Founders

Mr. Jared has been teaching, counseling, and mentoring children of all ages for over 25 years.  He received his B.A. in Psychology with an emphasis on Early Childhood Development and Behavior at Seattle University.  He has shared his skills and talents at many institutions in Seattle: Sweet Pea Cottage (2004-2010), The Children’s Institute for Learning Differences, Country Village Day School, Bryant Elementary, The Seattle Academy, Youth Theatre Northwest, and The Northwest School.  In Los Angeles: The Center for Early Education, Carpenter, Colfax, and Lanai Elementary.  He has also coached many different youth sports leagues in the Queen Anne and Ravenna neighborhoods.  Together with his wife Cindy, Jared created Little Explorers in 2011; which combines his commitment to early childhood education and enrichment with his talent of engaging and communicating with children.

School Director, Teacher, Administration

Sara joined Little Explorers School in 2013 and has been working professionally with children since 2009. Her diverse background includes roles as a nanny, lead teacher, after-school program manager, creative director, administrator, human resources coordinator, and school director. With a formal education in the arts and years of experience as a freelance artist, Sara brings a creative and imaginative approach to curriculum development—making learning both engaging and fun. In addition to her work in education, Sara spent six years as a nutrition consultant, which sparked her continued interest in science and health education. She also loved her time teaching after-school science and craft classes at local elementary schools, blending hands-on activities with learning in meaningful ways. Sara is deeply committed to the mission of Little Explorers and takes great joy in supporting the growth and development of each student. Her passion, creativity, and leadership make her a vital part of our school community.

After School Manager, Teacher

Mr. Ben has been a member of the Little Explorers team since 2018. Returning to our school after attending Hampshire College, where he majored in English Literature, Mr. Ben is passionate about nurturing children’s communication skills and empathy. Mr. Ben is dedicated to empowering young learners with the skills to express themselves confidently and clearly. With a firm belief in the importance of social and emotional growth, Mr. Ben prioritizes creating a supportive environment where every child can thrive. His commitment to fostering connections underscores his approach to education, recognizing that these bonds are foundational to all aspects of learning.

Teacher

Grace has had a passion for working with children from a young age, beginning her journey in childcare through babysitting and working at summer camps during her early teens. Her early experience eventually led to an internship at Sweet Pea Cottage Preschool of the Arts, where she gained valuable insight into early childhood education. She later took on a role as an Assistant Preschool Teacher at Alphabet Soup Preschool, where she further developed her skills in classroom management and child development. In addition to her work in structured settings, she has provided in-home care as a nanny and babysitter for families with children of various ages and needs. With a warm, attentive approach and a strong foundation in early education, Grace is committed to creating safe, supportive, and enriching environments for every child in her care.