Directors/Owners
Our school is run by a two woman show- Jeannie and Susan. We like to think of ourselves as a dynamic mother-daughter superhero team, but most of the time we’re just regular people. In the summer sun of 2017, we gathered up our friends 
and family and worked very hard creating a space to welcome children. A few months later, we opened the doors to our first enrolled children which included Susan’s children, and Jeannie’s grandchildren, Jude and Via. Together, we have slowly been shaping the school into an engaging learning space that reflects the interests and needs of our group.
Turns out, a lot of preschoolers have younger siblings, and two years after the preschool started we opened our infant/toddler site. Unfortunately, the pandemic hit that Spring and we were forced to close the infant/toddler site and operate mixed age emergency child care for a few years at the preschool site. During the first pandemic year we also ran a small K/1 program that provided in-person screen-free education for the school year.
As the urgency of the pandemic lifted, we had an unexpected opportunity to buy the house right next door to the preschool and ran our first summer of school age camps in 2022. That fall we also opened Sprouts, a reenvisioned and much closer version of our previous infant/toddler house.
It has been a truly wild and fantastic ride.
Jeannie Suihkonen
I am proud to say that I have chosen to be in the Early Childhood Education field for 35 years! During this time I both owned and operated my own successful family child care 
business and taught at Head Start, A Family Place Relief Nursery, and Nike’s Vivian Stringer Child Development Center. I have my degree in Early Childhood Education and I am also a trainer of child care workers through Portland State University, Center for Career Development. For me, being with children is not a way of work, but a way of life. As Deb Curtis puts it, I aim “to put the adult agenda aside and see the perspectives and the amazing ways [children] experience the world.”
I am also the mother of two amazing children who are now adults. They have grown our family to include their awesome partners and my two wonderful grandchildren. I have always believed that there is nothing more important than taking great care of our children, not only because it is so much fun but because it invites a better tomorrow for all of us.
Susan Nasiombe
Working for and with children is an unrelenting passion of mine that has only grown stronger in each new phase of life. I have had the incredible privilege to travel internationally, to earn a Masters degree while studying Social Justice Education, and to be called ‘mama’ by two strong and curious children. I have grown tremendously during time spent as a preschool teacher in private centers, Head Start, and family child care, and I am excited to be a creative force behind a program of my own.
Teachers
You know that feeling when you leave your child in the care of someone else, and you totally know it’s going to be fine and they’ll have an amazing time, but also you feel that pang of grief as you let go? That’s kinda how Susan and Jeannie felt as we began hiring teachers so that we could step out of the classroom and into the office more often. The energy, creativity, and beauty these teacher bring into the space each day has been awesome to witness. They have caring relationships with our children and work tirelessly to evoke wonder, and spread curiosity. We couldn’t ask for a better team.
Just so you are aware, all of our teachers are required to pass a criminal background check, have a current pediatric First Aid & CPR certificate and Food Handlers card. They are also required to take Oregon’s required provider classes and receive an additional 15 hours of annual professional development.
Teacher Chloe
Hi, my name is Chloe. I grew up in a small town bordering a reservation in eastern Oregon. I am proud of my Native American and Filipina background and enjoy incorporating teachings from each when possible. I have always loved working with children and animals, so Wild Pear quickly became the perfect fit. My daughter, Charlie, and I moved to Portland in early 2022 and have loved ending up here. I’m the oldest sister of three and now have three cats, but I dream of having as many animals as possible. I have babysat since I was finally deemed old enough, nannied, and volunteered in many child activities. One of my many hobbies includes reading, attempting to have plants, thrifting, and making a weekly bouquet of flowers for my home every Sunday.
It is my pleasure to promise kindness, safety, and love to all of the children we get to encounter at Wild Pear. It’s a gift to be a part of such a fun and essential part of these children’s lives.
Teacher Katie
Hi ya’ll, I’m Katie! I’m excited to be part of the Wild Pear community! I have been working with kids for 9 years and it’s something I’m very passionate about. I absolutely love watching kids explore and grow their imaginations. I grew up on a farm in Wyoming, where I raised animals. I loved being outside, exploring, and learning about my surroundings and still do! My parents and siblings all work or have worked in education, so caring for and teaching others is in my blood. I enjoy crafting, being outside, shooting some hoops, and also staying cozy at home watching movies.
I believe it is important to care for all children with compassion, love, and understanding. I am committed to creating a safe space where every child feels secure in their surroundings. I’m looking forward to building a serene yet vibrant environment for all at Wild Pear!
Teacher Sebastian
I’m a California transplant and have worked with children in a variety of settings since 2014. I started working in ECE in the fall of 2018, shortly after moving to Portland. As someone who grew up Latine, I’ve always thought that it’s important for children to learn empathy for those around them and to find pride in their culture(s). My goal is to help them learn how to embrace differences and recognize that those differences are what make us unique and special. I’m looking forward to creating a safe space for your children and to be able to meet them where they’re at with patience, kindness and curiosity.
When I’m not spending time with the kiddos you can find me with my life partner checking out live shows (mostly emo), watching new films (especially horror!), perusing book stores or having a quiet night in cuddling up with our cats – Loki, Greyworm and Missandei
Teacher Jude
Hello! I’m Jude. I’m not really from any one particular place but I’m excited to call Portland, and now Wild Pear, my home. I have an MA in secondary education but I’ve spent most of my professional life working in animal care and behavior before switching to early childhood education, which has been the best decision I’ve ever made! Working with children has taught me so much about being a person and being a learner and has brought me so much joy.
A few other things about me: I live with my partner and two excellent cats, Minnie and Beatrice; I lived in San Francisco for 7 years before coming to Portland; I got my undergraduate degree in fine arts and love to draw, paint and collage, and my favorite book is The Little Prince. I’m so glad to meet you!
Teacher Dani
Hello, I’m Dani (or D, if you prefer)! I use They/Them & She/Her pronouns. I am currently a junior at PSU, studying community health and working towards a minor in psychology. When I’m not studying, you can usually find me diving into a new book, taking a walk through the neighborhood, maybe playing a video game, or doing some hands-on crafts—I’m especially into pottery, though it has been a few years since I’ve thrown on the wheel. I am hoping to get back into it soon! I also love music, especially live shows, and I’m always down for a concert or discovering new tunes. Recently, I’ve gotten really into yoga, mindfulness, and breathing techniques, and I’m excited to continue learning more about these practices.
I’ve always been someone who feels things deeply, and I believe it’s so important to know how to process and express those feelings in a healthy way. It’s something I’m always working on, and I think it’s crucial for everyone—especially kids—to have the tools and space to do the same. We all have big emotions, and I love working with children because they experience the world with so much heart and authenticity. I’m committed to helping them express their feelings, understand them, and know that it’s okay to feel deeply.
A few summers ago, I had the chance to work at the Conestoga Recreation and Aquatic Center, and I can honestly say it was the best job I’ve ever had! It was such a joy to be with kids in an outdoor setting, watching them grow and learn, while also providing a safe space for them to express themselves. I’m always looking for ways to bring that energy and creativity into everything I do. I’m looking forward to being a part of this amazing community, and I can’t wait to share what I’ve learned and how I’ve grown along the way!
Teacher Andy
Hello families! I’m Andy (He/Him), and I’m so excited to join the Wild Pear community! I’ve spent the last 5 years working in various childcare programs, with a special focus on outdoor education. Before Wild Pear, I was an instructor at Trackers Earth for 4 years, where I taught kindergarteners wilderness survival skills like fire-making, archery, and plant identification, all while building strong connections. My passion for working with kids was sparked in high school when I volunteered for 12 weeks with MESD’s outdoor school program. As a former president of a theater department, I’ve learned to express myself in unique ways and I love incorporating theatrical games and skills into my teaching. I also have experience working with special needs students, and it’s important to me that all students have the support they need to succeed! My goal as an educator is to encourage kids to navigate risk, explore the natural world, and build the confidence to try things that might scare them. Outside of work, I enjoy tending to my freshwater fish tanks, sewing, and baking bread!
Wild Pear Preschool 