Meet our Teachers and Staff
Mandi Harley, Director
Mandi Harley was born and raised in central Florida (Lakeland). In 2017, she moved to Moscow from Hattiesburg, MS with her husband, Grant (UI Department of Geography) and three young children, Logan (7), Willow (4), and Jude (18 months). Mandi received her Bachelor's degree from The University of Southern Mississippi in Women's Studies and Child Development. She is very happy and excited to start this new adventure at Moscow Day School and be part of the MDS family.
Mandi Harley was born and raised in central Florida (Lakeland). In 2017, she moved to Moscow from Hattiesburg, MS with her husband, Grant (UI Department of Geography) and three young children, Logan (7), Willow (4), and Jude (18 months). Mandi received her Bachelor's degree from The University of Southern Mississippi in Women's Studies and Child Development. She is very happy and excited to start this new adventure at Moscow Day School and be part of the MDS family.
LEAD TEACHERS
Heather Tout, Assistant Director, AM Lead Teacher, Pre-K Room
Heather has been part of the Moscow Day School family since 2008. Heather graduated from Lewis Clark State College in 2007 with her AAS in Early Childhood Development. She has worked at McDonald Elementary as an aide in the K+ program. She has experience working at St. Rose's as well as East Side Learning Center, both in Moscow, and was a lead teacher at the Learning Center in Pullman, Washington for two years. Heather brings over 15 years of experience working with children to Moscow Day School. Away from work she enjoys being outdoors, target shooting, baking, arts and crafts, glitter, going camping and spending time with her husband Mark, and hanging out with family and friends.
Heather has been part of the Moscow Day School family since 2008. Heather graduated from Lewis Clark State College in 2007 with her AAS in Early Childhood Development. She has worked at McDonald Elementary as an aide in the K+ program. She has experience working at St. Rose's as well as East Side Learning Center, both in Moscow, and was a lead teacher at the Learning Center in Pullman, Washington for two years. Heather brings over 15 years of experience working with children to Moscow Day School. Away from work she enjoys being outdoors, target shooting, baking, arts and crafts, glitter, going camping and spending time with her husband Mark, and hanging out with family and friends.
Jessica Vasquez, PM Lead Teacher, Pre-K Room
After being gone for 17 years, Jessica is a Moscow resident again! She was not born In Idaho but was raised here in Moscow and have been back for two years. A former McDonald duck, junior high cub, and graduated high school as a Moscow Bear. Jessica attended a two year college in Coos Bay, Oregon on a volleyball scholarship. Having spent the last ten years soul searching, Jessica realized Moscow was the place she wanted to settle down at and to be closer to her family. Family is everything to Jessica. She is a mother of two sons, a 3rd grader and a one year old who attends Moscow Day School daily with her. Children have always been her passion. They leave an imprint on her heart. Jessica states, "Being a part of this team here at Moscow Day School has been a privilege and I’m looking forward to many more years and calling this place home." Away from work Jessica enjoys most everything outdoors and cooking. From fishing to camping, golfing and a green thumb. She's an open book. What you see is what you get!
After being gone for 17 years, Jessica is a Moscow resident again! She was not born In Idaho but was raised here in Moscow and have been back for two years. A former McDonald duck, junior high cub, and graduated high school as a Moscow Bear. Jessica attended a two year college in Coos Bay, Oregon on a volleyball scholarship. Having spent the last ten years soul searching, Jessica realized Moscow was the place she wanted to settle down at and to be closer to her family. Family is everything to Jessica. She is a mother of two sons, a 3rd grader and a one year old who attends Moscow Day School daily with her. Children have always been her passion. They leave an imprint on her heart. Jessica states, "Being a part of this team here at Moscow Day School has been a privilege and I’m looking forward to many more years and calling this place home." Away from work Jessica enjoys most everything outdoors and cooking. From fishing to camping, golfing and a green thumb. She's an open book. What you see is what you get!
Mila Ellis, Lead Teacher, Preschool Room
Ivy Stubbs, Lead Teacher , Toddler Room
Rene Northrup, Lead Teacher, Infant Room
Rene has been married to her best friend for over 25 years. She has four beautiful daughters, one amazing son-in-law and the cutest grandson! Rene loves to read, learn, craft, cook, and spend time with her family. Rene was a nanny in the Moscow area working with young children. She has been the Infant teacher since it was established in August 2015. Rene also claims to have the best job at Moscow Day School. We hardly disagree with her. Babies! Rene always looks forward to snuggling, playing, learning, and growing with your babies everyday!
Rene has been married to her best friend for over 25 years. She has four beautiful daughters, one amazing son-in-law and the cutest grandson! Rene loves to read, learn, craft, cook, and spend time with her family. Rene was a nanny in the Moscow area working with young children. She has been the Infant teacher since it was established in August 2015. Rene also claims to have the best job at Moscow Day School. We hardly disagree with her. Babies! Rene always looks forward to snuggling, playing, learning, and growing with your babies everyday!
TEACHER ASSISTANTS
Cassie Foster, Teacher Assistant, Preschool Room
Cassie is an outgoing, energetic individual with a drive to become the best educator she can be! She was born and raised in Southern California (close to LA area) and moved to the Palouse with her husband Jack (of 4yrs) back in 2009. They have two children; Christian (3) who attends MDS and Mandie (7) who has autism and is the main reason why she got into teaching. “I wanted to be able to be that supporter and helper for students who are struggling in school. My wish and deepest desire is to have children be able to reach their goals and see their dreams become a reality.” She currently attends LCSC working to obtain her AAS in Early Childhood Education. In her spare time she loves to go adventuring in the woods, scrapbook, bake treats and binge watch Friends!
Cassie is an outgoing, energetic individual with a drive to become the best educator she can be! She was born and raised in Southern California (close to LA area) and moved to the Palouse with her husband Jack (of 4yrs) back in 2009. They have two children; Christian (3) who attends MDS and Mandie (7) who has autism and is the main reason why she got into teaching. “I wanted to be able to be that supporter and helper for students who are struggling in school. My wish and deepest desire is to have children be able to reach their goals and see their dreams become a reality.” She currently attends LCSC working to obtain her AAS in Early Childhood Education. In her spare time she loves to go adventuring in the woods, scrapbook, bake treats and binge watch Friends!
Matthew Raiden, Teacher Assistant, Pre-K and Preschool
Brittney Delph, Teacher Assistant, Toddler Room
Jovana Duarte, Teacher Assistant, Toddler Room
Jovana was born and raised in Mountain Home, ID, graduated from Mountain Home High School. She is the fifth child out of six, She has 3 older brothers, 1 older sister and one younger sister. She enjoys spending time with her family which is kind of hard now that she is here in Moscow. She is currently a freshman at U of I, majoring in Early Childhood Development and Education, but wants to be a Speech Language Pathologist. "I am very excited to be working with all the children and seeing how my future might look like for me."
Jovana was born and raised in Mountain Home, ID, graduated from Mountain Home High School. She is the fifth child out of six, She has 3 older brothers, 1 older sister and one younger sister. She enjoys spending time with her family which is kind of hard now that she is here in Moscow. She is currently a freshman at U of I, majoring in Early Childhood Development and Education, but wants to be a Speech Language Pathologist. "I am very excited to be working with all the children and seeing how my future might look like for me."
Jamie Newsome, Teacher Assistant, Infant/Toddler Room
Niki Paz, Teacher Assistant, All Rooms, Evening Closer
Niki is originally from San Diego, California but has lived in Moscow since 2010. She is enrolled at the University of Idaho to achieve her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in English, and a master's degree in Special Education. Working with children has been the most rewarding accomplishment she could have ever hoped for and she cannot wait to continue this throughout her career. In Niki's spare time, she enjoys teaching violin/fiddle lessons, reading, horseback riding, and watching Disney movies with her family.
Niki is originally from San Diego, California but has lived in Moscow since 2010. She is enrolled at the University of Idaho to achieve her bachelor's degree in Elementary Education with an endorsement in English, and a master's degree in Special Education. Working with children has been the most rewarding accomplishment she could have ever hoped for and she cannot wait to continue this throughout her career. In Niki's spare time, she enjoys teaching violin/fiddle lessons, reading, horseback riding, and watching Disney movies with her family.
Madison Vitek, Teacher Assistant, Pre-K Room
Madi was born and raised in southern Idaho and has been living in Moscow for the last four years while working on her BA in Sociology with a criminology emphasis and minors in International Studies and the Justice System. She plans to move to Boise after graduating and work with troubled youth. In her free time she loves the outdoors, boating, hiking and camping. She has a wanderlust heart so if given a free weekend she will spend it jetting off to a new city or country. She loves kids and works hard to find the learning tools that each kid prefers. She loves watching each of them grown and learn through the months she's worked here.
Madi was born and raised in southern Idaho and has been living in Moscow for the last four years while working on her BA in Sociology with a criminology emphasis and minors in International Studies and the Justice System. She plans to move to Boise after graduating and work with troubled youth. In her free time she loves the outdoors, boating, hiking and camping. She has a wanderlust heart so if given a free weekend she will spend it jetting off to a new city or country. She loves kids and works hard to find the learning tools that each kid prefers. She loves watching each of them grown and learn through the months she's worked here.
Margaret Sayler, Janitor