Teachers
Claire Lundy, Lead Teacher
My passion for nature, knowledge and the gifts our world provides to us started at a young age. Wanting to share this passion, it was very early in my academic career that I knew I wanted to contribute to the education of children. Frustrated by the lack of support children received from the public education system, I was reluctant to study conventional education in its current state, and decided that developmental psychology would better inform my future work with children. I graduated from the University of Washington in 2012 with a Bachelor’s degree in psychology. Attracted to the transformative nature of the preschool age group, I began working in a Montessori Preschool, and became inspired by the beauty in watching young children grow naturally and holistically into independent, peaceful beings.
With an AMI certified diploma as a primary Montessori guide and a Masters in Montessori education, I am ready to create and support a peaceful and loving environment where children can grow to their fullest potential. When not basking in the authenticity of children, I love balancing my life with adventurous activities, like playing rugby and trail running, with more meditative activities, such as yoga and gardening.
Emily Saxton, Teacher
I joined the Frog Song family in January of 2022 and am continually thrilled by the way we embrace every child for who they are in each moment, and for the strong connection our campus creates between the children, the inside and outside environments, and the seasons. Having muddled through an educational system that rarely felt quite right, I’m so proud to be part of a community that sets a strong emotional, educational, and social foundation for children.
A Pacific Northwest Native, I graduated from the University of Massachusetts in Boston, and I am a proud graduate of Montessori Northwest’s Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) Primary training.
While not at school, I spend an undue amount of my spare time trying to improve my ‘Montessori craftiness’, finding adventures with my wife and our five-year old daughter, enjoying Portland’s amazing parks and public swimming pools, taking fast walks with friends and slow walks with family, and listening to podcasts while rearranging furniture. I am a big, big reader, and always love to hear what books have piqued school families’ interests.
Special Activity Teachers
Sophie Enloe, Music Teacher
I began my formal musical training with piano lessons at the age of six and began learning the violin two years later. However, my musical education began long before then, as singing and movement were part of daily life in my family. Now, as a Suzuki violin teacher, professional musician and music educator, I’m keenly aware of the value of this early exposure to music.
I’ve taught music to children ages 4 and up at my Suzuki violin studio since 2013. As a violinist/fiddler, I’ve toured and recorded with a number of folk, country and old-time bands, and taught both children and adults at music festivals and workshops. I successfully completed my training with the Center for Music and Young Children in July 2015 and have taught for Music Together of Portland. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to combine my passion for music and love of working with young children in this way.
Kakumyo Lowe-Charde, Tumbling
Kakumyo considers himself fortunate to teach tumbling at Frog Song each week. He has been a monk at Dharma Rain for 20 years, a teacher for 10, and is now the abbot of the temple. He has enjoyed a lifelong fascination with movement, and enjoys qigong, time in the wild, and performing acrobatics with a circus troupe. His innate sense of play translates very easily to 3-4 year olds.
Administrative Staff
Shin’yu Vitells, Program Director
I’ve been a monk at Dharma Rain since 2014, devoting much of my time to working with our children’s programs. As head of the Dharma Garden Council, which oversees programs for youth and families, and Program Director for Frog Song, I have the great joy of watching how children thrive in an environment where they feel safe, respected and appreciated for who they are. When not busy with temple activities, I’m usually with family, and delight in learning about the wonders of the world with my grandchildren.
Molly Bailen, Program Coordinator
A mindfulness meditation practitioner and multi-creative, Molly comes to Frog Song with a background in graphic design, non-profit program coordination, and media production.
In her spare time, Molly enjoys creating and editing podcasts, learning new languages, and finding the perfect macaroni and cheese.