Our staff has been with us for an average of five years with some over 10 years. Each classroom has experienced lead teachers with college degrees and some that are working towards their CDA'S.
Agape Childcare Center Staff receive quarterly in-service training, participate in workshops and keep up with the latest Early Childhood development ideas.
Agape Childdcare Center has a Parent/Staff Educator from North Seattle Community College that works closely with our staff and families with workshops, informational handouts, and trainings.
Agape Childcare staff members are required to have Adult/Child/Infant CPR and First Aid, blood borne pathogen, HIV training, food handlers permit, 20 hours of S.T.A.R.S Training with 10 hours of continuous continuing education credits each year, TB Test and a Washington State Patrol Background Check.
Staff and families can keep in touch with informal daily communication, personal notes, parent/teacher conferences and daily and weekly information boards posted in each room, as well as email.
Linda Gleason-Director/Prgrm Supervisr/Teacher
I have been working with children for 37 years. My first job was as a mother’s helper for twin girls when I was eight years old. At ten I started babysitting. When I was twelve my little brother was born and I spent many days caring for him. I continued caring for children through my teenage years, including nanny jobs in the summer.
After having two children of my own, I received a wonderful opportunity to be the director of Agape Childcare Center and Preschool, in 1997. I then attended North Seattle Community College and enrolled in their Early Childhood Education Evening Classes.
I find working with children to be very fulfilling. I especially enjoy fostering creativity and noting each child's individuality as I help him or her become more confident and independent. Over the years, I have learned so much from each child as they have learned from me. What I love most about Agape Childcare and Preschool are the vibrant children, caring staff and involved families. Together, we create a wonderful community. I enjoy each day’s challenges and the rewards of being a director, program supervisor and lead preschool, toddler, waddler and infant teacher.
In April 2011 I received my Child Development Associate Degree plus I have been earning Early Childhood Educational CEU'S since 1997, in addition to supervision and mangerial skill classes. I continue to take classes to further my education each year. I am a member of Washington Association for the Education of Young Children (WAEYC), National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and Exchange, which are all great resources for keeping up with the latest on Early Childhood Education.
My goal is to continue my education at a local community college towards my AA in Early Childhood Education and work also towards my CDA in infant/toddler, as well as keeping up my continued education with Early Childhood and being a Certified Personal Trainer.
In 2005, I completed a certification in Personal Training. I am NSCA-CPT certified,(National Strength and Conditioning Association Certified Personal Trainer) with a focus on exercise with children, nutrition, special populations, anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, exercise science, strength training in all populations and psychology in exercise. I find that this area of education compliments the needs of nutrition and health in children. Physical activity helps in many areas including social, emotional, cognitive, language, physical and self help skills.
My hobbies include exercise, family community activities, nutrition, leading “boot camp” classes, fitness competitions, listening to music, going to concerts, attending live theater performances, hiking, bicycling, movies, dancing, traveling, enjoying the outdoors, having fun with my family, friends and enjoying time with my four beautiful grandsons.
Krystal Townsend- Progrm supvsr toddler/lead tcher
I've been involved with Agape since 2000, as Linda's daughter and as an employee. During that time I've had two children of my own who have attended Agape along with their cousins.
I have a unique perspective on Agape as a parent, employee and relative. I enjoy how family-oriented it is and the welcoming feeling that exists between staff and families. As a staff member, I appreciate the time I spend with the children, interacting with them and seeing them grow. One of my skills, summed up by a parent, is the ability to be strict when I need to be but also being able to give all the love in the world when a child needs it.
I'm currently working toward my certification as a Child Development Associate. When I’m not working, I like to play soccer, visit family, listen to music and spend time with friends.
Sarah Gilbert - Lead Preschool Teacher
I married into “the Agape family,” tying the knot with Linda’s son Kyle in 2004. Two years later, I began my career at Agape after my first child, Devin, was born. Since then, I’ve had my second child, Dylan. Now with both my boys attending Agape, I feel fortunate to combine work with seeing them grow.
As for working with children in general, I rely on the joy that they bring and their unconditional love. If I have a bad day, I can count on a thousand hugs. I think the children appreciate the fact that I’m patient, calm and have a lot of energy.
When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my immediate and extended family, going on vacations and road trips, working out, going out with friends and just lounging at home with all my boys (dog included).
Someday, I plan to go to school and start a business of my own, but for now I like being a mommy and the daily ride with all my young Agape friends.
Laura Earnest - Lead Preschool Teacher
I began working at Agape since 2008. Prior to that, I graduated from Seattle University with a degree in cultural anthropology.
I like being involved with children this age to see their development. They are putting so many pieces together with language as well as learning so many foundational skills for school. I think I provide the children with a warm and caring presence, good conversation and fun play.
In the near future, I plan to return to school to get a master's degree in teaching. Working at Agape has helped me to know that teaching is the right career choice for me.
When I'm not working, I enjoy being with friends, reading, playing with my puppy and spending time outside.
Laura is currently working towards her Preschool Child Development Associate Degree which she will have complete by summer of 2012.
John Scott - Lead Toddler Teacher
When not watching, playing, dancing or singing with the children, John is a working actor here on the Seattle Stages. When not acting, singing, or dancing on the stage, John likes to spend time with his family and friends. Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, John loves everything Seattle has to offer and right now...............He really can't complain.
Sarah Jones - Lead Toddler Teacher
My interest in working with children began over fourteen years ago as my older siblings (I have 6) started creating their own families and I was given my first of many experiences caring for young children. I now have 15 wonderful nieces and nephews!
I graduated from Arizona State University, where I received my BA in special education. While attending school, I spent four years working for the parks and recreation department where I worked with a wide range of ages in a variety of settings which included teaching preschoolers, throwing tea parties and luaus for 3-6 year olds, and being a summer camp counselor for kids and teenagers with intellectual disabilities. I love working with all types and ages of children, and my top two favorite parts about teaching are reading books with children and seeing the art they create.
I moved to Seattle in September 2009 from Arizona, where I was born and raised. After years of scorching, endless summers and winters much too brief, I decided it was time for me to branch out and experience something new. I don’t mind the rain…yet. In my spare time I enjoy listening to music, discovering new music, finding new places to explore, watching and discussing movies, and quiet time at home.
Sarah has currently completed 90 hours of Early Childhood Classes towards her education.
Britni Kirchner - Lead Infant Teacher
Working with children is my passion. My love for teaching first grew when I used to teach my grandmother's vacation bible school class every summer. I did that for many years and was so saddened when the school closed down. Since then I have been tutoring and working in childcare. The most rewarding thing for teaching for me is when the child is having a hard time understanding a concept and they get that, "ah-ha!" moment.
I am currently attending the University of Washington. I am getting a Bachelors Degree in Culture, Literature, and the Arts. Once that is completed, I will start the education program where I will acheive my teaching certificate. I would like to become an elementary teacher in a Title 1 school. Children in these low income schools need the extra love and support of a qualified and experienced teacher. I want to be that teacher.
In my spare time I like to write, get out and enjoy the beautiful northwest, and spend time with my family.
Joey Bates - Lead prek and toddler teacher
Mary Ann Abbott - Parent/Teacher Educator
Parent Education Faculty, Health and Human Services Division
North Seattle Community College
As a member of the parent education faculty at North Seattle Community College, I bring parent education resources to Agape with handouts and workshops. My regular visits to the Center are usually on Tuesdays at 4-6 p.m., but I am also available for consulting and child observation at other times.
I have worked in the early childhood field for over 20 years: as teacher, director, behavior consultant, and parent educator. Part of my responsibilities at Agape include providing ongoing training to staff.
A graduate of the State University College at Geneseo, New York, with an MS in education (early childhood focus), I have served at the College for 10 years and 8 years at Agape.
Parent workshops are provided several times a year and include topics such as kindergarten readiness, ages and stages of preschoolers and toddlers, and behavior guidance.
I welcome questions and conversations to assist families at Agape. I can be reached by email –maryann@nqacc.org.
Cassia Comier - Lead Waddler Teacher
Hi ! My name is Cassia Cormier and I have been with Agape since November 2011. My whole life has always been surrounded by children, I come from a huge family with lots of children, I have 7 siblings and 10 nieces and nephews.I am a mother of 2 children. I started officially working with children right out of high school and have been doing so for the past 5 years. When I am not working at Agape I enjoy singing! I have a huge passion for music and have sang since I was a little girl. I am a Volunteer/Vice President for a parent community music outreach program for children, that teaches them a positive way to express themselves through dance and I have been involved for 3 years. I am so happy to be a part of the Agape Family!