Meet Our Team
Each staff member at Willamette Kids Child Development Center is carefully selected for their passion and care to work with young children. They not only meet the education required by the Oregon Department of Education Early Learning Division but also exemplify a high standard of Christian teaching skills, and Christian living.
Teacher / Child ratio at Willamette Kids is state licensed to have up to 15 students in each classroom, with one head teacher and one second teacher or aid. Which means your children get excellent care and learning on a more individualized level than many other programs.
Leadership & Staff
Tonie Watson
Willamette Kids Director
Email Me!
My name is Tonie Watson. I was born and raised in Santa Clara, California. My father was a High school teacher for over 30 years. He instilled a deep-rooted love of learning and nurturing in me. I loved watching him interact with his students so much that I decided to carry on his legacy and become a teacher myself. Even though my interests and passions fell with the much younger Early Childhood stage, I still feel him guiding me with the same essential principals.
1) Every student is an individual.
2) Meet every one of them where they're at.
3) Love, guide and
encourage unconditionally.
4) Lead like Jesus.
Stephannie Rodin
Willamette Kids
Executive Assistant
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Hailey Holt
Pre K Teacher
Sparrows Class
Email Me!
My name is Hailey and I’ve been a teacher since 2016, primarily working with children between the ages of three and five. In 2013 I graduated from the University of Oregon with an English degree but still felt incredibly pulled toward working with small children. This led me to Lane Community College where I got my degree in Early Childhood Education. It instantly clicked for me that I spoke the language of kids better than adults and this is what I was meant to do. I’ve lived in Oregon my whole life, going back and forth between different cities before settling in the Eugene area in 2009. Currently, I live in Cottage Grove with my husband and two children, Hazel (chocolate lab) and Louise (beautiful cat with an orange toe).
Mandy Renfro
Preschool 3s Teacher
Doves Class
Hi, my name is Mandy. I’m born and raised here in Eugene and I absolutely love the Oregon weather! I’ve been working with young children for five years and have cherished every moment. I started at a center working with ages 1-5 and I did a little bit of everything. I worked with all age groups, saw how the center ran, and made breakfast and lunches for the children daily. Eventually I was blessed enough to end up co-teaching in the toddlers class, and never had so much fun! While not at work, I love going to the beach with my husband and standard poodle, Rosco! I love camping and hiking when I have the time. I also love to bake and make special treats for people I love! My main goal working with young children is to give them the tools they need to become great leaders and the skills they need to become independent thinkers!
Lori Whipkey
Preschool 2s Teacher
Larks Class
Hello! My name is Lori Whipkey.
I was born, raised and have lived most of my life here in Eugene. I love that we are just a day's drive from the coast, the mountains and the desert. I have loved working with young children since teaching Sunday School when I was twelve years old. Since then, in one way or another, I have been involved in Early Childhood Education. I teach because I have a strong desire to plant the seeds of God’s love in young hearts, hoping they will carry it forward through the rest of their lives.
Family is everything to me. Presently, my son and his family lives in Texas. More relatives are located in New Mexico. At home I busy myself with two sweet dogs and one mischievous creamsicle cat, When I have the time, I love shopping- for anything & everything from home decor to pet accessories to unique foods-just shopping. I also enjoy road trips and travel, when I can.
Raylee Culp
Pre K Teacher
Sparrows Class
Hi, I’m Ray. My favorite color is yellow. I love avocados, building Legos and working with children. I was born and raised in Springfield, Oregon where my mother has been teaching in elementary for 20 years. Since I can remember I have always dreamed of becoming a teacher, just like her. Growing up in a house with a mother who taught me what it means to have unconditional love for others has implemented a deep-seated love for kids and helping them reach their full potential. It has been my greatest joy being able to be a part of these kids’ lives. I believe that all kids can and will be successful with the right kind of guidance, love and support. Watching that light bulb click in their little minds is what truly drives me. Children have a rare, authentic, untainted view on life and a beautiful sense of hope that inspires me. If you pay enough attention, kids will teach us all something every single day.
Shawnee Gallagher
Preschool 3s Teacher
Doves Class
Hello! My name is Shawnee. I’ve been married to my best friend for nearly 35 years and we have three wonderful kids of our own. I have been a part of educating children for the past thirty-plus years. From pre-school to elementary students, I have walked with children as they have learned to grow, explore, and be good friends together. As a small child, the impact teachers had on my life was foundational. It brings me joy to hear the hearts of little kids and to help them feel seen and heard and valuable, just where they are.
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Rachiel Areyan
Preschool 2s Teacher
Larks Class
Hi, my name is Rachiel Areyan! I was born in California but have lived most of
my life here in Eugene. I have a loving spouse and two beautiful children who are the loves of my life. I have been a preschool teacher for almost three years now and truly believe that is what I have been called to do. Teaching little ones is my passion in life and seeing the world through their eyes is what makes my heart smile. In my free time I enjoy spending time with family, going to the movies, outreach ministry and anything outdoors! I am excited to be working for Willamette Preschool and can’t wait to see what this school year brings!
Jacqueline Welch
Preschool Assistant
I joined the Willamette Preschool Family The end of March 2022. I bring with me 20 plus years of caregiving experience, majority of those year working with Children 10 years and younger. I Truly believe it is one my God given gifts. I love helping people and making new friends. I’ve been Blessed with a Beautiful Daughter In 2002 who after Jesus is the Love of my Life. I enjoy outdoor actives such as hiking, drives in the country side and coast and outreach ministry work.
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Want to join our team?
Career Opportunities at
Willamette Kids
Child Development Center
We are looking for substitute and teaching positions. If this is a team you are interested in being part of, we'd love to hear from you. To access our online application and submit your resume, click the link below.
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