Our Story

I’m Margot Clement, the founder and lead teacher of our preschool program. My love for children, learning, and community has been shaped by both my professional background in education and the beautiful (and sometimes wild!) roller coaster of raising three young boys.

I earned my degrees in Special Education and Curriculum & Instruction from Penn State University, and began my career teaching special education in Washington, DC, working with children from Pre-K through fifth grade. That experience gave me a strong foundation in supporting diverse learners and creating inclusive, responsive learning environments.

When our first son was born, I stepped away from the classroom to stay home with him. Our family later moved to Portland, Oregon, where we welcomed two more boys and became a family of five. During my years at home, I remained deeply involved in my children’s learning through a cooperative preschool, where I volunteered regularly in the classroom and served on the board as President and Membership. I also gained valuable inspiration from our time in a nature-based school, where I saw firsthand the power of unstructured outdoor play and exploration.

Starting this preschool is my way of bringing together everything I’ve learned—as an educator, a parent, and a community member—to create a learning environment rooted in play, discovery, and connection. At the heart of this work is a commitment to honoring childhood: creating a space where play and curiosity guide each day, children and families feel a true sense of belonging, and children are trusted to grow into confident, curious, and compassionate learners.