Our Team
teresa saavedra,
owner
Teresa is the owner and visionary of White River Children’s Academy. She grew up on the plateau in the Lake Tapps area and was a dog groomer for 28 years. After moving to Enumclaw in 2015 she felt called to be apart of a change in the area. After prayerful contention, she was called to leave the comfortable career she had as the owner of a reputable dog grooming business for 20 years. In June 2017, Teresa opened the doors of White River Children’s Academy to fulfill the call on her life to make a difference in the lives of children in their formidable years. “If we raise them up in the love of Jesus, we are giving them a solid foundation for their future.”
Teresa is passionate about building relationships with people. She is the loving mother of two boys, and enjoys being outdoors with the family. Teresa loves riding her horses in the mountains, fishing, and camping.
chelsea baker,
Director
Chelsea has been the Director at White River Children’s Academy since 2018. She has a passion to serve the community she grew up in by being a positive role model and bringing the love of Jesus into the lives of the children and families at WRCA. She has an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education from Green River College.
Chelsea is happily married with three young children. She loves watching her son play football and spends a lot of time chauffeuring them around for activities! In her spare time she enjoys traveling (Yellowstone and Maui are her favorite places so far), and curling up on the couch with her family for movie nights.
erica o’laughlin,
assistant director
Erica has worked with young children since her early teen years and has a strong passion for early childhood education. She is a graduate of Green River College, where she earned her Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. In her free time, Erica enjoys road trips, camping, and spending quality time with her family—especially her nephews. She also loves being outdoors and spending time with her chocolate lab, Mila.
Maddie caldwell,
toddler teacher
Maddie has been with us since March of 2023. Her journey of working with young children started when she was just 10 years old. Maddie strives to spend as much of her free time as possible outdoors partaking in activities such as going fishing, gathering around a bonfire with friends, and chasing sunsets.
Reesa Wallin,
assistant Toddler teacher
Reesa is passionate about teaching young children, a joy she describes as “the best feeling!” In her free time, she enjoys exploring the great outdoors with her boyfriend and her dog, Belle, and treasures spending time with her family.
CHRISTY MEYERS,
toddler Teacher Aide
Christy has been a part of WRCA’s teaching team from the beginning; formally working for Teresa’s mom Bertha in childcare since 2007! She loves working with children and children are drawn to her wherever she goes. Christy has many hobbies and stays busy with her seven nieces and nephews. She also competes in many activities like bowling, softball, basketball, tennis, soccer, and swimming. She also enjoys doing puzzles and latch hook rugs.
Maria Barrera,
Discovery preschool teacher
Maria joined our team in September 2024, bringing two years of experience working with young children. She is passionate about supporting early learning and loves watching children develop their unique personalities. Outside of work, Maria enjoys exploring thrift and antique stores with a coffee in hand, hiking, and spending time in nature.
Brianna harder,
Teacher aide
Bio coming soon!
Erin luchi,
Assistant preschool teacher
Bio coming soon!
anita paulson,
preschool teacher
Anita has been a part of the WRCA family since March of 2019. She has a lot of experience working with children babysitting from a young age, as a nanny, and also works at another local preschool for the last ten years. She is happily married, and has a full house with four teenage boys at home! In her free time, Anita enjoys being outdoors hiking and camping with her family. She is also a huge PNW sports fan of the Seahawks, Kraken, and Huskies!
Kendra sutcliffe,
pre-k teacher
Bio coming soon!
Carry Schmitt,
Assistant Pre-K Teacher
Bio coming soon!
Amanda Groves,
School Age teacher
Bio coming soon!
Alyssa wilson,
Spiritual director/school Age teacher
Bio coming soon!