Meet the Staff

Hands On

Art & Play�Inc.

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2800 SE Harrison St
Portland, OR 97214

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503-239-8521

Picasso Classroom- Ages 3.5 to 5

Teacher Jennifer

Jennifer has a BA in art & counseling from, The Evergreen State College in Olympia, Wa. She was a preschool teacher and family advocate before becoming the children’s coordinator for a social service agency. Jennifer put her love of art and children together when she started Hands On Art & Play in the fall of 2000.

"Since starting Hands On in my home in 2000, I have been so lucky to work with the greatest and most dedicated teachers. Look how long all of the teachers have worked at Hands On Art & Play!
Thank you, you are wonderful!"-Jennifer
Serena 2001, Kathy 2003, Julie 2005, Paula 2007, Vikki 2008, Michelle 2009, Logan 2009,Veronica 2011 Emma 2011!

Teacher Paula
Paula started teaching at Hands On in 2006. Paula has worked for the last 6 years with children and loves it. She enjoys spending time outside, and with her degree in horticulture, the kids will get a lot of garden time.

Teacher Michelle

Teacher Vikki

Vikki has been teaching art to children for over 20 years as both an educator and volunteer in local schools, both public and private. She has taught Messy Art and Art Adventures at Multnomah Art Center since 2008. She makes a difference in children’s lives by giving them the tools to create and explore through a variety of artistic mediums. Vikki studied both art and education at PCC, PSU and Pacific Northwest College of Art. In her words, “Working with children keeps me connected to the universe, watching their faces light up at each new discovery

Monet Classroom- Ages 2.5 to 3.5

Teachers Kathy & Serena will continue to teach the Monet class Tuesdays & Thursdays.
Teachers Julie & Serena will teach Mondays & Wednesdays & Fridays.

Teacher Serena
Serena began working at Hands On in fall 2001. Before Hands On, Serena cared for neighborhood children, and helped to teach ceramics and science classes.

Teacher Kathy
Kathy studied early childhood education at Portland Community College and worked as the teacher of a toddler room at a childcare center. Kathy then operated her own home daycare for children ages 3 months to 5 years for four years. Kathy began working at Hands On in the fall of 2003.

Teacher Julie
Julie Has a BA in anthropology from University of Oregon. She has worked with children ages 18 months to 6 years old in a Montessori school, and also works part time at Finnegan's toy store. Julie started at Hands On in 2006.

Teacher Veronica

Veronica has an undergraduate degree from the University of Saskatchewan. Since moving to Portland 4 years ago she has volunteered with Girl Scouts both as a Leader and at Summer Day Camp. It was in spending a summer week with 3- and 4-year olds that she realized how much fun she has with that age group. Veronica is the proud Mom to Juliana and Jackson, both Abernethy Elementary students. Jackson is a graduate of Hands On. Veronica enjoys walkiing, reading and cooking.

Teacher Veronica

Teacher Iris

Growing Arts Music and Movemnet Class

Jumping, spinning, leaping, soaring - so many ways to move! Join Growing Arts movement educator Iris Nason for an engaging creative dance experience. Children learn body awareness and creative self expression while connecting with their friends as they sing, sign, stretch, dance and play! Iris will visit each class on alternating Tuesdays and Wednesdays.