From left to right: Teacher Marcia, Teacher Katy, Teacher Karen, Teacher Liz and Teacher Allison

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Karen Barrett (Young Toddler Teacher)

I have been SWPCC’s young toddler teacher for 18 years and have worked with children for over 25 years. The school’s Young Toddler program is unique in offering a daily 4-hour program for 1- and 2-year olds. Like the other classes offered at SWPCC, active parent involvement is essential to the success of the program.

I try hard to make the young toddler room a busy, happy place. The ever-changing activities I organize are designed to promote life-long love of learning: lots of music and dancing, books, blocks, texture table, play-dough, messy art projects and outside play time each day. Here very young children have open-ended opportunities to experience the joys of discovery, friendships and trust. I love working with children this age. It is truly amazing to see how much they develop during the year they spend in my class.

I am a native Oregonian and earned a Bachelors degree in geology from Colorado College. My teaching experience includes natural history education work at OMSI, Outdoor Schools and the Garden of the Gods. Before taking the job of Young Toddler teacher, I spent 7 years as a SWPCC parent with my 2 children.

Alison Tierney Smith (Toddler Teacher)

I am looking forward to another rewarding school year as one of the two teachers in the SWPCC toddler room. I began teaching in the toddler room in 2007 and continue to return year after year.

I love the sense of community at SWPCC and how each individual teacher and family is a part of one large extended family. I enjoy watching the children grow from the young toddler room where they form their first words, on through the preschool where they begin to write those same words on paper. Every day is a new adventure; today we may paint with our hands or feet, and tomorrow, we may set sail for sea. In the toddler room we begin to expand our imaginations in pretend play and learn how to interact with one another in a positive way, while fostering our first and potentially lifelong friendships.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Human Development and an Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education. I have been working with children in an early childhood setting since 1997. I have worked in preschools, in-home childcare settings, as a nanny, and as an outdoor education teacher. In addition to being one of the toddler teachers, I teach rock climbing to adults and children ages 3 and up in a local climbing gym. I spend my free time dancing, reading, traveling, rock climbing, and leading outdoor adventure travel trips for teens. I hope that you come to love co-op as much as I do, and look forward to meeting you!

Liz Parker (Toddler Teacher)

I’m delighted to teach at SWPCC. Toddlers are so joyous in exploring the world. Their language is blossoming, and early friendships are charming.

I believe SWPCC has succeeded for 40 years because parents and teachers nurture a community where each child is valued for who he is. Together we create rich experiences and build trusting relationships. I use play, stories, songs, and active listening to help the toddlers grow socially and emotionally.

My children are SWPCC graduates. Sara and Isaac enjoy lasting friendships from the program. I was a member for seven years, have been a teacher and substitute for six more years. My family has received tremendous benefits: a launch pad for my kids’ success, support as parents, and our dearest friendships.

My background includes a degree in Psychology and 30 post-grad credit hours in child development and working with children. My continuing education counts 300 hours in child development, parenting, and educating young children.

Over 25 years, I’ve worked in diverse settings, including kindergarten, day care, after-school and library programs, and assisting in grades 1 through 5. My deepest knowledge and skills are teaching two- to five-year-olds. I am also a parenting coach and speaker.

Sara and Isaac are now high school students. My husband is a forensic accountant in downtown Portland. I love reading, dancing, and sharing time with friends and family.

I bring my heart to caring for young children with a firm grasp of what’s appropriate for their ages and stages, creativity and playfulness.

Katy Connell (Preschool Teacher)

My experience with SWPCC began as a parent / shift worker in 2006. Being in the preschool’s comforting environment reminded me how much I love to be around children and teach. Lucky for me, there was a teaching position open the very next year. I love the team teaching experience with the parents. There’s such a strong connection to both the children and the families. SWPCC gives me the opportunity to do what I love best and the community to help me through the ups and downs of motherhood.

I have a Bachelor of Science in Nursing with a focus on Pediatric Nursing. I will be pursuing my Master’s in Teaching in the next few years so I can expand my knowledge of this wonderfully enriching career I have. I am thankful every day that I found SWPCC for both my daughter and me!

Marcia Liebe (Preschool Teacher)

Welcome and in the words of one of this year’s children, “What’s the theme today?” The preschool at the Southwest Parent Child Collective spends chunks of time learning about various topics. Themes give purpose to learning. For example, the grocery unit lends itself to learning about shopping, cooking, selling and one of our favorites, a bake sale. Our four-hour day gives us plenty of time for child directed play and we frequently have sick kitties and doggies at our veterinarian clinic!

Recently one of the parents helping out commented I must have had a lot of fun playing while growing up. Upon reflection that is true and I am thankful to have found a job that values play. This is my fourth year teaching in the preschool, but my tenth year teaching at SWPCC. When my children who are now 21, 19 and 16 were younger they all attended SWPCC while I was a teacher in the Toddler Room.

I have a BA in elementary/special education. I have taught math, social studies and science to small groups of high school students. Those skills help me know what challenges preschool children will face in later years. However, the rewards of building the foundation to all that future learning brings real joy and satisfaction to myself and each of the children who play along.

All of our teachers are members of the Oregon Association for the Education of Young Children (OAEYC).