At Smart Start, our team is made up of experienced childcare and early learning professionals serving families in the Federal Way community. Many of our educators and leaders have chosen to build long-term careers with our center — some for decades — and even our newest team members bring multiple years of experience. This exceptional longevity and consistency result in very low staff turnover and create a stable, nurturing environment where children and families feel safe, supported, and truly known.
Director
Operations Director
Jeff C. serves as the Operations Director at Smart Start, leading the center’s day-to-day operations and administrative functions. He has supported the center in various capacities since 2001 and stepped into this leadership role following the retirement of the center’s original founder. Jeff oversees facilities, compliance, and overall operations to ensure the center runs safely and smoothly. He holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington and enjoys home improvement projects and supporting his three daughters’ hockey and dance activities outside of work.
Administrative Director
Sarah C. serves as the Administrative Director at Smart Start, supporting the center’s operations, communication, and family engagement. She has been connected to Smart Start for over 20 years, assisting the center in various capacities, and recently stepped into a formal administrative leadership role. Sarah brings 19 years of experience as an educator, holds a Master’s degree in Teaching from Seattle University, and is a National Board Certified Teacher. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, spending time with her husband and three daughters, and cheering on her kids as a proud hockey and dance mom.
PM Supervisor / Lead School-Age Teacher
Tammy C. serves as the PM Supervisor and Lead School-Age Teacher at Smart Start and brings 30 years of experience in childcare and youth development, including 18 years with our center. She has completed 30 hours of STARS training with annual continuing education, holds 5 ECE credits, and is CPR and First Aid certified. Tammy believes in treating every child with respect, fairness, and care, balancing warmth with clear expectations while listening closely to each child’s needs. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her children and grandchildren, creating arts and crafts, and listening to music.
Preschool
Mikaela C. has been a valued member of the Smart Start team for over 7 years, where she works with our preschool class. She holds CPR and First Aid certifications and has completed 30 hours of STARS training, along with required annual continuing education in early learning. Mikaela especially enjoys creating art projects with her students and finds joy in watching them learn and grow each day. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family and friends.
Preschool
Martha M. has been part of the Smart Start team for 2.5 years and works in our preschool room. She is CPR and First Aid certified and has completed 30 hours of STARS training, along with required annual continuing education. Martha is responsible, dedicated, creative, patient, and highly organized, and she truly cares about the well-being of every child in her care. Outside of work, she enjoys helping her children with schoolwork, spending time outdoors, walking the dog, watching movies together with popcorn, and having special family picnics at home.
Toddler Room
Jade M. has been a dedicated member of the Smart Start team for over 10 years and works in our toddler room. She holds ECE Level 1 and 2 certifications, along with CPR and First Aid certification, and has completed STARS training in early childhood education. Known for being caring, loving, and highly organized, Jade is dependable, fun, and always on top of her responsibilities in the classroom. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, spending time with loved ones, shopping, and taking time for herself.
Infant & Toddler Room
Ivallany K. has been part of the Smart Start team for 3 years and brings a total of 5 years of experience in early childhood care. She works in our infant and toddler room and is CPR and First Aid certified, with completed STARS training. Ivallany is deeply dedicated to her work and takes pride in providing a nurturing, supportive environment for young children. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family and is bilingual in English and Palawan.
Infant & Toddler Room
Laura R. has been a dedicated member of the Smart Start team for 14.5 years and works in our infant and toddler room. She has completed 30 hours of STARS basic training, is certified in Safe Sleep, and holds CPR and First Aid certifications. As both a mother and a grandmother, Laura brings patience, warmth, and experience to her classroom and truly enjoys spending time with the children she cares for each day. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family.
