Our Educators

Our talented Bothell Family Cooperative Preschool educators provides a warm, caring, inclusive environment for both children and their caregivers. They have also been cooperative preschool parents, which broadens their understanding of the cooperative preschool experience. 

Beth Edwards

director,2/3, 3/4 and Pre-K Educator

Beth is the 3/4 and PreK class instructor and parent educator. She also serves as the preschool's director. Beth holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from the University of Washington, as well as an Associate’s Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bellevue College. Beth has been supporting and educating children and families in a cooperative preschool environment since 2001. Most recently, Beth has focused on mindfulness and meditation in working with children and families through the UW Center for Child and Family Welfare. She has also volunteered extensively at Sorenson Early Childhood Center, supporting teachers in their work with children with extra needs.

In her free time, Beth loves to read and cook, and spends time every day outdoors walking and in the garden. She values every opportunity to learn new things and to share her skills and knowledge. Beth lives with her husband, Terry, and her old cat, Mindy, in Woodinville. She has two daughters in college, Anna and Kelsey.

Her favorite thing about teaching toddlers is having the opportunity to facilitate the exploration of the world and foster independence and self-identity from the very beginning experiences. 

Laura Erickson

Parent & Baby and toddler Educator

Laura Erickson is the parent educator for the parent-baby class. She has been active in the cooperative preschool community for the last 9 years as a parent, and this is her first year teaching at BFCP.

Laura has a bachelor of science in psychology from the University of Washington, and a master of science in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seattle Pacific University. Laura worked as a licensed MFT for 7 years before deciding to stay home with her girls. Laura previously worked as a program director for a long-term residential treatment program for pregnant and parenting women. During that time she worked as a mental health counselor, taught parenting classes, and conducted family therapy. Laura also completed training in Infant Mental Health and Bringing Home Baby through the Gorman Institute.

Laura lives just down the road from the preschool with her husband Jeff and their 3 daughters Lucy, Penelope, and Amelia. Lucy and Penelope are both BFCP alumni and Amelia will be in pre-k this fall!