Jess Thompson

Program Coordinator

Jess grew up in a small town outside of Spokane. Starting at the age of 10, she became part of a family business that taught martial arts. This opportunity allowed her to teach an array of students, from young children to the elderly. Jess attended Montana State where she earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology. After graduating she returned to her home town, where she began coaching cross-country and track. She found passion in working with and teaching children. Teaching children new skills and watching them achieve tasks they did not believe they were capable of inspire her to achieve other goals for herself. Jess enjoys working with a variety of children of different ages and encouraging children to try new activities.

Crystal Astry

Teacher Specialist

Crystal is originally from Yakima, Washington, and moved to Pullman in 2010. She joins us with 17 years in retail management. Her love of watching children grow and learn is what motivated her to make a career change. She has her AAS degree in Early Childhood Development from Lewis-Clark State College. She lives in Pullman with her husband and three sons, Dylan, Gavyn, and Jaxson. Crystal enjoys cooking, gardening, running, and spending time with her family.

Tiffany Lohman

Teacher Specialist

Tiffany grew up in many small towns surrounding the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley, where she currently resides. She is an avid outdoorswoman and enjoys camping, kayaking, and fishing. She recently reeled in her personal best, a 7'3" long sturgeon. Tiffany found her passion in childcare, where she can make everybody feel like somebody special.

Diane Grigsby

Lead Cook

Diane graduated from the University of Phoenix in 2012 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business. She has over 20 years of experience in child care and as a preschool teacher. She has previously worked as a lead teacher at Bright Horizons Family Solutions. Diane has a strong passion for providing children with an enriched learning environment and developing their lifelong love of learning. She enjoys meeting new people and in her free time she loves hiking with her dogs and participating in many outdoor activities.

Olivia Blum

Support

Olivia is originally from Meridian, Idaho, and graduated from Northwest Nazarene University in Nampa. During her time at NNU, she competed in cross country and track while earning a double major in Kinesiology and Graphic Design. Olivia and her husband moved to Pullman in May and have enjoyed becoming part of the community. She has a heart for working with children and is passionate about encouraging them as they learn, grow, and discover the world around them. Outside the classroom, Olivia enjoys sports, creating art, spending time outdoors, and making meaningful memories with family and friends. She is thrilled to be a part of the Little Edisons family and looks forward to supporting and inspiring the children in her care.

Kim Moser

Support

Kim has spent nearly 30 years working in education. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with a Language Arts Endorsement from Lewis-Clark State College. Kim believes every child is naturally curious and creative, and she is passionate about helping that curiosity flourish. Art is one of her greatest passions, and she looks forward to sharing art lessons with students in classrooms throughout the year. Outside of school, Kim is a proud grandmother who enjoys painting with watercolors, learning the art of wheel throwing pottery, and tending her garden, where she grows dahlias, zinnias, garlic, squash, and tomatoes. She also raises backyard chickens and frequently, though often unintentionally, fosters kittens.

Malia Jensen

Intern

Malia is a native to the Palouse being born and raised outside of Moscow, Idaho. She graduated from Genesee High School in 2024 and is currently attending Lewis-Clark State College working toward a bachelor's degree in Radiographic Science and a minor in Sports Nutrition. Being the oldest of her siblings, Malia has always loved babysitting her younger brother and younger cousins and is pursuing her passion by working with children at LES.

Sydney Lindley

Intern

Sydney was born and raised in Grangeville, Idaho. From a young age, she developed a strong passion for science and is dedicated to nurturing that same curiosity and enthusiasm in the students she works with.

She is currently a student at the University of Idaho, where she is pursuing a degree in secondary education with an emphasis in natural sciences. Sydney’s love for science is closely connected to her appreciation for the outdoors.

In her free time, she enjoys snowboarding, hiking, running, and spending time by the river. She strives to combine her interests in education and the natural world to create engaging and meaningful learning experiences for the young students at Little Edison’s School.

Annabelle Loewen

Intern

Annabelle is a lifelong resident of the Palouse, where she has embraced the values and spirit of small-town living. Throughout her youth, she was actively involved in athletics, participating in track, rodeo, and basketball. After graduating from high school, Annabelle began her college career at Boise State University before transferring to Lewis-Clark State College to be closer to home. She is currently pursuing a degree in psychology with the goal of becoming a licensed therapist. We are proud to recognize Annabelle as the first former Little Edisons student to return as an SEL employee!

Haley Rogers

Intern

Haley grew up in a Navy family, which gave her the opportunity to live in many different places throughout her childhood, including Italy, before she chose to study abroad in France. These experiences fostered her passion for education and working with children.

Haley is currently attending Washington State University, pursuing a degree in Elementary Education. After graduation, she hopes to become an elementary school teacher and is excited to be part of the team at LES.

BreAnn Wilponen

Intern

BreAnn was born and raised in Lewiston, Idaho. From an early age, she developed a strong interest in arts, crafts, and reading. After graduating from Lewiston High School, she completed a semester at Lewis-Clark State College to fulfill her general education requirements.

Following that semester, BreAnn took time away from school to carefully consider her academic and career goals while working full-time. After thoughtful planning, she decided to pursue a degree in Secondary Education and was accepted to the University of Idaho.

BreAnn is excited to explore the opportunity to gain hands-on experience and is grateful to work in an environment where she can positively impact the lives of children every day.

Manivanh Avery

Senior Infant Teacher

Manivanh is originally from Laos and she has worked in childcare for more than 15 years. Manivanh especially likes infants and toddlers. She likes helping them learn, watching them grow, and taking care of their basic needs. In her free time, she enjoys cooking, going for walks, and spending time with her family and friends.

Kimberly Petrie

Senior Infant Teacher

Kimberly was born in St. Maries, Idaho and raised in Germany, where she completed all her education, including two years of higher education focused on early childhood learning and development. Kimberly has been working with children for over 15 years in a variety of settings including coaching Judo, leading youth groups, and volunteering and working in different childcare settings. In 2018 Kimberly returned to Idaho with her two daughters to be closer to family. Before joining Little Edisons, she worked as a paraprofessional at Moscow High School. In her free time, Kimberly enjoys being outdoors and spending quality time with her loved ones.

Shireen Anwary

Lead Infant Teacher

KHOTSO! (Peace!) Shireen started as a substitute teacher in the fall of 2024, transferring from a role in Manufacturing where she worked as a Lead for over 2 years. She moved to the USA from the small mountain kingdom of Lesotho, Africa. Back in Lesotho (A country landlocked within South Africa) Shireen was working as Registered Nurse / Midwife at a bustling government hospital taking care of patients. She has two awesome children 6 years old and 1.5, and they are the love of her life including her husband. In her spare time, Shireen enjoys watching British shows from the 80s and 90s, hiking, exploring the USA and Canada, and driving her Jeep. She speaks 3 languages; and she is so happy to be here at LES. Kea Leboha! (Thank you!)

Shamaya Coston

Infant Teacher

Shamaya has moved around throughout her life, but Sellersburg, Indiana has always felt like home. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s Degree in Communications at Western Governors University, working toward a future in media. For the past four years, Shamaya has been a professional childcare provider, a role that has taught her patience, responsibility, and how to communicate clearly in all kinds of situations. She truly loves working with children. Shamaya is passionate about storytelling, connecting with people, and bringing important information to communities.

Edith Martinez

Senior Toddler Teacher

Edith moved to Pullman in February 2021 from Brooklyn, New York, where she was born and raised. Much of her working experience has been in childcare, as working with kids brings her so much joy! In her work she strives to give children fun and fond memories to look back on. She received her bachelor’s in International Studies with a minor in Spanish. She has found Pullman to be a breath of fresh air from the Big Apple. In her free time, she enjoys crafting (embroidery, at the moment), drawing, cooking, and playing video games with her significant other.

Emmy Alt

Toddler Teacher

Emmy is originally from Pullman and spent her early childhood in Worcester, MA. Growing up she spent a lot of time playing in nature and doing arts and crafts with her family. Emmy graduated from Pullman High School and went straight to work. After a year in retail, she joined SEL, where she later got the opportunity to join the LES family. She's so grateful to be able to work with kids, seeing their smiling faces always brightens her day! In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her pets, making art, and playing video games.

Keyonna Hust

Toddler Teacher

Keyonna grew up in Clarkston, Washington, as the youngest of ten children—an upbringing that fostered her patience, adaptability, and strong sense of teamwork. Her passion for working with children began early, inspired by helping her mother in her kindergarten classroom and supporting young learners during the summer months as they prepared for the school year. These formative experiences shaped her commitment to creating warm, supportive learning environments where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn. Outside the classroom, Keyonna enjoys cooking, getting lost in a good book, and exploring the outdoors.

Candi McGreal

Senior Toddler Teacher

Candi has worked in the field of education for over 25 years. She has previously worked at Potlatch School District and Community Childcare Center. Candi and her husband have three grown children and one grandchild. During her free time, she enjoys camping, sports and spending time with her family. She loves watching students grow and seeing their faces light up when they realize they have accomplished something they worked hard at. Candi is looking forward to being part of the Little Edisons School.

Sophia Curet

Toddler Teacher

Sophia was born and raised in Moscow, Idaho, and has remained in the area because of her love for the community. She graduated from the University of Idaho in 2021 with a bachelor's degree in Elementary Education. Sophia is passionate about helping children learn, grow, and reach their full potential. Her favorite part of working in childcare is building meaningful relationships with the families she serves. Outside of her professional life, Sophia enjoys spending time outdoors. Whether she's hiking, fishing, camping, or simply relaxing while watching a beautiful sunset, she loves taking advantage of all that nature has to offer. She is very excited to be a part of the team at Little Edisons School.

Katie Jacquez

Toddler Teacher

Katie is originally from Wasilla, Alaska, and moved to Pullman in 2021 to attend Washington State University. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Sociology and has since dedicated her time to working with young children in the Pullman community. Through her experience at a preschool and as a nanny, she has developed a strong passion for early childhood education and takes great joy in helping children grow and learn new skills. In her free time, Katie loves crocheting and exploring a variety of creative, crafty projects. She also loves spending time outdoors with her husband, especially camping and fishing. She is so excited to join the incredible team at Little Edison’s School.

Kaylee Wade

Toddler Teacher

Kaylee grew up in Meridian, Idaho, and has been babysitting, nannying, and volunteering in educational settings for more than eight years. She moved to Lewiston to pursue a degree in Elementary Education at Lewis-Clark State College. After working as a childcare teacher, Kaylee discovered a passion for early childhood education and plans to continue her studies in that field. She loves helping children learn and grow, and her favorite part of teaching is watching students overcome challenges and gain confidence in themselves. In her free time, Kaylee enjoys cooking, spending time outdoors, and exploring the arts. She is excited to teach, guide, and learn alongside her students and colleagues at Little Edison's School.

Kylie Jessup

Senior Preschool Teacher

Kylie graduated from the University of Idaho in 2009 with a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies. She has over 9 years of experience in child care and preschool. She previously worked as the lead preschool teacher and childcare director at Moscow Day School. Kylie enjoys helping preschoolers learn through play and through experience, and watching their eyes light up when she shows them something new; like demonstrating what happens when vinegar reacts with baking soda, drawing their attention to the sounds the leaves make in the wind, and inviting musical guests to the classroom to expose them to different musical instruments.

Mak Keough

Lead Preschool Teacher

Mak is originally from a small town north of Seattle and moved to the Palouse in 2020 to be closer to friends and family. She brings a rich background in child-focused roles, including volunteering in equine therapy, working as a summer camp counselor, and serving as a private nanny and tutor. Watching children develop new skills and take pride in their accomplishments is why she chose this career path, and it inspires her every day. She is excited to be a part of the LES team!

Bailey Hutchison

Toddler Teacher

Bailey grew up in Lynnwood, Washington and moved to Moscow, Idaho in 2022. She has cared for children since age 14 through babysitting, special needs classroom support, preschool work, and serving as a sixth-grade camp counselor. Inspired by her nieces and nephew, Bailey is passionate about helping children navigate big feelings with patience and love, striving to be a “calm space” kids can always turn to. Outside of work, she enjoys baking, crafting, visiting farmers' markets, and soaking up the sunshine. Bailey believes that a little fresh air can brighten any day.

Sachi Morrow

School Age Teacher

Sachi graduated from Eastern Washington University in 2021 with a Bachelor of Arts in ESL (English as a Second Language) and minors in Psychology and Japanese. She is currently continuing her studies through graduate-level education coursework. Her background in language and education helps her create an inclusive classroom where all children feel supported, encouraged to communicate, and excited to learn. Sachi believes early childhood education builds the foundation for lifelong learning and enjoys using hands-on activities, creativity, and play-based learning to spark curiosity and confidence in her students while building meaningful relationships with children and their families. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time outdoors, traveling, and continuing to learn new things she can bring back into her teaching.

Leesa Savage

Senior Preschool Teacher

Originally from Cheyenne, Wyoming, Leesa moved to Pullman in 2007 and has considered it home ever since. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Washington State University and a Master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Eastern Washington University. With over a decade of experience in the field of education, Leesa has worked with children in a variety of settings, including early childhood programs and elementary classrooms, where she has taught both kindergarten and first grade. Leesa’s lifelong passion for teaching began in childhood and continues to drive her work today. She finds fulfillment helping to foster learning, growth, and confidence in young children through play-based exploration and meaningful connections.

Julie Johnson

Preschool Teacher

Julie was raised in Lewiston, Idaho, where she completed high school before choosing to spend time in the workforce to explore her interests and develop her skills. She has built a diverse background across several fields, including retail at a beauty supply store, early childhood education as an assistant preschool teacher, and customer service as a receptionist for a storage facility. Over time, Julie discovered that her most meaningful and rewarding experiences came from working in childcare. Her passion for helping children learn, grow, and feel supported continues to guide her professional path. Julie recently relocated to Pullman with her boyfriend and their dog, though she frequently returns to Lewiston to spend time with family. In her free time, she enjoys reading, tackling puzzles, and being with the people she loves most.

Kayla Slater

Senior School Age Teacher

Kayla is originally from Wallace, ID. She moved to the Palouse where she attended Lewis-Clark State College for two years, then transferred to the University of Idaho where she graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Development and Education. Kayla loves working with all ages of children because it is amazing to see their growth and development every day. She currently lives in Moscow with her fiancé and their two cats. She enjoys reading and spending time anywhere near water.

Salina Aigner

School Age Teacher

Salina has dedicated the past nine years to education, serving as a teacher, paraeducator, and tutor. She loves helping students reach their goals and building self-confidence along the way. Outside of education, Salina enjoys a wide variety of hobbies that reflect her adventurous and creative spirit. Her interests include archery, watching sumo wrestling, building LEGO creations, and playing video games with her husband, Noah.