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 (9), Willow (6), and Jude (3). 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 for this adventure at Moscow Day School and be part of the MDS family. When Mandi isn't at school she loves reading and spending time with her 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 (9), Willow (6), and Jude (3). 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 for this adventure at Moscow Day School and be part of the MDS family. When Mandi isn't at school she loves reading and spending time with her family.
Shannley Moon, Assistant Director
Shannley started working in childcare fresh out of high school and has been working in the field ever since. From the first center she's worked in she knew it was what she was meant to do. She has worked will all ages over the years and really loves working with kids! Children and understanding the development and growth of them is one of her greatest passions. Shannley has always had a natural bond with kids, even when they first meet. She loves helping children learn how to be comfortable in social settings and teach them how to be kind and caring humans when interacting with people. Shannley and her husband moved to Moscow in 2004 from Idaho Falls and had their first and only child in 2006. Kaya is their most prized possession, she is an amazing person who is also a Moscow Day School alumni. She looks forward to being a volunteer here in the future. Family is the most important thing in the world to Shannley and on her off time she spends as much time outdoors as possible. She loves being in the forest, hiking, camping, fishing, foraging and being one with nature. When she can't get out of town, Shannley enjoys working in her yard, gardening, reading, yoga and enjoying time with her dog and chickens.
Shannley started working in childcare fresh out of high school and has been working in the field ever since. From the first center she's worked in she knew it was what she was meant to do. She has worked will all ages over the years and really loves working with kids! Children and understanding the development and growth of them is one of her greatest passions. Shannley has always had a natural bond with kids, even when they first meet. She loves helping children learn how to be comfortable in social settings and teach them how to be kind and caring humans when interacting with people. Shannley and her husband moved to Moscow in 2004 from Idaho Falls and had their first and only child in 2006. Kaya is their most prized possession, she is an amazing person who is also a Moscow Day School alumni. She looks forward to being a volunteer here in the future. Family is the most important thing in the world to Shannley and on her off time she spends as much time outdoors as possible. She loves being in the forest, hiking, camping, fishing, foraging and being one with nature. When she can't get out of town, Shannley enjoys working in her yard, gardening, reading, yoga and enjoying time with her dog and chickens.
LEAD TEACHERS
Heather Tout, 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.
Genesis Scoggin, Co-Lead Teacher, Pre-K Room
Genesis was born in Walla Walla, WA but raised in Waitsburg, WA. She's been married for 4 years to her wonderful husband, Hunter. They have a beautiful baby girl named Scout that is 9 months and two fur babies, Lola and Buck. Genesis loves working with kids of all ages. Over the last five years she has experienced working as a Lead Jr. Preschool teacher at The Learning Center. She also has lots of experience nannying for multiple families. Away from work Genesis enjoys being outdoors, snowmobiling, camping, arts & crafts, baking as well as spending time with her family and friends.
Genesis was born in Walla Walla, WA but raised in Waitsburg, WA. She's been married for 4 years to her wonderful husband, Hunter. They have a beautiful baby girl named Scout that is 9 months and two fur babies, Lola and Buck. Genesis loves working with kids of all ages. Over the last five years she has experienced working as a Lead Jr. Preschool teacher at The Learning Center. She also has lots of experience nannying for multiple families. Away from work Genesis enjoys being outdoors, snowmobiling, camping, arts & crafts, baking as well as spending time with her family and friends.
Courtney James, Lead Teacher, Preschool Room
Courtney was born and raised in Bend, Oregon but later moved to Wyoming with her family during high school. She attended Casper Community College for two years studying Business Entrepreneurship. Courtney then moved back to Oregon and helped with her sisters at home childcare in her free time. She moved to Lewiston, Idaho in the late summer of 2019. She then found her love of childcare when she started out as an infant teacher in Pullman. In March of 2020, Courtney then became an assistant teacher in Jr. Preschool. Courtney loves interacting and teaching kids. Her goal is to always ensure the kids are having fun even while learning. Courtney is so excited to be apart of Moscow Day Schools family! In her free time, she enjoys spending time on the river, camping, being with friends and family, and enjoying the outdoors.
Courtney was born and raised in Bend, Oregon but later moved to Wyoming with her family during high school. She attended Casper Community College for two years studying Business Entrepreneurship. Courtney then moved back to Oregon and helped with her sisters at home childcare in her free time. She moved to Lewiston, Idaho in the late summer of 2019. She then found her love of childcare when she started out as an infant teacher in Pullman. In March of 2020, Courtney then became an assistant teacher in Jr. Preschool. Courtney loves interacting and teaching kids. Her goal is to always ensure the kids are having fun even while learning. Courtney is so excited to be apart of Moscow Day Schools family! In her free time, she enjoys spending time on the river, camping, being with friends and family, and enjoying the outdoors.
Brittney Delph, Lead Teacher, Toddler Room
Brittney was born in Montana, but raised in Moscow, ID. Currently she lives closer to Pullman, WA with her fiancé 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 fiancé 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.
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
Trinity Craig, Teacher Assistant, PreK Room
Trinity was born in Boise, but lived in Mountain Home until the beginning of high school. She moved to Moscow with her parents (Eric and Jena), her little brother (Trapper, 9) and dog (Roscoe) about 3 years ago. Trinity has always loved working with children and being able to help people. She is currently a junior in high school and plays basketball. Outside of work, Trinity enjoys playing with her dog and spending time with her family. She also likes to go camping and to the lake with friends and family.
Trinity was born in Boise, but lived in Mountain Home until the beginning of high school. She moved to Moscow with her parents (Eric and Jena), her little brother (Trapper, 9) and dog (Roscoe) about 3 years ago. Trinity has always loved working with children and being able to help people. She is currently a junior in high school and plays basketball. Outside of work, Trinity enjoys playing with her dog and spending time with her family. She also likes to go camping and to the lake with friends and family.
Jovana Duarte, Teacher Assistant, All Classrooms
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.
Beth Gladhart, Teacher Assistant, Preschool Room
Beth was raised in a small town called Midvale, ID and she has lived in Moscow for about a year. After being a Teacher's Aide in high school and working at a summer camp, she found her passion for working with children. She loves the excitement they share from learning new things every day. Beth says there is no better job than to make crafts, play games, and sing songs. When she isn't at work her favorite thing to do is spend time with the people she loves (especially her nephews). She love watching Disney movies and playing her ukulele.
Beth was raised in a small town called Midvale, ID and she has lived in Moscow for about a year. After being a Teacher's Aide in high school and working at a summer camp, she found her passion for working with children. She loves the excitement they share from learning new things every day. Beth says there is no better job than to make crafts, play games, and sing songs. When she isn't at work her favorite thing to do is spend time with the people she loves (especially her nephews). She love watching Disney movies and playing her ukulele.
Julie Johnson, Teacher Assistant, PreK Room
Julianne (Julie) Johnson was born in Cottonwood, ID but raised in Lewiston, ID. Before graduating in 2018 she accepted a job at a beauty supply store. She spent three years working within the company and fell in love with the beauty industry. During that time Julie was able to gain experience in other areas including house sitting, dog walking and babysitting. She enjoys working with her clients and providing care to make their lives easier. At the end of 2021 Julie decided to make the move up to Moscow to have new surroundings as well as staying close to her family. She took this opportunity to work with children full-time, starting babysitting at the age of 14 showed her that caring for others was her passion. When Julie isn't at work she loves adventure, being in nature, working on her photography skills, spending time with the people she loves, and staying home with a good book or movie. Julie is excited for her future at MDS and working with your kids.
Julianne (Julie) Johnson was born in Cottonwood, ID but raised in Lewiston, ID. Before graduating in 2018 she accepted a job at a beauty supply store. She spent three years working within the company and fell in love with the beauty industry. During that time Julie was able to gain experience in other areas including house sitting, dog walking and babysitting. She enjoys working with her clients and providing care to make their lives easier. At the end of 2021 Julie decided to make the move up to Moscow to have new surroundings as well as staying close to her family. She took this opportunity to work with children full-time, starting babysitting at the age of 14 showed her that caring for others was her passion. When Julie isn't at work she loves adventure, being in nature, working on her photography skills, spending time with the people she loves, and staying home with a good book or movie. Julie is excited for her future at MDS and working with your kids.
Alexandria Mizell, Teacher Assistant, PreK Room
Alexandria was born and raised in Marysville, WA. In her blended family, she is the oldest of 8 kids. She currently is attending Washington State University, pursuing a degree in elementary education. Alexandria has wanted to be a teacher since she was in the fourth grade and is excited to be finally achieving that goal. Working with kids has always felt like her calling and she wouldn't have it any other way. In her free time, she likes to play with her cat and dog, read books, work out, and be pushed out of her comfort zone.
Alexandria was born and raised in Marysville, WA. In her blended family, she is the oldest of 8 kids. She currently is attending Washington State University, pursuing a degree in elementary education. Alexandria has wanted to be a teacher since she was in the fourth grade and is excited to be finally achieving that goal. Working with kids has always felt like her calling and she wouldn't have it any other way. In her free time, she likes to play with her cat and dog, read books, work out, and be pushed out of her comfort zone.
Jamie Newsome, Teacher Assistant, Infant Room
Jamie has worked at Moscow Day School for over three years, and in some aspect of childcare for 16 years, after begging her parents to let her take a babysitting course at the age of 8. Her favorite thing about working in the infant room is seeing their personalities shine through and develop, and how quickly they grow and change. She has lived in Moscow for 21 years, and loves our community. In her spare time she loves to read books, hike on Moscow Mountain and play games; board, video and TTRPG's alike.
Jamie has worked at Moscow Day School for over three years, and in some aspect of childcare for 16 years, after begging her parents to let her take a babysitting course at the age of 8. Her favorite thing about working in the infant room is seeing their personalities shine through and develop, and how quickly they grow and change. She has lived in Moscow for 21 years, and loves our community. In her spare time she loves to read books, hike on Moscow Mountain and play games; board, video and TTRPG's alike.
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.
Ivy Stubbs, Teacher Assistant, Infant 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 at 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 North 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 at 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 North Idaho.
Hong Van Orman, Teacher Assistant, Toddler Room
Hong first joined MDS in June 2017. She loves working with kids and has truly found her passion! She believes she has one of the best jobs on earth and sees everyday as an opportunity to share love and learning with her group of little ones!
She received her bachelor's degree in Education from Henan Institute of Science and Technology and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics from University of Nottingham, where she met her husband (Dustin). They moved to Moscow in 2016 after they got married in Liberty Lake. After then, they had both of their children (Euwen & Helena) in the Palouse area. When Hong isn't at school, she cherishes every moment she has with family (kids, hubby, in-laws, and video-chatting with family in China). She also enjoys trying new recipes, hiking and shopping.
Hong first joined MDS in June 2017. She loves working with kids and has truly found her passion! She believes she has one of the best jobs on earth and sees everyday as an opportunity to share love and learning with her group of little ones!
She received her bachelor's degree in Education from Henan Institute of Science and Technology and a Graduate Certificate in Applied Linguistics from University of Nottingham, where she met her husband (Dustin). They moved to Moscow in 2016 after they got married in Liberty Lake. After then, they had both of their children (Euwen & Helena) in the Palouse area. When Hong isn't at school, she cherishes every moment she has with family (kids, hubby, in-laws, and video-chatting with family in China). She also enjoys trying new recipes, hiking and shopping.
Margaret Sayler, Janitor