Preschool Teacher

Amanda Pillsbury

In my life I have always been drawn to the profession of Teaching and working with children.  Teaching is a creative outlet that lets me be a kid again!  Our unique preschool program gives many opportunities for children and families to grow, learn and connect with each other individually and as a community.  As a teacher at SWPCC Summer Camp, and in the Preschool classroom I get to nurture these relationships with children and families throughout the community.  I am a native Oregonian and attended the University of Oregon where I earned a degree in Anthropology.  After some travel, I attended Pacific University where I earned my Masters in Teaching.  I’ve spent time teaching in the early elementary grades and working with preschool age children teaching them social-emotional skills through play.  My family were Co-op members for three years while my daughter attended. I also had the pleasure of serving as SWPCC Co-Chair and Teacher Substitute.  

Toddler Room Teachers

Maria Guillén Alvarado

Being part of a co-op community is a special experience — it’s where I first discovered my love for early education! I enjoy the playfulness and deep social-emotional growth that this age group brings, and I enjoy getting to experience that growth alongside families.

I have worked in education since my first assistant teaching experience in Missoula, MT. Though I’ve worked in nonprofit education and elementary programs, early education will always have my heart!

I love learning through play, and have enjoyed adopting it into my own life through various creative endeavors. I enjoy reading, birdwatching, and finding new music.

Ryan Potter

I've been an active part of the SWPCC community since 2010, first as a parent. After experiencing the community and realizing how much I enjoyed early childhood education, I knew I had to stay involved. I have substitute taught for the co-op since 2014 and became the Toddler Room Co-Teacher in 2024.

I enjoy leading group activities, guiding developmental play, and fostering a nurturing learning environment grounded in respect and curiosity. Through working with kids and families for so long, I've had a lot of experience supporting transitions like potty learning, social development, and routine-building, which definitely comes in handy in our Toddler Room.​

Young Toddler Teachers

Karen Barrett

I have been SWPCC’s young toddler teacher since 1990 and have worked with children for over 30 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 a lifelong 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 Bachelor's 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 own two children.

Kirsten Bosnak

I’ve been working with young children for eighteen years, and there’s nothing more rewarding than watching them grow, discover, and build confidence in themselves. My teaching journey began in elementary classrooms, but I quickly found my heart in early childhood education, where curiosity, play, and creativity are at the center of learning.

In my years as an early childhood educator, I’ve loved creating engaging, hands-on lessons in art, music, dramatic play, science, and early literacy. Whether we’re exploring a sensory bin, building with blocks, or working on a process art project, my goal is always to spark curiosity and help each child feel capable, confident, and valued. 

Both of my children have attended or are currently attending SWPCC, and last year was mentored by Teacher Karen in the young toddler room. I earned my Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction from Portland State University and my Bachelor of Science in Education from Eastern Illinois University. Outside the classroom, I enjoy music, reading, spending time with my family and being outdoors either hiking, running, or walking. I feel especially connected to our cooperative preschool and the amazing community. ​