Kaleena Santo Domingo

I am 1/2 Native American from my father’s side and 1/2 Japanese from my mother’s. I am a member of the Okanogan Tribe and an enrolled member of the Colville Tribes. I was born and raised in the Kent/Renton area, and was in the Kent school district for K-12. I married my husband Sixto Santo-Domingo in April 2015. We have a son, Kennison, born in March 2018. We also have two cats, Mochi with Soy Sauce and Huckleberry Cheesecake. In my free time I enjoy cooking, dancing at Native American powwows, collecting Hello Kitty, & watching the Seahawks & Huskies.

I received my BA in American Indians Studies and Drama from the University of Washington in 2007. I also have two CDA’s (Child Development Associates). After college I worked at United Indians Head Start program, at Daybreak Star in Magnolia for 5 years, before the program was closed. In 2012 I worked as an Early Head Start Specialist for Tulalip Tribes Early Head Start. In 2014 I again worked for United Indians when they opened an ECEAP program. In 2016 I started working at a Montessori Childcare for the hospital workers at Seattle Children’s. I have also completed a Montessori Assistant training course with MEIPN and will be continuing my Montessori studies this year.

Testimonials

The teachers are so loving and thoughtful about each individual student. Using the Montessori Method, each child is able to move at the pace that is right for them. The teachers also look for opportunities to let the kids teach each other. For example, one of my kids has mastered one of the “works” that teaches multiplication, so the teachers will often ask him to teach other kids how to use it. It reinforces what he has learned and also teaches him empathy and patience.

Teachers at this school are effective

Teacher Kaleena

Kaleena Santo Domingo

Teacher Workshop Day, No School!

Tentative: Salmon Walk