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 Lexi (Teacher and Provider at Children's House)

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  “I found my passion for early childhood education after volunteering at my local preschools in high school and have been working with young children ever since. I have experience in play-based, Reggio-Emilia inspired preschools, in addition to a BA in Liberal Studies with a minor in Early Childhood Education. I am in constant awe of the way young children think and view the world. I believe in providing each child with the utmost care and respect, and I cherish every opportunity to foster an enriching and nurturing learning environment. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my partner and our two cats, reading, and trying new coffee shops.”

Teacher Elisa (Teacher at Children's House)

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"I have taught as a preschool teacher and early art educator for over 10 years. I am passionate about the importance of early childhood education and how play is an intergral part of a child's learning experience. After completing my Early Childhood education certification, I began studying Human Development at Pacific Oaks College. I have worked at various preschools, after-school programs and art studios in Los Angeles. I am thrilled to be teaching in Portland."

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 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 Riley (Teacher at Children's House)

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"I have been working in childcare and early child development for nearly 10 years, both in Portland and my hometown of Oakland, CA. My teaching experience in after school programs, summer camps, children’s museums, preschools, and early childcare centers has been rooted in a foundation of Reggio Emilia and RIE guiding principles. I deeply believe in child-led, play-based exploration, and feel honored to bear witness to all the ways children experience, make sense of, and interact with the world around them. Learning alongside children is such a special privilege, and I’m thrilled to be starting a masters program in family therapy this fall. Outside of the classroom, I love film photography, karaoke, and going to the park with my dog!"

Teacher Anne (Substitute Teacher)

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“I have been working with young children for over 20 years. Eleven of those years was as a Registered Behavior Therapist, working with children on the Autism Spectrum.  I have a Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Education.  I consider working with children as my passion and my "heart" work.  Watching children as they explore and learn about the environment and others around them, is something that I consider truly magical.  All children learn in their own ways and in their own time frames. A quote that I live by every day comes from the Disney movie tarzan and the Phil Collins song 'Son of Man',  "in learning you will teach, and in teaching you will learn."  I discovered painting and drawing late in life, and fond the arts to be truly personal and inspiring.    I believe that parents are an integral part of their child's learning, and I also believe in building a bridge between the classroom and the home environment.”