Our Team

Interim Director Ady Walker, Pedagogista

Growing up, I spent my summers and many weekends here on Orcas Island. I even attend Children’s House as a young child one summer and have fond memories of playing in the Farmhouse and under the big elm tree. In 2015, I moved here permanently with my husband and two children and began teaching in the Farmhouse.

Like so many in the field, I became interested in human development watching my own young children grow and learn. This fascination sent me back to school where I earned a master’s degree in Early Childhood Inclusive Education from Portland State University. At Portland State, I specialized in Constructivism and studied the work of the schools in Reggio Emilia, Italy.

Today, I moonlight as an adjunct instructor at Skagit Valley College, teaching one class in Early Childhood Education each year. I find fulfillment in working with educators because I think they are the key to better futures for children. I have come to know the teachers at Children’s House as some of the finest and most dedicated to their craft. It makes working at Children’s House a pleasure every day.

Augusta McMurray, Program Supervisor and Lead Preschool Teacher

My interest in Early Childhood Education piqued in high school when I took an introductory class in ECE and assisted in a preschool. Subsequently, I earned an AA in Early Childhood Education at Yakima Valley Community College and a B.A. in Religious Studies; minoring in Philosophy, from Hunter College in New York City. I owe much of my love for the arts (which teaching is!) from my childhood, where I grew up running around backstage as my parents performed, managed, and taught theatrical studies at theaters throughout the country.

Because teachers are lifelong learners personally and professionally, I am currently attempting to learn how to tap dance and play the ukulele (perhaps even at the same time!). My recent professional adventures include two intensive teacher workshops: Summer Dance Institute for Teachers with Ann Green Gilbert at the Creative Dance Center in Seattle, WA and Professional Development in the Reggio Emilia Approach in Reggio Emilia, Italy. My husband and our two children moved to Orcas Island in 2011. I have been a teacher at Orcas Island Children’s House since 2013 and I have worked in Early Childhood since 2003. I am inspired to work with children every day because I believe every child has a unique gift to offer the world; I feel lucky to have a career where I get to witness it!

Kate Hill, Preschool Teacher

My journey into early childhood education began in New York City, where I studied at Pace University and developed a passion for nurturing young minds. After sometime in my hometown of Los Angeles, I found my way to Orcas Island, where my love for storytelling and hands-on learning has only grown.

At Children’s House, I’m excited to help create a supportive and joyful environment where children can explore, grow, and be themselves. I feel so very fortunate to be part of this dedicated team and look forward to guiding the children as they discover and learn.

In my free time, I enjoy exploring the island, reading and continuing my studies!