ANGIE NAKO
My name is Angela (Angie) Nako and I am very excited to become a part of the Lakeside Co Op Preschool community. I received my bachelor’s degree in early childhood education from Western Washington University and have worked in the Bellingham Public schools and at various local childcare centers for several years. I am originally from Hawaii and have lived in Bellingham with my husband and Cat, my fur baby, for about 10 years. I enjoy the outdoors and love spending time outside, especially camping and paddle boarding. When I can’t go outside, I enjoy reading, crafts, and board game nights with friends.
Seeing the wonder that all children have for the world is what inspires me to do what I do and influences how I teach. I believe children learn best during play and hands-on experiences. When teaching I try to create an environment that promotes creativity and fun where learning happens naturally. I also believe that children can learn so much from nature and real-life experiences. I have always enjoyed creating lessons that could involve the outdoors and novel experiences like gardening and cooking. At Lakeside, I hope to promote classroom community and create a space for children to develop skills that support them socially and academically for success now and in the future.
MARIAH KELMIS
My name is Mariah Kelmis, and I am excited to be part of your child’s learning journey. I have nearly 20 years of experience as a preschool teacher in a variety of early learning settings. I hold a BA in early childhood education and a MAT in elementary education. I was born and raised in Bellingham and am grateful for the opportunity to serve the community that helped shape who I am. When not in the classroom, I enjoy baking, reading, spending time outdoors, and creating meaningful experiences with my husband and two children.
My teaching philosophy centers around play-based learning, building strong classroom communities, and supporting children’s social and emotional development. I believe children learn best through hands-on experiences, meaningful relationships, creativity, and exploration. My goal is to create a warm, inclusive environment where every child feels safe, supported, and encouraged to grow with confidence. I look forward to partnering with families and building a strong, supportive classroom community together.