Claudia Sundelin, known at school as Ms. Claudia, is a recent and welcome addition to the Hillside Academy community, joining as a Part-Time Preschool Teacher. With an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education from Bellevue College and four years of classroom experience, Claudia brings a wealth of knowledge and passion to her role. Her previous positions as a student teacher at Sorenson ECC and a co-teacher in the Head Start Program at Norshore School District have equipped her with the skills and experience needed to create a nurturing and engaging learning environment for young children.

From a young age, Claudia knew she wanted to be a teacher. A volunteer opportunity in a preschool classroom confirmed that her true calling was in early childhood education. At Hillside Academy, Claudia is excited to collaborate with her colleagues and contribute to the school’s close-knit community. 

Claudia believes in the power of learning through play, understanding that this approach is crucial for young children to grasp new concepts. Her goals are to help her students master classroom routines, develop fine and gross motor skills, and most importantly, have fun while learning. Fluent in Spanish, Claudia is looking forward to introducing some basic vocabulary to her students, adding a multicultural dimension to their early education.

Outside of the classroom, Claudia enjoys spending time with friends and family, hosting dinners, reading mystery and suspense novels, hiking, and baking. She is also a big fan of Taylor Swift’s music.

Originally from Peru, Claudia moved to the USA at 15 years old without knowing English, a challenge she overcame with determination. Her adventurous spirit is evident in her love for travel—earlier this year, she and her family visited Peru, where they had an unforgettable experience in the Amazon Rainforest, staying in a treehouse and exploring the local wildlife.

Claudia has been married to her husband Nils for 15 years, and they have two children, Lucas (10) and Mia (7). Their family also includes a 14-year-old Shih Tzu named Charlie. Claudia is thrilled to be part of the Hillside Academy community and looks forward to making a positive impact on her students and colleagues. Her personal motto, “Hakuna Matata,” reflects her optimistic and carefree approach to life and teaching.