Our Team

Alissa Nasiatka, Executive Director

After earning a Bachelor’s degree in Special Education, I have been working in early childhood education for more than 25 years, creating nurturing, play-based learning environments for young children. I believe that children learn best in the context of trusting, responsive relationships with the adults who support them, and I view parents as essential partners in their child’s education. I am deeply committed to building a strong foundation of social–emotional development, helping children learn to communicate, cooperate, express themselves, and build confidence. I believe that open-ended, hands-on experiences help children feel safe to explore, problem-solve, take risks, and discover their own abilities. Having served as a preschool director and administrator in multiple programs, I am excited to bring my past experience to my new role. My goal is always to create a warm, supportive space where every child feels valued, capable, and excited to learn, every teacher feels appreciated and supported, and every parent feels respected and confident that we are meeting their child’s needs.

Outside of school, I love traveling, exploring new places, scrapbooking, reading historical fiction, and learning all I can about my new home on Orcas Island. My husband and I have four children, mostly grown, and one very spoiled dog.

Augusta McMurray, Program Supervisor and Lead Infant/Toddler Teacher

My interest in Early Childhood Education began in high school when I took an introductory class in ECE while assisting at a local preschool. Later, I earned a teaching certificate in Early Childhood Education from Yakima Valley College, a Bachelor of Arts in Religion with a minor in Philosophy from Hunter College, and a Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, inspired by the Reggio Emilia Approach, from the University of Colorado.

My husband, our two children, and I moved to Orcas Island in 2011, drawn by its beauty, slow pace of life, and tight-knit community. I've been teaching at Orcas Island Children’s House since 2013 and have been part of the early childhood education field since 2003. I am inspired to work with children every day because I believe each child has a unique gift to share with the world; I feel lucky to work in a profession where I can witness it.

My hobbies include traveling, reading, messing about with the ukulele, and spending time with friends and family.

Gemma Larsen, Lead Toddler Teacher

I moved here from the Philippines in 2023.  At an early age, I learned how to take care of my younger brother.  I also grew up living near many relatives including toddlers, and would often take care of my cousins, nephews, and nieces.  I chose to work at Children’s House because I enjoy working with the kids.  It reminds me of my life in the Philippines.  I began training in early childhood education in 2023.

I learned to speak and write in tagalog at a young age.  I am now at an intermediate level in English, and am taking weekly English classes to become more fluent.  In my free time, I enjoy talking  to my relatives in the Philippines, including my young cousins who are toddlers. I enjoy their sweetness and their fun demeanor.   They always make us laugh.  My husband and I enjoy hiking and trips to the mainland.