Our Mission
Our mission at The Kinder Garden Preschool is to provide hands-on opportunities for learning and skill development through nature-based inquiry and outdoor exploration to develop a lasting appreciation for the natural world.
Our Staff
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Mary Kingsley
Director
Mary is the director and offers over 40 years of teaching experience. She holds both a Bachelors and Masters in Education, as well as Certification as an Environmental Educator. Her love of teaching and being outdoors led to pursuing her dream of opening a nature-based preschool.
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Kate Kingsley
Lead Teacher and Curriculum Specialist
Kate is the Assistant Director and Lead Teacher. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education and is Reggio Emilia trained. She holds over 45 years of teaching experience and a strong background in science and mathematics. Kate has begun the exciting adventure of earning her Environmental Education Certification.
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Elliana Creech-Thomas
Lead Teacher – TK
Elliana is a passionate and detail-oriented educator with six years of experience in both museum and nature-based classrooms. She believes the best learning happens outdoors, where curiosity and discovery come naturally. Elliana most recently taught at the Smithsonian Early Enrichment Center in Washington D.C., where learning largely happened outside of the classroom in the museums and community. She holds a B.S. in Early Childhood Education. Outside of school, she enjoys hiking, reading, and traveling with her daughter, wife, and pup.
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Amanda McGowan
Lead Teacher
Amanda is an experienced Environmental Educator with a passion for the environment and all living creatures. She has taught at a Reggio Emilia Philosophy school in Ohio and worked as an Environmental Educator for the County Parks Department. Amanda has experience working with all ages and has written curricula for school programs utilized by local school districts.
Since moving to North Carolina a few years ago, Amanda has worked as an Environmental Educator in Raleigh and is working on completing her North Carolina Environmental Education Certification. She holds a B.A. in Art History: Conservation and Museum Studies. Her interests in the arts and the natural world encourage children to explore, question, and discover, while fostering an environment that respects each child’s unique language.
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Tanina Benali
Lead Teacher
With a bachelor in French literature from university of Algiers and certified Montessori education and over a decade of experience in Montessori and French bilingual schools, Mrs Tanina is a passionate preschool teacher dedicated to fostering young children’s growth. After spending 13 years in New Jersey, she moved to Raleigh, bringing her expertise in creating nurturing, child-centered learning environments.
As a Montessori-certified educator and mother of three, she understands the importance of cultivating a supportive space where children feel encouraged to explore and develop their unique talents. Her experience includes working as a lead teacher in bilingual programs, where she contributed to dynamic, inclusive curriculums that respect each child’s individuality. Outside of the classroom,Mrs Tanina enjoys cooking and spending quality time with her three kids. Her commitment to education is matched by the love for creating a warm, joyful atmosphere at home and at school, where every child can flourish
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Victoria Norena
Lead Teacher
Victoria is a proud mom of two children, and a domestic zoo keeper of dogs, cats, frogs and fish. When Victoria is not outside in her garden or observing bugs with her resident bug expert (her son) she loves to crochet and listen to audiobooks. Victoria has a bachelors in science and technologies, CPR and basic first aid certification. Victoria believes all things need a little dirt, water, sunshine and love to grow including tiny humans.
Victoria has been teaching with The Kinder Garden Preschool for 2 years.
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Marisol Tapia
Assistant Teacher
Marisol is from Puebla, Mexico. She moved to the United States when she was five years old and has lived in Wake Forest, North Carolina ever since. Coming from a big family, she has been working with children professionally since high school, gaining experience through volunteering at daycares, completing internships, babysitting, and many other related activities. In addition to her passion for working with children, she also enjoys cooking and works at a restaurant. She recently graduated from Wake Tech with an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education. Marisol believes that children learn best through play and open ended exploration.