Meet the Teachers
SAGA School teachers are fully bilingual and most are native German speakers. They all have experience in early
childhood education. The SAGA School financially supports and strongly encourages continuing education workshops for our teachers.
Anita Dunlap
Curriculum Director
Playgroup, Music & Movement Teacher
Anita is an Early Childhood Specialist who completed her education at the Fachakademie for Sozialpaedagogik in Nuernberg, Germany. She began her professional career in the US in long term care as a nursing assistant, working as a restorative aide, activity director and restorative supervisor. She has taught at the Eastside German Language School (EGLS) in Issaquah for 14 years and is currently the vice-principal. Anita ran a successful German immersion preschool in Kent prior to becoming the first SAGA teacher in 2005 in Issaquah. As one of the initial teachers at SAGA, she taught music to Preschool children, trained to teach the Second Step program, and created our popular summer programs. Anita became SAGA’s Curriculum Director in 2009.
"Teaching is the art of assisting discovery and I love to see children discover their abilities!"
Caroline Tanner
Kindergarten and First Grade Teacher
Caroline is a Swiss native and speaks Swiss and High German. She teaches a mixed age group of Kindergarteners and 1st graders and is starting her second year at SAGA.
She worked as a primary school teacher in Switzerland for eight years prior to teaching at SAGA. She also worked for the Teacher University of Kreuzlingen as a student educator in practical work and a mentor for new teachers. She was involved in the development and organization of a program for continuing education in math.
"As I enjoy working with kids and helping them to develop and grow as individuals every day, I can’t imagine a job I would like more.“
Regina Graw-Crocket
Pre-Kindergarten Teacher
Regina is originally from Essen in North Rhine-Westphalia, but has called Seattle her home for many years. Prior to coming to SAGA School, Regina taught children ages three to fourteen years old in a German cultural club and has led the playgroup class at the Eastside German Language School (EGLS). Regina also spent a year teaching children between the ages of five and six in the SAGA afterschool program and is the creator and director of our new Parent-Tot Kinderstunde. This will be Regina’s fourth year with the SAGA School, and she is as excited as if it was her first day.
“I am thrilled when the children answer back in German and also happy when they ask if it is Zahlenland-Tag.”
Michelle DeBos
Preschool Teacher
Michelle was raised in the Seattle area and acquired her BA in German language and literature from the University of Washington. She has lived in Berlin and Vienna, and is now entering her fourth year working with the SAGA school. Studying abroad not only increased her passion for the German language and culture, but inspired her to work with young children on developing an open mind towards cultural differences. She enjoys having a career that is exciting and different every day.
“The best part of my job is helping students learn new things and stretch their imagination. It is wonderful to hear the sweet and funny things kids say.”
Steffanie Turner
Preschool Teacher
Steffanie is new to the SAGA School and is excited to work with the preschoolers. She was born in the States, but spent her childhood and early adult years in Germany. Having dual citizenship allows her to be as comfortable here in Seattle as she is in her home town of Bad Kissingen. Steffanie has worked with children of all ages, in different countries and with all sorts of abilities. She loves her job and dedicates her heart to children. Steffi is thrilled to combine her German heart with her love of Seattle and to teach and connect both worlds working with the children of SAGA.
"Sharing love, laughter, creativity and fun is a wonderful base to learn from each other. It helps the children to be strong and confident little individuals! I love being a part of their path."
Desiree Ehling
Teaching Assistant
Desiree is from a small town in western Austria where she lived with her parents and younger sister. Ever since she was a child, she wanted to be a teacher. To make her dream become a reality, she attended Secondary College for Kindergarten and Early Childcare Teacher in Austria. During her education, she gained valuable, hands-on experience teaching children from age 0 through 6. The curriculum of her school included a wide variety of internships in different kindergartens and daycares. Upon graduation, she came to the U.S. to work as an Au pair for two different families. After working here for two years, she chose to call Seattle her new home.
“Children are fascinating to me. They are very open-minded and thankful for new experiences. I love how you can explore so many special things with them every day.”
Sarah Ruth
Teaching Assistant
Sarah was born and raised in Munich, Germany, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work/Social Pedagogy from the University of Applied Sciences. Prior to attending university, she interned at a preschool/kindergarten in Munich. She enjoyed it so much that she decided to make working with children her occupation and path in life. In college, she specialized in “Education, Culture, Media". While attending school, she was a social work trainee at a middle school in Munich leading a drama group and implementing drama, film and other creative projects with preschool to teenage youths. Their last film project received an award at the Film Festival of Bavarian Schools.
“Supporting children in growing up and discovering the world, being enriched by their energy and imagination is what I really love doing.”
Dorit Goodwin
Teaching Assistant
Dorit is a native German speaker from Cuxhaven and has a wealth of experience as a German teacher in Waldorf and Montessori Schools. Dorit enjoys spending time with her 5 year old grandson and she also loves to dance! Dorit was trained in Germany to be an elementary teacher and is also a licensed massage therapist.