Meet the Teachers

Tara Shannon - Lead Teacher Jr. Kids Krew

I’ve been working with children for 25 years and in our Junior Kids Krew program for nine of those years. I grew up in Edmonds, attended school there as well. After high school I attended Central Washington University where I received my degree in early childhood education. One of the things that makes me smile the most is watching kids learn and seeing the joy and excitement on their faces when they accomplish something. I’ve been married for 37 years to my high school sweetheart who turned me into a basketball mom! I’m very family oriented and I love spending time with my grandchildren.








Klara Dimitrova - Asst. Teacher Jr. Kids Krew

Teaching is a work of the heart. The first seven years in a people’s life are the most important. I've worked as a preschool teacher since 2006 and here for the City of Mountlake Terrace's Junior Kids Krew since 2016. I enjoy the kids curiosity and creativity. I teach them to be helpful, careful, respectful, responsible and patient. I love to answer their questions about nature; small and big creatures, wild life, trees and flowers.






Danielle (Dani) Hanson-Hooton - Lead Teacher Preschool and Kindergarten Readiness

Hello, I’m Danielle and I am your new Preschool and Kindergarten Readiness teacher. I have been a preschool teacher for 20 years. I love working with children…playing, teaching and helping them learn and grow. I have two grown sons that I’m exceedingly proud of, and my 90 year old father came to live with me this year. It is a great honor and joy to be able to be there for and take care of him in his twilight years. I am beyond excited to be working here and cannot wait to get to know more about this community and the people who live here!



Sophie Walker - Asst. Teacher Preschool and Kindergarten Readiness

I’m the new Preschool and Kindergarten Readiness assistant teacher. I’ve been working with kids since I was 16 years old. In my free time and one of my favorite things to do is play video games. I have a cat whom I adore and have the pictures to prove it! This is my first year teaching and I’m very excited to get to know the families and children here at the MLT Recreation Pavilion.






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