Our Teachers
Jennifer
Co-Founder of Purple Moon
Executive Director of Purple Moon
I have always been a kid magnet. At age eight I inadvertently received my first babysitting gig playing with a neighbor kid while her mom snuck out for a date. Upon her return, she handed me a brand new $5 bill (it was the early 80’s). Growing up I wanted to be a writer, a poet, or a coffee shop owner but somehow started in business then bounced to accounting to Preschool owner. I have always had an entrepreneurial spirit. In fact at age 10 had my own idea for a laundromat where you could also have a beer called “Suds and Duds”.
I have taught Preschool for over 22 years and I have loved every second of it. I love the absolute honesty that comes with being two years old. I love the way a Preschooler looks at the world. They don’t realize it, but they are filled with wonder and gratitude for the simplest things (a rainbow, a puddle splash, an incredibly silly song). How can that not rub off on you?
I have spent many years championing for the voices of early childhood educators and even had a seat on the Early Learners Initiative from 2010-2015. I have three nearly-grown children of my own (Max, Ella and Finn) and in my free time I love to travel with my hunk-of-a-husband Danny, watch terrible television and read books.
Madeleine
Co-Founder of Purple Moon
Executive Director of Purple Moon
If anything the past 40 years of working with children and families has taught me, I recognize the importance of education. The foundation for success is built in the earliest years. As I reflect back on my various experiences as a volunteer for Special Olympics at Loyola Marymount University, an instructional aide, before and after-school program director, elementary school teacher and for the past 22 years as the co-founder of Purple Moon I take such joy and pride in knowing that I played some small part in helping children and their families.
Being a kid at heart, kids have always been near and dear to me. Each day brings something new-questions, discoveries, discussions and of course, laughter! No day is ever the same, the growth never stops. I always tell the kiddos," I learn something new from you every day."
Outside of work I am happily married to my wonderful husband of 33 years, Randy. We're the proud parents of Brian, one of the original Purple Moonies! I love to fish in Idaho, Montana and Monterey Bay with my family and am a lifelong diehard San Diego/Los Angeles Chargers fan.
I look forward to meeting new families and continuing on the journey of early childhood education.
Susan
Co-Director of Purple Moon Grant Park
I joined Purple Moon in 2001 as lead infant/toddler teacher and currently work as the Co-Director for the Grant Park site.
I have a BA in Art which I put to good use at Purple Moon. The toddlers in our program are generally introduced to art around 18 months. I feel very fortunate to facilitate art exploration and expression through many different art mediums, whether it be cut paper and glue, watercolors, crayons, paint or markers. It’s a pleasure to be able to help nurture my students through creative experiences and watch them learn and grow.
When I am not at Purple Moon, I enjoy spending time with my 3 children, husband and tiny chihuahua.
Ali
Co-Director of Purple Moon Grant Park
I have been a lead teacher at Purple Moon for 16 years, and I am now the Co-Director of Purple Moon Grant Park. While I have my bachelors degree in Elementary Education, working with infants and toddlers has always been my true passion. I have spent most of my life working with kids in some way whether it was babysitting, being a nanny or being a teacher. I love the growth that happens at this age and seeing them learn new things every day. When I’m not teaching, I love spending time with my husband and my two kids, Eamon and Maeve. In my free time I like to explore outdoors, read books and go to the beach.
Amber
Head Jr. Preschool Teacher at Purple Moon Irvington
Hi I’m teacher Amber. I am very excited to be a part of the Purple Moon team. I have been working with wobblers and toddlers for a little over 9 years and absolutely love it! I am very dedicated to the social and emotional development of each child and make it my goal to make sure that they all receive the best care and love that they all deserve and to help children reach their potential in their journey towards developmental milestones! I am the oldest of 5 so naturally I have always been a caretaker. The warmth, love, creativity, and joy that children bring into my life is the best gift that anyone could ever receive.
Outside of work during my free time I absolutely love spending time with my husband Cameron, we have been together for 17 years and married 5. We love to watch movies, eat, and do spontaneous trips! I have two cats named Kizzy and Karl who are my absolute world!
Lauren
Head Preschool Teacher at Purple Moon Irvington
Hi, I'm Teacher Lauren and I'm excited to help Purple Moon grow at the new Irvington location! I have been working at this location as Head Teacher of the Pre K Room for nearly 10 years.
Growing up in a big family, there were always little ones around. I have always been the one playing outside with the young kids, bringing toys to every gathering, and hogging all the baby snuggles. Despite all the signs pointing to Early Childhood Education, I had dreams of being a high-school English teacher. While attending college, I started working in childcare and had the major realization that I was right where I needed to be! It didn't take long for me to realize that the Pre K students were my people! In the 14 years of teaching Pre K, the inquisitive minds, endless questions, brutal honesty, admiration of nature, and innate kindness these children have makes me fall in love with teaching more each day.
Outside of the classroom, I can be found spending time with my husband and 2 children, reading a book, exploring the outdoors, camping, fish keeping, or hanging out with my dog, cat, and chickens!
Hailey
Jr. Preschool Teacher at Purple Moon Irvington
Hi! My name is Hailey and I am a preschool teacher at Purple Moon Irvington. I was born and raised here in Portland, and I actually attended Purple Moon as a child when the Grant Park location first opened. I had an amazing preschool experience, and it is such an honor to now provide that experience to the children at Purple Moon Irvington!
I have been in the early childhood education field for 6 years now, working with ages ranging from infants to preschool. It has been such a dream aiding in the development of so many young people, and fostering such meaningful relationships with their families. The joy that children bring to my life is irreplaceable to me!
In my spare time I enjoy hiking, swimming, picnicking and watching movies. I am a cat lover and a foodie, and I love to travel and explore new places. I am so excited to meet your families!
Mirka
Infant Toddler Teacher At Grant Park
Hi, I’m Teacher Mirka, and I’m proud to be part of the Infant/Toddler team! With 8 years of experience in early childhood education, I love helping young children grow, learn, and celebrate new milestones. One of the most rewarding parts of my job is seeing the excitement and confidence on a child’s face when they master a new skill. Outside of school, I enjoy hiking local trails and searching for hidden treasures at thrift stores.
Heather
Head Jr. Preschool Teacher at Purple Moon Grant Park
I have loved children for as long as I can remember, even while still being one myself. When a grownup would ask me what I wanted to be when I grew up, my answer was always “a mommy and a teacher” There are honestly so many things I love about working in early childhood education. I love watching a child’s face light up when they have mastered a task they couldn’t do before. The look of accomplishment and pride in their eyes fills my heart. I love the way they find joy in the smallest of treasures like a rock or an acorn. Children also have the innate ability to turn anything into a grand adventure. When I’m not teaching littles, I love spending time with my own 4 children (who aren’t so little anymore), my husband, and my Great Dane. We love spending time at the coast as well as camping, fishing, or just sitting around the fire pit in our own back yard.
Ian
Preschool Teacher at Purple Moon Irvington
Hello, my name is Ian and I have been a preschool teacher for over a decade now. I am thankful and grateful for every morning when I walk into the classroom and am greeted by the children’s smiling faces.
I strive to teach children about their emotions and how to be caring and compassionate while still being able to stand up for themselves. I enjoy bringing my love for animals into the classroom, and incorporating that same joy outside whenever we go on neighborhood walks.
In my spare time you can find me sitting in the sun with my cat, Ollie, going for a walk, or traveling the world!
Emily
Head Preschool Teacher At Purple Moon Grant Park
During my 10 years as a preschool teacher, I have provided an inclusive and culturally responsive classroom environment for all of the children and families that I have been privileged to work with. I hold degrees in Political Science and Social Science from Portland State University, where I studied the importance of community and access to opportunity. I believe in helping each child develop the social and emotional skills that they need to thrive in every aspect of their lives. I want children to be proud of who they are and of where they come from. To see them learn as they have new experiences every day is such a joy. When not working, I love hiking, camping and swimming. I feel very lucky to live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I am always on the lookout for the forest with the most wildflowers or secret beach spot.
Heather
Assitant Preschool Teacher At Grant Park
I have been working with children my entire career. Before coming to Purple Moon, I taught at an alternative middle school for 20 years. I adore children, especially this age range! They are full of curiosity, enthusiasm and wonder. Each and every child at Purple Moon is a joy to work with and the team of professionals here is among the most caring and grounded I could have hoped for. My absolute favorite thing is to try and foster a love of books and reading at this age, and I love our neighborhood walks where we get to learn about so many everyday things around us! I have 2 teenage boys at home along with a dog, cat, and 2 turtles. When I'm not here I spend a lot of time in the outdoors, am a long time runner of relays and half marathons, love to bake chocolate chip cookies and am a voracious reader.
Maliyah
Jr Preschool/Preschool Teacher At Grant Park
Hello! I’m Maliyah. I’m originally from Las Vegas, but I’ve been living in Portland for almost five years now. I’ve always had a love for caring for children, even as a young girl helping take care of family members and friends’ children.
My favorite thing about working with children is knowing that you can have a positive impact on their journey as they grow up. Whether it’s helping them learn to self-regulate through challenging moments, or encouraging them to share with a friend. I love being able to support families and help set children up for success during these important early years. It truly takes a village, and I’m grateful to be a part of yours.
Outside of work, I’m usually spending time with my cat Toby and my dog Grampa, attending spin classes, reading a good book, knitting, or exploring Portland with friends.
Sera
Jr. Preschool Teacher At Irvington
I’m teacher Sera! I’m so excited to be a part of the Purple Moon family in the junior preschool class. Volunteering at my aunt's preschool when I was in high school showed me how wonderful teaching is. After some time away from the classroom, I realized working with kids is my passion. I returned to the classroom in 2021 and have remained a teacher ever since. I've taught every age group from one year old to fifth grade, but the younger kiddos are my favorite by far because I love the magic they bring to everyday life! My biggest goal as a teacher is to provide an environment where each child feels safe, loved, and valued enough to blossom into the amazing people they are becoming.
Outside the classroom, I am often with my fiancée and our two cats or thrown into a fantasy world, either by reading, playing dungeons and dragons, drawing, or any other creative outlet I can get my hands on.
Emily
Multi-Classroom Teacher at Purple Moon Grant Park
I have been working with kids in a variety of different environments since 2017, including a teacher assistant at the YMCA, a ski instructor at SkiBowl, and have volunteered and interned at Kidsports and the Boys and Girls Club in Eugene.
I am currently finishing my BA in Education Foundations at the University of Oregon with a minor in Special Education!
I have always enjoyed being around kids, as they are so curious about how the world works. I love to read and draw and want to create a safe and welcoming environment that promotes student’s interest in these activities. As a teacher I strive to provide autonomy of choice and provide opportunities for all students to share their voices and engage in learning.