Our Teachers

Maeve Duffy, Lead Teacher

Meave joined the kids place team 2015 and has worked in licensed childcare for over seven years. She also has an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. In addition to enjoying working with children, Maeve loves music, singing, and reading. She also loves being a mom to her 9-year-old daughter, Chloe.

Her favorite children's book is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle.

Lyn Carvajal, Lead Teacher

Lyn joined the Kids Place team in 2023 and has over six years of experience working with young children. She also graduated from Washington State University with a bachelor's degree in Sociology and is currently a student at Walla Walla Community College studying Early Childhood Education. Lyn is excited to use her bilingual skills to integrate Spanish into our preschool program. Lyn enjoys cooking, baking, and creating art in her free time.

Her all-time favorite children’s book is Are You My Mother? by Dr. Seuss.

Rocio Torrez, Assistant Teacher

Rocio joined the Kids Place Team in 2023 and has several years of experience volunteering and working in education with young children. Rocio has an associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education and is excited to use her bilingual skills to integrate Spanish into our preschool program. On Rocio’s free time, she enjoys watching movies and spending time at the park with her family in her free time.

Her favorite children's book is My First Hundred Words by Simon & Shuster.

Rachel Carson, Center Aide

Rachel joined the Kids Place Team in 2022 and has experience working with children of many ages as an assistant teacher and as a coach. Rachel enjoys hiking, fishing, and spending time outdoors with her family.

Her favorite children's book is Green Eggs and Ham by Dr. Seuss.

Mary Feria, Center Aide

Mary joined the Kids Place team in 2024 and has several years of experience working with children. Mary also has a Bachelor's Degree in business management from the Walla Walla Community College and is excited to use her bilingual skills to integrate Spanish into our preschool program. In addition to working with children, Mary enjoys watching movies, learning about nature, and spending time with her family, especially with her younger brothers.

Her favorite children’s book is The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry & the Big Hungry Bear by the Big Hungry Bear.

Jody Buttice, Center Aide

Jody has been with the Kids Place since 2002 and has over 30 years of experience working with young children. In addition to working with children, Jody loves spending time with her husband, two grown children, and their families (especially her 4-year-old grandson). She also enjoys reading, gardening, camping, walking, and spending time with their family pets.

Her favorite children's story is Dream Animals by Emily Winfield Martin.

Ella MacRae, Lead Science Summer Camp Teacher, Assistant Teacher TKP

Ella joined the Kids Place team in 2022 and has experience working with preschool-aged children in classrooms, camps, and after-school programs. Ella is also a student at Whitman College and is majoring in psychology and plans to pursue her master's in education. In addition to working with children, Ella enjoys hiking, arts and crafts, and spending time with her Cavapoo puppy, Baby.

Her favorite children’s book is Blueberries for Sal by Robert McCloskey.

Maria Ramos, Substitute Assistant Teacher

Maria joined the Kids Place lean in 2016 and has worked with children of all ages for over fifteen years. She also has an associate’s degree in early childhood education. In addition to working with children, Maria likes to walk and garden.

Her favorite children’s book is Wonder by R.J. Palacio.