Words from The Founders:

Being a teacher may be one of the most rewarding career paths that comes to mind. At one point in your life, a teacher has been a role model. A teacher has given advice, support, self-esteem, skill, knowledge, or just a smile.

For Ashlea: “The first day I realized I wanted to be a teacher was in the third grade. My third-grade teacher was inspiring. In third grade, I struggled in so many study areas that I did not enjoy school. My teacher took her time to understand my learning style and tutor me. She made learning magical and memorable. As I got older, I began to use the skills, knowledge, and advice she gave me. That one teacher changed my whole perspective on learning and schooling.”

For Lisa: “I had similar experiences with a few teachers growing up; they helped me see how to learn in a way that helped me succeed. To me, teaching was something I knew I loved at a young age. I knew I wanted to do that in the community that helped raise me. I wanted to be a part of that; I wanted to be a part of the foundation of the generations to come.”

A teacher can be a role model, teach valuable life skills, expand knowledge, and help a child's self-esteem and well-being. Today, we have found that we enjoy and love walking into our preschool classroom, still using the same advice, skills, and knowledge our teachers have given us, and passing them on to children. Watching a child accomplish a task, learn a new skill, and develop is rewarding and inspiring every day. We want to make a difference in a child’s perspective on learning. Teaching is our passion.

Thanks for joining us on our journey to nourish and grow our Little Vashon Explorer Community. We’re happy your family is with us.

—-Teacher Ashlea + Teacher Lisa

A woman and a young girl, both smiling, inside a small wooden playhouse labeled 'Little Islanders'. The girl is wearing a pink Minnie Mouse shirt and shorts, and the woman is wearing a pink tank top and black pants. The playhouse has a sign with a red shape and blue heart on top and is located outdoors with trees and grass around.
A group of women sitting at a decorated table inside a room, smiling and waving. The wall behind them is decorated with colorful artwork, handprints, rainbows, and signs for a preschool event. The table has papers, signs, and various craft items.
Three young children, two girls and a boy, playing on a colorful rug in a playroom with a large fluffy dog lying on the floor. The playroom has shelves of toys, including building blocks, stuffed animals, and wooden toys, along with a large red and blue toy structure.
Close-up of a smiling woman wearing sunglasses holding a young child in a purple coat with a hood outdoors, with trees and a clear blue sky in the background.
A woman with glasses and a denim jacket kneels by a garden bed with purple flowers, holding a white bucket, surrounded by young children with blonde hair, outside on a sunny day.

  • Teacher Ashlea

    Home base: Vashon Island

    Started Teaching Preschool: 2009

    Longest Tenure: Lead Teacher at Love & Laughter Preschool for over 10 years.

    Previous Preschool Ventures: Opened a preschool on Vashon Island that ran from 2020 to 2023.

    Education & Background: Earned the Washington Early Achievers Scholarship at the University of Washington & Lower Columbia College. Graduated with a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education.

    Ashlea is certified in Basic Childcare in the State of Washington per Licensing Requirements, with over 500 hours of continuing education.

    Preschool faves: Engaging, laughing, & developing new skills in early childhood education through play & developmentally appropriate education. Ashlea enjoys showing the children in her care love, helping them grow, and knowing she has the best job in the world.

  • Outline map of Vashon Island, WA

    Teacher Lisa

    Home base: Vashon Island

    Preschool Career: 20 years

    Previous Preschool Ventures: You may recognize Lisa from her previous preschool, Little Islanders, which she ran for nearly a decade.

    Education & Background: Over 20 years of experience in both nannying & running her own preschool for the children of Vashon Island.

    The Vashon Dream: Lisa’s teacher journey began with a dream of staying deeply rooted in her community while at Vashon High School. While initially interested in teaching primary-age kids, she pivoted to Preschool education after having children with her high school sweetheart, Aaron.

    Preschool faves: Seeing children learn, accomplish things for the first time, & grow the foundation of who they will become is inspiring & so rewarding.