Directors

Hi, my name is Rukia. I was born in Kenya, but raised in Portland. I grew up in a big household with 15 nephews/nieces and counting! I have over 8 years of experience working with children, so I'm pretty used to being around children of all ages. I love traveling, going out to eat, binge watching shows, listening to music, and spending time with the ones that I care about.

Meagan returned to Portland in 2025, bringing over a decade of dedicated experience in early childhood education. She began her journey at Belmont Academy as a preschool teacher before finding her true passion in our infant room, where she loves fostering a warm and secure environment for our youngest learners. Outside of the classroom, Meagan loves traveling to warm, sunny destinations with her son, as well as exploring Portland's vibrant spots with family and friends on weekends.

Hi there friends! My name is Hannah. I was born and raised right here in Portland, Oregon. I graduated from Parkrose High School in 2016 and started working at Belmont soon after. While growing up my parents also hosted foster children so I have been around children all my life. I knew I wanted to work with children. A few things I really enjoy are being a mom to my daughter Kalessia, being with my family, and shopping! I look forward to helping your children grow and getting to know your family. 

Hi everyone!

My name is Cristina. 

I have lived in Portland for the past 29 years. I have two wonderful adult sons and three grandchildren ages 12, 7 and 4 years old, who are the love of my life.

I have worked in child care for the past 7 years, and I love my job.

In my free time, I like to travel, dance, hike and go on long walks, as well as cooking Mexican and middle eastern foods.

It is my honor, privilege and pleasure to take care of your child here at Belmont Academy.

Sandy has been a vital part of the Belmont Academy community for over 20 years, bringing a wealth of experience across all age groups from infants to school-age children. Over the years, she found her true niche with toddlers, where her gentle and consistent teaching style helps young learners thrive. Sandy is passionate about curriculum planning and creating engaging classroom experiences. Sandy has two sons who are proud Belmont alumni! In her free time, she enjoys going to the beach and listening to music, especially Taylor Swift.

Hello! My name is Aurora, I have lived in Portland for over 5 years. Before that I lived in St. Helens with my family. I’ve worked in childcare for 9 years! For several of those years, I worked for Kindercare and had the chance to get to know and help a lot of children/families inside and outside of the school (I babysit a lot). I love providing creative activities for the kids and joining them in it too! Who doesn’t love arts and crafts? I also love getting to spend time just playing with the kids and being silly. Nothing makes me happier than to see the kids laughing and having fun! I look forward to getting to know everyone here and becoming apart of the village that helps keep the kids growing and happy! 

My name is Karen Liveta, I was born and raised in the Philippines. I moved to Oregon in 2007. I started working for Belmont in 2008. Belmont Academy has helped me grow as a teacher and Early Childhood Educator. I love doing art work with the kids, and making creative projects and bulletin boards. During my free time, I like to shop with my family and cook with my daughters. I look forward to taking care of your children! 

Teacher Ren has been a beloved part of Belmont Academy since 2019, working with our Preschool and Pre-K kiddos. She earned her CDA from Mt. Hood Community College in 2015 and has been teaching since 2017. For Ren, teaching is a true passion, and she loves watching her students discover the world around them. At home, Ren lives with her boyfriend and her adorably grumpy mini Lionhead bunny, Leo! When she isn't in the classroom, you can find her enjoying a good cup of coffee, reading, or collecting anything related to mermaids and sloths.

Emily joined the Belmont Academy team in 2023, bringing with her a Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. She quickly adapted to our Pre-K classroom, proving herself to be a kind, fair, and structured educator. Our students thrive under her balanced approach to learning. Outside of school, Emily loves getting lost in a good book and raising pets alongside her husband.

Hi, my name is Debbie Pruett.
I grew up right here in Portland.  I received my associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education in 1988.
I have been working with children for almost 40 years.  I have worked with almost every age.  I was an Infant teacher for 3 years, a preschool teacher for 10 years, and over 25 years in School Age.
It brings me great joy to help children along their educational / life journey.  I love to see that moment when they realize they understand something.
On the personal side.  My only children have fur and a tail.  I am a total cat mom.  I love nature and music.  In my down time I enjoy sewing/needlepoint and making jewelry.

Hey there, I'm Aven! I was born and raised in the Portland Metro area and I've been in childcare for 3+ years, on and off. I am the oldest of now 7 grandchildren and my love for childcare definitely started with them. From my cousins, to sixth graders at outdoor school, to preschoolers, to elementary schoolers, I've adopted the holistic Montessori approach to teaching. I am a firm believer in teaching children to have the confidence to be independent, to develop their self worth through encouraging self exploration. I find strength in providing children the capacity to believe in themselves and further create an enriching and diverse community. I cannot thank Belmont enough for letting our kids just be kids and let them take life at the pace they are most comfortable with without scrutiny. To say I find joy in my job would be an understatement. 

Keeley Love is from Montana, where she couldn’t wait to start dancing at age 3. She attended the Northwest Ballet School and danced with the Northwest Ballet Company until attending the University of Montana, where she completed her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Dance, Choreography and Performance. While there, she was a guest artist and performed professionally for several companies, including The Caravan and Garden City Ballet.  

After graduating college, Keeley explored the dance world in Seattle and Los Angeles before settling in Portland. Locally, she has danced with Polaris, Skinner/Kirk Ensemble, and was a founding member of Bouand Dance Company. She previously instructed creative dance through adult ballet at The Portland Ballet, and has also worked as a kickboxing instructor.

Keeley has a three-year-old son and loves being a mom. She is very excited to meet and dance with your little ones here at the Belmont Academy! 

 Hi my name is Jess (they/them)! I have been working with kids since my first job in high school where I was at a community center. After graduating high school in 2020 it took me some time to figure out what I wanted to do, and after trying several things I eventually found my way back to childcare. I found that I really love teaching and helping my students grow into their best selves! I am currently getting my bachelor's in elementary education, with a focus on special education. 

Hello! My name is Teacher Arleth or Arleth. I've loved working with kids since I was 10, and my journey started with child development classes in high school, where I fell in love with understanding how children learn and discovering different strategies to support them. I'm currently working on my associate's degree in early childhood education and plan to continue my higher education. My biggest hope is that every student feels the uniqueness and beauty that they bring to the world.

Hi everyone, I’m McKenzie! I’m in college studying to be a Kindergarten teacher so having the opportunity to work at Belmont with all your wonderful children has been an amazing experience.

Dora (affectionately known as "Grandma") joined the Belmont Academy family in June 2022 as our chef. Her passion for the culinary arts began at age 10, and she entered the food service industry at 16. Over her rich career, Dora has served as a baker, kitchen manager, and sous chef across various facilities, including memory care and assisted living. Ready for a meaningful change of pace, she transitioned to early childhood education to celebrate and nourish children at the very beginning of their journeys. Dora considers the Belmont staff her family and treats every student like her own grandchild. A proud mother and grandmother, Dora enjoys reading, art projects, lazy days by the river, music, relaxing with friends, and spending time with her beloved cats.