Pipster Prep Staff
Tessa Steinberg
Owner, Executive Director
Tessa Steinberg is the Founder and Owner of Pipster Prep. She earned her Bachelor's degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Oregon State University before beginning her career in accounting. Although she enjoyed the work, she realized her true passion was working with children and helping them learn. That passion led Tessa to South Korea, where she taught English to children ages three to ten. The experience sparked her dream of one day opening her own preschool. After returning to Portland, she earned her Master's in Teaching from the University of Portland and went on to teach Kindergarten and First Grade in the Evergreen School District. As an elementary school teacher, Tessa saw firsthand how critical the preschool years are in building a strong foundation for future learning. She founded Pipster Prep with the goal of creating a nurturing, engaging environment where children develop the confidence, curiosity, and skills they need to thrive in kindergarten and beyond. Today, Tessa combines her background in business, public education, and early childhood development to lead Pipster Prep and support its teachers, students, and families. When she's not at one of the schools, she enjoys spending time with her husband, David, and their two children, Solveigh and Weldon.
Jessica Castrapel
Lake Oswego Site Director
Jessica Castrapel is the Site Director of Pipster Prep Lake Oswego. She joined Pipster Prep in August 2014 and is proud to work alongside her sister, Pipster Prep founder Tessa Steinberg. Jessica earned her Master of Education from Loyola University and is AMI Montessori trained, holding an Assistants to Infancy Diploma from Montessori Institute Northwest. She is passionate about early childhood education and believes that children thrive when they are surrounded by meaningful, joyful experiences that foster curiosity, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning. Jessica's goal is to create an environment where every child feels supported, celebrated, and inspired to reach their full potential. She believes in nurturing each child's unique strengths while helping them develop independence, kindness, and a genuine excitement for learning. Outside of Pipster Prep, Jessica enjoys gardening, paddle boarding, and spending time with her husband, Elias, and their dogs.
Hannah Fontleroy
Piedmont Site Director
Hannah Fontleroy is the Site Director of Pipster Prep Piedmont. She joined Pipster Prep in December 2019 as a Co-Teacher and has grown alongside the organization ever since. During her time at Pipster Prep, Hannah earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her Oregon Preliminary Teaching License. She has taught and served in leadership roles at both our Northeast and Southwest locations, experiences that have helped shape her as an educator and leader. Now leading our Piedmont school, Hannah is passionate about creating a safe, welcoming, and inspiring environment where every child feels valued and empowered to be their authentic self. She is committed to fostering a school community built on kindness, inclusion, and meaningful relationships while inspiring a lifelong love of learning through engaging, hands-on experiences. Outside of Pipster Prep, Hannah enjoys spending time with her husband, Taishawn, and their daughter, Alaia. She loves baking, going for walks, and discovering new vegan restaurants around Portland.
Nina Kessler
Southwest Site Director
Nina Kessler is the Site Director of Pipster Prep Southwest. She joined Pipster Prep in 2019 as a Head Teacher and has since grown into a leadership role, bringing both passion and dedication to her school community. Nina earned her Bachelor of Science in Social Sciences with a focus on Family Studies, providing a strong foundation for her work with children and families. Nina has a love of travel and has volunteered in schools in both Cambodia and Belize, experiences that broadened her perspective on education and strengthened her commitment to creating welcoming, inclusive learning environments. As a Site Director, Nina strives to foster a school culture where children, families, and staff feel valued, heard, and encouraged to be their authentic selves. She believes that strong relationships and a positive, supportive community are the foundation for meaningful learning and growth. When she's not at Pipster Prep, Nina enjoys spending time with family, exploring Portland's vibrant food scene, and relaxing at home with her cat, Walter.
Laura Gwin
NW Site Director
Laura Gwin is the Site Director of Pipster Prep Northwest. She earned her bachelor's degree in Communications from the University of San Diego before beginning a career in interior design. Although she enjoyed the creative field, Laura discovered her true passion was working with young children and made the transition to early childhood education. Before relocating to Portland, Laura was a Lead Teacher at a preschool in San Francisco. She joined Pipster Prep in August 2017 and has continued to grow as an educator and leader, completing additional coursework in Early Childhood Education along the way. Laura is passionate about creating a warm, engaging environment where children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn. She believes that strong relationships, encouragement, and positive reinforcement help children build self-confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Her genuine ability to connect with children and families makes her a trusted leader within the Pipster Prep community. Outside of Pipster Prep, Laura enjoys singing, baking, hiking, crafting, and exploring Portland's restaurant scene.
Caitlin Hussain
Concordia Site Director
Caitlin Hussain is the Site Director of Pipster Prep Concordia. She earned her bachelor's degree in Child Development and Family Life Education from California State University, Long Beach. Before joining Pipster Prep, Caitlin built a diverse background working in behavior intervention, special education, and transitional youth shelters, experiences that strengthened her passion for supporting children and families with compassion and individualized care. Caitlin joined Pipster Prep in January 2023 as a Co-Teacher at our Northwest location. Through her dedication and leadership, she advanced to Head Teacher before stepping into her current role as Site Director. Originally from California, Caitlin believes that strong relationships with children and families are the foundation of a successful educational experience. She is passionate about creating a safe, welcoming environment where every child feels seen, supported, and encouraged to explore, grow, and develop confidence at their own pace. Her goal is to ensure each child receives the individualized care and encouragement they need to thrive.
Char Sejour
Hillside Site Director
Charlene "Char" Sejour is the Site Director of Pipster Prep Hillside. She has dedicated her career to working with children since 2013, serving in a variety of roles including teacher, nanny, ceramics instructor, and Spanish tutor. Char is a certified Montessori teacher through NAMC's Early Childhood Education Program and brings a thoughtful, child-centered approach to every classroom she leads. Originally from New York City, Char relocated to Portland in 2025 and joined the Pipster Prep team. Her diverse experiences have shaped her belief that every child deserves a safe, nurturing environment where they feel confident to explore, ask questions, and discover their unique strengths. Char is passionate about helping children build the confidence, independence, and problem-solving skills that create a strong foundation for lifelong learning. She strives to create an engaging classroom where children feel valued, develop meaningful relationships, and grow into compassionate, curious, and resilient individuals who are excited to learn about the world around them. Outside of Pipster Prep, Char enjoys exploring Portland, creating ceramics, and spending time outdoors.
Sami Willard
Piedmont Teacher
Sami Willard is the Assistant Site Director at Pipster Prep Piedmont and the Head Teacher of our Mini Pipster classroom. She joined Pipster Prep in 2015 as a Co-Teacher at our Northwest location and quickly discovered her passion for early childhood education. Over the years, she has grown into a leader who is dedicated to creating joyful, nurturing learning experiences for young children. Sami earned her Associate of Applied Science degree from Mt. Hood Community College and plans to continue her education in the field of education. She believes that a child's first school experiences should be filled with warmth, encouragement, and opportunities to explore. Her goal is to help every child feel safe, confident, and excited to learn while fostering curiosity and independence from the very beginning. A lifelong Portland-area resident, Sami loves sharing her enthusiasm for the Pacific Northwest with her daughter, Khloe. Outside of Pipster Prep, she enjoys exploring everything Oregon has to offer, cheering on the Portland Trail Blazers, and planning her next tropical getaway.
Rachel Podrabsky
SW Teacher
Rachel Podrabsky is the Assistant Site Director at Pipster Prep Southwest and the Head Teacher of our Fawn Classroom. She joined Pipster Prep in October 2018 as a Co-Teacher at our Northeast location and has since grown into a leadership role through her dedication to children, families, and her team. Rachel earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Oregon in 2015. Before joining Pipster Prep, she spent three years as an Instructional Assistant with the David Douglas School District, where she developed a strong foundation in supporting children with diverse learning and developmental needs. Rachel believes that every child learns differently and is passionate about meeting students where they are. She strives to foster independence, confidence, and resilience by helping children develop the social-emotional skills they need to succeed both in school and throughout life. Her goal is to create a classroom where every child feels supported, encouraged, and excited to learn. Outside of Pipster Prep, Rachel enjoys traveling, camping, reading, and spending time with friends and family.
Bernadette Silva Reza Karns
Hillside Teacher
Bernadette Silva Reza Karns is the Assistant Site Director at Pipster Prep Hillside and the Head Teacher of our Bear Preschool classroom. She joined Pipster Prep in June 2021 as a Co-Teacher in our Mini Pipster Fawn classroom before becoming a Head Teacher in September 2022. Through her dedication to children and families, she has continued to grow into a leadership role within the Hillside community. Bernadette earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Child and Family Studies from Portland State University in 2020. Before joining Pipster Prep, she worked as a Behavioral Technician supporting children ages two to three with autism spectrum disorder, an experience that strengthened her passion for individualized learning and inclusive classrooms. Bernadette believes every child deserves to feel safe, happy, creative, and empowered to be their authentic self. She strives to create a classroom where children build confidence, develop meaningful relationships, and discover a genuine love of learning through play, exploration, and encouragement. Outside of Pipster Prep, Bernadette enjoys exploring Portland's food scene, shooting film photography, embroidering, and relaxing at home with her two cats.
Presley Gauthier
Lake Oswego Teacher
Presley Gauthier is the Assistant Site Director at Pipster Prep Lake Oswego and the Head Teacher of our Fox Classroom. She joined Pipster Prep in November 2021 as a Co-Teacher and has grown into a leadership role through her enthusiasm, creativity, and dedication to early childhood education. Presley earned her Montessori Education degree and has always known she wanted to become a teacher. At Pipster Prep, she discovered her passion for early childhood education and loves helping children build a strong, positive foundation for their educational journey. She believes that learning should be joyful, engaging, and hands-on, encouraging children to actively explore, ask questions, and participate in every aspect of the classroom. Known for her warm, energetic, and creative approach, Presley strives to foster curiosity, confidence, and independence while helping each child develop a lifelong love of learning. Her goal is to create a nurturing environment where every child feels empowered to take on new challenges and celebrate their unique strengths. Outside of Pipster Prep, Presley enjoys cooking, shopping, watching movies, and spending quality time with friends and family.
Courtney Miller
Northwest Teacher
Courtney Miller is the Assistant Site Director at Pipster Prep Northwest and the Head Teacher of our Preschool classroom. She joined the Pipster Prep team in 2023 as a Co-Teacher and quickly became a valued member of our school community. Inspired by her passion for early childhood education, Courtney went on to earn her Montessori Teaching Certification through the North American Montessori Center. Before joining Pipster Prep, Courtney worked as a Direct Support Professional, supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. That experience strengthened her commitment to creating inclusive, supportive environments where every child feels seen, valued, and capable of success. Courtney believes that children learn best when they feel safe, confident, and encouraged to explore their natural curiosity. She strives to create a classroom filled with warmth, creativity, and meaningful learning experiences that help children build independence, resilience, and a lifelong love of learning. Outside of Pipster Prep, Courtney enjoys pottery and other creative pursuits. She even spent time as an intern at a pottery school in rural Tuscany, an experience that continues to inspire her appreciation for creativity, craftsmanship, and hands-on learning.
Kaylee Drasbek
Concordia Teacher
Kaylee is the Assistant Site Director at Pipster Prep Concordia and the Head Teacher of our Owl Preschool classroom. She has been a valued member of the Pipster Prep team since 2021. Kaylee earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her Oregon Preliminary Teaching License from George Fox University. Kaylee is passionate about creating a classroom where every child feels safe, loved, and excited to learn. She believes that children develop a lifelong love of learning through meaningful relationships, imaginative play, stories, songs, and hands-on experiences. Her goal is to foster curiosity, confidence, and kindness while helping each child build the skills they need to thrive. As both an educator and a mother of two young children, Kaylee understands the importance of creating an environment where families feel comfortable and children feel truly at home. She strives to make her classroom the kind of place where she would be excited for her own children to learn, grow, and simply enjoy being kids. Outside of Pipster Prep, Kaylee enjoys spending time with her partner, their two young children, and their dog, Franky. As a family, they love cooking together, trying new foods, and spending time outdoors.
Alisha Harms
Piedmont Teacher
Alisha Harms is the Head Teacher of our Rabbit Classroom at Pipster Prep Piedmont. She joined Pipster Prep in September 2017 and has spent years fostering meaningful relationships with children and families while helping create a joyful and engaging learning environment. Alisha earned her bachelor's degree in Biology from Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana. After college, she moved to Portland, where she worked as a nanny for five years and completed an internship with the Early Childhood Education Department at OMSI. These experiences strengthened her passion for early childhood education and prepared her for her career at Pipster Prep. Alisha believes every child deserves a learning environment that celebrates their individuality and encourages them to explore the world with curiosity and confidence. She is passionate about creating a classroom where children feel supported, inspired, and excited to learn, helping them develop a lifelong love of discovery. Outside of Pipster Prep, Alisha enjoys hiking, birding, crafting, and spending time with her sons, Leon and Vincent.
Gaby Negrete-Flores
Lake Oswego Teacher
Gaby Negrete-Flores is the Head Teacher of our Otter Classroom at Pipster Prep Lake Oswego. She joined Pipster Prep in December 2021 as a Co-Teacher and has since grown into a leadership role through her dedication to children, families, and early childhood education. Gaby earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology with a minor in Health Studies from Portland State University. Her background has given her a strong understanding of child development and reinforces her passion for supporting children's social, emotional, and cognitive growth. Gaby believes that children thrive in environments where they feel safe, respected, and genuinely valued. She is committed to creating a welcoming classroom where students develop confidence, build independence, practice kindness, and celebrate what makes them unique. Her goal is to help every child feel empowered to be their authentic self while fostering a lifelong love of learning. Outside of Pipster Prep, Gaby enjoys weight training, baking, and shopping.
Kate Jerome
Hillside Teacher
Kate Jerome is a Head Teacher at Pipster Prep Hillside. She joined Pipster Prep in August 2021 as a Co-Teacher at our Hillside location and has since grown into a leadership role through her passion for early childhood education and dedication to her students. Kate earned her Associate of Applied Science degree in Early Childhood Education and completed student teaching experiences in a variety of early learning settings, working with children from infancy through six years of age. These experiences helped shape her child-centered approach to teaching and learning. Kate is passionate about creating engaging, hands-on learning experiences that nurture creativity, curiosity, and social-emotional development. She believes every child deserves an individualized learning experience where they feel heard, valued, and supported. Her goal is to foster a classroom filled with empathy, encouragement, and meaningful opportunities for children to build confidence while exploring their interests. Outside of Pipster Prep, Kate enjoys reading, crocheting, spending time with her family, and snuggling with her three cats.
Brooke Rencher
Northwest Teacher
Brooke Rencher is the Head Teacher of our Fawn Classroom at Pipster Prep Northwest. She earned her bachelor's degree in Mathematics from Portland State University, with minors in Music and Education. Although she originally planned to become a high school teacher, Brooke discovered her passion for early childhood education after beginning her career in the field in 2015—and has never looked back. Over the years, Brooke has built extensive experience supporting young children during some of their most important developmental years. She believes that meaningful learning happens when children feel safe, empowered, and inspired to explore. Her approach to behavior guidance is rooted in curiosity, empathy, and problem-solving, helping children develop confidence and the skills to navigate challenges independently. Brooke loves incorporating her background in mathematics and music into everyday classroom experiences, creating engaging opportunities for children to learn through play, creativity, and exploration. She strives to foster a classroom where every child feels valued, capable, and excited to discover new things. Outside of Pipster Prep, Brooke enjoys baking, visiting local farmers markets, and spending time with friends.
Korah Vonderahe
Concordia Teacher
Korah Vonderahe is the Head Teacher of our Owl Classroom at Pipster Prep Concordia. She joined Pipster Prep in May 2021 and brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a deep commitment to supporting every child's unique learning journey. Korah earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and her Oregon Teaching License from George Fox University. As the oldest of five siblings, she discovered her love of teaching at an early age and has always known she wanted to work with young children. She is passionate about building strong relationships with students and families while providing individualized, student-centered learning experiences that make every day engaging and meaningful. Korah believes children learn best through play, exploration, and discovery. She is committed to creating an inclusive classroom where every child feels valued, respected, and empowered to be themselves. Through patience, compassion, creativity, and culturally responsive teaching, she strives to foster confidence, curiosity, kindness, and a lifelong love of learning. Outside of Pipster Prep, Korah enjoys spending time with family and friends, exploring nature, creating art, making music, and finding new places to shop.
Courtney Nigo
SW Teacher
Courtney Nigo is the Head Teacher of our Rabbit Classroom at Pipster Prep Southwest. She joined Pipster Prep in September 2021 and has continued to share her passion for early childhood education through her nurturing, engaging, and student-centered approach to teaching. Courtney earned her Associate's degree in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies from Clackamas Community College and brings more than eight years of experience working with preschool-aged children. She is passionate about helping young learners build confidence while developing the social-emotional, academic, and independence skills that prepare them for future success. Courtney believes that children learn best in an environment where they feel safe, respected, and encouraged to explore. She strives to create a classroom rooted in kindness, creativity, diversity, and hands-on learning, where every child feels empowered to grow, discover, and become their best self. Outside of Pipster Prep, Courtney enjoys traveling, attending Orangetheory Fitness classes, spending time with her husband and family, and relaxing with her two cats.
Kaylee Garvey
Southwest Teacher
Kaylee Garvey is a Head Teacher at Pipster Prep Southwest. She joined Pipster Prep in November 2023 after spending two years teaching preschool in California. Her passion for early childhood education, combined with her energetic and encouraging teaching style, helps create a classroom where children feel excited to learn each day. Kaylee earned her Bachelor of Science in Human Development from Warner Pacific University, where she was also a member of the university's soccer team. She believes that early childhood educators play an important role in creating kind, safe, respectful, and engaging learning experiences that help children build confidence and develop a lifelong love of learning. Kaylee strives to foster a classroom where every child feels valued, free to express themselves, and supported as they develop important social-emotional skills. Through play, exploration, and positive relationships, she encourages children to grow in independence, kindness, and self-confidence. Outside of Pipster Prep, Kaylee enjoys playing and coaching soccer, attending sporting events, caring for her houseplant collection, and taking her dog, Champ, on long walks.
Sophie Andrich
Lake Oswego Teacher
Sophie Andrich is the Head Teacher of our Mini Pipster Classroom at Pipster Prep Lake Oswego. She brings warmth, creativity, and a deep commitment to helping young children build confidence during their first school experiences. Before joining Pipster Prep, Sophie spent more than 15 years working with children in a variety of educational and caregiving settings. Sophie earned her bachelor's degree in Marketing and Business Management from Linfield College. Her diverse background, combined with her passion for early childhood education, has shaped her belief that strong relationships are the foundation of meaningful learning. She strives to create a classroom community where every child feels a true sense of belonging by fostering trust, modeling empathy and kindness, and celebrating each child's unique personality. As a mother herself, Sophie understands the importance of connection, patience, and encouragement during the early years. She is passionate about creating a nurturing environment where children feel safe to explore, gain independence, develop confidence, and cultivate a lifelong love of learning. Outside of Pipster Prep, Sophie enjoys staying active, playing guitar, and spending quality time with her family.
Nat Baehrend
Southwest Teacher
Mercedes Tracy
SW Teacher
Mercedes Tracy is the Head Teacher of our Bear Preschool Classroom at Pipster Prep Southwest. She joined Pipster Prep in September 2022 as a Co-Teacher and brings a unique blend of creativity, compassion, and individualized instruction to her classroom. Mercedes earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performing Arts from Cornish College of the Arts, with concentrations in acting, playwriting, and directing. Before joining Pipster Prep, she spent several years working as an Assistant Teacher and in Special Education throughout the Portland area, experiences that strengthened her commitment to inclusive, student-centered learning. Drawing on her background in the performing arts, Mercedes encourages creativity, imagination, and self-expression in everything she teaches. She believes every child deserves a classroom where they feel accepted, celebrated, and empowered to be their authentic self. Her lessons are thoughtfully tailored to meet the individual needs of her students while fostering independence, confidence, empathy, and kindness. Mercedes strives to create a welcoming environment where children of all backgrounds can explore, grow, and discover their unique strengths while developing a lifelong love of learning. Outside of Pipster Prep, Mercedes enjoys baking, watching movies, and traveling.
Noel Romero
Lake Oswego Teacher
Noel Romero is the Head Teacher of our Opossum Classroom at Pipster Prep Lake Oswego. She joined Pipster Prep in June 2022 as a Co-Teacher and has since grown into a leadership role through her dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences for young children. Noel earned her bachelor's degree in Social Sciences with a minor in Elementary Education from Portland State University. Before joining Pipster Prep, she worked as a Behavioral Interventionist supporting children with developmental disabilities and as an academic tutor, experiences that strengthened her passion for individualized learning and child development. Noel is committed to creating a welcoming, engaging classroom where children feel safe to explore, build confidence, and develop meaningful relationships. She believes that fostering social-emotional growth, creativity, and independence helps children thrive both in and beyond the classroom. Through patience, kindness, and encouragement, she strives to help every child discover their unique strengths and develop a lifelong love of learning. Outside of Pipster Prep, Noel enjoys spending time with friends and family, reading, attending live music events, and snuggling with her dog, Cooba.
Gabi Fallon
Northwest Teacher
Diana "Di" Iglesias Rodriguez
Piedmont Teacher
Diana Iglesias Rodriguez is the Head Teacher of our Skunk Classroom at Pipster Prep. Born and raised in Costa Mesa, California, Diana relocated to Portland in 2022 and joined Pipster Prep in 2024 as a Co-Teacher. They bring creativity, warmth, and a deep commitment to helping every child feel confident, valued, and excited to learn. Inspired by their background in youth empowerment, Diana is passionate about creating a classroom where confidence, creativity, and self-expression can flourish. They strive to build an environment rooted in equity, encouragement, and authenticity, ensuring every child feels seen, respected, and celebrated for who they are. Through playful exploration, open-ended art, movement, and meaningful relationships, Diana encourages children to take risks, embrace challenges, and discover their unique strengths. Their goal is to create a joyful learning community where every child feels safe to grow, explore, and shine. Outside of Pipster Prep, Diana enjoys attending concerts with friends, relaxing at local coffee shops, exploring thrift stores, and adventuring around Portland with their two dogs, Oli and Dot.
Sabrina Wassmer
Hillside Teacher
Leah Hostetler Aleph
Concordia Teacher
Athena Burton
Concordia Teacher
Eileen Babcock
Lake Oswego Teacher
Eileen Babcock is the Head Teacher of our Beaver Preschool Classroom at Pipster Prep Lake Oswego. She joined Pipster Prep as a Co-Teacher in June 2025 and is passionate about creating a warm, supportive environment where young children feel safe, confident, and excited to learn. Eileen earned Bachelor of Science degrees in both Human Development and Family Sciences and Elementary Education from Oregon State University. She also holds her Oregon Primary Teaching License. Before joining Pipster Prep, she completed her student teaching in a kindergarten classroom during the 2024–2025 school year and gained additional experience through internships and teaching positions in preschool settings. Eileen believes that strong relationships and predictable routines provide the foundation for successful learning. She strives to create a calm, welcoming classroom where children feel comfortable exploring, asking questions, and expressing themselves. Through creativity, play, and meaningful social-emotional learning experiences, she encourages every child to build confidence, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Outside of Pipster Prep, Eileen enjoys spending time outdoors, being with family and friends, and caring for animals—especially dogs and horses.
Meesh Tsakiridis
Piedmont Teacher
Teacher Meesh is the Head Teacher of our Owl Classroom at Pipster Prep Piedmont. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Public Health with an emphasis in Nutrition and Food Sciences from San José State University. After managing a yoga studio and working for REI, Meesh discovered her passion for early childhood education and made the transition to teaching. With more than seven years of experience working with preschool-aged children, Meesh has taught in a variety of settings. Before moving to Portland, she spent five years in Lake Tahoe, California, working as an assistant preschool teacher and nanny. She has also completed more than 100 hours of additional coursework in Early Childhood Education, continually expanding her knowledge and skills as an educator. Meesh is passionate about creating a classroom where every child feels seen, heard, and understood. She believes learning should be joyful, engaging, and filled with opportunities for children to express themselves, build confidence, and develop meaningful relationships. Her goal is to inspire children to embrace their individuality while fostering curiosity, kindness, and a lifelong love of learning. Outside of Pipster Prep, Meesh enjoys attending live music events, snowboarding, grabbing coffee with friends, and spending time with family.
Moira Darwin
Concordia Teacher
Tori Hutchinson
Lake Oswego Teacher
Tori Hutchinson is the Head Teacher of our Pre-K Otter Classroom at Pipster Prep Lake Oswego. She joined Pipster Prep in 2025 as a Co-Teacher and is excited to continue growing alongside the children and families in her new role. Tori earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology from Reed College and brings several years of experience working with young children in a variety of educational settings. Her background has strengthened her belief that every child deserves to feel seen, heard, and valued for exactly who they are. Tori is passionate about creating a classroom where kindness, curiosity, and respect guide each day. She believes children learn best through play, exploration, meaningful relationships, and hands-on experiences that encourage them to discover the world around them. She is committed to fostering an inclusive environment that celebrates diversity, honors each child's unique strengths and experiences, and helps every child build confidence, empathy, independence, and a lifelong love of learning. Outside of Pipster Prep, Tori enjoys spending time outdoors, reading, and exploring Portland with family and friends.
Andrew Schmitt
Concordia Teacher
Andrew is the Head Teacher of our Fox Classroom at Pipster Prep Concordia. They earned their Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Purdue University and bring several years of experience supporting children's learning and development through compassionate, individualized care. Before joining Pipster Prep, Andrew worked as a Registered Behavior Technician, supporting children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder in developing communication, daily living, and coping skills both inside and outside the classroom. They have worked in early childhood education for more than four years and are passionate about helping every child reach their full potential. Originally relocating to Oregon in 2023, Andrew is excited to be part of the Pipster Prep community. They believe that every child learns differently and deserves an environment where they feel safe, welcomed, and understood. Their goal is to create a classroom that fosters curiosity, confidence, and a strong sense of belonging while inspiring a lifelong love of learning. Outside of Pipster Prep, Andrew enjoys exploring Oregon and discovering everything their new community has to offer.
Abigail Trejo
Concordia Teacher
Harper Maiorano
Northwest Teacher
Ashley Gutierrez
Northwest Teacher
McKenzie Hawker
Lake Oswego Teacher
McKenzie Hawker is the Head Teacher of our Rabbit Classroom at Pipster Prep Lake Oswego. She joined Pipster Prep in April 2024 as a Co-Teacher and quickly found her place in early childhood education through her caring, relationship-centered approach to teaching. McKenzie earned her Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Child Development from Texas Christian University. Before joining Pipster Prep, she spent more than six years as a nanny, caring for children ranging from one month to thirteen years old. These experiences deepened her understanding of child development and reinforced her passion for helping children grow with confidence and compassion. McKenzie believes every child deserves to feel known, loved, and safe. She strives to create a classroom where children are encouraged to be independent, kind, creative, inclusive, and unapologetically themselves. Her goal is to foster meaningful relationships and provide an environment where children can explore, take risks, and develop a lifelong love of learning. Outside of Pipster Prep, McKenzie enjoys reading, Pilates, spending time with friends and family, discovering new restaurants, and getting outdoors to hike and paddle board.
Alison Francis
Lake Oswego Teacher
Alison Francis is the Head Teacher of our Mouse Classroom at Pipster Prep Lake Oswego. She joined Pipster Prep in November 2023 as a Co-Teacher and brings more than 15 years of experience working with young children from infancy through age four. Originally from France, Alison earned both a Montessori Education degree and a teaching certificate before moving to Portland with her husband and their three daughters in 2014. Her extensive experience in early childhood education has given her a deep appreciation for the importance of creating positive first learning experiences for young children. Alison believes that children thrive in safe, nurturing environments where they are encouraged to explore, create, and learn independently. She is passionate about fostering curiosity, confidence, and a love of learning while supporting each child's unique developmental journey with patience and encouragement. Outside of Pipster Prep, Alison enjoys spending time with her family, crafting, cooking, and exploring all that the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Anna Schmidt
Southwest Teacher
Anna is the Head Teacher of our Otter Classroom at Pipster Prep Southwest. She has been working with children from infancy through age 10 since she was just 13 years old, building a lifelong passion for early childhood education and child development. Anna studied Human Development and Family Sciences at Oregon State University and recently earned her Montessori Program Certification. She believes that children thrive when they are surrounded by love, empathy, and encouragement, and she is passionate about creating a classroom where every child feels welcomed, included, and celebrated. Anna strives to foster both academic growth and social-emotional development through hands-on learning, creativity, and meaningful relationships. Her goal is to create a space where children feel comfortable exploring, asking questions, laughing, being themselves, and discovering the joy of learning every day. Outside of Pipster Prep, Anna enjoys hiking, thrifting, kickboxing, crafting, spending time with family and friends, and relaxing with her two cats, Sir Elliott Gumdrops and Reginald.
Devon Martinez
Concordia Teacher
Devon Martinez is the Head Teacher of our Raccoon Classroom at Pipster Prep Concordia. She joined the Pipster Prep team in 2023 after relocating to Oregon from South Texas with her husband and young son. Before moving to Portland, Devon taught preschool in a public school setting for two years, where she developed a strong passion for supporting young learners during their earliest years of growth. Devon earned her Bachelor of Science in Education with a minor in Early Childhood Education from Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas. She is passionate about nurturing children's social-emotional development and believes these skills provide the foundation for lifelong success both inside and outside the classroom. Devon recognizes that every child brings unique strengths, perspectives, and experiences to the classroom. She strives to create an environment where children feel respected, heard, and empowered by offering meaningful opportunities for choice, independence, and self-expression. Through patience, encouragement, and individualized support, she helps children build confidence while developing a genuine love of learning. Outside of Pipster Prep, Devon enjoys spending time with her husband and son while exploring everything Oregon has to offer.
Chloe Zimmerman
NW Teacher
Chloe Zimmerman is the Head Teacher of our Fawn Classroom at Pipster Prep Northwest. She joined Pipster Prep in 2023 as a Co-Teacher, supporting classrooms at both our Southwest and Concordia locations before stepping into her current Head Teacher role at Northwest. Chloe earned her degree from the University of New Mexico with a double major in Psychology and Spanish. Before moving to Portland, she spent time living in both Mexico and Spain, experiences that deepened her appreciation for language, culture, and the value of building meaningful connections with others. Chloe is passionate about creating a classroom where children feel welcomed, supported, and excited to learn. She believes that every child learns best through positive relationships, hands-on exploration, and opportunities to build confidence and independence. Her goal is to foster curiosity, kindness, and a lifelong love of learning while helping each child feel valued for who they are. Outside of Pipster Prep, Chloe enjoys playing softball, knitting, and exploring Portland's neighborhoods, parks, and local favorites.
