RENEE METTY – FOUNDER/HEAD OF SCHOOL
Renee Metty has over 25 years experience working with children in a variety of settings. She is all but dissertation in Business Psychology, has a M.Ed in Early Childhood Education as well as a M.Ed in Special Education from Boston College and a degree in Business Administration from St. Joseph’s University. Her most recent endeavor that is a culmination of all her work and studies over the past 2 decades is becoming an Equine Gestalitst®. Renee partners with horses to help humans heal their heart, remove the blocks that get in the way of reaching thier highest potential. She loves coaching parents, leaders and anyone that wants more ease and joy in their life.
As a former preschool teacher in Boston, as well as teaching middle school special education and kindergarten and 1st grade in Seattle, she believes that a child’s first experiences in a school setting are paramount to their future success. She saw that the most important attributes in acquiring a love for learning were a stable social and emotional base, self-regulation and the ability to believe in oneself. Fostering a sense of slow education and learning by using mindfulness techniques, Montessori inspiration and design thinking strategies during their early learning experience is an essential piece of The Cove ways. She ensures these experiences are fun, exciting and create value for the children so they can find their unique contribution. Renee is also one of the founders of the West Seattle Preschool Association that operated for 10 years bringing together a community of preschool founders, directors and parents.
Renee continually stays abreast on the different ways children learn and develop. She is a Certified Positive Discipline Educator as well as a Certified Mindful Schools Facilitator. She is continually learning and furthering her education. She loves hanging out with her children who are 14, 16 and 18. Renee does miss the sun terribly and the east coast culture.
DIRECTOR – MS. CLAUDIA
Ms. Claudia was born in Peru so Spanish is her first language. Like Renee, her path to early childhood development and education was a twisting one. Her first career was in architecture, which allowed her the opportunity to study in Lima, Iowa, and Rome, Italy. Ms. Claudia’s work with children started after she moved to Seattle. She is a trained Montessori guide.
She’s been at The Cove since the beginning, 2010. Renee’s knowledge inspired her to follow this new path and it has been her passion since. It’s been so rewarding to see our children blossom throughout the years. To be part of their journey and witness their growth it’s such a gift. For Claudia, facilitating is about having fun; She connects with her students through smiles and laughter.
When she is not at The Cove, she loves exploring the outdoors, hiking, camping and enjoying good conversation with friends and family.
FACILITATORS
Facilitators at The Cove School have at least a four-year college degree or are working towards their degree. They are also certified in CPR and first aid. In addition, the facilitator team has received training in the the various learning models and approaches. Facilitators receive ongoing training, supervision, assistance and support from the Director of Curriculum and Instruction and Head of School. The Cove School facilitators participate in regular professional development activities throughout the calendar year. These activities are scheduled to minimize their absence from the classroom. If a facilitator is absent for professional or a personal reason, The Cove School has a regular substitute facilitator. The substitute has also received specialized training in the learning methods and approaches we use and is a familiar figure to the children.