Meet Our Dedicated, Wonderful Staff
Many preschool, early learning and childcare facilities will boast that they have the best staff – but we really do! Our staff have many hours of schooling, continued education and spend so much time working with and for the students. We are constantly reminded how lucky we are to have them! Everyone is committed to working alongside the families we serve to ensure all students are receiving the best education and care.
If you’re looking to get in touch with our staff, click on their name to send them an email. Not sure who you need to contact? Check out our contact page or click the link in the top right corner of the page to find out.
Linda Alumbaugh
ECEAP Director
I have been at Josephine for 35 years and in the childcare field for 38 years. This is all I have ever done, and I love it. For the first few years of working in childcare, I did go to school for a few quarters to do something else and then I realized I was already doing what I wanted to do when I grew up.
The best part is this field is always changing and growing and it’s so exciting. Former students who I have taken care of now bring their children to me and it does not make me feel old at all. I love that they thought enough of their experience with me to bring their own children.
I have 2 two sons and 3 grandchildren who I love spending time with. If I could have had my grandchildren first, I would have! Lol! I have 2 Mastiff pup-pups who are like my children now. 😊
In my spare time I like to go on hikes and bike rides.
Maya Armijo
Family Support Specialist
I have worked in childcare at Josie’s for 15 years where I’ve been an assistant, lead teacher and Montessori teacher. This is my 3rd year in ECEAP as Family Support Specialist. Before Josie’s, I did an internship with Youthnet where I accompanied social workers to home visits with foster families. Additionally, I have spent many hours studying human services and psychology at a college level. I love working with people!
My hope is that everyone feels comfortable speaking with me and knows that mine is never a place to judge. I know what it’s like to encounter obstacles in life and my main focus is always to support you and your family in any way that I can.
I am married and have 3 children and a dog named Rez. We finally became first-time homeowners recently and are having fun setting up our new home. It was a longtime coming, but so worth the wait!
When I’m not at school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, watching movies, singing, music, travel, BBQ’s, camping, and going to the ocean.
Chandra Bauck
Lead Teacher
This is my third-year teaching ECEAP at Josie’s. Before I came to Josie’s I taught PreK at a Fellowship Christian School in Everett for a year and prior to that I worked in ECEAP as an assistant teacher in Granite Falls. I returned to school this summer after taking a break to focus on my family and I am proud to say that in May I will have my bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University in Human Development and Family Science specializing in child and adolescent development.
I grew up in a small town in northern Minnesota, but as an adult I have lived in 5 different states. For a short time, I lived in Fargo, North Dakota after I graduated High School. I lived in Norfolk, Virginia while my husband was in the US Navy. Then, we moved back to Minnesota for about 6 years before my husband’s job relocated us to Fort Worth, Texas back to Minnesota and finally to Washington. We have been in Washington for 5 years now.
I have 3 children Alana 14, Abigail 12, and Alister 9. I spend most of my free time running kids to track, dance lessons, football practice and starting this year JORTC events. When I’m not running kids to activities I love to craft, cook, garden, hike, fish, read and spend time with my animals. I have 2 dogs, 2 ducks, 2 rabbits, 5 chickens, and 6 goats.
Linda Chavez
Lead Teacher
I am in my second year as a Lead Teacher at Josie’s Learning Center ECEAP. I have two decades of experience in my career of early education from the roles of home-visitor to Kindergarten teacher. In addition to managing a busy work and personal life schedule, I have volunteered to support military events, families, and causes during my ten years on Camp Pendleton in California.
In my free time I enjoy reading, cooking, and family game nights with my three sisters. I feel my biggest accomplishment is supporting my son James who is known to be a well-mannered and respectable young man that started his first year of college this Fall. I believe in being a lifelong learner and it begins with the loved ones at home.
Gracie Gibson
Assistant Teacher
I have just finished my first year at Josie’s working in both the childcare and ECEAP programs. Prior to joining Josie’s, I worked at another local preschool, but was looking for something a little bit more. I am thrilled to be a part of the Josephine Community!
I graduated from Stanwood High School in 2019 and am now entering my third year at Skagit Valley College working on my degree in Elementary Education.
When not in class (both at Josie’s and college,) I love spending time with my husband, nieces and nephews, friends and other family members. I spend a lot of time camping and fishing or checking out local events in the area. I ran into some of my students recently at the Ed Shearan concert!
Lexi Jacobsen
Assistant Teacher
My name is Lexi, and I am 25 years old and the oldest of 4 children. I have been working in childcare since 2017, but have worked with kids since I was 10. I just started working at Josie’s Learning Center, but I am definitely no stranger to the Josephine Caring Community as I have had lots of family work here and attend childcare.
In my off time, I enjoy both playing and watching football, fishing, hiking, and of course going on walks with my dog Bo. Though I don’t have kids of my own yet, I do have 5 fur babies – 3 cats and 2 dogs.
