Meet Our Teachers

Teacher Laura (Teacher and Owner)

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"I have known that I wanted to work with young children since I was a child myself. I have experience in childcare and play-based preschool settings, as well as a Masters Degree in Special Education. I spent time teaching in a public elementary school, but after having kids of my own, my strong belief in the power and magic of play brought me back to early childhood education. I am passionate about this work, and I believe deeply in the importance of allowing young children to learn through play. I love observing kids deep in play, and I believe I have a natural ability to see the world through the child’s perspective. This helps me to bring compassion, patience, and respect to my interactions with children. My favorite part of working in a childcare or preschool setting is helping children to communicate with one another about their disagreements and watching as they start to build skills to work through their conflicts independently. In my opinion, this is the most valuable skill for any human to have, and one of many reasons why play-based early childhood education is so very important."

Teacher BreAna (Teacher and Provider at Baby and Toddler House)

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"I have always loved caring for young children and began working in early childhood education in 2008. I believe that children learn through play and open ended exploration. I am well versed in RIE, Reggio Emilia, and play based philosophies. 

I love having the opportunity to partner with families and provide individualized care for each child. 

I have an associates degree in early childhood education, a bachelor's in Community Development and civic leadership, and am working towards my masters in special education K-12. I am also honored to have the opportunity to gain a professional certificate from PSU in Indigenous child care practices. 

When not working I am usually doing homework, traveling, and cooking. I have a certificate in baking and pastry and love making breads and treats when I have the time."

Teacher Alaina (Teacher at Baby and Toddler House)

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"Working with infants and young children has been a dream of mine for as long as I can remember. I have been studying the RIE philosophy for a little over 10 years now, which has completely changed the way I view early childcare education. Even the littlest of children, while in my care, will be treated as whole, capable beings deserving of respect. To take myself away from how I view the world and see things through their eyes is humbling, but necessary. My passion lies with RIE, but outside of that, I also enjoy music, my shopping addiction, video games, and reading."

Teacher Julianne (Teacher at Baby and Toddler House)

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I have always wanted to care for young children and have happily done so since 2000. In 2014, I enrolled at PCC in the Early Chilhood and Family Studies program, where I learned a wealth of validating and new heartwarming information on how to best care for young children (including the RIE philosophy that's part of Seedlings every day!)

Through my education and experience, I have become cemented in the belief that very young children's work and learning happens through play and the discoveries that play brings. I see them thrive in environments with them in mind, and with dedicated adults to give love and support, watch closely, and learn and grow alongside them. 

I love the cohort model of building meaningful relationships with each child, adapting and scaffolding the environment for them and continuing the relationships by moving up to the next class together.

Most recently I have been working with 2 and a 1/2-year-olds in a large school, and I truly look forward to slowing down with your babies in a warm home like space!

Me personally- 

I grew up here in the beautiful Northwest and never want to leave it. In my free time, I love getting to the ocean or a river, and if camping can be involved, even better. 

Teacher August (Teacher and Provider at Children's House)

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August was born and raised in beautiful Colorado where they grew up exploring the many mountains and extensive forests. They spent most of their teen years traveling and moving around before settling down and going to college. They received their double major in Women/Ethnic Studies and Sociology with a minor in Psychology at the University of Colorado where they also met their amazing wife. They continued to travel and then explore the world with their wife before settling down in Durango, CO. Having paid their way through college by first being a nanny and later working at the Early Learning Center on their campus, they sparked a passion for intentional early education. They started their career in January 2021 at a Reggio based Early Learning Center, furthering their education and training. When they learned they were moving to Portland they became very excited to pursue their next step in their career and continue the journey of intentional education.

When they are not at work, they spend most of their time with their wife and small family of animals outside in nature. They have been eagerly exploring their new home of Portland and the many beautiful parts of the West Coast! They are avid nature lovers and hikers who are working very hard to find and learn about the edible and medicinal plants growing here as they are so different than Colorado’s.

  Teacher Sara (Teacher at Children's House)

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Sara first became interested in teaching as a young adult through a volunteer experience at a special day school in Santa Cruz, California. This experience sparked a lasting commitment to supporting young children and their families. She earned her B.A. in Child Development from Mills College and more recently completed a graduate program in Marriage and Family Therapy.

Sara is deeply passionate about the health and well-being of young children and feels honored to support parents as they navigate the early years of their child’s life. She brings a thoughtful, relationship-centered approach to her work, grounded in an understanding of child development and family systems.

Her professional experience includes working in a variety of early childhood settings, including Montessori, Head Start, and play-based programs. She is especially drawn to play-based education, which she believes most effectively supports the social-emotional growth, curiosity, and development of young children. 

Teacher Macy (Multi-Program Teacher)

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"I decided I wanted to be a teacher after having an amazing experience leading summer classes for kindergarten students. I’ve loved working with children ever since! I have experience working as a lead preschool teacher as well as an aide in a therapeutic classroom setting. Some of my favorite things to do in the classroom include hands on science activities, art, and playing the guitar. I love seeing children collaborate in 

creative ways and share their excitement with one another! I learn from the children around me every day, and I am committed to being a lifelong learner. 

I grew up in Hawai'i and moved to Portland in 2020 to get my bachelors degree in Psychology from Lewis & Clark College. In my free time, I love to play soccer, needlefelt, and spend time with my cat, Twyla."