Big Wood School 2026-27 Staff
Kim Broderick, Director
My name is Kim, but around here, I’m usually known as “Miss Kim!” I’ve been part of Big Wood School for about 16 years and this community has become an extension of my family.
As School Director, I oversee the business, staffing, and daily operations of BWS, but spending time with our children remains one of my favorite parts of the job. If I’m not in the front office, you might find me sharing our weekly Bible story in the Sanctuary, whipping up “Fun Food Friday” in the kitchen, or driving the school bus. There’s certainly never a dull moment!
I love the traditions that bring us together, like our Rock Party, Pumpkin Patch and Fall Fest, Thanksgiving Family Feast, Christmas Program and Cookie Swap, and spring celebrations. But it’s the everyday moments that mean the most: greeting families, celebrating a child’s accomplishment and watching those wonderful little personalities emerge. My hope is that every child and family feels known, welcomed, and loved here.
I moved from San Diego to the Wood River Valley with my daughters, Kendall and Maddie, on New Year’s Day in 2010. We soon found our church home at Church of the Big Wood. When the School Director position opened, it felt as though God had brought us to the right place at just the right time.
After studying Psychology and Education at the University of Arizona and the University of Colorado, I began a career in education that now spans more than 35 years. Along the way, I’ve served as an aide, Pre-K and kindergarten teacher, curriculum specialist, reading resource teacher, tutor and administrator. Since moving into administration in 2005, I’ve enjoyed combining my love of children and teaching with the organizational work that helps a school thrive.
Outside of school, I treasure time with my daughters, Kendall and Maddie. We love traveling, catching live shows and concerts, and exploring new places together. My love of travel has also led me to become a travel advisor, helping others plan their own adventures! Closer to home, I enjoy hiking, biking, skiing and rafting—and feel grateful to call this beautiful valley home.
Big Wood School is my home away from home and I’m so glad your family is part of it!
Tracy Mueller, Office Manager
Susan Chizum, Sharks Lead Teacher
My name is Miss Susan and I teach Pre-K in the Shark class! This will be ninteenth year teaching at Big Wood School! I graduated from the University of Washington and moved here after graduation, so I have lived in the Valley for twenty one years now! My husband, Eric, and I have a fifteen year-old son, Ethan, who is a Sophomore at Wood River High School. When we aren't working, we love traveling and spending time in the outdoors with friends! I can't wait for a great year ahead!
Cathy Largent, Chickie Wallas Co-Lead Teacher
Miss Cathy has been teaching children in the Valley for 22 years, most of them right here at Big Wood—and she’s not done yet!
Vermont will always hold a special place in her heart, but after 35 years in Idaho, the Gem State has certainly grown on her. There are still so many new friends to meet and memories to make!
Her husband, son and granddog keep life fun outside the classroom, and this year she’s having a blast teaching our Chickie Wallas. She’s grateful to spend her days learning, laughing and making memories with your little ones!
Jen Silva, Chickie Wallas Co-Lead Teacher
Jen received her BA in Sociology from Roanoke College in Salem, Virginia. She later obtained her teaching credential from Loyola Marymount in California. She taught kindergarten for 10 years in California then relocated to the Wood River Valley in 2011. Jen substituted around the valley for a few years and then began working at Big Wood in 2016 as an assistant to the Pre-K classes. She is married and has two children, Bridgette and Peter. When she is not at Big Wood she enjoys skiing, hiking, gardening!
Linley Fraser, Ladybugs Lead Teacher
Miss Linley moved to the valley in 2001 after the completion of her Bachelor’s in Environmental Studies from Prescott College. She grew up in Lynchburg, Virginia and took many ski trips with her family, which is why she was drawn to the Sun Valley area. Linley came to Big Wood Preschool in 2006 and immediately knew she had found her calling. She continued her education working towards a Masters in Elementary Education. She currently teaches the Ladybug Class and loves everyday she gets to spend with all their wonderful personalities. Linley and her husband Cam have two awesome kids, Hayes and Jennings. They like to spend their time doing anything outside! They love to ski during the winter and camp during the summer. In all her years of teaching, she has clearly found her passion. Every day she spends teaching is filled with love, exploration, and magic!
Nicole Williams, Kind Cats Lead Teacher
Hi there! My name is Nicole Williams and I teach in the Kind Cats Class Class- the 3’s. This will be my twelth year at Big Wood. I love Early Childhood education and working with children and their families. My husband and I have raised 6 kiddos in this Valley. I love to travel and raise chickens and adore pets!
Nicole joined the Big Wood team in 2015 and led the Silly Monkeys, the young two’s group, before moving up to the three year old, Kind Cats. She has a passion for early childhood education and this age group in particular. Nicole received her bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies and Early Childhood Education from Cal State Northridge. When Nicole is not at BWS, she is out having fun with her husband, Jim and three lovely ladies, ranging from college to Elementary school. She enjoys exploring new places and raising her children, chickens, cats, dogs, and a rabbit. As the proud recipient of the Gold Medal for Best Teacher from Idaho Mountain Express’ Best of the Valley 2022, Nicole feels incredibly blessed to work at BWS and loves when people stop to say hello, either in the classroom or around town.
Nicole Severson, Lions Lead Teacher
Hello! My name is Miss Nicole S. I have been working in early childhood education for over 10 years, and I truly love watching little ones learn, grow, and discover the world around them.
I was born and raised in Southern California and made the move to beautiful Idaho about six years ago. I joined the Big Wood family in 2024, and it has been such a special and magical experience. I feel so lucky to be part of a community that is so welcoming and kind and creates a joyful place for children to learn.
When I’m not in the classroom, you can usually find me golfing, cooking, exploring Idaho, or spending time with my family and friends. I believe the sweetest moments in life are often the simple ones, and I love bringing that same sense of joy, warmth, and wonder into our classroom.
Jessica Conover, Tiny Turtles Lead Teacher
Hi there, my name is Miss Jess. I’m a warm, kind, and occasionally goofy person who believes in finding the fun in everyday life. I’ve spent almost a decade working in early childhood education, where patience, creativity, and a good sense of humor are essential. When I’m not working, you can usually find me cheering from the sidelines, watching my kids play sports—aka being their full-time chauffeur and snack provider. I love helping little ones learn, grow, and feel supported, and I bring that same heart and enthusiasm to everything I do.
Jane Sheue, Butterflies & Caterpillars Lead Teacher
Hi everyone! My name is Jane, and I’m so excited to be with your Butterflies and Caterpillars this year! I taught preschool in San Francisco, and this is my fourth year at Bigwood School. I feel so lucky to be part of this wonderful community!
A little about me: I have two awesome kiddos! Vann is in 7th grade, and Serena is in 6th grade at Hemingway. I really hope you all get to meet them this year! They are super excited that I’m at Bigwood. We also have three dogs named Betsy, Kolbey, and Dodger. I’ll have to bring in a picture so you can meet them, too! My husband, Jesse, and I own a restaurant in town called The Covey. I would love to bring our little Butterflies and Caterpillars over someday to learn how to make pasta and see the giant hearth where we cook our food!
I love adventure and exploring new places. I’ve traveled all over the world, trying interesting foods and meeting people from different countries. Jesse and I even got married in Nepal, where we hiked to Everest Base Camp and worked with an orphanage serving children of all ages. It was such a special experience, and I can’t wait to share some of my adventures with you!
Most of all, I’m excited to get to know each of you, hear your stories, and watch you learn, grow, and have fun together this year. I’m so happy to be at Bigwood with my Butterflies and Caterpillars. We’re going to have a wonderful year! 🦋🐛
