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 (2). 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 (2). 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, Co-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, Co-Lead Teacher, Pre-K Room
Jessica was born in California and raised here in Moscow. After graduating from Moscow High School in 2001, she went on to play volleyball at a community college in Coos Bay Oregon and has lived in just about every state west of Colorado. Throughout her many travels, the road home always led to Moscow. Now here raising a family of her own with her boyfriend and father of their two sons, she began a career in early childhood education in 2016 a a small daycare and has been here at Moscow Day School as our co-lead Pre-K teacher since 2018. From a young age, Jessica always knew she was meant to be a teacher of young children. It's a passion that has always just clicked for her. "I have this connection with kids that I cannot explain! They love me, and in return, I love them back!" Jessica's three and a half year old joins her daily at MDS and attends the Preschool class. Her oldest son is 10 and finishing up his last year of elementary school this year. Each day Jessica wakes up, she is thankful for her health, fresh air, family and the life she lives as part of this amazing family community at Moscow Day School. Outside of school you can catch her camping and fishing on the St. Joe River, golfing at the Elks, or just plain lounging at home in her pajamas binge watching movies with her boys.
Jessica was born in California and raised here in Moscow. After graduating from Moscow High School in 2001, she went on to play volleyball at a community college in Coos Bay Oregon and has lived in just about every state west of Colorado. Throughout her many travels, the road home always led to Moscow. Now here raising a family of her own with her boyfriend and father of their two sons, she began a career in early childhood education in 2016 a a small daycare and has been here at Moscow Day School as our co-lead Pre-K teacher since 2018. From a young age, Jessica always knew she was meant to be a teacher of young children. It's a passion that has always just clicked for her. "I have this connection with kids that I cannot explain! They love me, and in return, I love them back!" Jessica's three and a half year old joins her daily at MDS and attends the Preschool class. Her oldest son is 10 and finishing up his last year of elementary school this year. Each day Jessica wakes up, she is thankful for her health, fresh air, family and the life she lives as part of this amazing family community at Moscow Day School. Outside of school you can catch her camping and fishing on the St. Joe River, golfing at the Elks, or just plain lounging at home in her pajamas binge watching movies with her boys.
Mila Ellis, Lead Teacher, Preschool Room
Mila loves the preschool age because of their energy, humility, love, understanding, patience, and she get very excited every time they explore and learn together. Mila graduated from the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Education, majoring in Home Economics with a minor in Social Science. She continued her passion for teaching by almost completing her Master's degree in Education. She grew up in a small beach town in the Philippines. Her favorite things to do when she is not teaching are shopping, sewing, cooking, working out and exploring different places with her family. Mila is married to her husband (Mike) and blessed with two beautiful daughters, Millie (10) and Michelle (6). As a mom of two and with many years of teaching experience, she's learned many fun and positive ways to put her "spin" into parenting with a purpose.
Mila loves the preschool age because of their energy, humility, love, understanding, patience, and she get very excited every time they explore and learn together. Mila graduated from the University of the Philippines with a Bachelor's degree in Industrial Education, majoring in Home Economics with a minor in Social Science. She continued her passion for teaching by almost completing her Master's degree in Education. She grew up in a small beach town in the Philippines. Her favorite things to do when she is not teaching are shopping, sewing, cooking, working out and exploring different places with her family. Mila is married to her husband (Mike) and blessed with two beautiful daughters, Millie (10) and Michelle (6). As a mom of two and with many years of teaching experience, she's learned many fun and positive ways to put her "spin" into parenting with a purpose.
Ivy Stubbs, Lead Teacher , Toddler Room
Ivy was born and raised in Boise, ID, but has deep roots in the Moscow area. She has worked with children in a variety of capacities for the past five years, including at an elementary school and her dance studio. As a singer, Ivy especially loves introducing kids to different kinds of music and movement and seeing the positive effect it can have on even the youngest children. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, poking around thrift and antique shops, and exploring Northern Idaho.
Ivy was born and raised in Boise, ID, but has deep roots in the Moscow area. She has worked with children in a variety of capacities for the past five years, including at an elementary school and her dance studio. As a singer, Ivy especially loves introducing kids to different kinds of music and movement and seeing the positive effect it can have on even the youngest children. Outside of work she enjoys spending time with family and friends, poking around thrift and antique shops, and exploring Northern Idaho.
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
Matthew Raiden, Teacher Assistant, Pre-K and Preschool
Matthew was born and raised in Moscow, ID. He enjoys working at Moscow Day School, Matthew started working at MDS in August 2017 as a volunteer. In Fall 2020 he joined the team as a part-time employee. In his free time, Matthew enjoys hiking, hanging out with friends, going swimming in the Summer and baking. He graduated from high school in 2017 and always wanted to be a teacher and work with kids. Matthew enjoys working with his co-workers at MDS.
Matthew was born and raised in Moscow, ID. He enjoys working at Moscow Day School, Matthew started working at MDS in August 2017 as a volunteer. In Fall 2020 he joined the team as a part-time employee. In his free time, Matthew enjoys hiking, hanging out with friends, going swimming in the Summer and baking. He graduated from high school in 2017 and always wanted to be a teacher and work with kids. Matthew enjoys working with his co-workers at MDS.
Brittney Delph, Teacher Assistant, Toddler Room
Brittney was born in Montana, but raised in Moscow, ID. Currently she lives closer to Pullman, WA with her fiance and three children, one boy and two girls (ages 10, 9 and 4). Her children are what got her interested in working in a childcare setting saying, "they are my inspiration." She is about to graduate with an AAS-T degree in Early Childhood Education. In her free time, Brittney likes spending time with her children, camping, playing board games, art projects and walking her three dogs.
Brittney was born in Montana, but raised in Moscow, ID. Currently she lives closer to Pullman, WA with her fiance and three children, one boy and two girls (ages 10, 9 and 4). Her children are what got her interested in working in a childcare setting saying, "they are my inspiration." She is about to graduate with an AAS-T degree in Early Childhood Education. In her free time, Brittney likes spending time with her children, camping, playing board games, art projects and walking her three dogs.
Molly Eaton, Teacher Assistant, Pre-K Room
Molly is in her second year at the University of Idaho majoring in Elementary Education. She started at Moscow Day School in June of 2020. Molly loves education as a career because she gets to see little ones learn and grow into themselves and find out who they are and what life is all about. She started working in childcare when she was sixteen, and has loved it ever since. She is looking forward to becoming an elementary school teacher after graduation and doing what she loves. Molly greatly enjoys guiding children in their journey through school, and whatever life may bring.
Molly is in her second year at the University of Idaho majoring in Elementary Education. She started at Moscow Day School in June of 2020. Molly loves education as a career because she gets to see little ones learn and grow into themselves and find out who they are and what life is all about. She started working in childcare when she was sixteen, and has loved it ever since. She is looking forward to becoming an elementary school teacher after graduation and doing what she loves. Molly greatly enjoys guiding children in their journey through school, and whatever life may bring.
Jamie Newsome, Teacher Assistant, Infant/Toddler Room
Kayla Slater, Teacher Assistant, Preschool Room
Kayla was born and raised in a small town in Northern Idaho. This is her first year living in Moscow since her college transfer from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston to the University of Idaho. Kayla is pursing a BA in Early Childhood Development with a blended Education degree as well as a minor in Psychology. In the future, Kayla can see herself running her own childcare center as a Direct or working with the school district. Kayla has worked with children her entire life and wouldn't have it any other way. Outside of work, she enjoys walking her dog, Rocky or eating lots of food. Kayla is very excited to be part of the MDS family and can't wait to see where it takes her.
Kayla was born and raised in a small town in Northern Idaho. This is her first year living in Moscow since her college transfer from Lewis-Clark State College in Lewiston to the University of Idaho. Kayla is pursing a BA in Early Childhood Development with a blended Education degree as well as a minor in Psychology. In the future, Kayla can see herself running her own childcare center as a Direct or working with the school district. Kayla has worked with children her entire life and wouldn't have it any other way. Outside of work, she enjoys walking her dog, Rocky or eating lots of food. Kayla is very excited to be part of the MDS family and can't wait to see where it takes her.
Sarah Johnson, Teacher Assistant, Preschool Room
Sarah has lived on the Palouse since 2005. She has three children; a son (14) and two daughters (11 & 4). She has been a hairdresser for the past 8 years. Sarah started working with children in 2019 and quickly realized her passion for engaging young minds. She enjoys seeing their faces light up when they discover something new and being there to support them through daily activities.
Sarah has lived on the Palouse since 2005. She has three children; a son (14) and two daughters (11 & 4). She has been a hairdresser for the past 8 years. Sarah started working with children in 2019 and quickly realized her passion for engaging young minds. She enjoys seeing their faces light up when they discover something new and being there to support them through daily activities.
Natalie Reynolds, Teacher Assistant, Toddler Room
Natalie grew up in Western WA, and moved east under a year ago. Natalie grew up looking after children, beginning with neighborhood babysitting, volunteer, and working in her hometown's childcare center. As she grew, so did her love for caring for children, she found the joy they hold and give incomparable to anything else the world can offer. Natalie actively spends her free time writing, reading, taking walks with her fur baby Dakota and baking, that's if she isn't napping. She loves coming to work everyday to care for, and have fun with all the sweet children in the Toddler room, as well as every other child she has the opportunity to look after at Moscow Day School.
Natalie grew up in Western WA, and moved east under a year ago. Natalie grew up looking after children, beginning with neighborhood babysitting, volunteer, and working in her hometown's childcare center. As she grew, so did her love for caring for children, she found the joy they hold and give incomparable to anything else the world can offer. Natalie actively spends her free time writing, reading, taking walks with her fur baby Dakota and baking, that's if she isn't napping. She loves coming to work everyday to care for, and have fun with all the sweet children in the Toddler room, as well as every other child she has the opportunity to look after at Moscow Day School.
Haley Brickwedel, Teacher Assistant, Preschool/Pre-K Room
Haley was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She moved to Pullman five years ago to begin her English degree and graduated from Washington State University in May of 2020. Her plans for the future include graduate school and strengthening her relationships. Haley's favorite things include, in no particular order are plants, the environment, and her two cats Richard and Nova. She tries to take steps every day in order to better herself and the world around her.
Haley was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. She moved to Pullman five years ago to begin her English degree and graduated from Washington State University in May of 2020. Her plans for the future include graduate school and strengthening her relationships. Haley's favorite things include, in no particular order are plants, the environment, and her two cats Richard and Nova. She tries to take steps every day in order to better herself and the world around her.
Megan Grant, Teacher Assistant, Preschool Room
Megan was born and raised in Boise, ID. She has known since she was in high school that she loves working with people and more specifically, working with children. For the last six years, she's been following her passion for working children and teens of all abilities and age groups. In the past she has volunteered with a group that caters towards young adults, worked as a summer camp counselor and coached middle school girls basketball. The last three years she has worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional aiding elementary and middle school aged students. She loved watching her students grow, work and reach all their goals. When she is not working, Megan enjoys being a homebody. She loves cozy blankets, putting on her sweats and watching a good movie.
Megan was born and raised in Boise, ID. She has known since she was in high school that she loves working with people and more specifically, working with children. For the last six years, she's been following her passion for working children and teens of all abilities and age groups. In the past she has volunteered with a group that caters towards young adults, worked as a summer camp counselor and coached middle school girls basketball. The last three years she has worked as a Special Education Paraprofessional aiding elementary and middle school aged students. She loved watching her students grow, work and reach all their goals. When she is not working, Megan enjoys being a homebody. She loves cozy blankets, putting on her sweats and watching a good movie.
Jovana Duarte, Teacher Aide
Jovana was born and raised in Mountain Home, ID. She is the fifth child out of six. Jovana enjoys spending time with her family which is kind of hard now that she is in Moscow. Currently, Jovana is attending the University of Idaho, pursuing a BA in Early Childhood Development and Education. Her goal is to be a Speech Language Pathologist. Ever since she can remember, Jovana has loved working and interacting with children. She feels very lucky to be working at MDS. It is helping her see how her future is going to look and she enjoys working with your kiddos.
Jovana was born and raised in Mountain Home, ID. She is the fifth child out of six. Jovana enjoys spending time with her family which is kind of hard now that she is in Moscow. Currently, Jovana is attending the University of Idaho, pursuing a BA in Early Childhood Development and Education. Her goal is to be a Speech Language Pathologist. Ever since she can remember, Jovana has loved working and interacting with children. She feels very lucky to be working at MDS. It is helping her see how her future is going to look and she enjoys working with your kiddos.
Margaret Sayler, Janitor