Our TeAchers, CAregivers, STAFF, And PArtners
TiffAnY PeArsAll
FOUNDER | preschool Teacher | tiffany@playfrontier.org
I arrived at early childhood education through necessity, entering teaching at the lowest point of the recession. I felt nervous as I walked into my first full-time job which would require me to somehow put 20 children to sleep at once by myself. Trial by fire can be a wonderful thing. Through the flames, I found my calling: teaching preschool. Nothing compares to the creativity and laughter of a 3-year-old, and I am forever thankful for the ‘job of necessity’ that led to my life’s work.
Here I am today, in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest, attempting to fulfill my mission of conserving childhood. I am well-versed in child development, progressive education, and play. I consider myself a constructivist teacher, meaning I give my students all the trust and tools they need to construct their learning. I also get googly-eyed for all things John Dewey and am an educational philosophy nerd.
Fond memories of gardening with my grandmother as a child, backpacking with my family starting at a young age, and endless summertime hours knee-deep in a pond catching tadpoles, built in me a deep love of nature, play, and adventure. I love to share these things with the children in my care daily at Play Frontier.
I am a play advocate for grown-ups and littles alike, and I strive to treat adult learners with the same respect I give the children in my care.
Tiffany holds a BA in Biology (Reed, '09) and an MA in Teaching (Lewis & Clark, '10), and began her career in Early Childhood in 2010. She uses she/her/hers pronouns.
MegAn PAris
Lead Toddler Teacher | megan@playfrontier.org
More coming soon!
Kaylei Berry
Toddler Teacher | Kaylei@playfrontier.org
More coming soon!
Kendra Clark
Infant teacher | Kendra@playfrontier.org
Marissa Davis
Preschool Teacher | Marissa@playfrontier.org
Being at Play Frontier this past year with the students, parents, and fellow staff has been the biggest blessing. We have built an environment where children can explore outside the classroom and take charge of their learning. I am a floater at Play Frontier, which means I work in both toddler and preschool classrooms. I love my role because I can make positive relationships with all of the students; who have taught me how to work with everyone's individual needs. I am currently a student at Clark College where I'm pursuing an associate's degree in Early Childhood Education. Books have always been a significant part of my life and I love bringing in a new book any chance I can for storytime. Play Frontier has allowed me to incorporate beloved aspects from my childhood in the classroom including games, art projects, dance parties, or anything that allows my students to use their imagination and creativity to express themselves.
Leah Gaylord
Floating Teacher | Leah@playfrontier.org
Kez Comstock
Play Frontier Director | Kez@playfrontier.org
My experience working as an Educator, Nanny, Recruiter for a nanny agency, and Board member of Play Frontier for 3 years, has led me in the right direction as Play Frontier’s Director. My passion for child development and equitable access to quality care provides me with a driving spirit for this role. I love working with my amazing team of teachers and supporting current and new families. Both my children have attended Play Frontier. The focus on nature with daily hikes through the Forest, learning about the local botany, alongside a play-based education that is backed by science for the different developmental stages…well you just can’t beat it! I feel so fortunate my children have this experience and as the Director I want to share Play Frontier with as many children in our community.
Kez holds a BA in Education and a Diploma in Montessori (AMI), and began her career in Early Childhood in 2005.
CommunitY Enrichment of klickitAt And skAmAniA countY (cekc)
partner
CEKC's mission: to enrich community services and engage in activities that strengthen the social and economic well being of Klickitat and Skamania County residents.
CEKC is our fiscal sponsor, meaning they made it possible for Play Frontier to get started. We are grateful of their work in the community! Check out more at www.cekcwa.org.