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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 opportunities for unhindered movement. Ample time is provided for uninterrupted play, with a variety of open-ended materials. Children develop self-confidence at a young age by engaging in their caregiving routines and receiving respectful 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 introduced 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 friends and animals, she grew up in southern Oregon near the base 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
Pepper
she/her
Lead Primary Guide
Bio coming soon
Becky
she/her
Primary Assistant
Bio coming soon
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 exploring Portland with her cute pup, admiring all of the plants and moss and appreciates how considerate everyone is.
James
he/him
Primary Assistant
Bio Coming Soon
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Chickadee Room
Toddler
Sara
they'them
Lead Toddler Guide
Sara received their Infant & Toddler Montessori credential with Heart and Hand Montessori Teacher Education Program and continued their studies in childhood development and early education. Sara has been with Peace Tree School since 2016 and has offered kind and connected care to many children throughout their lifetime. They work diligently to create an environment in their classroom of consistency and healthy routine for co-teachers and students. Sara's strengths in holding emotional space and heartfelt communication help the children with their own regulation while feeling safe, loved, and supported through their own growing independence and learning journeys. Sara loves that every day is different and the bond they have with each child. In their own words, "I love children. I love watching them grow and learn new things everyday." Sara's attention to detail and the care they put into picking each classroom work provides the perfect environment for their toddlers to thrive. They always want to learn more about respectful caregiving and the Montessori philosophy and that love of learning is passed on to their students. Sara is a Portland native who loves coffee, relaxing with their cats, music, exploring new places, and going on outdoor adventures and hikes.
Cole
he/him
Toddler Assistant
Bio coming soon
Madison
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 toddler 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 has been with Peace Tree since 2022.
Her goal is to make sure her students feel loved, and confident in themselves.
In her own words, "Children deserve the same respect that adults do, and they are capable of learning how to respect one another too. 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 enjoys crisp sunny days. Her interests include hoop dancing, collecting trinkets, and cosplay!
Owl Room
Infant
Kristin
she/her
Senior 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.
Azaria
she/her
Junior Lead Infant Guide
Azaria has been supporting children locally and internationally for over 15 years, working in various educational settings including: Montessori, Waldorf, and nature based. Azaria officially received her Montessori certification in 2023. She brings many skills into the classroom, including: signing, self regulation, co regulation, and introduction into Spanish. When she is out of the classroom she can be found with her adolescent in nature, dancing, singing. Azaria is also a certified end of life doula and grief guide. “It is important that we learn to hold each other well in all stages of life.” Other areas of interest include: attachment theory, human development, internal family systems, non violent communication, and community building. Her needs based perspective supports people of all ages. ​​​​​
SUPPORT STAFF
Coryn
she/they
Administration Assistant/Substitute Teacher
Coryn is the mother of two amazingly creative and hilarious Montessori children. She has a long time background caring for children throughout her life and loves the Montessori child-led approach. Coryn received her AA in American Sign Language and loves utilizing that with the teachers and students here at Peace Tree. She is fulfilled playing a supporting role everywhere she can lend a hand to help. At home, she is an experimental cook, novice gardener, and enjoys trying all different types of artistic expressions as often as adulthood will allow. While Coryn has dedicated many years to the stage, acting in numerous plays, set design and building, directing adults and children in productions/camps, she now makes time to play D&D with her friends and family to scratch that itch. She is thrilled to find and support her friends and family in such a loving community here at Peace Tree School.
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Ryan
she/her
Floating Sub
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 sweet puppy Bert and her pet snails.
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Blanca
she/her
Substitute/Breaker/Aftercare Teacher
Bio coming soon
Justin
he/him
Sub/Aftercare Teacher
Bio coming soon
Desiree
she/her
Sub/Aftercare Teacher
Bio coming soon
Anneka
they/them
Floating Sub/Aftercare Teacher
Bio coming soon