Floater teachers
Anne Townsend
she/her/hers
Floater teacher
Education
Completing Associates of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education this Spring
A little about me
Being a teacher to the youngest of our population has always been my dream so being here in the Ladybug classroom feels like the perfect fit. I have a passion for building strong relationships with both the children I care for and their families. I am looking forward to learning about your children and all of the things that are important to both you and your child. I believe that ALL children deserve the very best start to life and that is why I am in this field. I know that it is not easy to leave your child in the care of others, so please know that your child is my top priority, and that along with keeping them safe and healthy, I find absolute joy in your child’s joy and wonder.
Before becoming a student at PCC I worked in the public schools as a special education assistant and before that I was a stay-at-home mom for 10 years. I have 4 children, two are my own and two are my bonus daughters, and their ages are 20, 18, 17 and 13. My husband and I are very blessed by all that we have in our lives. Outside of work and school, I enjoy hiking, playing with my two dogs, playing games with my family, camping, exploring my spirituality, and relaxing.
Jamie Mizar
she/her/hers
Floater teacher
A little about me
My name is Jamie and I have been working for the Portland Community College CDC since November of 2023. I have been working in childcare for 13 years now. My goal is to go back to school to get my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education. I have always loved learning with children and watching them grow. I am thrilled to be apart of such a wonderful and caring community.
Outside of school I spend my time exercising at the gym, taking my dog Luna on walks, reading and trying all kinds of food with my boyfriend.
Nancy Frank
she/her/hers
Floater teacher
Education
- BA Education, Westmont College
- AA Early Childhood Education, Portland Community College
A little about me
My name is Nancy Frank and I am a floater at the Child Development Center. I have a degree in Early Childhood Education and I also have a Teaching Credential from the State of California. I have worked in education for over 40 years and have had varied experiences with children in different childhood settings. I have always enjoyed being with children and getting to know them. I hope to help them in any way that I can. I look forward to getting to know your child and family.
Ran Liu
she/her/hers
Floater teacher
Education
- M.A. Curriculum and Instruction, Portland State University, OR, US
- M.A. Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
- B.A. English Education, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
A little about me
One summer evening, my family and I took a walk on PCC Sylvania campus, and a beautiful childcare building caught our attention. It was the PCC CDC. One year later, my son was very lucky to be enrolled in this wonderful childcare with amazing teachers caring and supporting him. To help my son get used to his early days at school, I became a parent volunteer in his classroom. Besides translating for my son, I also got the opportunity to interact and play with his classmates. I enjoyed reading books, making play dough, dressing up and role playing, building blocks, singing and dancing, doing math, writing letters, and so many other activities with the children. I also loved seeing their beautiful smiles and felt so spoiled in their hugs. That was when I realized I love working in the field of Early Childhood Education. Now I am a floater teacher working with different age groups. I cherish this opportunity very much and feel so honored to witness and celebrate the children’s progress and achievement in their early years. In my spare time, I enjoy swimming, hiking, and baking with my family and friends.
Sharon Fiser
she/her/hers
Floater teacher
Education
AA Early Childhood Education, Portland Community College
A little about me
I retired from the PCC Child Development Center after thirty seven years in the classroom working with toddlers, student teachers, and staff. I loved being a part of the lab school learning community. Children and adults learning and growing together is rewarding and special for all of us. I am grateful I get to continue working with the staff and families at the CDC as a Floater Teacher.
Outside of school I spend my time creating a yard and garden that is full of surprises as the seasons change. I am also exploring essential oils and their amazing possibilities.
Tara Leek-Wilson
she/her/hers
Floater teacher
A little about me
My name is Tara and I have been working at the CDC since March of 2024. Previously, I’ve had 2 years of teaching experience with infants, toddlers, and preschool. I took four years of child development classes in high school and I am completing my Associates degree in Early Childhood Education in June of 2024. In the fall, I plan to begin coursework to work towards a Bachelor’s degree in education. I have an interest in ECE including early elementary education as well as in Child Life. I love to learn and my kitty, Luana, makes an excellent study buddy!
In my time between school and work, I enjoy staying active by spending time at the gym, bowling, and taking dance classes. I also spend time reading, listening to true crime podcasts, and working on my 1990 Mustang with my boyfriend.
I look forward to meeting all of our amazing families and children in our center and being a part of their experience!