Interested in becoming part of our team? Please visit our Career’s Page.

Nikki Mitchell

Executive Director

Nikki comes to the Ivy school with over 17 years of experience in Montessori education as a Teacher, Coordinator, Principal and Program Supervisor. She served for five years as the instructional leader and Head Principal of a pk-12 grade Montessori public school. Her Montessori experience ranges from birth to high school and when asked which age group is her favorite she tells us, “I honestly don’t have an answer.  Each stage in the development of a child is a precious and meaningful experience.”

After earning her bachelors in Group Science with an emphasis in Biology and Minor in Elementary Education, Nikki began her career in education as a traditional classroom teacher but was soon fascinated by the Montessori program that her young daughter attended at the time. After one year as a traditional teacher she decided to accept an early elementary Montessori teaching position. She earned her Montessori Certification at the elementary level the next year from an American Montessori Society (AMS) accredited teacher training center. Upon successfully leading a Montessori classroom for 8 years she was promoted to Montessori Coordinator of a large school district and was soon the Principal of a Pk-12 public Montessori school.

Nikki is a mother of a college age daughter and feels deepened from the experience of being a mom. She treasures quality time with friends and family and enjoys quilting, reading, traveling, outdoor activities, cooking, learning and growing. She is looking forward to working with staff, students and families to ensure all students at Ivy receive a quality Montessori education.

Amy Stuhr

Principal

Hello!  My name is Amy Stuhr.  I am looking forward to my 8th year at Ivy and my fourth in a student support/campus support role. I cherish this community of talented educators, curious, creative, loving children and supportive parents, guardians, grandparents, aunts and uncles.  I worked in alternative education, charter education, at Portland  Community College and at Jefferson High School before landing at Ivy.

I graduated from the University of Iowa with a Bachelor’s Degree in General Studies and found my way to Oregon in 1989. I worked in the non-profit sector until my daughter was born in 1996. In my freetime, I enjoy doing anything outside, especially if it involves water!

Jenea Dennis

Dean of Students

I was born and raised in NE Portland and have two children, Jaylen and Adrian who is also employeed at Ivy. They both attend(ed) school in the neighborhood. I come from a family of educators and have worked with children in PPS, HeadStart and the NIKE pre-school before coming to Ivy.

In my free time I like to cook & have catered to large events of over 300 people (including Ivy’s Annual Black History Month Celebration). I also enjoy interior decorating and have a very large shoe collection. I love to sing. As a Middle School student I sang in the No Kidding Choir and before Covid was recording and singing in my church choir.

I believe that children learn best when they are seen, heard and held to high expectations and are held accountable. I am looking forward to another great year working alongside you to enrich your child’s educational experience.

Cassondra Salazar

Administrative Specialist

I’m Cassondra Salazar (she/her), and I’m 73 years old. I’m from Albuquerque, New Mexico, and have been with The Ivy School since it opened 15 years ago. I started as just a parent volunteer but fell in love with the school and decided it was where I wanted to stay. I’ve seen the school go through so many changes and grow into a better environment for children's learning. I love the communityhere and have learned so much from both the parents and teachers.

Before joining The Ivy School, I was a foster parent for 31 years and worked as a social worker for the state of New Mexico, specializing in working with special needs kids. Children have always been a special part of my life, and I strive to be someone they can come to and feel safe with. Being part of The Ivy community has helped me grow into a better community member. In my free time, I love to crochet and spend time with my family. My lifelong goal is to start a nonprofit to help homeless people.

Antonia Duble

Lead Teacher @ Marquam Classroom

My name is Antonia Duble and I am the lead teacher of the Marquam Kindergarten Classroom! This is my fourth year at The Ivy School and my first year in the Marquam room. Previously, I worked as the Student Information Specialist in the office and as the Learning Intervention Teacher before that. I have worked with students in many roles since 2016, including as a tutor, substitute teacher, one on one support aide, and learning interventionist. I received my Bachelor's in psychology in 2019 followed by my Master's in behavior science in 2022. I am so excited to be back in the classroom after having a baby in February. I love working with children and can't wait to learn and grow in the Kindergarten room this year! In my free time, I love baking, playing soccer, and hiking with my family. 

Caroline Halaby

Lead Teacher @ Morrison Classroom (1,2,3)

Hi! I’m Caroline Halaby, the lead teacher in the Morrison classroom. I grew up in Palo Alto, CA and moved to North Carolina in 2008 to attend Davidson College, where I earned my BA in History with a Music minor. After assisting in my mother’s Art Camp many summers during high school and college, I realized that teaching was my calling. After college, I moved to D.C. and joined a Montessori school in Arlington, VA as a Primary assistant for two years. It was there that I first learned about and fell in love with all things Montessori! I realized that I wanted to work with older children, so the school sent me to get my Elementary Montessori degree (AMI) from the Washington Montessori Institute and a Master’s in Education from Loyola University of Maryland. I then returned to that school and taught in Lower Elementary for three years. While there, I also started an after-school Art class, inspired by my mom’s Art camp.

I felt a pull to return to the West Coast to be closer to family and moved to Portland in July 2018. This is my 8th year at Ivy and 11th as a Montessori lead teacher! I live with my husband (Dan), senior pup (Lady), and 1.5 year-old (Henry). In my free time, I enjoy wandering around new neighborhoods, doing crossword puzzles and word games, watching music and comedy shows, reading, cooking, and most importantly, sampling delicious food!

Hannah Ungar

Lead Teacher @ Broadway Classroom (1,2,3)

Hi everyone, my name is Hannah Ungar!  I began working with children in 2009 when I worked in my mother’s Montessori inspired preschool and summer camp on and off for 6 years. I didn't know it at the time, but the Montessori style would come to be tremendously impactful in my life. As I got older I spent a great deal of time nannying and tutoring. I went to college at Pacific University and received my bachelors in Anthropology. After spending my whole life being around teachers, I never thought I would end up one myself, but I ended up conducting my senior thesis on “How Private Schools create radical socio-economic gaps in the American education system”. After that, I became extremely passionate about the different forms of teaching and learned very quickly how important early education is! 

In 2020 I decided to go back to school to get my masters in Education and Teaching. I learned a great deal about the methods of Maria Montessori in my program and realized very quickly that becoming a Montessori teacher would be a long term goal of mine. I identified tremendously with the Montessori method and as a person who was not successful in a “typical” learning environment, alternative teaching methods became extremely important to me. I started my teaching career at a project based EL school in Hillsboro Oregon. After working there for three years I made the choice to travel for a while. 

After coming back from my travels, I moved into Portland and began looking for a job. My goal was to create and serve my community, this worked out and I get to ride my bike to school everyday! After joining the team at Ivy I was quickly reminded of my appreciation and respect for the Maria Montessori method and I am in the process of getting fully certified! In my free time I enjoy traveling, reading, dancing at concerts, spending time with people I love, doing yoga, and eating tasty food in the sun! I am so excited to continue to grow in the Ivy community! 

Jeff Oliver

Lead Teacher @ Sauvie Island (1,2,3)

Hello Ivy! I’m Jeff Oliver. I grew up in southeastern Massachusetts, son of a teacher and a banker. Since moving to Portland in 2005, I’ve started a family of my own: my partner Betsy, our two children Eloise (8.5) and Oren (5), and our Norwegian forest cat Flower live in the Montavilla neighborhood. You might find us hiking and camping, at the farmers market, biking around town, in our garden, or at Pickathon. We love it here!

I have been working with children for most of my life, in all kinds of roles: church school helper, nanny, soccer/ultimate frisbee coach, assistant teacher, summer camp counselor… you name it, I’m likely to have done it! I went to college in New Hampshire and earned my Masters in Elementary Ed in 2005. Once in Portland, it wasn’t long before I found myself working as a Montessori Assistant. After four years in that role (both Primary and Lower El), I completed the Montessori Elementary training at Montessori Northwest in Portland in 2014. This is my fifth year teaching Lower El at Ivy School! I bring my loves of music and singing, wellness and fitness, drawing and nature into the classroom and the community. I’m grateful to work at a public Montessori school, and to have the chance to offer myself to my local community.

Sierra Vaughn

Lead Teacher @ St. Johns (1,2,3)

My name is Sierra (she/her), and I am thrilled to be a part of the Montessori family here at The Ivy School. As a Lead Teacher, I am excited to embark on an educational journey with your child, nurturing young minds and fostering a love for learning.

For the past few years, I have been fortunate to work in various capacities at Montessori schools, as well as teaching English to children aged 6 to 13 in China and South Korea. These experiences have given me a deep appreciation for diverse teaching methods and the joy of witnessing the growth and development of young learners.

One of my passions lies in teaching Montessori math and history. I find immense joy in the array of materials that Montessori offers, creating endless opportunities for students to explore and manipulate concepts. I believe in a strength-based and curiosity-centered approach to education, where each child's unique abilities are celebrated and nurtured.

Having earned my Bachelor of Arts in History from Arizona State University, I find history to be a fascinating subject that can ignite a sense of wonder and understanding of our world's rich past. I aim to instill this same enthusiasm for history in my students, making it an engaging and captivating learning journey.

I am a firm believer in the Montessori method, and I am committed to creating an environment where students can develop a strong sense of independence, self-discipline, and a lifelong love for learning. I look forward to collaborating with parents and fellow educators to ensure each child's educational experience is nurturing and fulfilling.

Outside of the classroom, you can often find me exploring all the wonders Portland has to offer, particularly its culinary delights.

It is an honor to be entrusted with your child's educational journey, and I cannot wait to meet each and every one of you. Together, let's create a supportive and inspiring learning space where curiosity flourishes, and students are empowered to reach their full potential.

Christine Rodrigues

Lead Teacher @ Sellwood (4,5)

Hi there! My name is Christine Rodrigues (pronouns: they/them/theirs) and I am a Lead Teacher at the Ivy School! I love working with children of all ages, but upper elementary is my absolute favorite. I grew up in Portland, OR where I completed my Bachelor's in Elementary Education and Liberal Studies. I taught as an Assistant at the Ivy School before pursuing other careers such as Professional Youth Mentor and Peer Support Specialist. In 2022, I moved to Vermont to earn my Master's in Curriculum and Instruction for Middle Grades at University of Vermont. After that, I moved to Colorado where I taught at a school geared towards immigrants and refugees. I recently moved back home to Oregon and am excited to start my next chapter at the Ivy School! Outside of work, I am a competitive powerlifter, huge nerd, and nature lover. I am so grateful to be a part of the Ivy School community!

Yolanda Cando-Gilleran

Lead Teacher @ Hawthorne(4,5)

Hi! I'm Yolanda Cando-Gilleran (she/her/hers). I'm elated to be a part of The Ivy School this coming year. Though this will be my first year in a Montessori school, I am coming up on my 10th year in the classroom! I have taught students as young as 2 years old all the way up to middle school. So much of the Montessori pedagogy speaks to who I am as an educator. I have immense belief in my students and at the center of my practice is my relationship with them and their families. I teach with a justice and equity lense and hope to integrate it into all parts of the school day. 

Outside of the classroom, I am a proud mom of two young people who go to Montessori school themselves. Since becoming a mom, I spend most days doing parenting activities but, if I can get a minute to myself, I love to read or go on long walks/ hikes. 

Rania Kanaan

Lead Teacher @ Ross Island Classroom (4,5)

My name is Rania Kanaan, and I’m thrilled to be returning to The Ivy School for another exciting year. I am Palestinian, born and raised in Jordan, and I moved to the United States in 1998. Before discovering my passion for education, I completed a degree in computer programming in Jordan—but quickly realized that office work wasn’t for me. I’ve always been drawn to working with children and feel grateful every day to have followed that path.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Portland State University and a Master’s in Education from Loyola University. I also completed my AMI Montessori certification at Montessori Northwest here in Portland.

Over the years, I’ve worked as a lead teacher and served for five years as a school director at Crescent Montessori School. I’ve also had the opportunity to work with newcomer students through the “Future You” program at Beaverton High School.

In addition to teaching, I’m deeply committed to supporting refugee communities. I have spent many years volunteering to help newly arrived refugees settle in Portland. 

Outside the classroom, I enjoy reading—especially Arabic novels—and love spending time outdoors. Traveling and hiking are two of my favorite ways to recharge and find inspiration.

My mission as an educator is to nurture each child’s full potential through independence, meaningful work, and a classroom culture rooted in trust and respect. I aim for every student to leave our community with confidence, curiosity, compassion, and a lifelong love of learning.

I’m so looking forward to another wonderful year together!

Melissa Warren

Lead Teacher @ Steel Classroom (6)

Hello! I am Melissa Warren, and I am so excited to be returning for my 11th year at Ivy as the lead guide for our new 6th grade cohort. 

I have been teaching and working with children since 1998. I hold a Masters in elementary education, with additional endorsements in music and gifted education. I have taught in both traditional public schools as well as both private and public Montessori schools. I am passionate about meeting the social-emotional needs of my students, promoting creative problem-solving and conflict resolution. My greatest joy in teaching is helping each of my students find a love for school and learning and connection with their classroom community.

I grew up in rural Kentucky, the child of two music educators, and first moved to Oregon in 2002. I am a proud parent of two amazing teenagers, one of whom is an Ivy alum. Outside the classroom, you can find me gardening, hiking, playing music, paddling, snuggling with my cats, and reading. I am excited to share another school year with amazing students and families!

Travis Eddy

Lead Teacher- Fremont Classroom (7,8)

It feels so exciting to say that I am beginning my 11th year with the Ivy Middle School Program!  I have really enjoyed spending the past ten years working with very different groups of students in a wide variety of formats and settings.  I received my Masters in Teaching from Lewis & Clark College in the area of integrated science. While science will always be my first love, I really enjoy integrating curriculum across subject areas.

What I love most about Ivy is having the ability to really get to know each student and work with them to create meaningful learning experiences, and provide individualized opportunities to show what they know.  This connection with students is something that I have not experienced in other settings, and makes teaching more fun as well as more effective. Of course, the opportunity to spend lots of time out in the world, and engage students with projects helps too.

When I’m not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my nine-year-old daughter, growing vegetables, scouring the wild for rocks, and petting cats.

Mark Russell

Lead Teacher (Math) (7,8)

Hello, my name is Mark Russell. My wife, Wendy, and I are very happy to be in Portland and I’m excited to be teaching at The Ivy School. 

Late in the 20th century, I received a BS in Art and Graphics from Biola University. More recently, I earned my teaching credentials through Western New Mexico University and am continuing there for my MAT. In the decades between Biola and WNMU, I held a wide variety of positions, from graphic designer to newspaper editor to math tutor. As a teacher, I’ve been fortunate to work with a diverse range of students in both New Mexico and rural Oregon.

Since before the first Star Wars movie was in theaters, I’ve been building with LEGO bricks. It’s a healthy obsession. My collection has not yet become unmanageable. For a few years I was a volunteer leader of a 4-H LEGO Club. I’ve used LEGO to create pieces for several art shows and I am connected with an online community of other builders. I have used LEGO in my classrooms since 2018 and I expect that practice will continue.

I enjoy the taste of good coffee and the intelligent, witty humor of wordplay. When I’m not teaching (or creating with LEGO), you might find me exploring the city, exploring number patterns, or exploring my collection of old science fiction movies. I look forward to continuing the process of building relationships with students, their families, and the Ivy Community.

Nicholas Volger

Lead Teacher (Humanities) (7,8)

My name is Nicholas Volger and this will be my first year at Ivy teaching Humanities at the middle school level, and my first experience in the Montessori setting! I moved to Portland, Oregon a little over a year ago from Portland, Maine where I taught Alternative Education and Second Grade. I graduated from the University of Southern Maine in 2020 with a degree in History and was a member of the baseball team during my time there. This will be my 6th year in education and I am currently pursuing my Masters in Special Education through the University of Maine, Farmington.

Outside of school, my hobbies include watching my beloved Boston sports teams and playing golf. I am a musician and music is one of my true passions whether it involves listening to albums, playing my guitar, or going to see live music in any capacity. I am very excited for this upcoming year!

Adrian Dennis-Bell

Assistant Teacher/Basketball Coach

Hello, my name is Adrian. I'm an assistant teacher and basketball coach here at Ivy. I graduated from Grant high school in 2020. I have a passion for sports, as well as bringing our community together to form great bonds. Working at Ivy has allowed me to do so in many different ways. Being an assistant here at Ivy allows me to go through the everyday grind of school and try to help navigate the children through their journey. As a basketball coach here at Ivy I'm also able to balance teaching them life skills, as well as basketball skills. Basketball to me is much deeper than just a game. It teaches you how to work as a team and work together with people you may not necessarily get along with. It also is a way for me to show the importance of hard work and discipline. The game of basketball, just like in life, has its ups and downs. Some games you win, and some you lose, but how we deal with those outcomes and learn from them is what's important. These are just a few of the life skills that I'm able to teach the kids through the game of basketball. 

My core principle, and something I tell the kids all the time is ¨if you all become great basketball players, but not great people I failed as a coach.¨ Having the unique role of classroom teacher and Basketball coach allows for lots of fun times and memories with the kids! Outside of teaching I enjoy playing, and watching basketball. Really anything sports related I'm all for. I also love listening to tons of music and playing video games! I place high value on quality time spent with friends and family, recognizing the importance of maintaining personal relationships that enrich my life and contribute to trying to build a great community.

Frances Erlandson

Teacher Assistant

Hello! My name is Frances and I am so excited to be returning to Ivy for my second year in upper elementary, and first year as lead teacher. I’m originally from Santa Monica, California and have called Northeast Portland my home for the past two years. Before moving to Portland, I lived in Green River, UT, a rural town of 800 people, where I worked as an AmeriCorps member, teaching art & literacy in the elementary school and afterschool program. After my AmeriCorps term, I moved into staff roles at two non-profits in town, taking over as the Youth Director at the community center, a specialist at a local art & design studio, and subbing at the elementary school.

After a year as an assistant teacher at Ivy, I was so inspired by the Montessori philosophy that I pursued my Montessori degree (AMS) at the West Side Montessori School Teacher Education Program in New York this past summer. As a teacher, I am passionate about helping students connect with their creativity, curiosity and intuition, encouraging exploration and supporting their passions. With an educational background in poetry and architecture (B.A. Bennington College), I love integrating writing and design into self expression and storytelling. I can’t wait to bring all that I have learned back to the Ivy community this school year.  Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, running, rock climbing and exploring new neighborhoods on my bike.

Myles Washington

Assistant Teacher

Hello, my name is Myles Washington. I'm an Assistant teacher and one of the school’s basketball coaches. I graduated from Benson Polytechnic High School in 2020 but my year was cut short due to the covid-19 outbreak. After graduating I began taking classes at PCC to work towards a general studies degree because I wasn’t quite sure what field I wanted to go into at the time. After about two terms at PCC I decided it would be best to take a break and return when they went back to in person learning because I didn’t feel like I was actually retaining the information I was being taught while trying to do it over zoom meetings. I’ve spent the last year modeling while at the same time trying to figure out what my interests and passions are, which is one of many reasons I am extremely grateful to be working at Ivy! Working at Ivy has opened my eyes to a career choice I had never thought about and am now heavily considering. I am thankful to be around such great staff and students everyday and love the new relationships being built. On my free time I like to play basketball, watch sports, and spend time with friends.

Emma Parzybok

Assistant Teacher

Hi! My name is Emma Parzybok (She/They). I was born and raised in the pacific northwest. I am very excited to be working as a teacher assistant in the Hawthorne classroom! I’m happy to say that this will be my third year at Ivy. Being someone who went to the average public elementary school, i instantly fell in love with the Montessori way of education at The Ivy School. I have worked as an aftercare teacher with all grades, and as a lower el teacher assistant, in my time at Ivy so far. 

I believe that every child deserves a nurturing and safe environment that caters to each individual child’s needs. I hope to become a lead teacher or child psychologist in my future. I enjoy being able to provide a trusting adult for the kids to communicate to and learn from. 

I am currently studying at Portland Community College to get my bachelors degree in childhood education. 

In my free time I enjoy hiking, reading, writing and spoiling my cats! I also love camping especially at the Deschutes River and Moulton Falls.

Taylor Salazar

Assistant Teacher

Hello! My name is Taylor, (she/her) and I’m thrilled to begin my first full year as an assistant teacher in the St. John’s classroom at Ivy. My journey with Ivy started  very young, in 1st grade and continued through 8th grade, this school and community holds a special place in my heart. Over the past four years, I’ve had the privilege of working with children of all ages through Ivy’s aftercare program, I’m passionate about the Montessori teaching style and the way it empowers children to explore and learn at their own pace. 

Outside of the classroom, I love expressing my creativity through various forms of art, including crocheting, sewing, drawing, and painting. My hope is to provide a safe space for all children, build trust with students as someone they can always come to, and create a positive learning environment.

Brenda Elrod

Assistant Teacher

Brenda Elrod is originally from Phoenix, Arizona. She spent much of her adult life in California after getting her BA in Riverside. She is most proud of being mom to Kai who is a 4th grader here at The Ivy School. She comes to us after substitute teaching and homeschooling for 5 years.  She is very proud to be a part of the Latino/Native American community here in Portland and she looks forward to meeting you, if she hasn’t already. 

Jordann

Learning Intervention Specialist

Hello! My name is Jordann and this will be my third year at The Ivy School! My first year at Ivy I was the Assistant Teacher in Broadway class, my second year I transitioned to my current role as Learning Intervention Teacher and this year I am excited to be continuing that role.

Before teaching at Ivy, I received my Bachelor’s of Science degree in Zoology from Humboldt State University. Following graduation, I worked as a zookeeper and an outdoor education teacher, which led me to transition to a full time classroom substitute teacher position. Soon after, I began working as an early intervention specialist, supporting students academically and behaviorally. I was in that position for three years before moving to Oregon and landing at The Ivy School! 

I’ve been working with children my whole life in many roles - as a nanny, soccer coach, teacher’s aide, private tutor, camp counselor, etc. I am passionate about helping our students grow, both socially and academically, and creating safe spaces where they can be themselves. Outside of work, I love gardening, cooking, swimming in the river and exploring Portland one sunny patio at a time

Erin Bishop

Speech-Language Pathologist, M.S. CCC-SLP

Hello! My name is Erin Bishop and I’m the Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) at Ivy. I started working at Ivy during the year most of us will not forget, 2020! Working from home was nice, I had my second child in April 2020 and loved the extra snuggles, but I am delighted to work with students at school. As a SLP, I work with students in kindergarten-8th grade on improving their communication skills. Students in my office can be working on a variety of skills including: articulation (how to pronounce different sounds); stuttering; language (grammar, word use, listening, speaking,reading, writing); social communication; augmentative and alternative communication (using a

device or other ways of communication than voice); and cognitive skills.

I have attended the University of Oregon, Portland State University, and Eastern New Mexico University while obtaining an undergraduate degree inPsychology and a Masters of Science in Communication Disorders. I was born in Boston Massachusetts but call the west coast my home now, this is where I met my husband and am raising my 6 and 3 year old. In my spare time I love to read, travel, attend live music, cook and bake, go camping and explore the PNW, take my dog Chicken on walks, and garden (flowers and vegetables are my favorites).

Jo-Ellen Papworth

Paraprofessional

Hello! My name is Jo-Ellen Papworth. This will be my 7th year at The Ivy School.
I was born and raised in northern California. I moved to Oregon in 1988 and began my career
as a CNA, working with medically fragile children at Providence Child center and Shriners
Hospital for children. In 2000 I transitioned to Portland Public Schools dedicating my skills in
Special Education.
I am happily married to my best friend and husband Dave, together 20 years now after meeting
on a blind date. I am the proud parent and step parent to 6 children and I am fortunate to have 3
wonderful grandchildren.
In my free time, I enjoy exploring the outdoors with my dog Harley who is my faithful companion.
A passionate cook and baker, I love to be in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes and
sharing the love of food.

Teyah Reynolds

Nutrition Director

My name is Teyah Reynolds and I am the Nutrition Director here at Ivy. I am from Portland andwas raised in both NE and N Portland. I attended and graduated from De La Salle North Catholic High School in 2008 (Go Knights!). I then chose to further my education at one of the World’s leading culinary colleges, Johnson & Wales University in Providence, Rhode Island. I received my A.S. degree in culinary arts in 2010. Later earning my B.S. degree in culinary food service management in 2012. Triple minoring in entrepreneurship,psychology, sports and entertainment management.

I moved back to Portland and began my career at The University of Portland working for campus dining. After 10 years I found my way to my dream job here at Ivy. I have a passion for food and children. This place serves me as much as I serve it. Shortly after starting at Ivy I welcomed my first earthside child, a beautiful baby boy. His name is JoShwan and he is literally my heart outside my chest. I enjoy being his mom more than anything.