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.
John
Head Pre-K Teacher at Purple Moon Grant Park
Hello, my name is John. I've been part of the amazing Purple Moon family for the past 13 years, all of which have been in the Pre-K classroom. I began my interest in childhood education while getting my degree from the University of Oregon (Go Ducks!) While attending college I received a work study job at the campus child development center. I was lucky to have lead teachers that showed me the passion and pride involved with teaching. I knew that this was something I wanted for myself, which brought me to Purple Moon, a school that is filled with great teachers that share the same passion and pride. I love Pre-K because it's the age I can see them grow into their personalities through friendships, wonder and exploration. I also enjoy the challenge of helping them navigate themselves as being part of the big world around them. Outside of the classroom you'll find me doing as any Oregonian should be doing, exploring the outdoors, rain or shine. I enjoy reading and admittedly watch too much sports.
Amber
Head 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 Pre-K 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!
Emily
Head Infant Toddler 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.
Hailey
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!