Meet the Teachers

Little Dandelions Lead Teacher

Sarah Alves is the Lead Teacher for the Little Dandelions class at Hidden Trails. Originally from the Midwest, she has lived in Western Washington since 1993 and has been caring for children since 2000. Sara joined the school in June of 2024. She has a background as an in-home caregiver for both children and the elderly. Additionally, she holds multiple certifications, including Nursing Assistant Registered, Emergency Medical Technician, and degrees in Criminal Justice and Computer Forensics & Digital Investigation. Sarah loves being silly with the kids, helping shape their outlook on life and nature, and providing a safe space for them to build confidence and independence.

She enjoys immersing herself in nature on Hidden Trails’ beautiful property. Outside of work, she loves spending time with her three sons (ages 13, 5, and 1), reading crime thrillers, camping, being on the water, exploring, traveling, and staying active in her community while always striving for personal growth.

Nature School Assistant (Little Dandelions)

Brooke Jessen is an Assistant Teacher with the Little Dandelions class at Hidden Trails, joining the team in September 2024. Originally from Southern California, she has six years of caregiving and nannying experience. She is passionate about fostering a love for nature and learning in young minds, enjoying the opportunity to be outdoors, surrounded by animals, and part of a supportive community.

Brooke holds an OSHA 10 certification and is excited to welcome her first child in September. Outside of work, she loves making music and art, dancing, hiking with her two dogs, and spending time with her family.

Nature School Assistant (Little Dandelions)

Ashlyn Faith Mokrzycki is an Assistant Teacher with the Little Dandelions class at Hidden Trails Forest and Farm School. Originally from Sumner, WA, Ashlyn brings two years of childcare and caregiving experience and holds certifications in peer counseling, recovery coaching, CPR/First Aid, and food handling.

She loves the positive and creative atmosphere at Hidden Trails, where she helps children grow through nature-based learning, mindfulness, and the development of independence and emotional expression. Although she doesn’t have children of her own, Ashlyn enjoys spending quality time with her two nieces, ages 10 and 11. Outside of work, she loves drawing, painting, writing, exploring nature, attending church, and spending time with her family.

Sunflowers Lead Teacher

Savannah Fitting is the Preschool Lead Teacher (Sunflowers) at Hidden Trails, where she has been a valued member of the team for a year and a half. Originally from Wenatchee, she brings over five years of experience in childcare, including 3.5 years of teaching and two years as a nanny. She holds a Nature School Teacher Certification and is passionate about the rewarding work of early childhood education.

Savannah loves the beautiful property at Hidden Trails, the supportive community of families, and the daily adventures with her students. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her 7-year-old son and two bonus daughters, ages 8 and 15, as well as riding dirt bikes, practicing hot yoga, and being with friends and family.

Nature School Assistant (Sunflowers)

Brandie Luber is an Assistant Teacher with the Little Dandelions (babies) class at Hidden Trails, where she began working a few months ago. Hailing from Buckley, WA, she brings about two years of caregiving experience. Brandie loves encouraging creativity in young children, especially during hands-on projects, and particularly enjoys morning nature walks on the farm.

While she doesn’t have children of her own, she has a deep appreciation for nurturing little ones. Outside of work, Brandie is happiest outdoors—whether it’s hiking, fishing, camping, riding horses, or spending summer days watching drag racing.

Nature School Assistant (Sunflowers)

Kaiyah McConnell is an Assistant Teacher with the Sunflowers preschool class at Hidden Trails, where she began working in January. Originally from Washington, this is her first experience as a teacher, and she’s quickly grown to love the role. Kaiyah enjoys being outdoors with the children, especially during nature walks, and appreciates the supportive team of teachers she works alongside.

She finds joy in building connections with her students and being part of the Hidden Trails community. Outside of work, Kaiyah loves going wheeling in the mountains, spending time with family and friends, taking small vacations, and relaxing.

Brooke Kellie Hamilton (Sunflowers)

Brooke Kellie Hamilton is the Assistant Teacher with the Sunflowers Pre-K class at Hidden Trails. Originally from the Auburn/Enumclaw area, Brooke brings a unique background in equine therapy and has spent seven years working with families and children in the Muckleshoot tribal community. She joined Hidden Trails in May 2025, bringing with her certifications in circle training and esthetics, along with peer counseling experience.

While this is her first official teaching role, Brooke is passionate about making a positive impact in children's lives and loves bringing joy to their days. Her favorite moments at Hidden Trails include nature walks and outdoor activities. Though she doesn’t have children of her own, she helped care for her two nieces, ages 9 and 12. Outside of the classroom, Brooke enjoys spending time with loved ones, being around animals—especially horses—working out, and finding new adventures.

Nature School Assistant (Little Dandelions & Sunflowers)

Kayla Hermsen is a Teacher Assistant with the Kindergarten class at Hidden Trails, where she has been teaching since July 2024. Originally from Renton, she has over two years of experience in caregiving and education.

Kayla finds joy in connecting with children, building meaningful relationships, and seeing their bright smiles each day. She especially loves painting with them and cherishes their magical trips to the fairy forest. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her 5-year-old son and almost 4-year-old daughter.

Huckleberries Lead Teacher

Sarah Craft is the Lead Teacher with the Huckleberries class at Hidden Trails. Born in eastern Washington and raised in the Pacific Northwest, she’s called Enumclaw home for over 20 years. A lifelong caregiver, Sarah’s passion for nurturing others began when she cared for her stepdad during his illness. Since then, she’s worked as a CNA in hospice, an in-home caregiver, a domestic violence counselor, a behavioral therapist for children on the spectrum, and a social worker—while also raising her own family.

She joined Hidden Trails in October 2023 as one of the very first team members, when the school had just 10 students and a camp tent for nap time. Sarah holds an associate degree in human services and social work. She loves guiding children through social-emotional learning, helping them navigate big feelings with patience and care, and especially cherishes being outside in all weather. Sarah is mom to two young boys—Asher and Bodhi—with a third on the way this October. In her free time, she enjoys hiking, gardening, traveling, and making memories with her family.

Huckleberries Lead Teacher

Nature School Assistant (Huckleberries)

Cassie Sobkowiak is a Teacher Assistant currently working with the Kindergarten class at Hidden Trails, where she started just two weeks ago. Originally from Michigan, Cassie has been caring for others from a young age—as the oldest of three siblings, a Sunday school teacher in high school, and later as a live-in au pair in Italy in 2014. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science and Sustainability with a minor in Political Science from Northern Michigan University.

Cassie loves the energy and spirit of the children at Hidden Trails, and one of her favorite daily moments is watching the pair of bald eagles that soar overhead. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Frank and Beans, and is passionate about outdoor adventures like snowboarding, whitewater rafting, foraging, hiking, and mountain biking.