Miss Andrea, Director
Andrea purchased Gateway from previous director Patty Bettinghouse in 2022 upon Patty’s retirement. She holds a Master’s of Education degree from Washington State University and has worked with children ages birth-preschool for over 15 years. Andrea is the mother to three daughters, ages 15, 6, and 3. She enjoys spending time with her family and traveling.
Miss Joan, Lead Teacher
Miss Amy, Lead Teacher
Amy has worked for Gateway for 18 years and previously taught for the Richland School District (8 years) and Liberty Christian School (2 years). She holds a Bachelor’s of Arts degree in Education from Washington State University. Amy has been married 35 years and has three adult sons and five grandchildren.
Miss Teddy, Lead Teacher
Teddy is starting her 16th year at Gateway and her 3rd as a lead teacher. She is a life-long resident of the Tri Cities and has two adult sons, both who attended Gateway. Teddy feels that being a part of such an amazing program is a true treasure.
Miss Nicki, Assistant Teacher
Nicki has worked at Gateway for three years. She has two children who have attended Gateway. She enjoys watching her children participate in sports and playing games with her family!
Miss Michelle, Lead Teacher
Michelle has been teaching at Gateway since 2013, but has been volunteering at Gateway since 2005. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from WSU Tri-Cities. Michelle always knew she was going to be a teacher, but worked as a barista for many years in high school and in college, deepening her love for coffee and people! Michelle lives in Richland with her husband Mike, two little boys, and two puppies.
Miss Amy, Assistant Teacher
Amy was a Gateway parent for three years then continued to substitute teach at Gateway for the next five years. She officially joined Gateway full-time in 2020. She holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Columbia Basin College. She has one son, age 11, and she enjoys rodeos and camping with her family.
Miss Holly, Assistant Teacher
Holly has worked at Gateway since 2020 and holds a Bachelor’s degree from Washington State University in Human Development with an emphasis in Early Childhood Development. She has over eight years of child counseling experience in inpatient and outpatient settings. She is the mother of three children who all attended Gateway!
Miss Kelen, Assistant Teacher
Kelen received her Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology from Washington State University in 2011. She has been working with children ages 18 months to 18 years as a gymnastics coach since 2007. This will be her second year as an assistant teacher at Gateway.
Miss Chelsi, Lead Teacher
This is Chelsi’s first year of teaching at Gateway. She attended Eastern Washington University and has over 25 years of experience working with children. She’s been married to her high school sweetheart for almost 11 years and they have two children. She loves to travel, cook, spend time with family and friends, and everything Disney!
Miss Kendra, Assistant Teacher
Kendra has worked at Gateway for one year and substituted during the 2021/2022 school year. She re-joined Gateway full-time in 2022. She holds an Associate’s degree from Columbia Basin College. She enjoys all outdoor activities and spending time with family in Montana.
Miss Heidi, Substitute Teacher
Heidi began working for Gateway after both of her boys entered school all day. She spent 10 years in Room 1 and loved it! She “semi-retired” in the Fall of 2020 and enjoyed her time gardening, reading, camping, and taking care of her nephew. Heidi began subbing at Gateway in 2022 and loves being back in the classroom! Heidi graduated from WSU-Go Cougs! Heidi has been married to Tyler for 23 years and has two boys, Mason (21) and Brady and an Australian Labradoodle named Finn.
