Michele Renae Worstell, Founder/Director, Lead Teacher in Junipers
I hold an Associate's Degree in Human Services, along with a Counseling Certificate with an emphasis on early childhood attachment. I have also earned the Early Childhood National Administrator Credential through the National Early Childhood Program Accreditation. My academic background includes coursework in Early Childhood Development, and I have served as both an Early Childhood Development Teacher and an Art Instructor for students in kindergarten through seventh grade. In addition, I have engaged in in-depth study under Dr. Gabor Maté through his Compassionate Inquiry Practitioner program, with a particular focus on early childhood attachment and co-regulation.
Isabela Rivera, Lead Teacher Pinons Class
I recently moved to Santa Fe from Austin Texas. I have two years of early childhood education experience and am currently pursuing my Child Development Associate. I am thrilled to take on the role of lead teacher in the Piñon class and to continue my personal and professional growth at Shambala House.
Gabe Worstell, Co-Lead Juniper Class
I recently earned my Associate’s Degree in Film Production and joined Shambala House Preschool in December. Although this is my first experience working with young children, I’ve found it to be incredibly meaningful and deeply rewarding. Each day brings new opportunities to learn, grow, and connect in ways I hadn’t anticipated. I’m truly honored to serve as Co-Lead in the Junipers Class, where I get to support and witness the children’s development in such a vibrant, nurturing environment.
Radha Alvarado, Assit Teacher Pinons
My journey to becoming a preschool teacher sprouted in the cradle of mountains that is Salt Lake City. There, I felt the pangs of longing that my soul and body had- to connect to nature, foster healthy communities, and bring about higher states of wellbeing in myself and in those around me. This longing took me on many adventures. From the mission to fulfill the needs of my patients in the hospital (as a CNA) to following the sounds of birds in the park (as a Behavioral Therapist for Children with Autism) to reminding youth, who had forgotten in magic, how to shape shift (as a Yoga Teacher for Adolescents in rehabilitation).
Throughout the years of working with these demographics I found that there was no greater fulfillment for my soul than the times that I was able to work with young children and help them connect to their original sense of wonderment and love. I am so grateful to be a part of Shambala House Preschool with my young son, Niko. We both have benefitted so much from the community of young children and caring teachers within this sanctuary of learning.
Inès Andrade-Maricle (StarBird) Creative Movement Teacher
Inès Andrade Maricle Starbird is a performer, dancer, singer and movement educator. Born and raised in Paris, she came to the US in 1993 and earned a BFA in Dance and Choreography from the New World School for the Arts in Miami where she also danced professionally in two dance companies for 6 years. She performed, choreographed, and taught in Paris, Florida, and the San Juan Islands before moving to Seattle where she was a member of Seattle Early Dance (Baroque dance company) for 12 years. She taught dance in the Seattle Public schools and Pre-schools from 1999 to 2018, was faculty at the Pacific Northwest Ballet for 10 years, and taught for 19 years at the Creative Dance Center and The American Dance Institute in Seattle. Inès (StarBird) is also an intuitive, Reiki master, Sound healer and a French vocalist.
