Kiddie Academy of Kirkland

Payton Bright

Academy Director

Payton is the dedicated Director of Kiddie Academy of Kirkland, with over 7 years of experience in early childhood education and management. She is committed to creating a safe, nurturing, and stimulating environment for children, leading a team focused on providing high-quality care and education. With a strong background in child development, Payton has held roles as Lead Teacher, Pedagogical Coordinator, Assistant Director, and Academy Director. She has pursued ongoing professional development in child psychology, leadership, and family engagement, holding certifications that enhance her ability to support children's growth and safety. Payton is passionate about ensuring the individual needs of children are met while promoting social, emotional, and cognitive development. Her leadership fosters inclusivity, trust, and strong relationships with families and staff. Her approach combines empathy, education, and expertise, making the Kiddie Academy of Kirkland a trusted place for children to learn and grow.

Diana Castro Negrete

Program Lead

Diana is the Program Lead at Kiddie Academy, ensuring teaching methods align with the Life Essentials Curriculum and supporting teachers, students, and administrators. With over 5 years of experience as a Pre-K teacher, Diana has developed a deep understanding of students' diverse needs. She oversees program development, ensuring it is both academically enriching and tailored to learners' needs. Diana provides mentorship, training, and professional development opportunities for teachers to enhance program quality and improve learning outcomes. She promotes the use of developmentally appropriate teaching methods and effective evaluation techniques. Diana values communication and collaboration between faculty and administrators to create a unified approach to education. Passionate about advocating for children’s rights and fostering equitable learning opportunities, she works to build strong relationships with families and ensure each child’s success. Diana’s goal is to provide a safe space for children to explore their potential and help teachers reach theirs.

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.