ABOUT US
Full STEAM Ahead is a licensed Family Home Childcare Center. STEAM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math. Activities in these areas of learning are offered every day for both preschool and after school care. When children learn STEAM, they are developing important skills which include critical thinking and reasoning as well as problem solving. STEAM also teaches real life skills and is fun which helps children want to learn.
Email Us:
fsaprek@gmail.com
Meet the Staff
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Owner and Lead Teacher
Karie Cortado

I grew up in the Ballard Neighborhood of Seattle and raised three boys here. Now that they are grown, I have followed my dream of opening a Licensed Family Childcare Center. I have been working with children for over 25 years in many capacities. I have been a Lead Teacher, Curriculum Coordinator and a Director. I worked for three years as a Coach for Early Achievers, Washington States Quality Rating and Improvement System. I have an AAS in Early Childhood Education and am one class away from my BAS. I have taken many trainings over the years and actively use that knowledge as it applies to the children in my care. I will continue to take trainings and classes to keep up on the most up to date research in Early Childhood Education. I will also take into consideration the children I have in my care when picking these trainings. My main goal as an educator to young children is to provide a space where children feel at home and safe. I create an environment that helps children learn through play. When children follow their own interests, they learn better so I create my own curriculum according the interests of the children in my care.
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After School Teacher
Brandon Tuccori

My name is Brandon Tuccori. I have three children, ranging from 7 to 25 years old. It is through a lifetime of parenting I discovered my passion for mentoring, leadership, and education. I love to read literature! I am an avid outdoors person, spending most of my free time rock climbing, hiking, fishing, gardening, and anything else that gets my adrenaline going! Because of my children, I began a journey through soccer coaching that continues today. I'm fully licensed through the US soccer federation, having coached most levels, from recreational to Seattle United to the Sounders Discovery Program. I currently coach an all-girls under-7 team in Ballard. It was the opportunities my coaching path gave me which helped me realize how much I enjoy sharing knowledge with and teaching young people how to constantly try to improve themselves. Through the Early Education learning process, I developed a teaching style based on scaffolding and guided discovery. I believe to reach your limits or go beyond; you first must have a strong foundation that enables you to find answers to life's tough questions. Education, fifteen-plus years of coaching, and a lifetime as a parent has made me an adventurous educator who is flexible and compassionate.
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Enrichment Teacher
JoAnna Ball Smith
JoAnna Ball Smith has been signing since she was 11 years old. She earned her BA in English/ASL interpreting from Western Oregon University and later got her MA in ASL Linguistics from Gallaudet University. While JoAnna believes it is best to learn ASL from Deaf native users, she is happy to teach little ones sign to improve communication and fine motor skills.
JoAnna Ball Smith has been signing since she was 11 years old. She earned her BA in English/ASL interpreting from Western Oregon University and later got her MA in ASL Linguistics from Gallaudet University. While JoAnna believes it is best to learn ASL from Deaf native users, she is happy to teach little ones sign to improve communication and fine motor skills.
Volunteer and Administration
Ruth MacDonald
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I am Karie’s mother and have been a part of the Greenwood community for over 35 years. I love spending time with children and have worked with them in many capacities over the years. Some of the things I have been a part of are teaching a variety of performing arts such as puppetry and skits to children ages 9 and up. I was the Volunteer Coordinator for the Kids Zone at the Greenwood Car Show for 10 years. Now that I am retired and my grandchildren are all grown, I am enjoying volunteering here at FSA. I like to think of myself as a grandmother figure to the children. I love to read with them, garden and just spend time with them.
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