Kiddie Academy of Bellevue

Alyssa Ramynke

Academy Director

Alyssa brings over a decade of experience in Early Childhood Education, excelling in roles such as Teacher, Program Lead, Program Supervisor, and now Academy Director. For six years, she has been a cornerstone of the Bellevue team, fostering a vibrant, enriching environment for children. As Academy Director, Alyssa oversees curriculum, staff development, and operations, ensuring the center runs efficiently and effectively. Her empathetic leadership has cultivated a culture of trust, inspiring children, families, and teachers to thrive. Beyond her work within the center, Alyssa actively engages with the broader community, building partnerships and initiatives to strengthen the center’s impact. She remains dedicated to making a positive difference in the lives of children, families, and staff, nurturing a space where everyone can grow and succeed.

Darina Almukhanova

Assistant Director

Darina combines organizational expertise with a passion for Early Childhood Education in her role as Assistant Director. With experience working with children, families, and as an Office Manager, she excels at creating structured, welcoming environments where children thrive. As Assistant Director, Darina oversees daily operations, ensuring programs run smoothly and reflect the center’s mission of nurturing and engaging experiences. She collaborates with teachers on professional development and builds meaningful relationships with families. Darina’s ability to balance operational efficiency with hands-on involvement sets her apart as a leader. Her dedication to fostering positivity and teamwork has made her an invaluable part of the Kiddie Academy of Bellevue community. Guided by a commitment to excellence, she strives to make a lasting difference in the lives of children and their families, creating an environment where everyone feels supported and inspired to grow.

Kelsey Dunckel

Program Lead

Kelsey brings many years of Early Childhood Education experience to her role as Program Lead, playing a key role in shaping the center's educational experience. Since joining the Bellevue team, she has excelled as a teacher and leader, becoming a trusted mentor for colleagues and an advocate for children’s growth. In her role, Kelsey oversees curriculum development, classroom environments, and teacher training to maintain the highest standards of care and education. She collaborates with her team to create innovative, age-appropriate programs that spark curiosity and inspire learning. Kelsey’s leadership fosters creativity, teamwork, and support, empowering her team to excel. Her passion for meaningful learning experiences ensures every child is equipped to succeed while nurturing a love for exploration. Her dedication helps uphold Kiddie Academy of Bellevue's commitment to providing a high-quality program that benefits children, families, and staff alike.

Olive Amado-Cortez

Executive Director

With 18 years of experience in Early Childhood Education and over a decade with Kiddie Academy at KAGS group, Olive brings a wealth of knowledge and dedication to her role as Executive Director of the Bellevue and Kirkland Kiddie Academies. Her journey through roles as Teacher, Program Supervisor, and Academy Director has shaped her expertise and dynamic leadership style. In her role, Olive collaborates with directors, staff, and families to ensure the centers deliver outstanding programs that foster children’s development, strengthen family bonds, and inspire staff. Her leadership focuses on innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, driving the success of both academies. Passionate about creating inclusive environments, Olive ensures children thrive, teachers are empowered, and families feel supported. Her ability to balance strategic vision with meticulous attention to detail has solidified Bellevue and Kirkland Kiddie Academies as models of high-quality early childhood education.