HILLSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER MEET OUR TEACHERS | HILLSIDE COMMUNITY CENTER DANA CHRISTY Hi, my name is Dana Christy. I grew up here in Portland and went to OSU where I got my Bachelor of Science in Individual and Family Development. I've always loved children and have had the opportunity to work in many elementary schools in the Portland area, Lake Oswego and three years here at Hillside! I feel that music and movement can set the tone for a special environment and make learning that much more fun for children! I'm looking forward to another great year of teaching at Hillside where we can all laugh, learn and grow together. I enjoy spending time with my son and husband. Some of our favorite activities as a family are playing tennis, ping pong, camping, swimming and most of all laughing at ourselves being silly. My favorite personal hobby is dancing. I grew up learning tap, jazz and ballet and later taught at the Multnomah Athletic Club. I had a lot of fun last year volunteering in my son's class teaching tap. CHRISTA BAKER Hello! My name is Christa Baker and I am excited to be teaching your children this year! I have a degree in early childhood education and have worked with kids of all ages for more than 25 years. Teaching and being around children is a passion of mine. I am a mother of six children ranging from 22 to 4 years of age. Needless to say, I love children. My family moved from Springfield, Illinois to Oregon three years ago. We love it here and Hillside has become an important part of my life here in Portland! As a preschool teacher, my goal is to foster independence in children. This allows them to become more confident in themselves and creates a sense of self-worth and achievement. I will work with each of my students so they learn selfcontrol, strong coping skills and good social interaction as they learn about the world around them. I want my kiddos to feel safe, loved and valued. I am looking forward to an amazing year!
portlandoregon.gov/parks/preschool
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