Class Goals

Our Administration

Deirdre Whitaker - Academy Director - Deirdre Whitaker grew up in California. After graduating from City University with a Bachelor’s in Education, she worked as a teacher in Everett Public Schools for a short time until she came to work as a preschool teacher in 2008. She fell in love with the age group and never left. Deirdre has been at Wee Care Academy since its inception in April 2012 and worked her way to being the Assistant Director of Wee Care Academy and now to the Academy Director. Her favorite part of being the Academy Director is creating a bond with new families and helping to welcome them into the WCA community. Deirdre enjoys spending time with her family and is currently in the middle of her Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education.

Erica Nealious-Grall - Administrative Director - Erica Nealious-Grall was born in Seattle and grew up in Everett. She has been working with children for as long a she can remember, babysitting and as an assistant at a child care center while in high school. Erica graduated from North Seattle College in 2010 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and has worked as a Lead Teacher with toddlers, Assistant Director, and Academy Director. Erica worked on creating Wee Care Academy before its opening in April 2012. After transitioning to the Administrative Director position, Erica focuses on backend business duties, while spending time in the classrooms to provide support to children, their families, and staff. Her favorite part of being the Administrative Director is long-range planning to continue to enhance Wee Care Academy education philosophy and learning areas. Erica enjoys exploring nature with her family, reading, and expanding her culinary borders. She is currently in the middle of her Bachelor’s degree in Business Management.

Kristy Dykes - Assistant Director - Kristy Dykes grew up in the Kirkland area. She spent some time in Virginia Beach before coming back home. Kristy has a degree in Accounting from Everett Community College and Early Childhood Education from Edmonds Community College. She started working at Wee Care Academy in 2013 as an Assistant Teacher in the preschool classroom. She was a Lead Teacher in our Pre-K classroom until she became the Program Supervisor and Assistant Director. Her favorite part of being the Assistant Director is making an impact on the children in all of the classrooms and seeing the children grow, gain new skills, and become more and more excited about learning. Kristy enjoys many outdoor activities, including backpacking, camping, foraging, and hiking. She also enjoys traveling with her family.