About Us
At Little Ivy Creative Academy, we believe that learning extends beyond the classroom. Our afterschool program and summer camp, located in Bellevue, WA, offer a dynamic and engaging environment where children ages 5-12 can explore their creativity, develop new skills, and build lasting friendships.
Through recreational activities, hands-on art and craft lessons, and exciting cultural studies, we provide children with the opportunity to learn, play, and grow in a supportive and enriching space. Whether it's an afternoon filled with artistic expression or a summer packed with adventure, our programs are designed to spark curiosity and foster a love for learning.
Join us at Little Ivy, where every child’s imagination takes root and thrives!
Our Campus
Our Team
At Little Ivy Creative Academy, our team is the heart of everything we do. Passionate, skilled, and deeply dedicated, each member brings unique talents to help children explore, grow, and thrive. All of our teachers and staff bring enriched teaching experience and with first aid & CPR, ensuring both a high-quality and safe learning environment. From educators with expertise in early childhood development to artists, yoga instructors, and cultural guides, our diverse team shares one mission: to spark creativity, nurture curiosity, and build confidence in every child. Together, we cultivate a warm, joyful environment where learning feels like play—and every child is seen, supported, and celebrated.
Paris—Program Director
Paris is an experienced educator with a Master of Education from the University of Toronto, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Child Studies with a minor in Psychology. With more than seven years of teaching experience across both Canadian and U.S. schools—including public school boards and private institutions—she has developed a strong foundation in curriculum design, child development, and classroom management. Paris also has extensive experience teaching Mandarin to young learners. She has designed and delivered engaging Mandarin language programs for children from preschool through elementary levels, integrating storytelling, songs, hands-on activities, and cultural exploration to build early language proficiency and spark curiosity. In addition, Paris has completed specialized children’s yoga teacher training. She enjoys incorporating mindfulness, movement, and wellness into her classes to help students build focus, confidence, and emotional balance. Skilled in creating engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate learning environments, Paris supports the academic, linguistic, and social-emotional growth of children from preschool through grade 6. Fluent in English and Mandarin, she brings cross-cultural insight, strong communication skills, and a deep passion for child-centered education to every learning community she serves.
Yang—Program Assisstant
Yang is a dedicated community program professional with a Master’s in Public Administration and a strong background in early childhood development. She has extensive experience coordinating outreach, program intake, and family resource services, with previous roles at Friends of Youth and Wonderland Child & Family Services.In addition to her work in family support, Yang has hands-on experience teaching Mandarin to children and leading family-focused Mandarin language activities. She has supported bilingual learning through interactive lessons, cultural storytelling, and parent engagement workshops, helping families strengthen both language skills and cultural connection.Yang is deeply committed to serving diverse communities and ensuring equitable access to resources. She brings a solid foundation in public service, program compliance, case management, and family advocacy.She's fluent in both English and Mandarin, she excels at building trusting relationships, communicating across cultures, and guiding families with empathy and clarity.
Emily—Yoga Instructor
Emily is a Registered Nurse and certified yoga teacher whose own experience with stress and burnout led her to the healing power of yoga. She has years of experience teaching children’s Sunday school and a natural ability to make kids feel seen and included. Emily also teaches private yoga and loves helping individuals build confidence and connection through movement and breath. Her approach is playful, compassionate, and judgment free, instilling a love for movement through fun, engaging activities so every child leaves feeling proud of themselves and more at ease in their body.
Marisa—Yoga Instructor
Marisa is a 500HR RYT-certified yoga instructor with over five years of teaching experience in Vinyasa, Hot 26+2, Sculpt, Yin, and Sound Bath practices. She is known for her creative, engaging classes and top-rated instruction at CorePower Yoga and The Bellevue Club. With over 20 years of personal practice, Marisa brings a deep, authentic connection to yoga and shares its transformative benefits with families and children. She specializes in mom-and-kids yoga, blending movement, mindfulness, and sound healing to foster lasting wellness and joyful connection.