Our Teachers

Jennifer

Co-Owner 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-Owner 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.

Emily

Head Preschool Teacher at Purple Moon Grant Park

I have been teaching preschool at Purple Moon Grant Park for five wonderful years. I currently head the preschool program at Grant Park as Lead Teacher.

 I received a degree in Political Science from Portland State which taught me so much about how the world works. Coming from a big family with siblings and cousins of all ages, I have always known that I wanted to work with children. To see them learn and experience the wonder in new things as they grow is such a joy. I feel very lucky to live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. I love hiking, camping and swimming. I am always on the lookout for a funky vintage store, the forest with the most wildflowers or secret beach spot.  

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!


Anna

Preschool Teacher at Purple Moon Grant Park

Hello! I'm teacher Anna (like in Frozen) and I have been an educator for over ten years. I got my start as an Outdoor School student leader here in Portland, and have been hooked ever since!

I hold a Master's degree in Teaching from Seattle University, as well as a graduate certificate in outdoor science education from the University of Washington. I've worked with all age groups, but before coming to Purple Moon, I was a middle school math and science teacher. 

 Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to honoring each of my students as a whole, beautiful person. I love the relationships I am able to build and consider my students to be cherished, important parts of my life. When my wife and I had our first child last year, I suddenly understood an entirely new level of love that I am proud to bring to my work at Purple Moon. Thank you for trusting us with your precious children!

 When I'm not at Purple Moon, I enjoy family time with my wife and son, rock climbing, and going for long nature walks. I look forward to meeting you!

Ian

Preschool Teacher at Purple Moon Irvington

Hello! I grew up in Redding, California and I’ve lived in Minneapolis, San Francisco and San Luis Obispo before settling in Portland, my forever home.

When I’m not at work, I spend a lot of my time in Astoria, learning French, I love going to shows, and traveling to new places. Most of all, I like relaxing on my balcony with my cats, Daphne and Ollie. They are my world!


I have been working with children for about six years now. I have worked with toddlers and preschool aged kids most of that time. I’ve never looked back after starting in early childhood education; it’s a dream job for me!
I am just beyond excited to be a part of the Purple Moon and starting this new journey.

Cece

Teacher at Purple Moon Grant Park

At the age of 7 I began helping with my grandmother in her own small preschool gig that she started up. I became a big sister at 12 years old and my life changed in the best way possible, watching him grow and seeing the excitement on his face at achieving even the smallest milestone was the best thing ever! Out of high school the plan was to study as an emt! Covid hit and the next thing I knew I was teaching kids in a preschool. I’ve been teaching for about two years now and it’s the most joyful experience I’ve ever had! Outside of work I love to sketch and I’m a huge bookworm!

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!

Max

Pre-K Teacher at Purple Moon Irvington

Hello! My name is Teacher Max. I’m a teacher at Purple Moon Irvington floating between all classrooms. I have been guiding kiddos of many ages for the past 7 years, beginning as a summer camp counselor when I was 17. Nothing makes me happier than helping young learners feel good about themselves and their world.

On top of being an educator, I am a lifelong musician. I sing and play guitar, drums, and bass. I have released 4 albums of original music (under my full name - Maxfield Fleishman). Children’s music is a big part of my repertoire, and I’m excited to lead Purple Moonies in song and dance!

I have a bachelors degree in Liberal Arts from St. John’s College in Santa Fe, New Mexico. My well-rounded education helps me lead youngsters in expansive lines of questioning and curious thought. I encourage kids to ask big questions and to try answering them. There’s a lot to explore in this big world. My goal is to guide your young ones in their explorations.

Bash

PreK Teacher at Purple Moon Grant Park

I’m Bash (They/Them), I’m ecstatic to be a part of the Purple Moon Community and am looking forward to meeting and getting to know you all.

I went to San Francisco State University for my BA in English Education while also working in a Spanish immersion after school program. I’ve worked with children in a variety of settings since 2014, but it wasn’t until my spouse and I moved to Portland in the summer of 2018 that I had the opportunity to start working as a preschool teacher.

Growing up in a Spanish speaking immigrant household, one of the many things my parents instilled in me was a love of language and culture and that is something I want to do similarly with the children that I work with. I want children to be proud of who they are, of where they come from, and for them to have empathy for those around them. My goal is show them how to embrace differences and recognize that those differences are what make each of us unique and special.

In my free time I enjoy going to local music shows, checking out new films, doing weekly trivia, and getting coffee around town with my lovely humans. I also enjoy finding new recipes to try and cuddling my two cats.

Lily

Preschool Teacher at Purple Moon Grant Park

I have taught preschool for about two years, and before that I taught swim lessons while I was in community college, and worked with middle school students as part of my coursework to get my BS in Graphic Design from Portland State. I've always been inspired by children and the way they see the world since I was a child myself, and I probably will be inspired by them for the rest of my days! While I was in college I was trying to figure out what my big picture goal was, and I discovered what I really wanted to do was to share what I've learned, and to spread joy. I've found it really rewarding to channel those goals into my early childhood education career. One of my favorite activities to do with students is process focused art projects, allowing them to experiment with lots of materials and discover how different results come about. Without fail I will be introduced to new creative methods and perspectives every time I have the pleasure of guiding the students through an activity focused on artistic discovery. It's truly my pride and joy to share what I know and guide my students toward not only a creative mind, but a kind heart and confident spirit.

I moved to Portland for college and I loved it so much I decided to stay. I love going to the river, crafting (dried citrus garlands are my specialty), listening to George Harrison, and meeting my friends for a little dessert at Rimsky-Korsakoffee House.