NCCDC’s teachers bring learning to life every day
Our teaching staff are skilled and knowledgeable in the field of child development and each bring a unique set of skills, interests and cultural perspectives. We encourage teachers to use their creativity in the classroom and share their passions, talents and cultural backgrounds, which enriches our children’s experience and our community. Our teachers strive to support each child’s emotional, social, physical, cognitive and creative growth. All of our staff are background checked in the FBI fingerprint system, hold current CPR/First Aid certification, Food Handler’s certification, Safe Sleep certification, and are required to do between 15-30 hours of continued education in child development each year.
Interested in working here? Email the Director about current openings for Teachers, Aides and Subs.
Executive DIRECTOR
Benjamin Shipley (he/Him)
TIME WORKED AT NCCDC: February 2024
Ben is the new Executive Director at NCCDC.
He started working with children at the age of 13 as a camp counselor. He received his BA in Psychology with a focus on Child Development from Hunter College in New York. Over the last seven years he has worked as a researcher, assistant teacher, teacher, inclusion specialist, and director of a preschool.
Ben’s favorite part of childcare is watching a child succeed on a difficult task using a new skill. He is most proud of building an inclusion program that became a trusted resource in the local community as a safe place for children with higher needs.
In his free time Ben likes to read, play D&D, sing a little too loudly, and spend time with his three cats and partner.
Assistant Director
Mckenzie MOffat (she/Her)
TIME WORKED AT NCCDC: 19 years
McKenzie has always loved working with kids! She loves their curiosity, creativity, energy and laughter.
She has a Fine Arts degree from OSU and is an Oregon native. She spent two years teaching English to children in South Korea and Taiwan.
McKenzie started working at NCCDC 19 years ago as an aide in the toddler room and loved it so much she moved into the teacher role very quickly. She loves the cooperative aspect of the school and really enjoys getting to know all the families.
She has two children of her own who have gone through the program as well.
In her spare time she enjoys reading and drinking tea on her porch, cooking, working in the garden, going on walks with her children, and going to the beach.
Carrie
In House Substitute & Teacher
Time worked at NCCDC: 12 years
Carrie has worked at NCCDC off and on since 2009.
She loves being part of the community and particularly enjoys seeing the children explore, create and flourish.
Her favorite activities to do with the kids are reading and painting.
Carrie grew up in Portland and likes spending time with family (especially her two nieces), being in nature, traveling and watercolor painting.
Rachel (she/her)
Toddler Teacher
Time worked at NCCDC: Fall 2016
Rachel first started working at NCCDC as an aide in the toddler room in fall of 2016 as a high schooler after volunteering in elementary school classrooms. She has returned since obtaining a bachelors of science in psychology at Western Washington University.
Her favorite aspects of working with kids are supporting the formation of secure attachments, encouraging creativity through art, play, and conversation, and providing a safe and supportive environment for emotional expression.
In her free time she enjoys reading, baking, walking, spending time with friends and family, and drinking chai.
Lisa (she/her)
Preschool Teacher afternoon lead
Time worked at NCCDC: Jan 2024
Hi, I’m Teacher Lisa!
I’ve taught preschool for ten years and love working with younger children. Every day brings joy and new challenges.
I have my Masters in Education and Bachelors in English.
I love reading, writing, anything outdoors, and spending time with my children and family.
Chloe (she/her),
Toddler Lead
Time worked at NCCDC: January 2023
Chloe began instructing various forms of dance in 2015, specializing in ages 3-5.
She then began working in a preschool setting where she continued to teach dance alongside more traditional preschool curriculum .
In 2022 she discovered a love for working with toddlers and how rewarding it is to see how they learn and grow everyday. Chloe enjoys bringing out children’s inner artist as well as exploring nature, music and movement with our students.
In her free time she likes to read, paint, and hike waterfalls with her dog named Twinkie.
Paige (she/her),
Toddler Teacher aide II
Time worked at NCCDC: September 2023
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After spending her adolescent and teenage years babysitting and nannying, Paige moved to Oregon in 2016 to study Human Development and Family Sciences at Oregon State University.
She is passionate about supporting children throughout all stages of development and enjoys seeing how they grow and change every day. Paige’s favorite parts about working at NCCDC are building connections with our students, working on art projects with them, and laughing with them.
Outside of work, Paige enjoys caring for her houseplant collection, trying new restaurants, spending time with friends and family, being outdoors, crafting, and cuddling her cat Rico.
Jen (she/her),
Toddler Teacher aide I
Time worked at NCCDC: Jan 2024
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I have always loved the company of kids, whether it be working with them as a teacher or just spending time together: playing, reading, drawing and generally being a part of their curiosity, growth and imaginations.
I have a Master of Fine Arts degree from San Francisco State University in Creative Writing, BA in Film from UCLA and coursework in Early Childhood Education from City College San Francisco. A native Northern Californian, I moved to Portland 2 years ago.
In my free time, I love exploring this new to me city often in the company of my 8 year old niece Nora. I also enjoy being with my 2 kitty sisters, Gwinnie and Diana, and love reading, film festivals, theater, vegetarian cooking, writing, bookstores and museums.