Sacred Roots Team
Sierra: Founder / Co-Lead
Sierra Hiner is the Founder and Co-Lead Teacher of Sacred Roots Early Learning. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education from the University of Washington and brings more than a decade of experience caring for children from infancy through early elementary years across homes, classrooms, international programs, and in family court settings. Her approach is shaped by both formal training and lived experience, with a deep emphasis on relationship-based practice, emotional safety, ecological systems, and developmentally supportive environments.
Sierra began college during high school, earning her associate degree before studying Community Psychology, an experience that grounded her understanding of context, systems, and human development. Her work as a nanny, youth program coordinator, and international educator further deepened her belief that children thrive when they feel known, supported, and connected to their community.
She also served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for children experiencing abuse and neglect, advocating for their safety and voice during pivotal moments in their lives. This work reinforced her commitment to creating learning spaces where children are emotionally held, respected, and free to grow.
Sacred Roots grew from this long-held vision: a small, intentional learning community where children are known deeply, emotional literacy is practiced daily, and nature shapes the rhythm of learning. Guided by this vision, Sierra brings care and intention to her work, honoring childhood as a meaningful season of life and partnering closely with families as children grow and find their place in the community.
Alix: Co-Lead / Family Support Specialist
Alexandra “Alix” Hays is an experienced early childhood educator and mother with over a decade of experience supporting children and families from infancy through early elementary years. She holds a Child Development Associate (CDA) credential and brings seven years of preschool classroom experience alongside more than five years of in-home caregiving, providing a strong, practice-based foundation in child development, attachment, and responsive care.
Alexandra’s professional background spans both classroom and in-home settings, equipping her to support children across a wide range of developmental stages, temperaments, and family dynamics. This breadth of experience informs her ability to establish consistent routines, adapt care strategies, and respond thoughtfully to individual developmental and emotional needs.
She also brings extensive experience supporting families through transitions, behavioral challenges, and developmental shifts, grounding her work in presence, consistency, and respectful caregiving practices that foster trust, connection, and continuity.
At Sacred Roots Early Learning, Alexandra is dedicated to building strong partnerships with families and providing developmentally appropriate, high-quality care. She believes secure caregiver-child relationships are foundational to lifelong learning, resilience, and emotional well-being, and she is honored to support each child’s growth with intention and care.