Chelle Downey-Magee
Assistant Director, Co-Teacher, Intern – Cub
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.
Teresa Sandoval
Co-Teacher, Intern – Cub
Ms. Teresa joined the teaching staff of Issaquah Montessori in the fall of 2020 as an assistant teacher in Cub. This year she’s enrolled in the Infant-Toddler Certification course at Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest in Bothell (AMS). Ms. Teresa grew up in southern California, attending Hunting Park High School. Prior to joining IMS, she worked in other Montessori schools for eight years.
She lives in Carnation with her son, daughter, and Mr. Paulo. When she’s not at school, Ms. Teresa enjoys watching mukbang videos and working in her garden.
Ms. Teresa appreciates the way that the children to have the freedom to decide what they want to do. She also appreciates the open and welcoming IMS community.
Daihan Avendano
Assistant Teacher – Cub
Ms. Daihan joined the IMS community in the fall of 2021. She grew up in Barquisimeto, Venezuela; and earned certificates in accounting and tax accounting at Instituto Universitario de Technologia Industrial Rodolfo Loero Arismendi. Ms. Daihan later earned a law degree at Universidad Yacambú. She’s currently studying English at Bellevue College.
Ms. Daihan lives in Carnation with her husband, mother, and sister. When she’s not a school, she really likes to cook, visit parks and different cities in Washington state. She likes to ride her bike and walk with her daughter’s dog, Gus.
About Montessori, Ms. Daihan says, “The Montessori school is different; each child learns education, respect, empathy and companionship, all without losing independence.” And about IMS specifically she appreciated the different way of education provided by the Montessori community. “I love being part of this team!”
Pallavi Kumar
Assistant Teacher – Cub
Ms. Pallavi joined the IMS toddler in the summer of 2022. She lives in Sammamish with her husband and two young children.