I’m Teacher Jeanne.  I’ve been working with children for over 50 years.  I have a degree in early childhood education, raised three children of my own while running a nationally accredited home childcare, directed two large childcare centers, and taught elementary school for 18 years. 

Now I am privileged to operate a certified child care home where I get to interact with my grandchildren, and other children ages 18 months to 6 six years, and share their wonder and excitement. 

After hours I enjoy spending time with family, going to the beach, sewing, and dreaming up new experiences for children.  

I have 25 years of experience working with children and families birth to age 5. I have a son who is two years old. I love seeing children learn new things and reach milestones. I also love doing messy art projects, science activities, and music with children.

When not at Thriving Wildflowers, I enjoy spending time with my family , reading, hiking, playing board games, and watching movies.

At 4 years old I had to switch dominant hands, a difficult transition I accomplished with support from many caring adults. As a teacher and parent, it brings me joy to be another supportive adult for our kids. Currently a proud new dad, before joining Thriving Wildflowers I worked one-on-one with neurodivergent toddlers. 

Hello, friends!  I am Teacher Bella and I help out in the toddler group.  It is my pleasure every day to help provide a safe space for children to learn and prosper.  I have been working with young minds since I was a teen.  I worked as a summer camp counselor and was the designated neighborhood babysitter.  I find working with children is more rewarding than most can see from a glance and I believe the work we do for our kids is both strengthen-ing for them and healing for us as adults!  I truly feel this is the best work out there.

When not at work with the children, every day you can find me at home training and walking my one-year-old Siberian Husky—Jericho—who is full of energy and always keeps me on my toes.  Collectively, my roommate and I have three cats.  One tortie girl named Juniper belongs to me.  I find myself always listening to and finding new music, hiking (seeking out nature), and doing collaborative art with my people. 

I was born in sunny California and spent almost 20 years in New York before moving here in 2020.  I think Portland is an awesome place to live.  I am a mom to an incredible, funny 9-year-old girl and dog mom to an adorable pug dog, Pickles.  I have a great appreciation for how imaginative, hilarious, unique, and curious kids naturally are.

My interests outside of work include psychology. I worked in a specialized counseling field for 3 years in NYC.  I love karaoke.  I grew up around a lot of musical talent, and even sang in a family band. Reading fiction, cycling, and doing anything creative brings me great joy.