The core Children’s Garden staff has worked together more than 20 years. We believe the greatest gift we can offer our students and our community is our own highest level of consciousness. Our staff brings outstanding educational credentials and rich life experiences to this program. Life-long learning and multi-cultural exploration through travel, foreign language and the arts, as well as ongoing professional development are deeply held values of our teachers.

Bonnie Steussy, Director-Teacher
BA Education, University of Puget Sound 1965. Certificate d’Etudes, Sorbonne, Paris France, 1970, MAT Foreign Language Education, University of South Carolina, 1973, Certificate in Leadership Training/Adlarian Parent Education, University of Miami Medical School, 1974. Bonnie founded The Children’s Garden in 1977.

Deborah Smick, Teacher
BA English and Creative Writing, Stanford University 1975, Teaching credential & masters level coursework in Human Development, Pacific Oaks College 1982. Orff certification 1996. Debby has taught at The Children’s Garden since 1984.

Kathi Lightstone-Matanovic, Teaching Assistant
Kathi trained as an actress at Los Angeles City College and is a well known Northwest storyteller and recording artist. One of Kathi’s daughters is a Children’s Garden School graduate. Kathi has taught at The Garden since 2001.

Donna Cook Misner, Teaching Assistant
Donna graduated from York University in Toronto, Ontario, Canada with a Bachelor ofArts in Psychology, a Bachelor of Education, and a Special Education Degree for gifted and challenged children. Donna has enjoyed many creative endeavors, including teacher, carpenter, artist, furniture maker, party planner, mother of three and stepmother to four. Donna's daughter graduated from the Garden in 2000.

Julie Spangler, Parent Education Specialist
Julie graduated from the University of Washington and received her specialty training as the mother of four active and diverse Children’s Garden School Graduates. Julie has been with The Garden since 1997.

Marsha Burdick, Administrative Assistant
Marsha manages the business responsibilities of the school. Marsha came to The Children’s Garden School as a parent of two sons enrolled in the Garden. She has a degree in education from Western Washington University, with specialties in early childhood development and family relationships. Marsha has been with The Garden since 1986.