Rika Motohashi (She/Her)
Director of Learning and Curriculum
Although I had always been passionate about working with children, I never initially pursued a career in education because I was surrounded by family and friends in the hospitality industry. My love of travel eventually led me to begin my career as a flight attendant. As a child, I travelled alone to Japan and still remember the kindness, warmth, and care the flight attendants showed me during those journeys. That experience stayed with me and inspired the way I approached my own role years later.
As a flight attendant, I naturally gravitated toward the children on my flights, always wanting to ensure they felt safe, comfortable, and cared for. After several years of flying, I had a moment of clarity and realized it was time to follow my true passion: teaching and guiding young children. Choosing to transition into education has been one of the most rewarding and meaningful decisions of my life.
My teaching style is constantly evolving as I tune into my students’ interests, curiosities, and sense of wonder. I believe that building strong, trusting relationships with children and their families is at the heart of meaningful learning. I approach teaching with care, compassion, and a genuine love for getting to know each student as an individual. By understanding their unique strengths and learning styles, I can create personalized learning experiences that help every child thrive.
In my classroom, I strive to provide a balance of structure and creativity, making learning engaging, innovative, and fun. Most importantly, I want my students to feel happy, supported, and excited to come to school each day—eager to discover what new experiences and learning opportunities await them.
Children’s honesty and natural curiosity continually inspire me to deepen my own understanding as I learn to see the world through their eyes. They remind me to slow down, appreciate the present moment, and approach life with wonder. I value the authenticity of their emotions and find great meaning in helping them navigate and better understand themselves and others.
One of the most rewarding parts of teaching is witnessing children grow and develop—physically, cognitively, socially, and emotionally—and knowing I have played a small role in that journey. I hope to be the kind of teacher my students remember fondly for years to come, just as I still cherish the memories of my own first teachers.
I hope my students remember me as the teacher who made them feel safe, seen, and valued. I hope they remember someone who listened to them and guided them with empathy and compassion, while also helping them understand boundaries and expectations in the classroom. I hope they remember me as the teacher who not only taught them reading and writing, but also helped them develop a love of learning.
Outside of the classroom, my greatest joy comes from being a mom to my two daughters, who are very active in sports. I love cheering them on and supporting their passions. I also enjoy making memories through travel, social gatherings, and outings, while still appreciating quiet moments to relax and get lost in a good book.
