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

Hello, my name is Jennifer, she/her. I founded Hands On Art & Play in 2000 in my home when my youngest child, Teacher Quinn, was 2 years old. I was looking for flexible childcare for my own children but couldn’t find a place that didn’t require a 20- or 40-hour a week commitment. I decided to start my own school and combined my training in art and child development in a program that nurtures and encourages preschoolers.
As Hands On grew, we moved into a new space outside my home and then into our space at St. David’s, where we have been for 20 years. Hands On has grown from a two-day a week program to a five-day program with morning and afternoon preschool, summer camps and enrichment classes. We currently have 50 enrolled families, 10 classroom teachers and four enrichment teachers, as well as many visiting artists, musicians, and guests.
 I am proud of the community we have built, and I love the teachers, families and children at Hands On.
I have a BA in Art and Counseling from The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. Before starting Hands On, I worked as a preschool teacher and family advocate. I was the Children’s Program Coordinator for The Center Against Rape and Domestic Violence, CARDV, in Corvallis. I love art and enjoy creating projects with students and in my own home studio. My children are 29 and 25,so my husband and I are empty nesters! We enjoy many outdoor activities, and feel lucky to live close to so many fun places. I also enjoy gardening, pickleball, walking my dog, taking art classes and spending time with family and friends!

Erica

Hi!  I am Erica.  I am excited to join Hands On! Both of my children attended this wonderful school, and I am so glad to be a part of the team.  I am a graduate of Washington State University where I was not only a student, but also a member of the swim team.  I have been working in Portland Public Schools for the past 3 years with a focus on Special Education.  I supported elementary school aged children in a Communications Behavior classroom for 2 years.  During online learning, I worked with children who needed reading and math support.  I love watching kids grow, learn, and accomplish their goals.

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

I am Rebecca and I have been enjoying my first year working at Hands On Art & Play. Over the last 10 years I have been working directly with kids and students and it has been an amazing experience. I have worked in a drop-in childcare for five years, volunteered in a kindergarten classroom in NE Portland for six years, and babysat in high school.
I am also diagnosed with Autism and Sensory Processing Disorder. I connect with students on a personal level and I understand some of the challenges and struggles students might go through. I understand because I was that student in school that needed extra support and help. I care about kids and I love their personalities.
In addition to working with kids, I like traveling, nature and being with all kinds of animals, especially dogs.

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!

Sandy

I am Teacher Sandy (she/her), and I have had the pleasure of playing with and learning from kids for over 30 years!  My experience includes a variety of settings, such as a kindergarten classroom, a Head Start program, a school for children with special needs, and most recently serving as the Educational Director / Teacher at Hancock Street Co-op Preschool for 17 years. This is my second year at HOAP, and I am thrilled to be part of the Hands-On community!  I believe that children and adults are life-long learners, and I am currently fumbling my way through learning to knit and play guitar. I have 2 adult daughters who live in San Diego and Portland, and they both work with kids. I live in the neighborhood and love to be outside, so you might see me around working in my garden, riding my bike, or walking my goofy dog.

Quinn

Hi I am Quinn, (she/her), and I graduated from Oregon State University with a degree in renewable materials.  I am continuing on at Portland State University in the fall to pursue another degree, in graphic design. I attended Hands On for preschool, and have been a summer camp teacher at Hands On since 2014. For the last few years I’ve worked daily in the classroom during the school year,  and the summer camps. I’m excited to join as a substitute this school year, while I am also in school!

Photos from the school