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!

Mackenzie joined the Flora and Fauna Learning Center team in the summer of 2025, bringing a strong foundation in Early Childhood and Elementary Education. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and earned a Certificate in Early Childhood Development during high school, highlighting her long-standing commitment to working with young learners. Her classroom approach emphasizes hands-on, interdisciplinary learning that nurtures curiosity, creativity, and meaningful connections.

A lifelong plant lover, Mackenzie grew up surrounded by her mother’s gardens—an experience that sparked a lasting passion for nurturing plant life both indoors and out. She now tends to her own “jungle” of houseplants and enjoys sharing her love of nature with her students through exploratory, garden-based learning experiences.

Originally from Nevada, Mackenzie and her partner recently relocated to Spokane after both receiving exciting professional opportunities—making a long-time dream of living in the Pacific Northwest a reality. Outside the classroom, she enjoys hiking, gardening, and spending time in nature with her partner and their pets. 

Heaven joined our team as a Preschool Support Teacher in 2025. Heaven discovered a strong passion for working with young children after working as a Support Teacher in a Large ECEAP Preschool setting for a time. She has further proven her dedication to the field of Early Childhood Eduation by enrolling in Spokane Falls Community College to obtain her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. Heaven comes from a big family with seven siblings and sixteen nieces and nephews, so being around kids has always been a big part of her life. She loves seeing them learn and grow and appreciates being a part of that process. In her free time, Heaven enjoys reading, painting, and spending time with her friends, family, and two fur kittys. 

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 2026, 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.

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.