Darian has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education in a variety of roles and settings for 15 years, demonstrating true commitment to Early Childhood Education.  In their experience, they've taught alongside teachers from all backgrounds including forest school teachers, Waldorf teachers, Montessori teachers, teachers with Masters in Child Development, and teachers with over 40 years of experience in the field. This experience led to Darian's specialization in garden and outdoor enrichment curriculum and further informed the blended pedagogy implemented within Flora and Fauna to date; encouraging teachers to teach to who they are with the ultimate Mission of inspiring and nurturing the Whole Child.  

After graduating from Western Washington University with a Bachelors Degree in Economics and a Minor in Business Administration in 2017 Darian rejected the call of Corporate Life in Seattle and instead returned to school to pursue a degree to support their eventual career goal of owning a Preschool geared towards Outdoor Education. In 2019, they graduated from Whatcom Falls Community College with an Associates in Science in Early Childhood Education with a focus on music and movement, environments, and child development. In 2022 they had the opportunity to open Flora and Fauna in Spokane and they are thrilled share their passion for blending Early Childhood Education and Outdoor Education in a Preschool Setting with the Spokane Area.

Darian's passions for the great outdoors and community development are demonstrated in their personal life as they partake in a variety of activities including hiking, foraging, gardening, roller derby, a variety of activism, volunteering for community events, and nonprofit work. 

Read more about Darian on their previous employer's website by Clicking Here!

Grace joined our Teaching Team in the Spring of 2025 as an Assistant Teacher and will transition to Leading our Outdoor School Age Program. With a Masters Degree in Music Education, Grace has worked in Elementary, Middle, and High Schools across  the state with glowing reccomendations from each. Her passion lies with Music and Education and she enjoys taking a part in helping children grow Socially and Academically. Outside of the classroom she enjoys time with her dog Drumstick, hiking, roller derby, skateboarding, and playing her drums. 

Bailee joined our Teaching Team in Fall of 2024. With a longstanding background in working with children in a variety of settings including as a Gymnastics Coach, Bailee brings a fun and engaging attitude and propensity to form positive relationships with children and families to our program. In Spring of 2025, she will begin work towards a degree in Early Childhood Education, showcasing her dedication to professional development in our field. In her free time, Bailee enjoys hiking, snowboarding, and spending time outdoors with her dog.

Wren joined our Teaching Team in Summer of 2023. Wren has been an Early Childhood Educator for nearly half a decade, having a desire to be a teacher for as long as he can remember. He believes in a compassionate, child-led, relationship-driven approach to early childhood education, and he’s worked in a variety of settings including Montessori, after school volunteering, and academically focused preschool. Most recently, Wren spent three years as the 3-year-old teacher in a school in Missoula Montana before moving to Washington State. Wren enrolled in school in Winter 2025 to begin working towards his degree in Early Childhood Education, showcasing his dedication to professional development in our field. In his free time, Wren enjoys building Lego sets, making art, and spending time with his two cats. 

Madison has joined our team for the busy Summer Season! Madison is currently studying Early Childhood Education at Eastern Washington University and has a plethora of experience working with young children. She is passionate about creating safe, fun spaces where kids can explore, grow, and be themselves. In her free time, she loves doing CrossFit, spending time outside, and working on embroidery projects. 

Hannah has joined our team for the busy Summer Season! Hannah is currently studying Early Childhood Education at Western Washington University in Bellingham, Washington, and has a plethora of experience working with young children. Born and Raised in Spokane, she will be continuing her education journey at Central Washington University in Fall 2025. Her passion is working with kids, helping educate our future generations and prepare them for whatever life may throw their way, as well as being a positive role model and a place of comfort and happiness. 

Amy, now 'retired', played an integral role in the emerging field of Early Childhood Care and Education in Spokane. Amy obtained a BA in Criminal Justice with a minor in Business Administration in 1997 while raising two children under 5.  Amy became frustrated with the lack of quality Early Childhood Care spaces and spaces for children in general in the Spokane area. In 2001 she opened Child Haven Learning Center and in 2003 she founded Child Haven Learning Center at Northwood. Through these years Amy worked with and served a countless number of families while navigating the ever changing field of Early Childhood Education in Washington State. By 2019, Amy had sold both business licenses and continued to serve as a mentor and consultant to a variety of Early Childhood Spaces across Spokane County and beyond informing state policy and practices from a business lens.