Willemijn Ilcisin, Kindergarten:   "In 1993, my oldest daughter started attending Small Friends.  It was the start of six years of continuous enrollment as all three daughters experienced the joy of this wonderful community.  All three have very different personalities and each benefitted from Small Friends' learning environment.  Even once the girls had moved on, Small Friends remained part of our lives - coming back to visit was always a highlight.  In 2006,  I came back as the Registrar and have since also taught as a preschool and kindergarten teacher.  Young children see the world in such unique ways and it is terrific be able to take a glimpse into that world every day."

Lisa Sickler, Director, Kindergarten:  "I came to Small Friends in 2003, when my husband and I were looking for a preschool for our son. Prior to starting a family, I had been an elementary school teacher for 10 years, working with children in grades 1 – 3. I was thrilled to find a preschool where the staff were so knowledgeable about child development and the environment was warm and engaging. Two years later, I joined the staff as a preschool teacher. The following year I took over as the Director and in 2010 I helped launch our kindergarten program. It has been a privilege to work with the teachers and families in this community. Even though my own children have moved on, I look forward to being here for many years to come. Working with children is a delightful way to spend my days and there’s nowhere else I’d rather be."

Marah Murphy, Preschool:  "I have been teaching at Small Friends since fall of 1997. I have always loved small children and when my daughter went to a co-op preschool, I discovered a passion with threes and fours.  I went back to college, graduated in 1995 and have been teaching since.  Small Friends is my dream job. I love the staff, the children and interacting and developing relationships with the parents." 

Sydney Stocks, Preschool:  "I began my teaching career at the elementary school level where I taught a variety of grades, starting with third grade and ending with sixth.  I enjoyed teaching each grade, finding positive aspects of each.  After having my own children, however, I discovered the joys of early childhood education and have taught preschool ever since.  I began teaching at Small Friends in the fall of 1993 and have loved my years here.  Teaching preschool allows me to share my passions for music, art, and children’s literature with others, as well as to have the joy of being with and teaching young children.  Small Friends is a very special community of children, families and teachers and I feel very lucky to be here!"

Elaine Dean, Preschool:  "I began teaching elementary and special education in Illinois.  After moving to Oregon, I discovered that my passion was teaching children at the preschool level.  I taught preschool classes for 13 years before beginning my position at Small Friends in 1997.  It is so rewarding to be a part of the Small Friends community, working and playing with the children each day."

Sue Gregoire, Preschool:  "After graduating from college I began teaching Kindergarten first in Virginia and then in Portland when my husband and I moved to Oregon in 1992. I came to Small Friends Preschool in 1996 as an anxious parent ready for my oldest daughter's preschool experience. Six years later when my 3rd daughter was moving from preschool on to "big" school I had the wonderful opportunity to stay on as a teacher at Small Friends. I have been teaching here ever since and I can't imagine a better place to spend my days. I find each child so unique and marvel and the amount of growth each year as I watch and learn from them all.  I am so thankful for my role as a teacher where I can form these unforgettable relationships and be part of so much joy and happiness."

Meryl Eastwood, Preschool:  "I started my teaching career in London over thirty years ago. Since then I have married, raised a family and taught in various parts of the world. My focus since moving to the U.S.A. has been preschool education and I love the challenges and rewards of interacting with both the children and their parents."

Jean Powers, Preschool:   "I joined the Small Friends staff in the fall of 2010.  I am thrilled to be teaching at Small Friends!  Having earned multiple degrees and worked in the fields of Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education, I was impressed by the quality of the program at Small Friends when my children were enrolled here.  During my career, I have worked with preschoolers through adults, and especially enjoy the preschool years.  As a parent, I loved the warmth and openness with which children and parents were welcomed into this learning community, and I wish to extend the same welcome to all of you."

 

Rebecca Hicks, Registrar:   "Before becoming the mom of two girls, I managed special events for health non-profits in Chicago and then in Portland.  I came to Small Friends with my older daughter in 2007, followed by her younger sister in 2010.  Both girls loved their years at Small Friends; a time full of learning experiences, beautiful art creations, friendships and loving teachers.  Small Friends became part of our family.  In the spring of 2011, I jumped at the chance to join the Small Friends staff as the Registrar."