About Us
Quick Facts
- Established in 2000 by Teacher Jennifer
- Located in the community building of St. David of Wales church
- Regular school hours 9 AM to 3:30 PM. There is a morning preschool program and an afternoon preschool program. Child may be enrolled in one, or the other, but do not attend all day.
- Hands On is recognized by the Oregon Environmental Council as an Eco-Healthy Child Care provider.
- Partners with local children’s programs to offer a variety of classes for children. We are pleased to work with Northwest Children’s Theater, Soccer Shots, Portland Early Learning-Adventures in Spanish, & The Independent Dance Project.
Contact Info
Our Teachers
Jennifer
Erica
Corinne
Hi there, I’m Corinne! I received my BFA in Studio Arts from Western Washington University in 2018. I believe creative play is integral to a happy life and I can’t wait to share in the joy of creating with all the kids at Hands On Art & Play!
Emma
I’m thrilled to be back in my hometown of Portland after ten years in Oakland. While in the Bay Area I earned my multiple subject (elementary) teaching credential and master’s in early childhood education at Mills College. I have worked as an elementary teacher, preschool teacher, and nanny where I have always focused on social-emotional development, community building, nature-based play, and arts integration. I am currently in school, earning my masters in school counseling.
I spend a lot of my time reading and collecting illustrated books–made for children but can be enjoyed by all!
When I’m not in the classroom I love to take dance classes, listen to music while crafting, go on a neighborhood walk in the rain, and watch the birds and squirrels in my backyard with my cat, Marty.
Faith
Hi! My name is Faith, and I am really excited to be working with Hands On Art and Play! I have been working in child care since 2019, and easily my favorite part is getting to see kids grow and develop their interests and creativity. I have a degree in illustration from the Pacific Northwest College of Art, where I studied picture book illustration. I live with my two cats, Wormy and Broccoli, and I am always happy to share pictures of them. I am thrilled to get to know all of the kids and families, and I want to know what your favorite picture book is!
Ella
Hello all! I’m Ella (they/them) and I am thrilled to be joining the teachers at Hands On Art & Play this Fall! I have lived in SE Portland for my whole life, and am happy to be working with families in my own neighborhood. I have worked with children for 10+ years as a babysitter, tutor, and teacher, including for the last 2 and a half as a full-time Primary Assistant teacher at a local Montessori school in a class of 3-6 year olds. This Fall, I am returning to PSU to continue my undergraduate studies, so I am delighted to begin working part-time at Hands On and simultaneously work toward my Liberal Studies degree. With kids and in my own time I love to explore art, music, dance, science, books, writing (poems especially), and finding the strange and silly in everyday life! Witnessing children discover the world around them is special beyond words and I can’t wait to continue to play a part in that process at Hands On Art & Play.
Rebecca
Mallory
My name is Mallory (they/them) and this will be my first year working with Hands On Art and Play! I have been working with kids for 10+ years now as a nanny, camp counselor and mentor in after school programs. I love to connect with kids through art, food, curiosity, and silliness. I grew up in SE Portland and am excited to be working there again. I graduated in 2020 from Western Washington University where I studied critical pedagogy with a focus on the role of art making in learning and development. In my free time I enjoy biking around town, knitting and sewing, cooking, and sharing food with my family and friends, and attempting to pet every dog I meet!