Our Teachers
There are a few things we believe about preschool that are at the core of who we are at TDP. The foundation is always the relationship we as teachers build with kids. Significant learning happens through significant relationships. This cannot be replaced by expensive curriculum or environments. We love and invest in kids and that is when the real life learning happens.
Ms. Mandi
My name is Mandi Smith and I was born and raised here in the Snoqualmie Valley. My love for this Valley and its' people definitely contributed to my desire to open The Discovery Preschool here, in my hometown.
After graduating from Mt. Si, I attended Central Washington University where I earned my degree in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education. After graduating from CWU, I married my high school sweetheart, and began teaching first grade at Fall City Elementary School which I loved.
After teaching there for four years, I took some time off from teaching to have three children of my own, with the hopes of one day opening a preschool. In 2007 with a five year old, a four year old and a one year old at home, we opened the doors to The Discovery Preschool. We created the school we wanted for our own kids.
I was so fortunate to live out my professional dream, while providing a wonderful learning environment for my own kids and so many of the children of The Snoqualmie Valley.
Now, I am the mom of three big kids who keep my husband and I very busy with all of their sports and activities. I think I love this preschool age even more than I did before as it is now behind me in my own family. I still pinch myself sometimes that TDP is ours.
Ms. Jen
My name is Jen DelGrande Paradissis and I have taught preschool for over 25 years- 15 of them at the Discovery Preschool.
I knew this magical age was my passion very early on in life and I feel very lucky to have been able to work in this field in this fabulous community.
I love keeping track of where my former students spread their wings! If I had a magic wand I would make my own kids Ivy and Reed 4 years old for forever! But, they are grown now…Ivy teaching in her own Kindergarten classroom and Reed attending Washington State University.
So, at my house now it is just my husband Chris and I along with our dog named Scotty.
When I am not at school I love to ski and do yoga and I am starting to be able to travel a little. I am very involved in a community organization called 100 Women Who Care which raises money for non profits in Snoqualmie Valley. I am passionate about our community and they people who live here and I love knowing I am helping it flourish, one Preschool kid at a time!
Ms. Dana
My name is Dana McCabe. I moved to Carnation in 2005 from Maryland where I was born and raised. My husband, Brad and I have been married over 20 years, and we have three awesome kids, Patrick, Connor, and Natalie.
Our kids are very active, two playing soccer year round and the other running. When we aren’t watching them, we love to be outside enjoying the beautiful area we live in.
I started teaching swim lessons when I was seventeen and that was when I realized that I really enjoyed watching children accomplish something. From there it has evolved into teaching preschool since 2009.
I did have the pleasure of teaching middle school math and science before having my own kids. Middle School was another age that I really enjoyed as well. I love what I do, the diversity that my job brings and the excitement of children.
Ms. Amy
My name is Amy Usselman and I joined The Discovery Preschool team in 2011 when my own kids started heading off to college. I previously taught at other pre-schools, and worked right here at SVA in the Children’s program. I have always been drawn to kids, and particularly the preschool age group. I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to come to work everyday to the type of environment that has been created here at The Discovery Preschool. Between the staff, the children, and the families, it truly is a one of a kind place. It is very rewarding to be part of such a positive introduction to school.
I was born and raised in Montana, where I attended Montana State University. After graduating from college, I married my High School sweetheart, Scott, and we moved to Washington in 1992. We have raised three children here, Kaitlyn, Zach, and Jenae. When I am not here at The Discovery Preschool, I am usually following my own kids around with whatever activities they are involved in. If I happen to have some free time, my husband and I enjoy this beautiful place we live by hiking, bike riding, and kayaking.
Ms. Karen
My name is Karen Laub. My husband and I moved to Snoqualmie in 1999 and we have enjoyed raising our children here in the Snoqualmie Valley. We have three kids who are 18, 14 and 9. They keep us busy!
I have a Bachelor's Degree in Child, Consumer and Family Studies with an Emphasis in Preschool Education from Washington State University. I started teaching after I graduated from WSU, and have worked with kids ranging in age from 2 to 5 years old in a variety of settings. It's interesting to look back on the places that I've taught in because they all look a bit like The Discovery Preschool. They have each welcomed a range of ages, with activities that grow and expand as a child masters the skills surrounding it, and they are bright, colorful, cheerful places. Places where children are welcome to be who they are, and grow.
As I found the need to find a Preschool for my youngest daughter, I found what was familiar here at TDP, and after she moved on to Kindergarten, I was lucky enough to start working here in 2017. It has been so much fun. I love seeing the look on a child's face when they realize they can do something they thought they couldn't, and the joy that just comes from being a Preschooler...if we could bottle the energy, the curiosity and innocence we would all be rich.
