Kimberly Droppo
Director
Ms. Kim joined the IMS community in August 2013, as assistant director, and moved to the role of director in July 2022. In addition to those role, she’s been a toddler assistant teacher, toddler intern teacher and primary intern teacher. Ms. Kim earned a BA in Finance at Gonzaga University and a BA in Early Childhood and Family Studies at the University of Washington. She also completed her Early Childhood credential at the Montessori Center for Teacher Education in Bellevue, June 2019. Ms. Kim recently completed an Infant-Toddler credential at Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest (AMS).
Ms. Kim lives in Carnation with her husband, and three children (all of whom are away at university). In her free time, she enjoys reading, crafting, volunteering with Girl Scouts, and spending time with her family.
Ms. Kim became familiar with Montessori education in the fall of 2000 when her son attended preschool at Evergreen Academy in Woodinville. Her daughters later attended Montessori middle school at Arbor Montessori Schools. She says, “I love the Montessori philosophy for education because it allows the child to explore their natural inquisitive side, it holds them responsible for their own work, and encourages them to reach their fullest potential.” Ms. Kim loves the community, the family, the feeling of home, at IMS.
Chelle Downey-Magee
Assistant Director, Co-Teacher, Intern
In July 2022 Ms. Chelle moved to the role of assistant director after 13 years as director. She was “sent to the office” at Issaquah Montessori in 2009, after teaching in Montessori early childhood and lower elementary environments for more than 20 years.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Union College and a Master of Education from the University of Washington. Her Montessori credentials include an Early Childhood Certificate (3-6) as well as an Elementary Education Certificate (6-9) from the National Center for Montessori Education, and an Administrator Credential from the American Montessori Society. She is currently working towards an Infant-Toddler credential at Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest. Within the larger Montessori community Ms. Chelle serves on the Pacific Northwest Montessori Association Verification committee.
Over the years Ms. Chelle has learned to appreciate that in the Montessori environment the peaceful, purposeful child is allowed to be a curious, collaborative member of a classroom community, and then follow that path into the larger world.
Ms. Chelle lives in Sammamish with her husband. She enjoys travelling, fiber arts, reading about travelling, baking and walking.