Our Team

Michelle Reeson - Owner and Director

Hey there! I’m Michelle and I have called Olympia home for 27 years. I have a big and energetic personality and love to read stories to the children. I believe that providing a nurturing and stimulating early learning environment helps kids learn about themselves and show their natural tendencies towards excitement and kindness. Taking care of kids is both personal and professional. Two of my own children have been students here and still love coming back. It is an endeavor I have dedicated 41 years of my life to. I, and the rest of the Bright Beginnings team look forward to teaching and caring for your child.

Sharleen Cruz-Mattis - Owner and Director

Hello! My name is Sharleen and I have lived in the Olympia/Lacey area for most of my life. My favorite activity to do with children is water play and projects that explore sea and ocean life. I have worked in early learning since I was 16 years old and earned my AA degree in early childcare while a toddler teacher here. I eventually became Co-Owner/Director with Michelle; relicensing and renaming the center I originally started my career path on. We are 3 years into building the Bright Beginnings community and hope to welcome you and your child soon.

Jessica Annette-Reeson - Teacher - PrePrimary and Parent Relations

Hi, I’m Jessica and my favorite thing to do with the PrePrimary kids are art projects because I get the chance to see the creative side of each child. Artistic or not, fun colors and squishy textures always brings a mix of joy and thoughtfulness. I have worked several years in all of our classrooms from infants to PrePrimary, and in the past school age children as well. school age when we still had that room. I have worked in PrePrimary the longest and enjoyed getting the 4-5 year olds ready for Kindergarten in the Fall.

Hey Y’all! My name is Delpha and I have lived in Olympia my whole life. My favorite thing to do with the kids is play outside, I love seeing them expresses themselves in an open environment and watching them build relationships and communication skills. I have worked in child care for 17 years and I've worked with all ages over those years, my favorite being Infants!

Delphia - Teacher - Early Toddler

Mercedez Teacher - Preschool

Hi! Mercedez here and I have lived in Olympia for the 18 years. My favorite activity to do with the preprimary kiddos is art. I have been working with the preschoolers for about 4 months now.

Neen - Teacher - Infants

Hello! I’m Neen and I have live in the Olympia/Lacey area for most of my life. I love to have interacts with children through play which helps build their social and emotional skills. I have worked in the childcare field for 26 years now, almost all right here in this building! I have taught in every classroom and every age we serve. For the past three years I’ve focused on infant care and I love to see all the children grow and develop over the years.

Hannah - Teacher - Toddler

Hi! My name is Hannah, and I’ve lived in Olympia for 2 years. I work primarily in the toddler classroom, and my favorite activity to do with the toddlers is reading books. I’m new to the field, having worked with toddlers for about a month, and I’m already enjoying every moment watching them learn and grow.

Brooklyn - Teacher - Early Toddler

Hey there! I’m Brooklyn, a teacher in the early toddler room. I recently moved back to Olympia in May 2024, and I’m so glad to be here! I love doing art with the kids; seeing their creativity blossom is one of my favorite things. I’ve been working with infants for a year before and am now enjoying working with toddlers for the past couple of months.

Alana - Teacher - Toddler

Hello! I’m Alana, and I’ve called Olympia home for 14 years. I teach in the toddler classroom, and music and art activities are my favorites to share with the kids. I’ve been in childcare for 3 years, working with both preschoolers and toddlers, and I love helping them grow and develop each day.