Kisanet Yohannes, Executive Director

Kisanet Yohannes has served as Executive Director at Augustana for the past three and a half years, following ten years as an Early Childhood Educator at the Center. Born in Asmara, Eritrea, Kisanet earned her Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Social Work from the University of Asmara before completing a Master’s in International Development at ISS Erasmus University in The Hague. In 2013, she relocated to the United States and joined Augustana, later earning a Graduate Certificate in Curriculum and Instruction from Colorado Christian University.

A multilingual leader fluent in Tigrinya, English, Amharic, French, and Arabic, Kisanet brings a rich global perspective to Augustana. Her dedication to the community is fueled every day by the passion and professionalism of her fellow educators and the active, inspiring partnership of Augustana’s parents. Above all, she finds endless joy in the children—whose curiosity, warmth, and sense of adventure make Augustana a vibrant, enthusiastic place to learn and grow.

Outside of her leadership role, Kisanet loves spending time with her husband and two children. She also enjoys unwinding with a good book, swimming, crocheting, and diving into big, idealistic conversations about life.