Teachers

Teacher Jen possesses a passion for working with children and strives to cater to all children’s curiosities and their love of play. She’s the biggest advocate of learning through play, being silly, and playing pretend. She feels preschool is about socialization and messy art (don’t worry we have art smocks). 

Teacher Jen graduated from Oregon State University with a bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Sciences with an option in Human Services. In 2015, Teacher Jen hung up her social work hat after 10 years to redirect her focus to early childhood education. Her new desk became the floor, spreadsheets transformed into abstract crayon drawing and work emails transformed into children’s books. She has lead teaching experience with 2’s, 3’s and a mixed age (3-5’s) classroom. Since becoming a preschool teacher, she’s taken a large number of continuing education classes/trainings on topics which include but not limited to; Observing Children Objectively, Creating an Inclusive Classrooms and Talking to and Supporting Children during the Pandemic. She is currently a part of the Oregon Registry which is a statewide professional recognition program that records the growth and achievements of early childhood care and education professionals. Over the years, Teacher Jen has also lead parenting classes, tutored young children at Hayhurst Elementary, substitute taught for PCPO preschools, has been a Court Appointment Special Advocate (CASA) and mentored within the S.M.I.L.E program. She whole heartedly supports play-based learning and enjoys using elements of Creative Curriculum in her classroom.  Her experience at Gabriel Park Preschool has deep roots as both of her children our GPPS graduates. Teacher Jen feels a deep connection to the school and the unique sense of community that exists among parents, staff and the acting board members.

Play is a child’s most important work! The rate of language acquisition at this age never ceases to amaze her. She is excited to teach preschool and Pre-K Program at GPPS, and enjoys creating a diverse and fun curriculum for our mixed age classroom. Health and safety are extremely important to Jen as well as to the GPPS board. As a cohesive team (we) are committed to following and implementing regulations and procedures from the ELD and the CDC. In her spare time, Teacher Jen loves being outdoors whether it’s skiing, hiking, camping, or exploring all of Portland’s amazing parks.