UTCS Staff

Moving from New Hampshire to Seattle, I have spent nearly two-thirds of my life living in this city. During that time I have graduated from The Evergreen State College with a degree in Sustainable Agriculture, raised three amazing children with my husband Steve, co-owned a bakery for 20 years and finally jumped into the ECE profession. Before landing at UTCS, where I have taught for 13 years, I worked for three years as an infant and toddler teacher at another Seattle preschool. I have been privileged to partner with a dedicated and talented group of teachers while working in the toddler room at UTCS. I genuinely love working with toddlers! They are amazing and teach me just as much as I teach them. Witnessing and participating in their development is exciting and inspirational. Every day brings new challenges and wonders and an opportunity for professional growth and self-reflection. I draw on the RIE philosophy in my work with toddlers. It is a philosophy which cultivates a relationship of respect and trust. I enjoy gardening, cooking, and outdoor adventures, and strive to integrate these interests into our classroom curriculum. I also like to read, ride my bike, dance, and take long walks with my grand dog Maya. But most of all I love playing with my totally delightful family, including my eight-month old granddaughter

Cindy Hepler is an East Coast transplant with over twenty-five years of experience in child care. She began her career as a nanny in 1995 but soon wanted to get her hands into teaching. Through reading, workshops, and trial and error, she has cultivated an ever-evolving style. Cindy worked as a nanny in Reykjavik and New York City. She took a detour to London before settling into her new home of Seattle five years ago. In her free time, she paints, does make-up, rides horses, and enjoys shenanigans with friends

I moved to Seattle 10 years ago from Concord, New Hampshire. I graduated from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, with a BA in Studio Art, Puppet Making. I worked with school-agers at summer camps and after school programs teaching them to build puppets, as well as other 3-D art projects. UTCS is a very special place and has become a second family. I work in the Pre-K, Dragonfly classroom. I enjoy watching how fast the children here become more and more capable and self-sufficient everyday. I also enjoy working with the staff and families to create the best school environment possible. In my off-time, I like to go running, and also enjoy singing and dancing.

I grew up with my older brothers and younger sisters on Bainbridge Island. I had a big ravine in my backyard, with a creek that flowed to a bay. I once got stuck hip-deep in the mud at that bay, with the tide coming in. My neighbor’s dad and some guy had to dig me out with shovels. I’m sure it was just as scary for the adults as it was for me, but I didn’t realize that until I thought about it recently. My boots are still in the mud at the bottom of that bay, I’m sure. I worked through my 20s and early 30s as a home care provider. The work was rewarding but demanding. I wanted a change. I earned my Early Childhood Education certificate and was quickly bestowed with a job at UTCS. My favorite thing about teaching at UTCS is that I myself have been taught so much. I live in Fremont with my friend’s brother and his girlfriend and their cat. I mostly keep to myself, but I cook for them and we talk outside by the fire sometimes. Growing up, I liked acting, singing, writing, and other aspects of theater. I would like to get back into it someday