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 (8), Willow (5), 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 (8), Willow (5), 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.
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.
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 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.
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
Jamie Newsome, Teacher Assistant, Infant/Toddler 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.
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.
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.
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.
Mykala Weremecki, Teacher Aide
Mykala is currently a student at the University of Idaho studying Recreation, Sports and Tourism Management. She is also pursuing an Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Spanish Minor. Mykala is an Idaho native from Boise, but moved to Moscow to pursue her degree. She is an all around animal lover, who has an obsession with reptiles. Mykala is the proud owner of a banana ball python named Lenny, and a purebred American Bulldog named Hammer. Some of the things Mykala loves to do in her free time are spending time with her friends and family, hike, fish, camp and pretty much anything outdoors, but also loves crafting. Mykala enjoys working at Moscow Day School and playing with the kids, it is so rewarding to watch them develop and learn.
Mykala is currently a student at the University of Idaho studying Recreation, Sports and Tourism Management. She is also pursuing an Outdoor Recreation Leadership and Spanish Minor. Mykala is an Idaho native from Boise, but moved to Moscow to pursue her degree. She is an all around animal lover, who has an obsession with reptiles. Mykala is the proud owner of a banana ball python named Lenny, and a purebred American Bulldog named Hammer. Some of the things Mykala loves to do in her free time are spending time with her friends and family, hike, fish, camp and pretty much anything outdoors, but also loves crafting. Mykala enjoys working at Moscow Day School and playing with the kids, it is so rewarding to watch them develop and learn.
Trinity Craig, Teacher Aide
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.
Margaret Sayler, Janitor