founder/Director and lead teacher
Meg Neal (they/she) + pup of wonder, olie
A midwest native, I grew up romping in the deciduous forests around our family home and swimming along the shores of Lake Erie. In the fall of 1999, I attended Ohio University in Athens, Ohio and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Subsequent years were spent teaching in small democratic based elementary schools, working on farms and in bakeries, and traveling a fair bit around our country from Maine to Maui. In 2008, I found Portland and fell in love with the grit, charm and quirks that made up this city. I first taught Kindergarten and then preschool at Trillium Public Charter School. After three years with Trillium I took a one year sabbatical and lived at Yasodhara Ashram in the Kootenay Mountains of British Columbia - studying yogic philosophy and practicing karma yoga. Upon returning to Portland, I taught preschool at Helen Gordon Child Development Center and simultaneously attended Portland State University to receive my Masters in Sustainability Leadership, Policy and Education.
It’s been my dream to open a preschool built on the foundation that play is at the core of childhood. Since the dream was conceived I’ve spent the better part of these past years preparing for this by learning skills and trades that allow me to feel capable of directing a preschool that I can proudly stand behind. One where children are encouraged to create their own theories of the world, spend time in the ecological environment around them and learn how to navigate conflict with compassion and awareness. One where families feel a part of a greater community. And one where teachers, families and children know they are held and supported by one another.
Time away from PPP is spent in the garden, at the yoga studio, playing with my pups, studying + visiting plants, cooking, thinking about garden/interior design (+ real estate + where + how to buy a cabin on a river), and most recently, learning how to surf.
Olie attends PPP a couple of days a week. He loves playing catch, belly rubs, his lil’ sister Sal, afternoon naps + snacks.
Meg’s teaching days are: M 11:30-2, W/F 9-3
Mentor + Lead teacher, curriculum specialist
colleen d. (she/her)
My name is Colleen and my family and I recently moved to Portland from Chicago, where I was the Curriculum Design Manager for a small play-based, nature-loving school. Over the course of my education journey (20+ years!) I’ve been a classroom teacher, a center director, a curriculum manager & mentor, and a preschool parent! As an educator, I see myself as a co-learner alongside the children, and a facilitator of play & exploration. I hope to work in collaboration with families, as you are your child’s first and most important teacher. I hope to learn about the children, to discover their play patterns, their interests, and the joy they find through playful learning.
When I am not teaching, you can find me in the woods with my son (finding and arranging natural treasures into satisfying patterns), riding my bike through the city, or sipping on all the wonderful coffee that Portland has to offer. I am excited to learn, grow, and play with each of you!
Colleen’s teaching days are: T/Th/F 9-3
lead teacher + Chef extraordinaire
molly d. (she/her)
Through camps, office jobs, and a brief stint subbing for PPS, I landed a spot at the best little preschool around! After graduating from Ohio State with a design degree, my professional life began in Portland as a UX designer for creative agencies. A little under a decade in, I experienced (two!) minor and much needed quarter-life crises (in which I took sabbaticals to go work at an upstate NY sleep-away camp!) and came to realize that the desk life was not the life for me and I belonged on my feet! I have since found joy and purpose developing a small-batch ice cream business, revisiting my love of tap dancing, and spending time with the coolest demographic around; 3–5 year olds in Portland .
I find much of my creative inspiration through teaching preschoolers. Their art, thoughts, brilliant ideas, dilemmas, and intricate plans keep me moving as an artist and creator in my personal life. I hope to guide them through the big questions of being a person of the world with laughter and curiosity, to teach them the deep value of friendship and community, and to help them realize their creative dreams! I also deeply believe in the importance of building conflict resolution skills at any age. Having a tolerance and appreciation for our different ways of being is crucial to a respectful world, and childhood is where all this magic begins.
Molly’s teaching days are: M-Th 9-3
lead Teacher
Elisa R. (She/her)
Hello, my name is Elisa and I am a new resident to Portland! I was born and raised in Los Angeles. I grew up collecting rocks, making mud cakes, drawing, and playing musical instruments. While attending junior college, my focus was directed towards building my art portfolio and perfecting my music performances. I was offered a job as an assistant in a small preschool one summer and this opportunity changed everything.
From then on, I began shifting my pathway into early childhood education with a focus in early art education. I became certified as a lead teacher and continued studying early childhood education and human development at Pacific Oaks College. I began teaching at Pacific Oaks Children’s school while continuing my schooling. I have taught for over 10 years as a preschool and early art educator within Los Angeles. I have also taught for many years at an amazing art studio for children called Purple twig in Eagle Rock. I learned a lot about myself as a teacher and the beauty of process-focused art experiences.
I am a co-founder of Arroyo Nature School, a nature-based preschool in Pasadena. Our school aims to foster a deep connection between children and the environment around them. I'm thrilled to embark on a new journey here in Portland and I look forward to this new adventure with Portland Play Project!
When I am not teaching, I am taking care of my fur babies, Jiminy (chiweenie) and Uma (tuxedo cat). I also enjoy painting, building pottery, learning about plants and playing my bass or ukulele.
Elisa’s teaching days are: M 9-3, T-F 11:30-3
lead teacher
andrea L.
I began formally working with children during my Undergrad at the UofO CCDC in 1995, and fell in LOVE with young children there. The Teachers were so respectful, joyous, fun, and uplifting to everyone and I was in awe of how they made their work look so easy and enjoyable. My favorite parts were their stories and songs and to this day those are the tools I use to engage, teach, distract, and uplift the children in my care. I knew from experience that time with loving adults helps children feel safe enough to become their true selves. When they are fully accepted, celebrated and appreciated they can blossom and grow. The world is in need of more of this kind of LOVE and I strive to grow into a more caring Teacher continuously.
I have worked in Preschools or cared for children in my home since I found this path and only paused for a few short months around the birth of my nearly 14 year old daughter. I also care for two kitties, an ever changing number of chickens (currently 11), my home garden And I am the SUN Garden Educator at Emma’s previous school Russell Elementary where I also run a school garden program with a grant from the ODE. I am a Master Gardener Intern with the OSU Extension services where you may also find me volunteering at events; helping the Portland Metro Area become better gardeners with evidence based advice.
Our family, Emma, Papa or Matt and I, love to be outdoors and you may see us hiking around Powell Butte, Mt. Tabor, on neighborhood walks or at the Montavilla Farmers Market.
I feel so honored to work with Meg and all of the fantastic Teachers she has surrounded herself with!
The PPP community is so supportive, generous and appreciative!!
Thanks for being here with us!
Andrea’s teaching days are: M 9-3
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