Mrs. Verango holds advanced degrees in Curriculum and Teaching in Secondary Education (ELA), along with a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. Her career spans more than 20 years across Montessori, public, private, and IB/MYP schools. In Washington State, she has served as a Pre‑K Montessori teacher and later contributed her expertise within the Northshore, Lake Washington, and Bellevue school districts.
Her educational philosophy emphasizes connected learning—helping students see how reading, math, and language connect with scientific inquiry-based thinking which reinforces one another to build strong foundational skills and prepare students for the real world. Through Evergreen Crest Academy, she continues her commitment to meaningful and developmentally aligned instruction that nurtures curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
L. Joyce Verango
Founder and Program Director of Teaching and Learning
Humanities expertise
I founded Evergreen Crest Academy to create a learning environment where children grow through meaningful experiences and thoughtful guidance. With more than twenty years of teaching experience, I’ve learned that students thrive when they explore ideas in ways that feel connected to their lives.
As technology and AI continue to evolve, I want students to understand how these tools fit into the world they are growing up in. At the same time, I believe children benefit from learning in real spaces where they can observe the world directly and make sense of those experiences in a way that feels natural to them. My goal is to help students build curiosity and carry themselves with confidence as they learn and explore.
Evergreen Crest Academy reflects my commitment to a balanced and purposeful learning. I want students to feel supported as they move through school and begin shaping their own ideas about the world.
Committed to Student Growth,
L. Joyce Verango
Chaminade University of Honolulu: Honolulu, HI, Bach. of Science in Behavioral Science/ECE
North Central University: Scottsdale, AZ, MIT, Masters in Curriculum and Teaching in Secondary Education
Northwest University: Kirkland, WA, MEd in Secondary Education, ELA Endorsed
WA State Teacher Certified
Raised on Oahu, Hawai’i, Ms. Hirose brings over 20 years of international and domestic education experience as both classroom teacher and administrator. She brings a Masters in Teaching and is WA State certified for grades K-6, and has a BA in International Business. Having Worked on the front lines in schools, she understand parents’ concerns and values true partnerships. She deeply believes every student can thrive when they feel safe, valued, and heard.
June Hirose
Co-Director
ECA Program Director of Operations & Finance
Math expertise
My mission is to instill the confidence and perseverance students need to fearlessly become the best version of themselves. Too often, learners give up when discouraged. In our caring, small-group environment, we help students tackle challenges, build problem-solving skills, and strengthen their reading, writing, and math fundamentals.
Learning never stops—I still love challenging myself as a lifelong learner. Evergreen Crest Academy is where students exercise their young minds, build academic fluency, and make new friends along the way.
Above all, we desire to nurture kind, responsible, and well-rounded individuals. By celebrating each student's unique spark, we meet them exactly where they are on their learning journey.
Raised on Oahu, Hawaii, I bring over 20 years of international and domestic education experience as both a classroom teacher and administrator. I bring a Masters in Teaching and BA in International Business. Having worked on the front lines in schools, I understand parents' concerns and value true partnerships. I deeply believe every student can thrive when they feel safe, valued, and heard.
Committed to Student Growth,
June Hirose
Washington State University: Master in Education, Gr. K-6
BA, International Business
WA State Certified