Emergency Child Care/COVID 19
ADMIN TEAM
AMY COKER she/they
Founder/Owner/Executive Director
Over a decade ago, Amy had a wild-hearted dream of an Early Childhood Education program that would cultivate a culture of intersectional changemaking, a space for explorations of the self within the context of community for children, teachers, parents, and the business itself. Like tumbleweeds that ride the waves of wind to spread their seeds, each would have permission to uproot, take risks, and trust the process. Tumbleweed is the definition of a Dream Come True!
Hayln earned her B.S. in Early Childhood Education at the University of Wisconsin. After graduation, Hayln worked on campus in a small center serving university staff, students and the greater community. In 2010, Hayln moved to Portland and began work at Childswork Learning Center. In 2014, Hayln joined Tumbleweed! When not playing with children, Hayln is out hiking, backpacking, and generally enjoying the beautiful Oregon scenery with eir dog Slightly.
HAYLN ANDERSON ey/em
Co-director
INFANT HOUSE TEAM
HANNAH she/they
Infant House Teacher
Hannah has lived in the Portland area almost her whole life. She started working with children in high school by volunteering with the Outdoor School program and assisting in her high school’s preschool and teen parent program. After she graduated high school, she continued working with young children in an early learning environment and continued to volunteer for the Outdoor School program. She truly believes children learn the best outside and by being hands on. The more we can be outside, the better. Hannah has had the goal of being a Tumbleweed teacher for quite some time, and she’s thrilled to be part of the team! Outside of school, Hannah enjoys cooking/baking, spending time with her baby sister, and taking her dogs on walks.
CJ they/them
Substitute Teacher
CJ has lived in Portland their whole life. They are currently working towards a B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Sexuality, Gender, and Queer Studies. Their goal is to work as a therapist for queer youth someday. CJ has been working with infants and toddlers for over 3 years and has enjoyed every moment of it. They are indescribably excited to work at Tumbleweed Infant House. The teaching philosophy and environment is exactly what they have been looking for. When not holding other people’s babies, they are going on adventures with their 4-year-old child. They also enjoy competing in poetry slams, painting, and roller skating.
PRESCHOOL HOUSE TEAM
MELISSA she/her
Preschool House
Melissa’s passion for working with children grew through exploring Pacific Northwest forests with young learners. She has earned a BA in Biology (focused on invertebrate ecology) from Lewis and Clark College, and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Portland State University. Melissa has worked as an early education consultant, presented research internationally, collaborated with educators in Reggio Emilia as a part of a pedagogical leadership cohort, and worked as an adjunct faculty in the ECE Graduate program at PSU. Melissa also currently works with the Threads of Justice Collective supporting early childhood professionals in anti-bias/anti-racist practice by co-creating toolkits and trainings
In her teaching, Melissa is committed to anti-bias work and inclusion, making thinking visible, children’s emotional intelligence, and helping to co-create, with children, strong and supportive communities that learn and think together.
Melissa is excited to continue to learn and grow as a member of the Tumbleweed family. When not with children you can find Melissa outside: sailing, hiking, canoeing, working in her garden, walking her dog and appreciating uncharismatic microfauna (bugs!), or spending time with her family playing games.
CODY he/him
Preschool House
After growing up in Arkansas and earning a BSE in Physical Education, Cody spent eight years in Waco, Texas before moving to Portland in December 2018. While in Waco, he worked at a mental health therapeutic nursery for six years, and it was there that he developed a passion and a joy for working with children. Cody recently graduated with an MS in Early Childhood Education at Portland State University, where he also worked before joining Tumbleweed at the beginning of 2020. Outside of work, Cody enjoys running, reading, coffee, camping, and hanging with friends.
SUPPORT TEAM
SAYLOR she/her
Preschool House
Saylor grew up all around the Pacific Northwest and moved to Portland in 2018. While earning her degree in Applied Linguistics, Saylor worked at the Reggio Emilia-inspired early childhood education center on campus. Saylor graduated from Portland State University in the spring of 2022 and has been teaching at Tumbleweed since August of 2021. In her work with children, Saylor is particularly interested in building multiple forms of communication in order to create a supportive learning community. She is excited to participate in the Tumbleweed community and can't wait to grow the program. Outside of work, Saylor loves to bake, knit, and garden. She has a big family and enjoys spending time with them as well.
DAVID he/him
Graduated Cum Laude with a BA in Theatre from the University of the Ozarks. While attending school, he would work as a tutor for his fellow students with learning disabilities during the school months and volunteer at children’s theaters during the summer months. David moved to Portland in 2020, immediately started working in early childhood education, and is joining Tumbleweed almost exactly one year after his move. When not working, David is exploring, writing, playing board games, or cooking for his fiancée and their two cats