About Us

We are a group of four educators that share a passion for helping young children develop emotional intelligence by fostering empathy.  Our hope is to provide educators and parents with resources, ideas, and inspiration for raising compassionate and caring young citizens of the world.


Anna Kolle has worked in the field of Early Childhood Education since 1998 after earning her degree in Education from Washington State University.  She spent 3 years in Cameroon, Central Africa, as a Peace Corp volunteer. Anna is a dedicated teacher at the Stroum Jewish Community Center Early Childhood School currently working with four year olds. Anna presented the Colors of Empathy program at the 2010 "Cribs to Classrooms" conference in Shoreline, Wa.

Emily Shapiro studied Early Childhood Education at the University of Vermont and immediately entered the field upon graduating in 2006.  She has been a member of the Stroum Jewish Community Center Early Childhood School faculty since 2006 and has spent her time passionately working with children three years and younger.  Emily is now working as the Education Coordinator mentoring the teachers in the Infant's, One's, and Two's Programs at the Early Childhood School.

Shannon Cruzen worked in the field of Early Childhood Education for over 10 years spending the majority of that time as a Kindergarten teacher. Shannon earned her Masters in Education in 2004. Shannon has attended, and presented, at conferences locally, nationally, and internationally. Shannon was the lead on piloting the Seeds of Empathy and also the Colors of Empathy programs at the Stroum Jewish Community Center Early Childhood School.  She is now working at the Pedagogical Coordinator mentoring the teachers in the Three's, Four's, and Kindergarten Programs. 

Sarah has worked with young children and their families for over 10 years.  She has served in various roles including teacher, educational coordinator, and pedagogical coordinator at the Stroum Jewish Community Center Early Childhood School.  Sarah has received extensive education in Reggio-inspired practice through attending numerous national and international conferences including two study tours in Reggio Emilia, Italy.  She is also a certified Waldorf Teacher, having completed the three-year Waldorf Teaching Training program at Sound Circle Center.  She is inspired by the empathy and compassion that the Waldorf community embodies as well as the authentic experience that Waldorf education provides for young children.  Sarah believes deeply in the importance of fostering empathy in young children. She has been a Seeds of Empathy family guide and has been a part of developing projects such as Colors of Empathy.