Hedgehog Hideaway

Pre-K

WELCOME TO HEDGEHOG HIDEAWAY!

At Hedgehog Hideaway, play is at the heart of everything we do. Through both free choice and teacher-guided activities, children discover the world around them while engaging in hands-on literacy, math, and science experiences each day.

Our classroom also nurtures social and emotional growth, giving children opportunities to build confidence, practice cooperation, and form lasting friendships.

Throughout the year, we encourage independence by practicing daily routines like clean-up, circle time, and self-care skills. These small but meaningful responsibilities help children feel capable, proud, and an important part of the classroom community.

We can’t wait to partner with you in supporting your child’s growth and learning, and we’re excited to welcome your family into the Little Acorn community!

Meet the Teachers

  • LEAD TEACHER

    The vast majority of my work experience has been working with children and families in some capacity since 2008. I previously taught Pre K and coordinated an afterschool program while in college. Eventually I moved on to become and paraprofessional for Vancouver Public Schools while finishing up my BA in Human Development and Psychology at WSUV. In 2016 I began working and supporting families and students as a Family-Community Resource Coordinator. I gained so much knowledge about how to support the whole child and it was very rewarding.

    Once Covid hit in 2020 I made the tough choice to stay home with two daughters to keep them safe and healthy. I have three children! Emmy and Zoe are Little Acorn graduates and Max will be starting at Little Acorn this year. I’m so excited to not only be a parent in this community but also working with students and families as well. It’s a great place to be that takes me back to my early childhood roots!

  • ASSISTANT TEACHER

    Hi! I’m Devan and I could not be more happy to be here at Little Acorn, assisting Sally in the Hedgehog Hideaway.

    I always knew I wanted to work with children, as I love to see them grow and see their excitement at every new experience. It makes the world feel much more magical. I started working with children as a dance teacher as early as I possibly could. This will be my seventh year as a teacher in that capacity.

    While teaching dance, I also spent a year as a nanny while earning my general studies Associates degree at Clark College.

    I knew I wanted to do more though. I wanted to be with the kids more each day so that I could care for them when they needed it, as well as foster their social and emotional development on a personal level.

    Before I could get to that point, I moved to Pittsburgh, PA for a few years. I got my Bachelor of Arts in Dance with a minor in Psychology at Point Park University. I fell in love with the child development aspect of psychology, and after graduation, I spent a year as a preschool teacher in Pittsburgh. During that time in Pittsburgh, I met my wonderful husband, Ethan

    Over this past summer, I moved back to Vancouver and got married, all in the same month. It was absolute chaos, but also so beautiful. Ethan and I also have a sweet miniature Australian shepherd named Nova who keeps life interesting.

    Right after moving back here, I found the Little Acorn community and have loved being a part of this new adventure at the Pines Campus. I have felt welcomed by everyone here and consider it an immense blessing.

    I am beyond grateful to the parents who have entrusted us with their children and I’m looking forward to a wonderful year filled with curiosity, laughter, and learning through play.