Who we are
““Life learning is about respecting the everyday experiences that enable children to understand and to interact with the world and their culture.”
Comfort and Cozy Learning Center has operated in Port Angeles WA for over 25 years. We are non profit childcare and learning center for children ages 1-5 years of age. We currently hold a Level 3 Early Achievers rating.
We offer toddler, Pre 3 and Pre K classes. We also offer childcare before, after and during non school months.
We believe that children be encouraged to learn and grow by providing a foundation of developmentally appropriate experiences where all children can succeed in a safe and nurturing environment.
We believe that each child is a unique individual and that all children can learn. Our preschool programs provide inclusive settings that recognize children’s varied abilities, interests, needs, and learning styles.
We believe children learn best through meaningful play. Our play-based, child centered program reflects the integration of physical, cognitive, social, emotional, language, self help and aesthetic areas for the total development of the child. We support a heavy emphasis on outdoor play and have an outdoor classroom that is open five months of the year. We have two outdoor green spaces that have bountiful creative spaces for your child/children to play and grow.
Meaningful play encourages curiosity, discovery and problem solving which allows individual growth and development of a positive self-image.
We recognize that parents are the child’s first teachers. Children learn best when parents are involved in their educational program. The primary bridge between home and school is the involvement of family and community.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, sex, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, disability, gender identity, or gender expression.
Comfort and Cozy Staff
CEO, Chrissy Kelly has been in Early Childhood for 20 years. She has her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and has a Washington Teachers Certificate. Chrissy enjoys spending time with her family and catching a Mariners game at the ball park! She believes in child directed learning and loves being outside.
Our Program Director and Pre K teacher is Makayla Wickersham. Teacher Makayla has been at our center for 10 years. She has been in the Pre K classroom for 3 years and is one of our centers Lead Teachers. Makayla loves the outdoors and is eager to share the joy of creativity and imagination within her classroom. She has her CDA and has over 100 credits in early childhood education and holds all current certifications required by the department of early learning.
Our Toddler Teacher Nicole moved from south Texas to the Olympic Peninsula in 2012 and has spent the last ten years dedicated to education and the improvement of the lives of children. She earned her AA in Early Childhood Education in 2015 from Peninsula College, began practicing Applied Behavior Analysis as a Behavior Technician in 2016 (certified since 2017), and graduated with her degree in Education Studies in 2020. Nicole is passionate about individualizing care for children of all abilities and fostering communication and independence for children of all ages. It may sound a little textbook and boring, but Nicole believes the best way to accomplish these goals is through lots of silliness, song, dance, messy art and play. When she is not working with children, Nicole enjoys spending time with her family, exploring the beautiful Olympic Peninsula, listening to live music, and traveling to Seattle and home to San Antonio to get a taste of the city.
C&C KIDS and Pacific Northwest Discovery Academy Staff
Elizabeth Rule (Lizzy) has been at our center for 6 years. Lizzy is also our program director for C&C KIDS at Jefferson Elementary, our Pre 3 teacher at Comfort and Cozy and also an assistant teacher at Pacific Northwest Discovery Academy. She has been teaching in Early Childhood Education for over 20 years and hold her Associates of Arts degree in Early Childhood Education. Teacher Lizzy is full of creativity and exciting adventures. She is vibrant, kind, patient and dedicated to the children she serves. Teacher Lizzy loves the outdoors and all if has to offer. She believes in child directed learning and offers a variety of techniques in the classroom.
Ginger Villella has been with our center for 6 years. Teacher Ginger has been in early childhood education for over 10 years. Ginger has over 100 credits in Early Childhood Education and holds all current certifications required by the department of early learning. She is a mother of two, loves to travel and spend time with her family. Ginger is patient, and strives to engage children in independent thinking and decision making. She is versed in American Sign Language and often signs to her students on a regular basis. Ginger teaches at our Pacific Northwest Discovery Academy.
Rachel Millhollin has worked with children and families in many different capacities for 11 years. She strongly believes that all children can learn and be successful when given the opportunity to learn in a way that is best for them. She obtained her degree in Early Childhood Education and Early childhood Special Education in January of 2023 and earned her WA State Teachers Certificate shortly afterwards. When Rachel isn’t working she enjoys crafting and spending time with her family. She is a huge Hello Kitty fan and an avid crazy plant lady! She loves teaching in the early elementary classroom at Pac West because it allows her to combine all her passions into one place.
Starla Temres has been working with children for 7 years. She is currently earning a BA in psychology and special education with a focus on behavioral disorders. She encourages children to learn in their own way and is dedicated to provide specific guidance for what each child needs. She urges children to think outside the box and get creative! She loves the ocean, hiking, camping and spending time with her dog Mo. Starla teaches at Pacific Northwest Discovery Academy.
