Co-founder and lead teacher, Dan, has directed Starbreak Preschool for over 20 years. He holds certifications from both the Montessori Institute of America and Waldorf Early Childhood Association of North America, combining the best of both methodologies into his own unique styles of teaching, staff training, and mentoring.

Dan’s ongoing emphasis in professional development sits in the realm of outdoor, play-based learning, emotional intelligence, and conflict resolution. This combined experience underscores Starbreak’s core commitment to being present for each individual child and their unique needs. Dan received his B.A. in Geology and Mathematics from Lawrence University with additional units of study in psychology and childhood education.

Ty Carleton joins Starbreak after a decade of experience working with children across a variety of settings. Before finding herself with us, Ty supported youth and families as Program Coordinator for Vashon's PlaySpace for 5 years and has served island families as a childcare provider and nanny ever since.

As a mother to 5 and 11 year old daughters, Ty understands the importance of these formative early childhood years. We are deeply grateful to have her join our staff for the 2018 school year and beyond!

As a lifelong resident of Vashon Island, Ginger knows the importance of creating fun learning environments. During college she completed an internship at Cedarsong Nature School, where she taught for three years before coming to Starbreak, and eventually receiving a level 4 forest kindergarten teacher training. During the summer months Ginger runs a nature immersion program called Camp Roots and has enjoyed great success in its first two years of operation.

Her teaching experiences have fueled a strong belief that combining outdoor, play-based learning experiences with the core teachings of the Montessori and Waldorf methods provides a rich educational experience and reinforces the benefits of slowing down to maintain that innocent “sense of wonder” to help children thrive. Ginger earned her B.A. in Early Childhood Education at The Evergreen State College in 2014 with a focus on sustainability.