About The Teacher

Ms. Johnson, M. Ed.

Becoming an elementary teacher was a decision I made after the commulation of rich and fulfilling life experiences working with youth. Having served in various capacities including coaching, counseling, student support, and parenthood, in combination with my own educational upbringing in the Olympia area, I felt propelled and inspired to pursue teaching as a means to shape and support the youth in our community.

In 2014, I graduated from Pacific Lutheran University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communications with an emphasis in Conflict Management and Global Peacebuilding, and a minor in Psychology. I then went on to work as a chemical dependency counselor for youth in Thurston County, coached high school and middle school volleyball teams, volunteered as a volleyball coach at the Olympia YMCA, and intermittently traveled to different countries around the Pacific Ocean, all before having my son in 2016. In 2018, I graduated from Grand Canyon University with my Masters in Elementary Education, with my two-year-old son by my side. 

I started my teaching career in Lakewood, WA, where I taught 4th grade, 5th grade, and as a K-5 STEAM Specialist (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) for Clover Park School District. During my time with CPSD, I was actively involved as a member of several district-level committees such as the District Science Committee, STEM Extended Day Committee, and the STEM Fair Committee. In 2022, I decided to stop commuting to work in Lakewood and start serving the youth and families in my local school community -- and, at a time that my son would also be starting Kindergarten. It was Fall of 2022 that I began teaching Kindergarten here at East Olympia Elementary -- one of the best decisions I've ever made personally and professionally.

Outside of work... I spend my time with family and friends; enjoying the outdoors by tidepooling, biking, fishing, paddle boarding, swimming, and camping! On rainy days, I love to build and create, play games, crochet, puzzle, build/engineer, and watch movies. Occassionally, I even try to up my gaming skills with my son on the Nintendo Switch! 

Some of my favorite things include... Thai food, iced coffee, tidepooling, comedy shows, seafood, the Olympia Farmer's Market, and finding new children's books for my class that I know my student's will love! Watching my students melt into a story and share their colorful thoughts and ideas is one of my favorite parts of teaching and working with Kindergarteners... they always have the best things to say!

This year... I look forward to working with you and your child and learning about all the ways they are unique! I truly believe our combined differences make for a richer and deeper learning experience for all.

Together, we can make it a great year!