Founder & Directress

Tamara D. Ulrich

Tammy has been committed to making a difference for children and families for more than 25 years. She is dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing educational environment, based on the Montessori method and education for peace. 

Tammy's introduction to Montessori began at the age of 2 1/2 at Wee Wisdom Montessori School.  She had wanted to start a school for young children as far back as she can remember -- except for the time when she was going to be a movie star or ballerina.  Tammy has a deep belief that we can change our world through how we educate and care for our children.  It is important to her that children know they are cared for, enjoy learning and have the means to develop to their fullest -- knowing they can make a positive difference in the world. She began Child’s View Montessori School for this purpose.  

Tammy began Child's View when her youngest daughter, who is now married, was 2 1/2.  A few years later, her son was born and grew up at the school as well.  She now has four incredible children in a blended family with her husband, Don.  Creating and maintaining a strong family where each person feels loved, honored and nurtured is Don & Tammy's number one priority.  For fun and relaxation she enjoys time spent with family and friends, the outdoors, camping, kayaking, scuba diving/snorkeling, tropical vacations, yoga and meditation.  

Tammy  has over 25 years experience in Montessori education.  She holds Montessori Teaching Certifications from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) and the St. Nicholas Training Center for the Montessori Method of Education. She has her Master’s Degree in Human Studies, a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development, and a Certificate of Achievement in Child Development-Montessori. Tammy is a past president of the Oregon Montessori Association and has served as Co-chair of the Oregon Season for Nonviolence Task Force.  

Administrator

Beverly Bassett       

Beverly first came to Child's View in 1999.  She began as the Yellow Classroom Guide, then moved into the Office as an Administrator the summer of 2003.  Beverly was introduced to Montessori when her eldest son was working at Child's View in the Aftercare program.  As he shared stories about his work, she asked so many questions that for Mother's Day he gave her two marvelous books:  "The Secret of Childhood" and "The Absorbent Mind", both by Maria Montessori.  These books opened her heart and mind to a vision she had held naturally in the upbringing of her own two sons.  When she encountered a cooperative program in Montessori while working on her Bachelor's degree in Human Studies, she left her career in finance and jumped at the opportunity to finish her degree with the inclusion of an AMI Montessori diploma.  

Beverly believes that children are the seeds of our society.  For the world to change and become peaceful, it must start with those seeds.  Her goal is to make a small difference in a big world.  Her small difference is to contribute to a more peaceful society by giving children a world embracing vision that supports peace and helps them to develop to the fullest potential that honors each one's individual spirit.  

Beverly was born in Hyannis, MA and grew up with sand between her toes and ocean bathes!  After graduation she married Robert Bassett.  They have two children, both of which are former Child's View employees.  Beverly received her Associates Degree in Business Management and worked in retail and banking for 15 years.  She moved to Oregon in 1993.  In 1998 she received her BA in Human Studies from Marylhurst College and her AMI Montessori Teaching Certification.  She enjoyed four wonderful years guiding children in the Yellow room.  She is active in the Bahai Community as a Children's Education Teacher and local Spiritual Assembly Member.  Beverly performs musical diversity programs with her husband, Robert and family.  She is the proud grandmother of two granddaughters and a grandson!  

School Accountant

Janice Mayer

Janice Mayer has been a part of Child’s View since the early days.  As a member of the Church we are housed in, Janice was instrumental in gaining agreement for a space for the school to lease.  Her youngest daughter began at Child’s View just before our move from the Markham School to the Church in 1990.  Janice’s older daughter also attended a Montessori School.

Janice’s primary role has been that of Accountant.  Over the years, however, she has been part of the school in some degree or another in every way imaginable, from Accountant to chief nose wiper to fixer upper to a shoulder to lean on to Assistant Administrator.  She has a huge heart and is a major support to the school. 

Classroom Teachers

All classroom Guides have training and certification in the Montessori method of education.  Montessori Assistants and Teachers of the Before & After Care program have education and/or experience in early childhood education. First Aid and CPR certification is required for all primary staff members. A criminal record check through Children's Services is required on all staff.  

Dove Room Guide

Joline Bassett

Joline came to Child's View the summer of 2004 as our Summer Guide, then joined the then Blue Classroom as a Co-teacher that Fall.  Fall 2006 she became the lead Guide.

Dove Room Assistant Teacher

& Summer Elementary Teacher

Jessica Garrett

Jessica has always wanted to teach young children.  After growing up in her grandmother's small in-home daycare, and then having the opportunity to work with various age groups at a childcare facility her mom ran in Spanaway, WA, she found her passion.  In the fall of 2001, she moved to Portland to attend Cascade College.  She decided to try to branch out during her first semester and see if there was any other career/field she might be interested in, however, she missed working with children so much that she quickly declared her major in Education.  In the spring of 2005, Jessica graduated from Cascade College with a Bachelors of Science in Education, with her Early Childhood and Elementary certificates.  About that time, a good friend of hers began working at a Montessori school and sharing her experiences with Jessica.  In March of 2006, Jessica began working at Child's View as the School Assistant and absorbing as much of the Montessori philosophy as possible.  In August of 2006 she took the Assistants training at the Montessori Institute NW and is now the Assistant Montessori Teacher with Joline in the Dove Room.  

Jessica worked with the Summer Elementary Program in 2007 & 2008, and we're looking forward to Summer 2009. 

In her spare time, Jessica loves to do art of just about any kind, read, and go to the various fine art performances offered here in Portland!

Crane Room Guide

Rochelle Holmberg 

Rochelle came to Child's View during the summer of 2006 as a Substitute in the primary program before joining the then Yellow Classroom as lead Guide in the fall.  This year Rochelle leads our All Day Montessori program.

Her first experience in the Montessori Children's House was as a child in Eugene, Oregon where she attended Far Horizons.  Since then she has recognized the peacefulness and love of learning that her first school fostered in her.  Rochelle was formally reintroduced to the Montessori philosophy in the fall of 2004 when she took the AMI Primary Teacher Training Course in Portland. After completing the course, she earned an M.Ed. in Montessori Education from Loyola College in Maryland. She also has a BA in Music from the University of Puget Sound.

Rochelle especially loves seeing the joy on children's faces when they realize their capabilities. While not working with children, Rochelle enjoys cooking with local and organic foods, crafting wearables and playing the violin in community orchestras.