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.

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.

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! 

Hi there! My name is Teacher Ren and I live at home with my boyfriend and my mini Lionhead bunny, Leo. He's a grumpy little bunny, but oh so cute! Some of my favorite things include reading, mermaids, coffee, and sloths. I earned a CDA degree from Mt. Hood Community College in 2015. I have been teaching since 2017 with ages 6 months to 6 years. I have been at Belmont Academy since 2019 and have enjoyed working with both Preschool and Pre-K. Teaching is my passion, and I am so glad for the opportunity to watch these kiddos learn and grow! 

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! 

 Hello, I am Rae or teacher Rae! I am originally from the bay area but moved to Portland to attend Portland State 8 years ago! I have been in childcare for 5 years, and at Belmont Academy for over 2 years and love it. I have two dogs, a basset puppy named Lucy, and basset/dachshund named snickles. I love the sunset, coffee, and collaging! It is an absolute honor and brings me so much joy to witness your children laugh, play, learn, and grow! Thanks so much for trusting me with your kiddos :) 

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 

Hi I'm Michelle, I have worked in child care for over 20 years with a long stint of time at Volunteers of America. Where I worked with children of varying ages, abilities and diverse backgrounds. I started at Belmont Academy in January 2023 as a float and have settled into the Infant room but you will still see me help out around the whole school. I enjoy reading and watching Netflix in  my free time.

Hello! I'm Dora AKA Grandma,

I've been baking and cooking at home since I was 10 years old and been in the food service industry since I was 16. I stared as a dish washer and have been a baker, kitchen manager, and sous chef in a variety of facilities from memory care to assisted living. I loved working with that population, but decided I'd rather celebrate the beginning of lives than the end of life, and started looking into preschools. In June of 2022, I joined the Belmont family and haven't looked back since. I consider the people I work with family and I think of your children as my grandchildren. I'm a mother and grandmother and enjoy time with my family. I'm a bit of a cat lady, but also enjoy reading, art projects, lazy days at the river, music and relaxing with friends.