growing strong roots
Infants
We begin accepting children at 3 months into our infant program. Infants spend their days interacting with their caregivers and peers and exploring their environment with plenty of opporunities for unhindered movement. Ample time is provided for uninterupted play with a variety of open-ended materials. Children develop self-confidence at a young age by engaging in their caregiving routines and receiving respecful and personalized care from their caregivers. Infants explore our outdoor environment when the weather allows and participate in our music curriculum on a daily basis.
Toddlers
Toddlers transition into the toddler class between 12 months and 18 months. Our toddlers spend their days engaging in a large variety of activities. Materials are rooted in the development of language, motor skills, sensorial exploration and order. Children are encouraged to participate in classroom routines and gain independence through self-care. The toddler's days are enriched through the encouragement of their natural exploration and discovery. Elements from nature, messy art and project based learning are all aspects of a child's day. Toilet learning is a large component of our curriculum. Our daily routine includes ample time for music, art and outdoor play.
Preschool (Primary)
Children can start in our Primary classrooms between the age of 2.5 and 3 years old. Preschoolers engage in a specially designed environment with traditional Montessori materials that introduce the basic concepts of writing, reading, math, science, geography and much more. Children participate in activities that build self-confidence and independence as well as social skills and a love of learning. Practical life materials are provided so that children are encouraged to care for themselves and their environment. Preschool children are introducted to the wonderful world around them and study all aspects of their environment by choosing topics that are engaging for them. Every preschooler's education is personalized and caters to their own unique personality.
Food Program
We are commited to providing nutritious foods that are minimally processed and connect children with how and where food is grown. All snacks and lunches provided by Peace Tree are whole foods that provide natural energy thorughout the day. Everyday, lunch includes a vegetarian entree, vegetable, fruit and milk. We also provide a morning and afternoon snack. All of the food served at Peace Tree is included in tuition and served family style.
Example Snack Menu: Example Lunch Menu:
CAREGIVERS:
Breanne
she/her
Founder & Director
Breanne is co-owner of Peace Tree School, and a full-time administrator. She is a certified Montessori Infant and Toddler guide with 10 years of experience leading infant and toddler classrooms. She holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology from University of Denver with an emphasis on family and child psychology. She received her Montessori Infant & Toddler Credential from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies. Breanne’s interest in Magda Gerber and her educaring approach has led her to receive her Foundations I training with Resources for Infant Educarers (RIE). Breanne has worked in a director role since 2013 and has received her director's training certificate through the Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children (OEAYC). Breanne believes that above all, young children deserve to be respected and treated as individuals. She is passionate about educating teachers to their fullest potential and partnering with them to create well-rounded and joyful environments for the Peace Tree children. This passion has led her to join Heart and Hand Montessori Teacher Education Program as a teacher trainer. Breanne is a Portland native who enjoys spending time with her husband and children, who are students at Peace Tree School. Her and her family enjoy everything that the Portland outdoors has to offer, hiking, camping, gardening and boating on the river.
Sherrilyn
she/her
Founder & Director
Sherrilyn is co-owner of Peace Tree School, and a full-time administrator. She has been a Montessori educator for 12 years in both toddler and primary environments, she received her Montessori training through the North American Montessori Center (NAMC). She also holds a Bachelors degree in Social Work and has worked as a family advocate for the Salvation Army Family Treatment Services. Sherrilyn enjoys creating a stimulating and enriching classroom for children and caregivers, and is always on the lookout for new ways to engage and guide the children as they grow. Sherrilyn enjoys spending time with her husband and their two dogs, she grew up in southern Oregon near the bast of Crater Lake and has a strong love for the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She loves animals, nature and her local community. She enjoys thrifting, art and exploring the many enticing things Portland has to offer. She plays music in a local band and loves to enrich the classrooms with songs and dancing.
Heron Room
Preschool
John
he/him
Lead Primary Guide
John is a certified Montessori guide, with an infant & toddler credential from North American Montessori Center and a Primary (Preschool) credential from the Center for Guided Montessori Studies. John has been at Peace Tree School since 2015. He is an experienced lead teacher and is passionate about guiding young children in all aspects of their growth and development. According to John, "I love how much joy, humor, energy, love and life children have. It is fulfilling to be an active and positive part of their well-being and development." John has a beautifully nurturing spirit and open authenticity that put children and parents instantly at ease. With a background in musical performance, specifically the trumpet, french horn, accordion, ukulele and vocals, he enjoys bringing music to the children on a daily basis. He enjoys every thing Portland has to offer and spends his weekends and evenings performing in his bands, attending music shows, as well as giving music lessons at Torchsong Studios. He also loves gardening, skateboarding and hanging out with his rabbit, Porgy.
Annaleise
she/her
Preschool Assistant
Annaleise comes to us with years of varied experiences working with children and has a particular interest in supporting parents and families. She has been at Peace Tree School since 2021. Annaleise is patient and open-minded and when asked why she works with children she says, "They are our only hope!" She has lived in many different places but loves calling Portland her home and enjoys going out to see live music, do yoga and make art. On weekends, you can find Annaleise reading, biking, hiking and hanging out with her cat named Kitty!
Raven Room
Preschool
Jackie
she/her
Lead Primary Guide
Jackie has her Master's degree in Montessori Education from Loyola University Maryland and studied at Montessori Northwest for her Montessori teaching credential. Jackie loves to craft and ride her bike and brings many aspects of her bright personality to the classroom. She was drawn to Montessori education after working in traditional classrooms because of how child-centered the philosophy is. Working with children is her passion, she says "I feel like working with children brings out my best self, I appreciate their outlook on life and try to remember to enjoy the little things like they do." Jackie is a dedicated lead guide and puts a lot of energy and thought into her environment and her approach with the children. Jackie has been with Peace Tree School since 2020. She cares deeply about her students and always does her best to meet their needs. Originally from California, Jackie enjoys riding her bike around Portland, admiring all of the plants and moss and appreciates how considerate everyone is.
Ryan
she/her
Primary Assistant
Ryan has worked with young children for several years in both preschool and home settings and joined the Peace Tree team in 2022. She has always found joy in working with kids, she loves that "everything is so new and exciting to them, its like magic!" Originally from South Carolina, Ryan is enjoying all of the amazing art experiences that Portland to offer as she is an artist and sculptor. She loves to bringing art & craft experiences to the children! On her down time, you can find Ryan hiking, thrifting, watching movies and hanging out with her pet rats, Ludo and Stevie.
Chickadee Room
Toddler
Sara
she/her
Lead Toddler Guide
Sara has years of experience caring for children and received her Infant & Toddler Montessori credential with Heart and Hand Montessori Teacher Education Program. Sara has been with Peace Tree School since 2016. She loves that every day is different and the bond she has with each child. In her own words, "I love children, I love watching them grow and learn new things everyday." Sara's attention to detail and mothering instincts are an huge asset in the toddler classroom. She always wants to learn more about respectful caregiving and the Montessori philosophy and that love of learning is passed on to her children. Sara is a Portland native who currently lives in Vancouver, although she loves visiting her hometown neighborhood of St. Johns. Sara loves coffee, finding new & local coffee shops, exploring new places and going on hikes.
Ashley
she/her
Toddler Assistant
Ashley's background is in behavioral therapy in school and home settings and has also been babysitting for many years. She has extensive experience working with children! In her own words, "Children are our future. We can create a better world by fostering love, kindness and respect for ourselves and others." Ashley aspires to be a lead Montessori guide someday! Having lived in many different places, Ashley now calls Portland her home. Her favorite part of this city is the artistry and the sense of community. You can find her biking, dancing, practicing yoga and playing with her dogs.
Wren Room
Toddler
Azaria
she/her
Toddler Lead Guide
Azaria has a strong background in child care and other many wonderful pursuits. She has worked in the Montessori community for many years and led a toddler classroom in a traditional preschool setting before coming to Peace Tree. When asked why she has chosen to work with children she says, "Children need allies. We are collectively raising the next generation of leaders, artists and members of our community." Originally from Texas, Azaria has found her own community here in Portland and you can find her practicing self-care, participating in ecstatic dance, being outside, cooking and spending time with her daughter. Azaria also has training in Reiki and as a death doula. She is currently pursuing her Montessori certification at the infant & toddler level.
Coryn
she/her
Toddler Assistant
Bio Coming Soon!
Starling Room
Toddler
Channing
he/him
Lead Toddler Guide
Channing received his bachelor's of science degree in Human Development and Family Science with a focus on Human Services from Oregon State University, he also minored in Women's studies. Channing received his Infant & Toddler Montessori credential with Heart and Hand Montessori Teacher Education Program. Channing has been with Peace Tree School since 2017. His motivation to work with children can be summed up by his own words, "Children are our future. I want to grow old in a world filled with adults who were taught loving kindness from early on. I am doing my part for each kid and for a better world. It's so much fun!" Channing's calm demeanor and emphasis on respectful caregiving make him an ideal infant teacher. He is a Portland native who loves our home climate of grey skies and summer rain. Channing enjoys video games, playing the guitar, drawing and spending quality time with his brother.
Stacy
she/her
Toddler Assistant
Stacy has had many wonderful and varied experiences working with children including as a counselor for a Summer camp for young children, hosting birthday parties and specializing in children's entertainment. She is eager to settle into a child's-centered community and work with a group of children. In her own words, "Children deserve the same respect that adults do. The minds of children are amazing and their words matter. I want to make sure the children I work with know that!" Stacy is a Portland native and loves the rainy weather. Her interests include film making, attending conventions and creating costumes.
Dalia
she/her
Toddler Assistant
Dalia has experience working in child care and is excited to learn more about the Montessori method and immerse herself in the philosophy. She is interested in child development and early childhood education. Her favorite thing about working with kids: "I love watching them learn something new and the confidence they gain from learning." Dalia is a Portland native and loves that she still finds new places to explore. You can find her crafting, journaling, listening to music and spending time with her friends and family.
Owl Room
Infant
Kristin
she/her
Lead Infant Guide
Kristin obtained a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Portland State University. After graduating, Kristin explored her interest in working with children by volunteering in the NICU with infants and with Volunteers of America at the local Relief Nursery. She landed at Peace Tree as an infant caregiver and she says, "I want to give children what they need to develop at their own pace. They are truly unique and smart individuals and its honestly amazing what we can learn from them as adults." Kristin's calm and cheerful attitude make her a natural caregiver. Kristin is a Portland native and currently dwells here with her partner. During her free time, she enjoys hiking and exploring Portland's natural beauty, crafting and photography. Kristin will begin pursuing her Infant & Toddler Montessori Credential in September 2019 with Heart and Hand Montessori Teacher Education Program.
SUPPORT STAFF
Eibhlinn
she/her
Breaker for Chickadee & Wren Rooms
Eibhlinn is a certified Montessori teacher with a long history of working with children in many different settings. Before coming to Peace Tree, she worked as a lead guide in Seattle for 8 years. She is grateful to continue working with children in a Montessori setting while also pursuing other work interests. Her favorite quote is "Of all things, love is the most potent." - Maria Montessori. Originally from Washington, Eibhlinn loves the smaller and welcoming Portland vibe and the vegan food! You can find her snowboarding, jump roping, visiting the coast and going on adventures with her dog, Paris.
Audrey
she/her
Breaker for Starling, Owl, Heron & Raven Rooms
Audrey has many years of experience working with children in their homes as a babysitter and nanny. She is excited to be taking the next step in her career by working in a child care setting and is looking forward to learning the Montessori method. "Children are incredible!" Audrey exclaims when asked why she does this work. Originally from California, she is loving Portland for the seasons, the food and the people. On weekends, you can find Audrey hiking, dancing, painting and hanging out with her dog, Maggie and cat, Bug!
Kendall
she/her
Substitute Teacher
Kendall has worked for several years as an in-home nanny and truly enjoys her experiences working with children of all ages. The opportunity to expand her skill set to working in a formal child care setting has been highly beneficial to her. She says, "Children bring me such a sense of joy and peace, and I want to play a role in educating and caring for the next generation of our world. Originally from Virginia, she loves the great food and outdoor activities that Portland has to offer. Her hobbies include reading, hiking and vegan cooking and baking.
Marlena
she/her
Substitute Teacher
Marlena has extensive nannying experience and jumped at the chance to work with larger groups of children at Peace Tree. She particularly enjoys taking children on outdoor adventures and getting them out in nature. In her own words, "I love learning from children and seeing their different perspectives of the world!" Originally from Alaska, Marlena fell in love with Portland and how kind and giving everyone is here. You can find her skiing, hiking, reading and hanging with her cat, Eddy.
Rise
she/her
Substitute Teacher
Rise is a mother and a grandmother and also an experienced nanny. She comes us with a desire to make a difference in the lives of children and always keep them safe. When asked about her work with children she says "I enjoy my interactions with children, they really make me smile!" Originally from New Jersey, she loves the weather and natural beauty of the Pacifica Northwest. On her own time you can find Rise reading,