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@Marylhurstecc.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@Marylhurstecc.com
Kathy Gillies — Four’s Program Teacher
Kathy has been with MECC 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@Marylhurstecc.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@Marylhurstecc.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 MECC is great is the focus placed on building community. Laura has been with MECC for four years. Laura@Marylhurstecc.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@Marylhurstecc.com
Brianna Berthoin-Hernandez — Four’s and Dual Language
Brianna holds a degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Special Education from the University of Oregon. She spent last summer in Costa Rica perfecting her Spanish to help create our dual language program. Brianna plans to enter into a graduate program in Education and Special Education. Bri@Marylhurstecc.com
Keegan Shepherd — Four’s Program Teacher
Gail Penuel — Three’s Program Teacher
Gail’s teaching experience began at MECC 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. A move back to an assistant in the Kindergarten program is where Gail is now. 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@Marylhurstecc.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 MECC for three years. Di is currently enrolled at Clackamas Community College working toward her degree in Early Childhood Development. DSnyder@Marylhurstecc.com
Samantha Bering — Three’s 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@Marylhurstecc.com
Linda Kaufman — Three’s Program Teacher
Linda attended Santa Monica City College and UCLA Extension program and has 21 years of experience working with children age three to seven. “I love working with preschool children because I am a nurturing soul who enjoys helping enrich a child’s unique imagination, fostering their growing sense of responsibility and participating in their joy of discovery.” LindaK@Marylhurstecc.com
Elizabeth Kortenhof — Two/Three’s Program Teacher
Elizabeth grew up in a family of educators. She came to MECC 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 MECC for five years. Elizabeth@Marylhurstecc.com
Shawna Bennett — Two/Three’s Program Teacher
Shawna has been with MECC for five years. Before coming to MECC 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@Marylhurstecc.com
Sarah Morse — Three’s Program Teacher
Erin Kinney — Three’s Program Teacher
Ann Brown — Two’s Program Teacher
Ann has been a parenting instructor and consultant for over 20 years. Ann came to MECC 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 MECC newsletter. Ann@Marylhurstecc.com
Kim Gillaim — Two’s Program Teacher
Kim came to MECC in 2001 after eight years teaching preschool in the Milwaukie area. She taught in the bi-lingual program at MECC for four years, left for three, and has now returned. Kim is a full-time student at Clackamas Community College finishing her Early Childhood Education and Family Studies degree. “Teaching is where I belong!” Kim@Marylhurstecc.com
Linda Shadduck – Office Manager
Linda is a native of Oregon and comes to MECC 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@Marylhurstecc.com