Hi, my name is Amy Clouse, I am the Executive Director of Grandma’s Place Child Development Centers and the on-site director of Clark Family Center. My parents and I opened Grandma’s Place in 1997 with the mission of offering affordable, flexible and quality child care to Portland Families.

My wonderful husband of 20 years has been a great support throughout my business venture. In addition to his love and support, my three children have also supported me as they grew up in our centers.

I have been working in the child development field for 20 years. I started out as an infant teacher for the first 5 years, and then I have spent the rest of my time working with all age groups.

I look forward to getting to know each and every family. It’s our goal to create a loving warm environment for the children to grow. We strive to meet the children’s individual needs while supporting the whole family. I am excited to part of your child’s life!

Ms. Becca has been with Grandma’s Place since 2002, and at the Center Village location since 2014.  She was raised in Portland and attended Franklin High School and Clackamas Community College for Early Childhood Education.  Becca has a son in high school.  She loves to garden and raise chickens.  On weekends, she likes to go on long hikes throughout Oregon. 

Favorite Children’s Book: Today I Feel Silly by Jamie Lee Curtis

Favorite Food: Thai Food​

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​Infants

My name is Nicki, I have been working in early education since 2001. After working in the field for a while, I decided that I wanted something more and decided to give college a try. After two terms I figured out that my heart was with the children and I quickly returned to early education. Throughout the years I have spent numerous hours in trainings and I am currently working to obtain my CDA (Child Development Associate). 

I feel that the first 3 years of a child’s life is so important and I am so happy that I can be a part of their development. I love all the smiles and hugs from not only the children that are currently in my care but from the children that started with me in infants and are now in preschool. And oh yeah, getting to know the families is a bonus! 

I spend all of my spare time with my two daughters. Kylee and Kenyah. They are my heart and soul. We love camping, swimming, roller skating, baking, and riding snow mobiles.  

Ms. Rosa

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Mobile Infants

​​My name is Tai and I am one of the teachers in the Infant room. I started working at Grandma’s place in 2014 and I’ve had the opportunity to work with all age groups. I’ve been working with children since 2001 and I enjoy the work that I do.

Years ago I decided that I was going to go into the medical field, and after going to school to get the education and training I found out that I loved working with children and decided to stay in the field. I love watching children grow and seeing the look on their faces when they do things they’ve never done. Seeing them succeed is so rewarding. 

When I’m not at Grandma’s Place I am spending time with my husband and my daughter who is the joy of my life and keeps me busy. We like going to the zoo, the beach, and other kid friendly places. 

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Ms. Trista

Wobblers

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My name is Sharron Sherbourne and I am a wobbler teacher.  I have been working in childcare centers in Washington and Oregon since 2003.  In 2012 I received my Associate’s Degree in Elementary Education with a minor in ASL through Pierce College.  I have also recently earned my Child Development Associate’s (CDA) through Rasmussen University.  

In addition to teaching, I enjoy spending time with my three children.  Aaron is 19, Megan is 15, and Courtney is 14.  We have a lot of fun cooking, camping, hiking, and watching movies together.  On the rare occasion that I get a moment when I’m not surrounded by children, I love reading.  Teaching is what I love to do most.  I look forward to getting to know you and your family to help your child reach every goal and strive for more.  Mostly, I hope to instill in your child, a love for learning.

​Hi! My name is Briceyda Vera-Gonzalez and I am the new wobbler teacher.  I started volunteering at Grandma’s Place April 2017 during my senior year in high school and soon after that started working as an aide.  Now I am a teacher!  In high school, I took a child development class and soon online school to earn my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Development through Mt. Hood Community College.  Outside of work, I like to go for walks with my dog, Rocky, and I love to cook.  My mom and I are always in the kitchen together.  My favorite recipe to make is sweet enchiladas (a special recipe from my grandma).  I love working with kids.  Coming from a big family, I have always been surrounded by them and I love babies.  I am so excited to have this opportunity to work with your children and I look forward to getting to know all of you.

 

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Preschool 1

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My name is Marylou White and I have been working with kids since I was 18. Before moving to Portland last September I was an environmental educator for the YMCA of Milwaukee Wisconsin (Go Pack). I love being outside and fully believe in the power of the outdoors, you will notice that I like to do unconventional crafts with kids and let children explore. I believe my job as a teacher is to “unfold not mold”, in this classroom we will incorporate lots of Reggio Emilia learning and teaching concepts including encouraging children to be as independent as possible. My philosophy as a teacher is that we should always assume a child is capable and

should treat them as such. Things I love to do in the classroom include dance parties, song singing, and playing outdoors. I can’t wait to meet all of your children and hope that this year is all you could hope for and more. If you have any questions at all please feel free to ask me directly, I love talking to all of my students parents.

Hi! My name is Hal Arcaya and I am one of the Young Preschool teachers. I’ve been teaching at Grandma’s Place for 2 years. But i’ve working with kids since I was 16 at Outdoor School. I was a counselor at Sandy River during the school year and also at Arrah Wanna during summers. I enjoy working with kids and teaching!

While I’m not teaching I'm studying for future career in cooking. I’m currently enrolled in Oregon Culinary Institute and I'm taking side classes at PCC as well. like to camp and hike. I’m an avid Ping Pong player and love to participate in tournaments. I ride my bike everywhere. I also love to collect enamel pins and stickers i find interesting! 

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Preschool 2

Hi everyone. I am Cheryl Aimen and I am one of the Preschool teachers at Clark Family Center. I have been working with children for 26 years and have an AA in Early Childhood Education.
What I love most about working with children is helping and watching the children learn as they grow. I love to teach children through play.

In my spare time I love to spend time with my grandchildren Remy and Aimee, and the rest of my family. I also love to go for walks. 

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Prekindergarten

Hi everyone! My name is Bree, I am the Young Preschool Teacher. I have been working with children since 2008. In those years I have worked at a in-home preschool, several centers, and occasionally nannying on family vacations in other states!  

Being a teacher is my happy place. There is so much joy in watching each of your students grow and develop. It is such a blessing being a part of each of their lives. I have learned so many life lessons from being in this profession. You learn to be patient, to love unconditionally with your whole heart, and you learn to put a little more imagination in everything you do.



In my free time, I enjoy the outdoors, hiking, taking Beautimus (my dog, who is also the class pet) to our local dog park and riding dune buggies with my fiance on our property! 

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Hi I am Aaron Kelsh. I am one of the prekindergarten teachers. I have been working with children professionally for 5 years. Both of my parents are educators so I have been exposed to early childhood development my whole life. 

I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film. I have many varied interests including; building, painting, cooking, music, biking and watching movies. Recently I have been building tables with reclaimed wood from pallets. 

What I love most about working with children is re-experiencing life and learning by watching my students interact with the world around them and each other. The rediscovery, imagination and wonder I find inspiring and it reminds me of how much work it takes to figure out our lives. 

Support Staff

My name is Samira Mohamed and I am one of the Mobile Infant Teachers. I am originally from Kenya and speak both English and Somali. I have been working at Grandma’s Place since 2016. I really enjoy working with younger kids.

I am currently attending Portland Community College in hopes of becoming a teacher. In my free time, I enjoy hanging out with my family. I also like watching movies and going shopping with my friends.

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I'm Ms. Pat, the head cook at the Clark Family Center building. I was born in Columbus, Ohio; but considers myself from Tennessee where I lived for 17 years. I have over 6 years of experience working in the Early Childhood field. Something interesting about me is that I am the second eldest of eight children.  I love spending weekends exploring Portland with my daughter Norma. 

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​Hey y’all! I am Norma Coffman. I work with my Mom, Miss Pat in the kitchen here at Grandma’s Place. I have been working with children since 2010. I am currently taking classes at Clackamas Community College and would like to teach art one day. 

I very blessed to be working with my mother, we are two peas in a pod. I enjoy playing with the children and watching them grow. Working with the children brings joy to my life. 

In my free time I love spending time with my family and being outdoors. I enjoy cooking and baking. I love cats and dogs and, as strange as it may sound, I collect mushrooms.
When I am not working, I like to go bike riding with my boyfriend, hiking, spending with my family. One day I hope to travel the world. 

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Ms. Kiara

Ms. Kelsee

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Clark Family