Our Story

As a young child, I always dreamed of being a teacher. Although I envisioned elementary school, my path slowly lead me to where I truly belong, and that's early childhood education. 

I started my journey as a child care substitute in the San Francisco bay area. After only a month of subbing, I landed a position at a small preschool in Palo Alto, California in 2005. I loved it so much that I took a full time job while being a full time student at San Jose State University. I commuted to San Jose State mid-shift to take classes, then returned to work to finish the day! 

Funny enough, I didn't major in Child Development. I had started taking classes in the field, but living in the Silicon Valley, I convinced myself that I needed to aim towards a Business degree. However, wanting to educate myself more in the field I was working, I also took night classes in Child Development. I now have an equivalent to a B.A. in Early Childhood Education, in addition to my formal B.A. in Communication and Business. 

Although its seemed imperative that I start a career in business, upon completing my degree in 2007, I couldn't bring myself to leave the preschool, and decided to stay one more year before looking for my new "business career." 

In 2008, my husband and I decided to move to Oregon. I quickly got a job at the Nike Child Development Center. Although I had thought I would eventually venture into the business side of things, fate had another plan for me. 

In 2009, we welcomed our first child (pictured above). When he was 10 months old, I longed to be with him, so I decided to leave Nike and start an in-home daycare. I was already a teacher, might as well do it from home with my own children! I was first licensed in 2011 as a registered in-home daycare, able to care for 6 kiddos. Fast forward 2 years, I had changed to a certified family in-home daycare, caring for 12 kids (in a 1300 square foot house!)

In 2014, I felt it was time to find a new "home" for Inch by Inch. After several months of searching, I stumbled across this discreet Craigslist post, for a "multi-use" space (pictured above). I won't lie- it needed some work. The first hoop was to change the occupancy with the city of Beaverton (this was a feat of it's own). However, when I saw their outdoor space, I was determined to make it work. The owners at the time occupied what is now our toddler classroom, and they worked with children and adolescents with special needs. However, this wasn't your average organization. They had built a "challenge course" (which we now call our playground)

on the property, utilizing the trees to build experimental education services for individuals with autism. There was even a zip line! It was surreal to say the least, to be able to share this amazing natural space, and it has only blossomed since we expanded to 100% occupancy. 

In 2018, I was given the opportunity to occupy the other side of the building, and that is when we expanded and added our toddler/transition program. In 2019, I was beyond fortunate to be given the opportunity to purchase the property, and secure the future for Inch by Inch Child Development Center. 

It has been a journey to say the least, but there is nowhere I would rather be, and nothing I would rather do. Working with young children is beyond rewarding, and allows me to be the silly person I am- while I work! Silliness aside, I take this field very seriously. In order to be a successful educator, we need to understand not only development, but the psychology of the child brain. I also consider myself to be very empathetic, and I have a extraordinary memory of what it was like being a child. And because I remember being a child, I know that children need a space where they are met with compassion, understanding, and opportunities to build all the skills! I also know that learning should be FUN! 

Thank you for reading. =)