Faculty
Our teachers are experienced, well-qualified educators who care deeply about children and education. Lead teachers have advanced levels of training and education in the early childhood field. The Marylhurst philosophy and curriculum attracts faculty who are committed to our educational values and to fully supporting each and every child.
Mary Mahorney — Kindergarten Teacher
Mary believes “education is an active life-long endeavor and learning is founded in questioning, wondering and collaboration.” Mary has a Bachelor of Science from Oregon State University with a double major in History and Political Science, with a minor in Philosophy. After extensive traveling in Europe and Asia, she settled in Bend, OR. Mary returned to OSU and completed a degree in Secondary Social Science Education. She spent nine years teaching at The Lower School at The Catlin Gable School in Portland. mary@themarylhurstschool.com
Jessica Bernert – Kindergarten Teacher
Jessica is currently finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Education at Portland State University. After working as a camp counselor and teaching art classes, it became clear to Jessica that working with children would be her career. Jessica says, “Their creativity and imagination make the days exciting.” jessica@themarylhurstschool.com
Kathy Gillies — Four’s Program Teacher
Kathy has been with The Marylhurst School for six years. Kathy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and has completed an endorsement in Early Childhood Education. When Kathy is not engaged in the imaginative and collaborative work of young children she is out exploring the outdoors with her family. kathy@themarylhurstschool.com
Pat Lammers — Four’s Program Teacher
Pat has been teaching preschoolers for 30 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Michigan State University and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from California State. “I feel so fortunate to be a part of a collaborative community that has such profound respect for children. You can feel that the minute you walk through Marylhurst’s doors. “Why am I still teaching? I love seeing the world through the eyes of a child. It is pure joy!” pat@themarylhurstschool.com
Laura Olson — Four’s Program Teacher
Laura holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Missouri, Columbia and completed graduate studies coursework in School Counseling at Wake Forest University. “I am passionate about supporting parents and strengthening families.” Laura believes one of the ways The Marylhurst School is great is the focus placed on building community. Laura has been with The Marylhurst School for four years. laura@themarylhurstschool.com
Pam Rivers – Four’s Program Teacher
Pam has a Bachelor’s degree in Education and International Studies and a Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology from Antioch University. She has worked as a child and family therapist focusing on work with very young children. The past few years she has worked outside of her field and is excited to be back working with young children. Pam has two teenaged kids and loves watching them grow and discover. She volunteers as a tutor working with two immigrant children from Somalia. Pam is excited to join The Marylhurst School team and looks forward to the wonderful collaboration, creativity, and being part of this special community. pam@themarylhurstschool.com
Dawn Hotchkin — Four’s and Dual Language Teacher
Dawn has been working with preschool aged children for 11 years. Dawn has a Master’s of Science Degree in Curriculum, Instruction and Technology and is now working toward completing a degree in Cognitive and Behavioral Disabilities. Dawn has earned a certificate in Early Childhood Education with a focus on Montessori education and has spent five years teaching in Montessori schools in Portland and Henderson, NV. “I absolutely love teaching preschool age children and I learn something new from them each day.” dawn@themarylhurstschool.com
Keegan Shepherd — Four’s and Dual Language Teacher
Keegan returned to The Marylhurst School after a two year hiatus of being lost somewhere in South America. She believes inquisition, independence and gardening are all equally important in education. Keegan loves art on the walls, speaking Spanish, and doing anything that involves playing outside. She laughs at [almost] everything. Keegan attended the University of Montana for two years before receiving her Bachelor of Arts from The Evergreen State College, with focuses in Creative Writing and Fine Art. keegan@themarylhurstschool.com
Andrea Batz — Four’s and Dual Language Teacher
My journey with The Marylhurst School began 15 years ago when I toured the school for my now 20 year old daughter! “I absolutely fell in love with how the school profoundly respected each child.” Within a year I was working at The Marylhurst School. My education includes a BA in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from Purdue University. I have worn many hats during my employment including teaching: Two’s, Three’s, Four’s, and a year as the official substitute teacher! I have three children who are active in sports so I go to a lot of games over the weekends. I also enjoy camping, hiking, and cooking. andrea@themarylhurstschool.com
Samantha Bering — Three/Four Blend Program Teacher
Samantha completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology and Early Childhood Education at the State University of New York at Purchase. Samantha also received a certificate in Early Childhood Development and has been working with preschool aged children for eleven years. “I believe through play children are able to learn and grow into unique individuals.” Samantha plans to pursue a Master’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. samantha@themarylhurstschool.com
Erin Kinney — Three/Four Blend Program Teacher
Erin Kinney has returned after teaching at The Marylhurst School for about 4 years, her last year being in 2004. She left to have her first child, MacKenzie who is now 6. She now also has another daughter, Rosemary (Romy) who is rapidly pushing 3. They are the light of her life! Some things she enjoys aside from being with her girls, are scrapbooking, running, reading and any type of vacationing. She also loves to camp although they haven’t done it as much as they would like over the past 6 years. Erin will use these interests and experiences by bringing them into the emergent curriculum of our classroom in order to cultivate the children’s learning and make their experience as enriching as possible. erink@themarylhurstschool.com
Nancy Downes-Le Guin — Three/Four Blend Program Teacher
Nancy Downes-Le Guin received her B.A. in Art History from Bryn Mawr College and her M.A.T. in Elementary Education from Lewis and Clark. She has taught pre-school through middle school, and loved every age! Nancy has three great children, India (17), Isabel (13) and Chip (4), who keep her busy hiking, playing games and reading. She has been part of the The Marylhurst School community for the past three years as a parent and substitute teacher. She is so excited to be part of the Owl Classroom! nancy@themarylhurstschool.com
Gail Penuel — Three’s Program Teacher
Gail’s teaching experience began at The Marylhurst School twenty years ago. Initially, Gail was an assistant teacher in the four’s program and an assistant in the Kindergarten program. Later, Gail moved into a lead teaching position. Gail’s interests are in children’s literature and anti-bias curriculum. “Children have given me their joyful selves and their love for learning – this has been the secret to my success.” gail@themarylhurstschool.com
Di Snyder — Three’s Program Teacher
Di lives on a small farm. “I love what I do and look forward to seeing the children every day.” Di has been with The Marylhurst School for three years. Di is currently enrolled at Clackamas Community College working toward her degree in Early Childhood Development. di@themarylhurstschool.com
Jeff Kirschmann – Three’s Program Teacher
Hello I’m Teacher Jeff, I grew up in Wisconsin, and moved to Oregon 9 years ago. I have two boys, their names are Keghan (7) and Keller (4). Both of my boys have attended school at Marylhurst for the last 5 years. Before my sons were born I was a sign language Interpreter at a middle school in Salem. I enjoy spending time outside with my family and our dog Luci. I like to cook/bake, hike, camp, listen to music, and going to the beach. My favorite vacations are going to Hawaii and the Redwoods. jeff@themarylhurstschool.com
Elizabeth Kortenhof — Three’s Program Teacher
Elizabeth grew up in a family of educators. She came to The Marylhurst School with 13 years of experience teaching elementary school. “I love my job, I enjoy spending days with sixteen exuberant two and three year olds who can’t wait to see what will happen next.” Elizabeth has been with The Marylhurst School for five years. elizabeth@themarylhurstschool.com
Shawna Bennett — Three’s Program Teacher
Shawna has been with The Marylhurst School for five years. Before coming to The Marylhurst School Shawna taught in the Oregon City School District for five years. “There is nothing quite as exhilarating as watching a child’s face light up at the first moment when they realize they have just accomplished a new skill, or have successfully invited a friend to join them in their play.” Shawna has a Bachelors of Science in Elementary Education. shawna@themarylhurstschool.com
Hanna Mears – Three’s Program Teacher
Hanna has lived in Oregon practically her whole life. Her thing to do is be outdoors, especially going camping with friends and family. This is her second year at The Marylhurst School. The reason she loves working with children is they’re always interested in learning and exploring new ideas. Currently she is enrolled at Clackamas Community College working towards getting her Associates in Early Childhood Education. After that she plans on transferring to Portland State and getting her Bachelors in Education. hanna@themarylhurstschool.com
Ann Brown — Two’s Program Teacher
Ann has been a parenting instructor and consultant for over 20 years. Ann came to The Marylhurst School in 1996 and has taught the parent education component of the Two’s class since then. Ann also writes on family life issues and contributes a monthly column to the The Marylhurst School newsletter. ann@themarylhurstschool.com
Kim Gilliam — Two’s Program Teacher
Kim came to The Marylhurst School in 2001 after eight years teaching preschool in the Milwaukie area. She taught in the bi-lingual program at The Marylhurst School for four years, left for three, and has now returned. Kim graduated from Clackamas Community College with a degree in Early Childhood Education and Family Studies. “Teaching is where I belong!” kim@themarylhurstschool.com
Linda Shadduck – Office Manager
Linda is a native of Oregon and comes to The Marylhurst School with a 13 year history working with the Ashland School District. Her work there included student data management and media center operations. “There is something very special about being at Marylhurst and playing a role in the positive force for good in the life of a child.” Linda graduated from Oregon Institute of Technology with an Associate of Applied Science. linda@themarylhurstschool.com