About Us

Founder & Lead Educator

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Meet Erin, the mama behind the chaos, joy, and sticky fingers of Miller, her adorable three-year-old. If you ever wondered what it's like to juggle motherhood, a partnership with the ever-patient Jason, and a love for teaching, you're in for a treat.

 

Erin's journey began in the town of Issaquah, where she learned that life is an adventure, best navigated with a good sense of humor and a bit of caffeine. After obtaining her BA in child development from Western Washington University, and earning her Washington State Teaching Certificate, she discovered the magic of shaping young minds is both an art and a workout routine. Erin went on to earn a Masters in Education, spending 15 years teaching elementary school.

 

Three years ago, Erin traded in elementary school classroom chaos for the serenity of North Bend. She insists that the only thing better than the view is the camaraderie of other moms and neighbors always at the ready to offer a helping hand. While enjoying motherhood, she also taught music and sensory classes for the local Si View community center. 

 

Erin enjoys being a mama – a role she takes on with a mix of grace and goofy dance moves and her hobbies include spending quality time with friends and family, exploring the local community (and its coffee shops – because caffeine is a parent's best friend), and going on hikes that have more snack breaks than actual hiking. 

Erin is looking forward to making Journeys her next adventure and would love to have you join her. So, grab a cup of coffee (or tea, if you're feeling fancy) and join Erin on her journey through the chaos and joy of motherhood. Laughter guaranteed, and compassion strongly encouraged!

Founder & Administrative Director

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Before becoming a mother Danielle was a bakery owner and pastry arts teacher for students 5 and up. She is a also a community curator and runs a mommy and me community group of over 500 members that is centered around building connections and parent educations. 

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After years of working in cafes, managing bakeries as well as event planning she finally settled down and started her family. After her first child and dealing with postpartum anxiety she sought out a community to help support her.

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After a few months of classes and playdates she found herself with a supportive group of mom friends but many other parents weren't as lucky and were struggling to find support. Because of this she created mommy and me in the valley, a mom group centered around fostering community, supporting parents on raising children and organizing parent meetups. Now the group has over 500 members.

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In hopes of expanding what she has started she's joined Erin in founding Journeys.

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Danielle and her family enjoy exploring and adventure.  As a family they love hiking, coffee shops, finding new playgrounds, concerts, festivals and spontaneous road trips. When its just Danielle and Lilli they are always up to something new, kids museums, playdates, shopping, eating out, visiting libraries, bookstores and trying new bakeries. The Braun's live by having fun, having schedules (because nap time is important) and exploration learning.

 

Both Danielle and her husband believe that parenthood should be fun  and although there is always a time for just being a kid there is also a way to do what you love as an adult with your kids whether that be skiing, traveling, or just reading books.