Staff

Staff (From left to right; back, then front in photo)

Hannah Johnson

Miss Hannah received a degree in Natural Resource Management from Washington State University. After moving back to King County, she found positions leading indoor and outdoor programs for people with developmental disabilities. Through years of working with all ages and abilities, she has gained a love and appreciation for early childhood education. Keeping things fun and moving, she hopes to instill a curiosity for knowledge in the classroom. 

"I am so excited to get started with this program and be working closely with my community."

Vanessa Cusimano, Preschool Director

Mrs. Vanessa received her Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Special Education from Auburn University in Alabama and her Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from City University. Before staying home with her two children, she taught at an integrated preschool program for children with autism as well as at Snoqualmie Elementary School's special education preschool program. Mrs. Vanessa enjoys making learning fun while promoting growth in all developmental areas.

"I have experienced the Issaquah Parks & Recreation Preschool Program as a parent twice and am very excited and honored to be a team member within this dedicated, energetic group of educators."

Christal Ferrier

After graduating from Concordia University in 2005 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English, Ms. Christal discovered her love of working with children and their families while working as an Office Manager at a local Montessori school. She later worked in child care at a fitness facility and has enjoyed volunteering in her daughter's elementary school classroom and library.

"I'm excited to be a part of the Issaquah Park Preschool Program. My children attended the program and it was a such a positive experience for our family. I look forward to creating this same experience for other families."

Amy Armstrong

Mrs. Amy received her Bachelor of Arts degree in liberal studies from the University of California Riverside with a major emphasis in mathematics and a minor emphasis in education. She returned the following year to earn her professional clear multiple subjects teaching credential with a Cross-cultural, Language and Academic Development (CLAD) emphasis. She was an elementary classroom teacher for 11 years in California and Texas, before becoming a stay at home mom to her three children. After moving to Issaquah, her twins joined Issaquah Parks Preschool, and Amy became a substitute teacher during their Pre-K year. "Our twins had a wonderful experience with the Issaquah Parks Preschool. Now that they are moving on to elementary school, I am very excited to be joining the preschool team as a lead teacher. I hope to pass on my love of math and science to my students."

Anu Dhwaj

Mrs. Anu completed her master’s degree in Business Administration.  She began her career as a human resource professional before transitioning toward teaching. She has been teaching early learners for the past few years at various educational institutions. Mrs. Anu joined the Issaquah Parks Preschool team in 2018. Her years of experience in working with kids helped her form a teaching philosophy of “Fun + Learning = The best learning experience”, which guides how she works and learns with your child.

Monica Mondragon

Mrs. Monica received her bachelor’s degree in business administration in Mexico City. She taught English at the junior high level before moving to California to become a full-time stay-at-home mom to her three children. After moving to Washington State, she became a private Spanish tutor while raising her children. In her free time, she likes to cook, watch movies and spend time with her family and yellow lab, Mila. Mrs. Monica has always had a passion for working with little kids and is very excited to begin a new chapter in her career with the Issaquah Parks Preschool. “I’m very thrilled to have the opportunity to work with an amazing staff of experienced preschool teachers and am honored to help guide and teach your kids in what is the beginning of their educational journey.”