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.

Director, Teacher, Administration

Sara joined Little Explorers School in 2013, and has worked with children professionally since 2009. Former/current positions include nanny, lead teacher, after school manager, creative director, administration, human resources, and school director. She has an education in the arts and history of freelance artist experience that cultivates creative, fun, and exciting curriculum. Sara’s other areas of interest are science & health education, sourced from six years as a nutrition consultant. She also enjoyed her years of experience teaching after school science & craft classes at local elementary schools. Sara is deeply dedicated to our school and delighted to participate in the growth and enrichment of our students.

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

Since joining the team in 2023, Talitha has brought a diverse background of experiences, including a B.A. in Product Design and prior roles as a private nanny and Sunday school teacher. Her passion for working with kids stems from their curiosity and authenticity—they are unapologetically themselves and always eager to learn more. She particularly enjoys witnessing their growth and confidence develop over time. Outside of work, Talitha loves traveling and spending quality time with her family, which fuels her sense of creativity and connection.

Teacher

After earning a degree in Early Care & Education from the University of Washington, she worked as a music teacher for a Montessori preschool. For many years, Annika pursued theatre and dance professionally, but ultimately felt the most joy from teaching young children. In the classroom, she specifically loves reading books, playing music together, and teaching French. Annika’s love for teaching is influenced by her fond memories from her own childhood. She sees early childhood as a special time of life filled with curiosity, growth, and love. Outside of work, Annika enjoys playing guitar, skiing, and traveling.