Andrea Davey
Little Root Founder and Lead Teacher
Education and training:
LifeWays Early Childhood | Certification: April 2015
Medic First Aid Certified – PediatricPlus, CPR, AED, and First Aid for Children, Infants & Adults
National Registry Background Check | Verified
Who is someone you admire?
I just adore Mr Rogers. He exemplifies compassion and presence. Two primary characteristics needed in early childhood work. He sees the child as they are and steps into their world with them. He experiences the wonder, the joy and the deep feelings they share. I aspire to be like him in everything I do. To go gently and take care of those I am entrusted to care for.
What skills do you bring to Little Root?
As a mother of three, parenting for over 26 years I bring a heavy dose of perspective and grace. I have personal knowledge of what it is to be a parent in these times. I am a childhood trauma survivor and believe in the importance of supporting parents and developing in children healthy boundaries. I am also a Reiki level III Energy Practitioner who can offer Reiki to children when they need extra emotional support. I love gardening, singing, weaving oral stories and bringing felt puppets to life at Little Root.
Megan Mahaffy
Little Root Preschool Co-Lead Teacher
What do you love/believe in about Little Root?
I love the warm, welcoming, home environment that Andrea has created at Little Root.
Each child is embraced and held in a loving community that meets them where they are
and supports their development. I truly believe in the LifeWays ethos that “life is the
curriculum,” and at Little Root, that is evident in every corner. From tending the garden
and caring for the chickens, bunnies and worms, to helping prepare the food for our
meals, the children participate in all aspects of daily life in their home away from home.
I love sharing in their joy at discovering new abilities and testing their limits. They learn
so much about themselves and each other through their daily outdoor experiences,
weekly hikes in Baltimore Woods, as well as during quieter indoor play.
Experience:
Magnolia Blossom Preschool | Assistant Teacher
2018-2019
Little Root Playgarden | Substitute Assistant Teacher
Education and training:
LifeWays Early Childhood | Certification: June 2019
Portland State University | Pursuing B.A. in Arts and Letters, Minor in Elementary
Education
Medic First Aid Certified | (all the same things Jen listed)
Food Handler | Certified
National Registry Background Check | Verified
Who is someone you admire?
I truly admire my mother. I can’t think of anyone I know who has worked harder to
achieve their dreams or has a bigger heart. She always says what she means, does what
she says she will do, and all with an empathy, thoughtfulness and consideration for
others that is humbling and inspiring. I have learned so much from her and will
continue to try to emulate those qualities she raised me with.
Skills I bring to Little Root:
I fell in love with Waldorf-inspired education when searching for a preschool for my
own two boys. The simplicity of the surroundings, natural materials of the toys, and
reverence for the seasons have brought my family much joy, and helped to instill a healthy rhythm to our home life and familial ethics. Part of what I bring to Little Root is
a special kind of empathy, born from my experience of being a preschool parent for
many years: I understand the need to know that your children are with adults who truly
care for them as individuals. You will find this value as bedrock at Little Root. I also
delight in sharing with the children my deep love of handwork, crafts, storytelling, and
puppetry. As my own little ones have grown into elementary school, I found myself not
wanting to be parted from the wonder and the journey of early childhood. I feel so lucky
to be able to support that journey with the children of Little Root.
Michelle Mendoza
Little Root Preschool Co-Lead Teacher
What do you love/believe in about Little Root? I love the calm atmosphere. The way the children are so at peace while playing and enjoy each other’s company. Seeing the world through their eyes. It’s such a welcoming space for adults and children.
Related Experience:
- Patti cakes 2025- 2025/ preschool teacher
- Grandmas place 2019-2024 toddler/ preschool teacher
- Jump for joy 2018-2019 toddler teacher
- Salvation Army CDC 2009-2018
Education:
- 2007-2008 High school R.O.P- child development
- MJC- child development collage courses
- First aide and cpr certified
- Food handlers
- Many hours of child development trainings
Who is someone you admire? I would like to say the many women in my life. They have showed me how to be brave, compassion, caring, patient, loving, and understanding. That with love and joy, you can do so much for this world and to believe in yourself and others.
What skills do you bring to Little Root?I bring 18 years of experience. I started at a young age. I was brought up around children since I was 13. My mother has her own child care at home. So it’s all been in my nature to want to work with children. Since a young age I couldn’t see myself doing nothing else. I love the joy children bring to this world. I’m a patient, caring, loving and supportive anyway needed. It’s a joy to be working for such a wonderful place.
Shady Moody
Little Root Toddler Lead Teacher
- Whidbey Island Waldorf School – 2023-2025
- Bird Song Children’s Garden – 2019-2023
- Sound Circle Center for Arts & Anthroposophy – Waldorf Early Childhood Education Certification: July 2023
- BA, The Evergreen State College: June 2019
- Infant / CPR First Aid Certified
Food Handler’s Permit | Certified
National Registry Background Check | Verified
Little Root Children 