As the founder and lead teacher of Orange Tea School in Seattle, Washington, Kerry Forrayi has been shaping early childhood education since launching Wellspring Preschool in 2007. Her initial vision drew from the rich pedagogical traditions of Montessori, Waldorf, and Reggio Emilia, coupled with a framework of Multiple Intelligences, prioritizing child-driven learning and the significance of play. 

This early emphasis on nurturing the whole child, particularly their social and emotional growth, provided valuable insights. Recognizing the need to also equip students with strong academic foundations for traditional schooling, Teacher Kerry thoughtfully integrated explicit pre-K learning objectives into the experiential and project-based curriculum at Orange Tea School. This evolved model, practiced within a multi-age setting and underpinned by a commitment to well-being through nutrition and environmental consciousness, demonstrates a nuanced understanding of child development. 

Teacher Kerry's dedication to fostering a strong social-emotional base, while ensuring academic readiness, underscores her thoughtful and adaptive approach to early childhood education, creating a learning environment where children are empowered to flourish in all aspects of their development