Our Teachers


Teacher Lucy

Leading the educational team is our director, Lucy, who also stays active as the master teacher in the K-3 classroom. Lucy received her MFA in Theater Arts, and has augmented her education by working with the schools in Reggio Emilia and studying under some amazing leaders in Early Education.

With over thirty-five years of teaching experience, Lucy has worked with diverse ages, from college lecture halls and parent education, to children ages 1.0 to 16. “I find that no matter what the age, we all love learning when we have a voice and can share our ideas”.

Lucy is the mother of four adult children, and Grandmother of two little girls. Lucy loves the ocean, dinners out, going to the theater and spending time with her family.

A note from Lucy:

Hi, my name is Lucy Chaille, teacher, director, and life student. My family has helped shape me and guide me through my life. I am the youngest child in a family of four. My mother was a teacher/high school counselor, and my father a Superior Court Judge. My brother Greg heads the Oregon Community Foundation, my sister is a retired elementary teacher, and my other brother is a college art teacher. I have four grown children who have taught me to enjoy life and not “worry” so much! My eldest son Aaron works in education in Newark, New Jersey, (too far away!), then came Casey who after college joined the CCC teaching team, and lastly my boy girl twins, Nastassia and David. Stassia is attending PSU and works part time at CCC, while David is exploring options, from school to work.

I live in Goose Hollow and enjoy being close to the city and exploring it’s many opportunities. I love people! From children to adults I am inspired by the human story. I have a Master of Fine Arts, and an extensive background teaching adults and children. Creative Children’s Center has allowed me to share with others my belief that all children are born intelligent creative beings. I have found a lifetime of rewards working here, building relationships and growing as a person. It’s always a busy ride, but well worth the journey!


Teacher Vivien

Rainbow Rascals (3-5 year olds) Teacher
From Taipei, Taiwan
Teaching since 1999

Master of Education in Curriculum & Instruction from Portland State University
Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from San Francisco State University.

A note from Vivien:

I enjoy teaching young children at CCC because in a community school it is exciting to watch how happily children learn and participate with teamwork. CCC provides me an extraordinary opportunity to share my language and culture. For me, being part of the teaching staff here is also a dynamic and wonderful experience. In our little community, we are working and collaborating together. I am looking forward to working with everyone and very excited to have the opportunity to get to new students and families each year.

 


Teacher Rita

A note from Rita:

I’m Teacher Rita and I am so excited to be back at CCC! This year I’ll be working with Sunshine Kids every day and will do some co-teaching in elementary as well. I’ll also be staying after school with Creativity Club on Monday and Friday this year–we have fun new classes, so come check it out!

I have worked with children for about ten years, beginning during my undergraduate studies at PSU. I went on to earn my Master’s in Teaching at Concordia University in North Portland afterward. Throughout my time as an educator I have had wonderful opportunities to experience different educational environments and philosophies, and my work has ranged from toddler groups to teaching sixth graders art!

At home you’ll find me cooking, knitting, reading, or working on my garden (often with the help of the neighbor cats!). I believe connecting to the environment around us and the flow of the seasons is so important our health and happiness. Sharing the wonder of our beautiful Pacific Northwest with my classes through gardening, nature observing, and simply playing outside is one of my favorite parts of school! Our garden here at CCC is an amazing resource and constant inspiration. I look forward to the coming school year and getting to know you all!

 


Teacher Niki

A note from Niki:

I am excited to begin my second year teaching at CCC. I have been working with young children in a variety of settings for 12 years both in the U.S. and abroad. In 2011 I received my master’s degree in Curriculum and Instruction with a specialization in Early Childhood Education. In 2008 I was fortunate to travel to Reggio Emila, Italy as part of an international study tour for educators. I met Teacher Lucy and her daughter Teacher Casey on the same study tour! I love travel, camping, music, and yoga. I look forward to another exciting year!

 


Teacher Charli

Teacher Charli is returning for her second year of teaching at CCC, to teach our Play Pals class. She is an Oregon native who grew up in the hills of Yamhill County, and moved to the Beaverton area in high school. She has three children, two that graduated from CCC, and now attend Orenco Elementary School in Hillsboro, ages 9 and 11. Her youngest is Liam (age 6), who currently attends Creative Children’s Center Elementary program.
Outside of teaching, Charli loves traveling, biking, hiking, trips to the beach, learning new things (working on knitting, crocheting, several languages, and learning the ukelele), and cooking. She looks forward to another wonderful year at CCC!

 


 

Teacher Olya

A note from Olya:

Hello, My name is Olga Miroedova, most people call me Olya. I am a Mom of two children who are currently in Teacher Lucy’s Elementary class. This is our 5th year at Creative Children Center. This school year I am excited to be a part of the CCC staff as a Teaching Assistant!

Twelve years ago, my oldest daughter and I moved to Oregon from Russia. My best friend, who happened to be my husband, is an Oregonian and we found a second home here. In Russia my home region was the beautiful Kamchatka Peninsula – the land of 129 volcanoes. Back there I had degrees as a historian and children’s psychologist. I worked as a teacher of history with kids of different ages from elementary to high school.

After moving to Portland I worked for three years in a Russian Immersion Program as a translator of kids books. Then my little ones were born and I became a dedicated Mom, looking for inspirational and advanced children’s environments for their development. That’s how our path led us to CCC.

In my free time I love to read, to make bracelets out of natural stones, to take photographs of my family and beautiful places, and also to chat with people on social media. I really love flowers! I always drag my family to whatever flower farms are in the blooming season. Flowers recharge my mind… I love Oregon. I think we are living in very unique place, which harmoniously combines incredible nature, a beautiful city and tolerant people that are aware of their impact on the future of our planet. And I don’t mind the rain. (Especially in Winter, when I remember that in my home town it’s -35F).

I think what describes people the best is their dreams. Here is mine: I dream that one day our world will not have borders between the countries and we will be done with wars. I am so happy to think that every day our kids spend in CCC brings this dream closer to reality.

See you all in the classroom!

 


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