experience, including a 14-year tenure with a single family, where I specialized in the critical "waddler and toddler" stages. My dual expertise allows me to bridge the gap between early developmental milestones and the nuances of speech and language acquisition.

A Life Among Animals

My philosophy is deeply rooted in my lifelong relationship with animals. I grew up in the saddle and continue that journey today with my Mustang, a breed that requires a unique level of intuition, leadership, and calm—traits I bring into my work with children every day. My home is a lively mix of species, from my loyal dog to my "water pet," an Oscar fish named Charlie. Much like a "water dog," Charlie has a distinct personality that reminds me daily that communication happens in many forms, whether through words, gestures, or a ripple in the water.

The Vision for the Future

Cottontail Creek Crossings is where my clinical knowledge of child development meets the wild, honest lessons of the outdoors. We move beyond the label of "childcare" to provide a specialized enrichment experience. Here, we honor the "HAL" legacy: we move at a natural pace, we observe with wonder, and we create a space where every child—and every creature—is seen and valued.