Team
Many of our teachers are fluent in both Vietnamese and English, and instruction is delivered in both languages to immerse students in Vietnamese culture and hone their bilingualism.
Gloria Hodge
Center Director
I’ve been in the education and early learning field for over 20 years. My experience includes work in South Korea, Southern California, and Washington. I also volunteer for the Renton School District in various capacities. During my free time, I enjoy spending time with family, watching movies, and traveling.
I’m passionate about ensuring a nurturing learning environment for children at the center. I love being able to engage with students in the classroom and see children reach their goals. I look forward to working with Hoa Mai parents and community to build a solid support and foundation for our children.
Chi Bui
Program Administrator
With over a decade of experience in hospitality and as a former business partner in healthcare technology, hardware supply, and logistics sectors, I have developed strong skills in customer service, communication, and organizational leadership within fast-paced, dynamic environments, enabling me to contribute meaningfully to the Hoa Mai and Dragon’s Den community.
Born and raised in Vietnam in a large family with eight siblings, where caring for others was essential, spending time with my nieces and nephews has always brought me great joy. I see the warmth and sense of family at Hoa Mai and Dragon’s Den. I’m dedicated to applying my skills to support the program missions and find great satisfaction in seeing children laugh, learn, and grow each day. It’s rewarding to see the happiness it brings to parents, knowing their children are well cared for. I’m proud to be part of a team that nurtures children and supports families everyday.
Marquise Green
Recruiting Coordinator/Admin-Assistant
Hello, my name is Marquise. I am originally from eastern Washington, but have been in the Puget Sound area for 8 years. I graduated from Tacoma Community College with a degree in arts and sciences. I started out as a Classroom Facilitator at our sister site, Dragon’s Den, and am now blessed to help Hoa Mai with recruiting as well as assistance in administration. In my free time I enjoy making music, and collecting vinyl records.
I love the culture at Hoa Mai and am passionate about doing what I can to help the program and our youth continue to thrive and flourish.
Mary Hendrix
Water Buffalo Class Co-Lead Teacher
I’ve been in the early childhood education field for 28 years. I worked at Zion Preparatory Academy for 23 years and have taught all preschool grade levels from toddlers to pre-K.
I am a mother of six children and grandmother of two. Four of my children are grown and the two youngest are in middle school.
I received my AAS in early childhood education from Shoreline Community College in 2008, and have obtained a Bachelor’s degree in ECE from Evergreen State College.
Nhu Tuyệt
Water Buffalo Class Co-Lead Teacher
My name is Nhu Tuyet. I was born and raised in Vietnam. I am currently residing with my lovely son and husband. Like plenty of others, I came and settled in Seattle to fulfill my career dream of teaching. I have a solid background working with children back in Vietnam, which helped solidify my teaching skills. I have a passion for helping children reach their goals, and most importantly, I enjoy facilitating activities with them. It is my pleasure to see the children improve and succeed each day, I am also currently pursuing a degree in early education.
I look forward to engaging with parents and teachers. I hope to make positive contributions to Hoa Mai families and children.
Dolly Saiyagone
Water Buffalo Class Teacher-Assistant
Hello, my name is Dolly.
I am Lao and grew up in Laos. I have lived here in Seattle since 2009.
I graduated with a background in food and fashion design.
From now dating back to when I was a child, I have loved watching cartoons. This experience helps me communicate, bond, and relate with my students. Working with children is a delicate and fascinating process, which is why I am happy and excited to work at Hoa Mai.
Melat Alemu
Water Buffalo Class Teacher-Assistant
My name is Melat, I was born and raised in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. I am passionate about working with children and exploring the world through their innocent and sweet words, spending many years of volunteering at local schools and an Amharic school.
During my free time, I enjoy spending quality moments with my family and activities that help me recharge; such as long walks , swimming, and exercising. I am so grateful to be a part of the Hoa Mai family and to collaborate with my fellow teachers in creating a positive and enriching environment for students.
Yolanda Allen
Cranes Class Co-Lead Teacher
Originally from Texas, I relocated to Seattle and have worked in the education field for almost 20 years at Zion Preparatory Academy School. During my career, I have taught kindergarten through second grade and have worked with preschool-aged children.
I have a C.D.A. and Associates degree in Early Childhood Education.
I have a son, Robert, who graduated from the University of Washington. He worked in art administration and education here in Seattle.
In my free time, I enjoy reading, watching movies and sports, and spending time with my family.
I look forward to working with Hoa Mai families and the teachers and hope to make a positive impact on our students and their families.
Lanvuong Chau
Cranes Class Co-Lead Teacher
Hello everyone.
My name is Lan Vuong Chau, I was born and raised in Vietnam. Before moving to Seattle, I was a preschool teacher in the Thuan Nam district, Ninh Thuan province for 23 years. In 2015, I received a Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education from Hue University. I love children very much and that is the reason why I chose this major.
At the end of 2023, I came to Seattle and was lucky to work for Hoa Mai. While teaching at Hoa Mai, I try to maximize my abilities and strengths to provide knowledge to the children in the most effective and best way.
In my spare time, I often cook and make flowers from velvet to beautify my classroom and home.
I look forward to working with Hoa Mai families and the teachers and hope to make a positive impact on our students and their families.
Iz Zah
Monkey Class Teacher
Xin chao! I was born and raised in Vietnam. I have obtained an Associates degree from Seattle Central College.
I’m actively involved in my community and recently had the opportunity to volunteer as a student teacher at Bailey Gatzert Elementary. I am blessed and excited to be part of Hoa Mai family and hope that my experience can contribute to our mission and values.
Duong
Monkey Class Teacher
My name is Duong, I have been in the U.S. for over two years and lived in Seattle for one year. I am proud to live in a city that is the largest in the state. I am also happy to live in a city with famous companies like Amazon and Boeing, a state known for its evergreen slogan.
Hoa Mai is a preschool I looked for and chose for my son to attend. It is fortunate and coincidental that I am now accepting work and joining the team at Hoa Mai. I am very excited about this job! I look forward to communicating, listening, and helping the children improve their Vietnamese language and learning the culture of Vietnam. Moreover, it is very special to be able to accompany my child in the early stages of life when going to school. I look forward to Hoa Mai’s team to help coach, support and assist me in accomplishing goals that wait for me ahead. Thanks to all.
Shabana Tahmas
Monkey Class Teacher
My name is Shabana Tahmas, and I am originally from Kabul, Afghanistan. I am currently living in the United States, where I am building a new chapter of my life with dedication and hard work. I am a single mother, and this role has given me strength, patience, and motivation to keep moving forward.
I studied and worked for several years in the field of early childhood education, which gave me valuable experience in teaching, caring for, and supporting children in their growth. Besides my professional background, I also enjoy creative hobbies such as reading, learning new skills, and spending time with family and friends.
I believe in continuous growth, kindness, and resilience. Additionally, I always look forward to new opportunities that allow me to learn, share, and contribute positively to my community.
Still have questions?
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