Teachers make a difference to our program. Our teachers offer their own unique creative touches to their classrooms and our environments. They help plan the art program, have a generous budget for educational and art supplies and are committed to keeping our program innovative. They are all certified with the State of Oregon, have passed a criminal background check and are required to hold a Food Handler's, First Aid and CPR cards at our company. We require a professional dress code with a uniform so you can easily identify a member of our staff at any time.

Teachers who make a difference are:

Anna is our Area Director overseeing our Gateway and Broadway campuses. She began her position with us as our Gateway School's Assistant Director and Pre-K Teacher. Anna has a bachelor's degree and is committed to our families and children.

Teacher Brittany was a teacher for Creative Minds Learning Center in 2007. She left temporarily and obtained her Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education at Oregon State University. Brittany has worked with children for seven years in both elementary and preschool settings. Upon returning to CMLC, Brittany became the Director at the Woodstock campus. Recently, she has been promoted to the Area Director for the Woodstock and Westmoreland campuses. Brittany is proud to work for CMLC because of its reputable academic program, collaborative work environment, and commitment to our families. Brittany's teaching philosophy is to build personal relationships with each child and encourage independence in their learning. "I love coming to work! This community is so special to me, as if it were my second family!" Brittany has a passion for the development of children, education, and community relationships!

Kayla choose CMLC for several reasons; She loves the positive and fun environment, the art program, the specialty classes and the healthy menu options. She likes how the curriculum focuses with hands on learning. She likes working with kids because of how honest they are and how eager they are to learn. "It's the simple things that amaze them" says Kayla. "They are always saying silly things. I love watching them get new concepts and it is amazing the growth that you see in such a short amount of time." Kayla has many experiences working with kids throughout high school and college. Kayla graduated with a degree in early childhood and elementary education. Kayla hopes to continue to grow in her teaching with CMLC and the children.

The newest member of our Creative Minds team, Stephanie, looks forward to building a positive relationship with the staff, families, and community as the Assistant Director of our Westmoreland Campus. Stephanie has previously worked and volunteered in preschools, elementary schools, and summer camps and could not imagine having a career that does not involve teaching and advocating for young people. Her purpose and passion in life is to support the happy and healthy development of children into bright, kind individuals. In addition to her years of professional experience working with children, she has a Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from Flagler College in St. Augustine, Florida. A native Floridian, Stephanie has recently put down roots here in Portland and aims to have a long and meaningful career with Creative Minds Learning Center.

Tawny chose Creative Minds because she was able to use her Education degree and have a job where she could really get to know the kids as well as the team. "I love the moment when a child realizes that he/she has learned something new and their eyes light up. I love that feeling of helping a child discover something new" says Tawny. She received her Bachelors degree in theatre from Southern Oregon in 2002 and then received her Master's degree as well as her teaching license from Portland State in 2007.

Teacher Anna is our Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten Teacher at our Broadway campus. "I wanted to work at a school where my daughter can attend and which strives to be green. I believe we must all do what we can to leave the earth a healthier and better place. My favorite thing about working with children is watching them learn a new concept and then apply it in their work and play. I received my Bachelors degree in Education from the University of Idaho. Later I taught in Idaho public schools, teaching 6th graders and later kindergarten. I have been with Creative Minds Learning Center since Spring of 2009. My teaching philosophy is to create a loving environment in which children can learn and grow academically, socially and emotionally."

Teacher  Lydia  is our Head Toddler Teacher of the Gateway school and has been with Creative Minds since 2004. She is devoted and offers a genuine love for the community of toddlers and is committed to their exploration of new concepts.

Teacher Samantha has been with Creative Minds Learning Center (CMLC) since 2005! Prior to working for CMLC, Samantha worked in childcare for 6 years, providing her with skills and experience for her position as Lead Pre Kindergarten Teacher at our Woodstock campus. Samantha plans to continue her education to obtain a degree in Pediatric Nursing. Samantha's teaching philosophy is to "help children learn in a fun environment." Samantha enjoys being apart of the daily lives of her students. She motivates children to have a passion for learning! Samantha engages with children, developing true relationships with her students!

Teacher Alicia is our Toddler Teacher at our Broadway campus. "I work here because of the marked difference in what CMLC is able to offer the kids. I love seeing them grow! It's amazing, I was their teacher when they were two and then they go off to kindergarten. To know, I helped get them there is the big payoff. I'm a life long resident of Oregon. I went to high school in Sandy where I took an ECE class and that's where I discovered that I wanted to work with kids.I've been with CMLC since 2007. My teaching philosophy is very laid back and fun! I feel that kids learn best while they're having fun. So I like to incorporate learning into games, songs and storybooks."

Teacher Michelle has worked for Creative Minds Learning Center for over a year. She is our Pre Kindergarten Teacher at the Woodstock campus. She enjoys working for CMLC because of her love of children, positive work environment, and teamwork of the staff. Currently, Michelle is working toward her degree in Child and Family Studies at Portland State University. Her goal is to have a positive impact on the futures of children. Michelle's teaching philosophy is for her students to have a positive experience in the classroom. "I want my children to know that I am always there for them!" She has a sensitive heart and a love for children. Michelle makes learning fun, and allows children to learn through their experiences!

Teacher Ariel is one of our Toddler Teachers at our Gateway school. She grew up in California where she obtained her Bachelors Degree in Psychology and Human Development at UC Davis. Ariel is a world traveler. She has studied abroad in Rome and lived in Isreal for a period of time. She has also traveled all over Europe to places like Switzerland, Belgium, Holland, and Spain. Ariel settled down in Portland because she "loves being surrounded by beautiful nature and all that the Northwest has to offer." Ariel chose Creative Minds because she loves the art based program we offer. She enjoys how excited kids are to learn, ask questions, and explore their environment and feels that art is a great way to do that. When Teacher Ariel is not being an amazing toddler teacher here at Creative Minds, she likes to do yoga, start fun crafty projects, and play her guitar. We are so glad to have Ariel as part of our awesome team at Creative Minds.

Teacher Tara is our Pre-Kindergarten Teacher at our Westmoreland campus. "I came to CMLC because I really love their mission statements "Building a future with your family". I have been with CMLC since 2009 and I have loved my time here. My favorite thing about working with children is discovering their personalities and how much fun they are to play with and teach. I grew up in Staten Island NY, and moved here with my family when I was 16. I am currently an art student at PSU with a minor in Early Childhood education. I will graduate this Spring and will continue onto my Master's degree in Secondary education. I hope to teach high school one day. My teaching philosophy is very open. I really like to have my students explore their world in their own time. I really hope to influence children in a positive way and allow them to develop their own ideas and view on the world around them."

Hi, I am younger infant lead teacher Danielle. I work at the Westmoreland Campus, though started up at the Gateway Campus in 2005. I have an associate's degree in early childhood education and will continue more of my schooling a little later. I have taught all ages from infant through after schoolers, although I love being with the babies the most. My classroom is filled with creativity, organization and fun. One of my favorite activities to do with the babies is dance during baby circle time. "Seeing the babies laugh and smile along with grooving to the music is such a joy." CMLC is a wonderful community filled with awesome teachers and amazing children. I'm glad to be apart of something so fantastic!

Meredith says that she came to work for CMLC because of the schools educational philosophy. She believes that CMLC provides a positive learning environment that is nurturing and creative, laying a strong foundation for our children. Meredith loves working with children because she finds that it's refreshing and rejuvenating! "I am in awe of the children's imagination and creativity. I love teaching children because I believe that success and acceptance empower children and gives them tools for future successes and the ability and desire to care for others." Meredith graduated form Ithaca College in May 2008, receiving a B.A. in sociology with a concentration in gender studies. She hopes to return to school one day to earn her master in education. She hopes to focus on health, gender, and language, ultimately teaching in some capacity abroad.

I'm Marlo and I am a teacher in the older infant room at the West Moreland location! I love the curriculum and teaching methods at CMLC. I also enjoy the fun positive atmosphere and the bond between not only the children and the parents, but with the staff as well. It's like a home away from home for me. I love coming to work each morning at CMLC. In high school I took child psychology and the pre-school teaching program 7 times in my 4 years and have been working in childcare for 4 years. Before coming to CMLC I worked as a teacher in Wobbler (10 months - 16 months) room and in Two's room. I also have experience with ages 3 months - 10 years. I've always loved working with children of all ages and have known since I was 4 years old it was my passion and something I wanted to do once I was done with school.

Hi my name is Kim and I am the co-lead teacher in the Jr. Toddlers at WestMoreland. I have worked with children for over 10 years and enjoy watching their faces as they learning and grow! I have taught all ages from Infants through After School and Summer Programs. I have a Childhood Development Associate Degree specializing in Preschool and Pre-Kindergarten aged children. I love learning and want to continue to learn, which is why I choose to work for CMLC. They not only offer the gift of learning to the children they teach, but to their teachers!

Teacher Nikki is our Westmoreland school's Lead Toddler Teacher and brings a warmth and love of exploring with the Toddlers!

My name is Ciara, I am a Teacher Aid at Creative Minds Learning Center, located in Westmoreland. I have had much experience with children, this includes "at home" child care for five years from new borns to pre-k and beyond. I currently teach sunday school for our kiddos at my home church on sundays ranging from 1-5 years. I will be graduating high school within the next few months and plan on staying with Creative Minds for some time. There are many great things about Creative Minds, however I would have to say one of my favorite things to do here is really, interacting with the kids. Children bring me such joy and I love working with the different ages, observing and participating in the different developmental levels is always fun and there is never a dull moment. It is so intriguing at how different each age is and how much they are able to learn from their environment and those around them, but at the same time i believe that we as teachers can learn so much from them also. I have a passion and love for children, I always have and I always will, I am looking forward to learning more and making lots of new little friends!

Teacher Emily is so happy being a younger infant teacher at the Westmoreland CMLC. She began teaching children eight years ago at Allegro Dance Studio as a teaching assistant. From there she taught at T.R.Y.P.S in Columbia, Missouri for three years and then returned to Portland Allegro Dance Studio as a teacher. She has also taught at Ackerman Middle School and Alliance Charter Academy. Emily's warm brightens the atmosphere at Westmoreland and helps her bond and connect with all of her little students.

**Picture Coming Soon** Teacher Rene was born and raising in Oregon and lover our beautiful, rainy NorthWest. From 2006 to 2009 Rene lived in British Columbia working with a non-profit organization in preschools and by coordinating community service trips for youth in Vancouver. Rene also has experience in cross cultural early childhood education, as she has spent time in Indonesia and afghanistan teaching young children. Rene dreams of returning to Central Asia to start a preschool someday. She has been working at CMLC since January, and absoluetely loves watching her kids learn and grow as they discover the world around them! Rene can be found singing silly songs and creating fun art projects with the wonderful Toddler classroom at CMLC's Westmoreland Campus.

Emunah has been working as a Waldolf Inspired Caregiver for the past 4 years. She is an afternoon aide at our WestmoreLand school. She loves working with children of all ages.

Hello, I'm Gerry, CMLC's Maintenance Supervisor. I remodel, construct & do maintenance for all CMLC schools. I've been with CMLC since November 2009. I've been in the construction business for over 25 years. I like seeing all your little kids, it reminds me of how much fun I have with my own kids (I have five of my own). I am most impressed with the genuine concerns & care provided to the kids by some of the brightest teachers I've ever met. I love how the staff & owners have made me feel like part of a wonderful family.

Hello, I am Sau, Creative Minds Learning Center's cook and chef! I take pride in my job to ensure all meals are prepared fresh and healthy for the precious children I love so much! If you ever see me please say "hello" and in return, I will give you the warmest smile!

Khoi is our cook here at the Broadway location and has been with us since September of 2009. Previous to her time here at Creative Minds, Khoi worked as a resturaunt cook and was a teacher in Vietnam for 12 years. Khoi then relocated and moved here to the United States in 2003. Khoi has four children of her own, 2 boys and 2 girls. She loves cooking and loves the teachers that work here. Coming in to work is so enjoyable for her because she feels "peaceful" here and loves her job.

We want to thank all of our Teachers and Aides who are committed to the development of our schools and encouragement to the children. We hand pick the very best people to make a team which delivers the company's philosophy of "listening to childrens hearts with understanding and a true commitment to an artistic, organic and healthy setting". Each teacher puts together a biography, giving you a peek at who they are which is displayed throughout the centers.

If you are interested in becoming a part of Creative Minds Learning Center's team, either by joining our Parent's Organization Board or applying to be a teacher or aide, please call us at (503) 252-0004 ext. 5.

Click here for an employee application form.

Provider classes & training resources are available at http://metroccrr.org/trainings.html

Call to Schedule Your Meet and Greet: (503) 252-0004 ext. 5
Click here for your Enrollment Application