The Joyful Discovery Team
Laura Senenko
Director
What a privilege it is to be one of the Directors of Joyful Discovery Preschool at MQP! My
passion for teaching young children led me to Boston University School of Education where I
received a BS in Early Childhood Education. After teaching preschool in California,
kindergarten in Connecticut and first grade in Virginia, I received an MS in Early Childhood
Special Education from Bank Street College of Education in New York City. I taught special
education preschool for two years in New Jersey before leaving the classroom to start my
family. My husband Bill and I are blessed with two wonderful boys, Will (age 13) and Nate
(age 12). When our family moved to Sammamish nine years ago from the east coast, I
taught for several years at Creative Kids Preschool in Sammamish. In addition, I have worked
with Encompass, an early intervention organization in the area. While my heart is in
education, I also enjoy painting, photography, travel and outdoor fun with my boys. I am
excited for the opportunity to help guide families through the important preschool years and
watch your children grow at Joyful Discovery Preschool!
Jennifer Belding
Director
It is a dream come true to be one of the Directors of Joyful Discovery Preschool! There is
nothing better than waking up each morning, excited to come to my job! I received my BA
in Elementary Education with a Health Education minor from Washington State University.
After graduating, I taught first and second grades in both Shoreline and Snoqualmie Valley
School Districts. During that time, I went back to school and received my Masters in
Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Literacy. I then stayed home for a few years
after having my son Ronan (age 12). However, I could not stay away from the classroom so I
began teaching preschool locally prior to Joyful Discovery. I am a longtime Sammamish
resident who loves this community. My husband Ryan, son Ronan, and Vizsla and
Chiweenie dogs love exploring all our area has to offer including hiking, skiing, traveling, and
finding new places to visit. I'm an avid reader who also loves to spend time with friends and
family and is always ready to enjoy life and laugh! I couldn't be happier to be a part of
Joyful Discovery Preschool and look forward to watching these children flourish and grow!
Lindsay Meyer
Program and Accounts Manager
As an active and long-time member of the MQP community, I am thrilled to be a part of the staff at Joyful Discovery Preschool!
I have always been a “numbers” person and I am excited to be able to put my knowledge into practice as the Administrative Assistant for JDP.
My husband, Steve, and I both attended the University of Washington (Go Dawgs!), and I graduated from the UW Business School
with a concentration in Finance and International Business. I worked in the Treasury Department at Starbucks Corporate Headquarters for
several years before becoming a stay at home mom. I enjoy cooking and baking, losing myself in a good book, and watching movies with my family.
I also have a passion for music and play the piano. My 4 lovely daughters: Alexa (Freshman at Skyline HS), twins, Allyson and Aubrey (6th grade at BLMS), and Annelise (1st grade at Endeavor) keep me busy and always on my toes. I love being part of this amazing preschool!
Kim McNesby
Toddler Time 2s Lead Teacher
I am so excited to be a part of the Joyful Discovery Preschool team and
community! I was born and raised in Arizona but relocated to Washington in
2000 and now call Sammamish my home. I taught for eight years in Arizona, and
four in Issaquah before taking time off to stay at home with our son. I enjoy
teaching and am thrilled to be a part of this amazing preschool. I have a double
BS in Elementary and Special Education as well as a Master’s Degree from
Northern Arizona University. My wonderful husband and I have a son named
Griffin (age 12) as well as two dogs (Loki the Great Dane and Kate our Brittany
puppy). As a family we enjoy traveling, camping, skiing and exploring the great
outdoors. When I am not teaching, you can find me exercising, hiking, reading or
hanging out with friends and family. I am looking forward to a wonderful, fun
year getting to know each child (and their families) and watching them grow!
Michelle Lyman
Toddler Time 2s Assistant Teacher
I am excited to start my second year of working with staff and families here at Joyful
Discovery Preschool! Years ago, two of my kids attended preschool here in these same
rooms! It brings back wonderful memories that I know you all will cherish for years to
come! I feel like I “blinked” and now my boys are in middle/high school!
I was born in New Jersey but grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and received my Bachelors
in Early Childhood Development from the University of Utah. My husband and I both
love the PNW so we moved up here in 2000 and have loved every moment. We have 3
great kids, 2 boys and 1 girl. Lex is 15, Jack is 13, and Ava Marie is 10. We traveled to
China in 2010 and adopted Ava when she was 2, and she has kept us on our toes ever
since! Our family loves to spend time outdoors skiing, hiking, and traveling, especially road
trips to the Oregon Coast with our 2 pups, Orca and Bruce. I look forward to getting to
know you and your children and know this will be another great year!
Rebecca Cantu
Young 3s and 3s Classes Lead Teacher
Before relocating to Sammamish in 2012, I taught at Peake Academy in
Lake Oswego, Oregon. While there, I helped develop and expand their program
and found the experience to very rewarding. I was blessed to be part of the initial
team at JDP and have watched our program flourish over the past few years! I
love teaching pre-school, as it is a time of great wonder and joy. The foundations
established during these years truly have life-long impact. I studied at San Diego
State University and earned my degree in Psychology with a minor in Early
Childhood Education. My husband Michael and I live in Sammamish and have 3
children, Emma (22), Colin (19), and Maddie (14), and are parishioners at Mary
Queen of Peace. We enjoy a number of pets including, a Cavalier King Charles, a
Yorkie and a cat. In my free time I love to read, try out new recipes, and spend
time with my family! I look forward to spending the year learning, laughing and
growing along with all my students!
Aimee Cermak
Young 3s Assistant Teacher
My passion has always been teaching. As a child I spent each day playing school with
neighborhood friends, and knew from an early age I wanted to work with children. Their
minds are little sponges waiting to learn new things, and I love that I get to be a part of their
foundation. I earned my Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education in 2001 and Masters of
Arts in Education & School Leadership in 2004, both from St. Mary’s University of Minnesota. I
have taught all ages from infants through high school, with most of my years focused in
preschool and third grade. Most recently I spent four years at a childcare in Minnesota as
the School Director and the last two years as the Curriculum Director. My family
(Mick, Talia-10, Charlie-7) moved to Sammamish in 2013 from Minnesota. We feel blessed to have
landed in such a great place. As a family we love spending our time together swimming, biking,
reading, playing games and traveling. I am very excited to be back for my third year at
Joyful Discovery Preschool with the Young 3s class! I can't wait to get to know each one of
you and I look forward to an amazing year together!
Jaime Foreman
3s Assistant Teacher
I received my Bachelor’s degree from Washington State University and went on to earn my
Masters in Teaching at Seattle University. I taught 4th grade in the Bellevue School District
before becoming a stay at home mom. My husband (Owen) and I have lived in
Sammamish for 16 years and we have 3 wonderful children, Lily (age 13), Natalie (age 11)
and Mason (age 10). We love to travel as a family and in my spare time I enjoy a good book
and hanging out with family and friends. I am looking forward to working with your children!
Rebecca Krum
Young 4s Lead Teacher
Born and raised in Western New York State, I moved to the Seattle area
in 2004. I have a bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a Religion minor
from the University of Rochester and a masters and education specialist
degree in School Psychology from Florida State University. During my
career as a School Psychologist, I worked with students in pre-K through
high school. I took some time away from working in the public schools
after becoming a mom, though I continued working with parents and
children as a Childbirth and Early Parenting Educator at Evergreen
Hospital. I also supported other moms through the MOPS ministry here
at MQP. It is such a wonderful gift to be teaching the young 4s class
at Joyful Discovery Preschool! This community has been a huge part of
our family's life since our daughter, Clare (now 8), started here in
the 3s class. Our son Christopher (a recent graduate of JDP!) will
be joining Clare in elementary school this year. Outside of activities
at MQP, you may see me running around Sammamish (sometimes with my
Brittany Spaniel, Scarlet). In my off time, I also enjoy spending
time with family and friends, reading, and swimming.
Stephanie McNear
Young 4s Assistant Teacher
I am proud to be part of the staff at Joyful Discovery Preschool! After becoming a mom, I realized my own passion for early childhood development and sought out opportunities during my kids’ toddler and preschool years. I spent ten years volunteering and working at McAuliffe Elementary and am now eager to dedicate my time to preschoolers as they discover the joys of going to school, making connections with others and growing in their own journey. Prior to motherhood, I worked in marketing and community relations for local companies. My husband, Dave, and I grew up in Redmond, graduated from the University of Washington, and have lived in Sammamish for 20 years. Our two kids, Elliott (16) and Abby (13), keep us busy with their schools and activities. We also enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, skiing, crab fishing and sporting events, especially Husky football. I am excited for another year of getting to know the children and families of JDP and supporting their preschool years!
Monique Wright
Pre-K Lead Teacher
I am so thrilled to be a part of Joyful Discovery Preschool and honored to be a part of our students' early learning experience. My husband, Ian, and I live in Sammamish with our daughter, Bianca (5), who graduated from JDP this past spring after three wonderful years in the program. I grew up in Redmond and received my BA in Journalism from the University of Washington. I went on to earn my Masters in Education, with a focus on Early Literacy, from Pepperdine University. I have taught elementary school all over the West Coast, and most recently taught First Grade in Hawaii. After teaching older children in elementary school for several years, I was amazed to watch my own daughter's early preschool experience and see just how solidly JDP was laying the foundation for her academic and emotional growth. Preschool is truly the basis for creating life long learners and I look forward to being a part of that journey.
Amanda Dinklocker
Pre-K Assistant Teacher and Fun Friday Co-Lead Teacher
I am so excited to be returning to Joyful Discovery Preschool for my
third year as an Assistant Teacher in Pre-K and a Co-Lead Teacher in our
new Friday Fun program. I feel so fortunate to be working at this amazing little school.
I was born and
raised in New Jersey and earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and Special Education from Lynchburg College in Virginia.
I taught kids with special needs for 11 years in three different states and all grade levels before having my first daughter.
I graduated with my Masters in Reading and Literacy from City University in 2005.
My husband Ted and I have lived in Sammamish for 18 years and we have two daughters.
Kaley is 13 and Makena is almost 11. In my free time I like to read, cook, workout and explore our beautiful state. I am looking forward to a great year!
Elana Clayton
Fun Friday Co-Lead and PE Teacher
I am excited to be joining the team at Joyful Discovery Preschool! I was born and raised in Edmonton, Alberta and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology & a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from the University of Alberta. The majority of my teaching experience has been at the kindergarten and first grade level. I moved to the US in 2004 to marry my husband and have enjoyed being a stay at home mom to my wonderful children, Tyler (12) and Avery (10). We relocated to Sammamish 7 years ago from the East coast. We absolutely love living here. We split our weekends between kids sports and doing things as a family like biking, hiking, visiting local museums and exploring the Pacific Northwest. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, spending time with my family, and doing anything creative. I'm looking forward to getting to know your children and feel blessed at the opportunity to watch them grow this school year.
Pamela Shank-Kaufman
Pre-K Lead Teacher
I received my BA in Child Development from San Jose State, and then went on to get my
Masters in Teaching from Seattle University. I taught for 8 years in both Shoreline and
Snoqualmie Valley School Districts, kindergarten, first and second grades. I have been
teaching preschool locally for the past couple of years. I live in Sammamish with my
husband Jason, my son Grant (almost 13), and two dogs. My step-daughter Mia (almost 21)
is in her junior year at WWU. My family loves to watch and play sports, hike, ski and travel
together. We are huge Seahawks fans – Go Hawks! – and my husband is a Husky, so we try
to go to as many games as possible. I love to spend time with family and friends and read. I
feel so blessed to be a part of this very special school! I look forward to getting to know your
child and creating a preschool experience full of discovery, learning and fun!
Kelly D'Ambrosio
Pre-K Assistant Teacher
As someone who grew up in Issaquah, I am thrilled to be back living in the area with my husband, Patrick, and our twin daughters, Lauren and Jane (7 years), who will be in second grade at St. Louise School in Bellevue. We are parishioners at MQP and my girls are graduates of Joyful Discovery Preschool, so it is with great excitement that I get to assist Ms. Pam in Pre-K this year. Lucky me! I earned my Bachelors in Education through Gonzaga University with primary endorsements in Early Childhood Education, Special Education, and Early Childhood Special Education. I have taught a variety of ages including several years as a Lead Resource Room Special Education teacher in the Lake Washington School District and, most recently, served as the Lead Teacher of the Young 4s class at JDP. In my free time, I enjoy photography, traveling with my family, the outdoors (camping, hiking, biking) and cheering on my favorite pro Seattle sports teams. I adore this school and look forward to having your child in our class!
Maryann Bellavia
Music Teacher
It is such a wonderful opportunity and blessing to join the JDP staff!
I attended Nazareth College of Rochester, NY where I received my BA in
Psychology/Elementary Education. After performing in musical theater and
teaching for several years, I became a stay at home mom once my children
were born. As a long time resident of Sammamish, I have extensive volunteer
experience within the Issaquah School District. Our family (my husband Chris,
daughter, Jenna 20 years and Matthew 18 years) have also been involved
in several MQP ministries throughout the years, including faith formation,
VBC, ushering and music ministry. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening,
reading, music and especially spending time with family and friends.
I am looking forward to getting to know our youngest JDP students and
sharing my love of music, rhythm and movement with them!
Michael Marchione
Music Teacher
I am so excited to be able to teach music again at JDP this year! I
have a Music Education degree from Central Washington University and
previously taught music at several Catholic schools in Seattle for a
couple of years. I really enjoy teaching music to Pre-K and Young 4s
through song, movement, and simple instruments, including their own
hands! I look forward to another fun and musical year with the
students of JDP!