Directors

Hello! As a native Portlander I am happy to be able to serve the families of SE Portland. I have worked at Belmont Academy since 1999. I started in the Preschool class and transitioned to the Assistant Director in 2000. I was fortunate enough to explore all classrooms and gained an understanding of the developmental needs of all ages. In 2019, I became the Director and I am dedicated to building our Belmont community and creating a fun and inclusive environment where all are welcome. I have two boys, ages 15 and 11, who were raised here at Belmont. It is truly a home away from home. 

Born and raised on Belmont Street itself, I knew Belmont Academy was going to be a great place for me to explore my passion for early childhood education. Working here since 2004, I've had the pleasure of working in most all classrooms. I especially love reading books, doing art projects and connecting with parents! I am a mother of three and like spending my free time reading, gardening, and cooking. Belmont was my first job and will probably be my last! 

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! I love traveling, lounging around watching tv and movies and spending time with my friends and family. Thanks so much! 

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 five 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 everyone!

My name is Cristina. 

I have lived in Portland for the past 27 years. I have two wonderful adult sons and three grandchildren ages 10, 5 and 2 years old, who are the love of my life.

I have worked in child care for the past 5 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’m 28 years young and have lived in Portland for 5 years. Before that I lived in St. Helens with my family (close to Portland). I’ve worked in childcare for 7.5 years! For 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! 

Hello my name is Jen. I have worked and lived in Oregon most of my life. I’ve been working in early childhood education for about 15 years and I love it. 

I’m currently working on my CDA. I have 8 cats, 3 stray cats, 1 dog and a bearded dragon. My other passion in life is animals.

In my spare time I love to read, watch movies and be outside in the sunshine.

I’m really excited about starting my new career at the Belmont Academy.

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 daughter. I look forward to taking care of your children! 

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 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! 

 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 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 m and divers 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.

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!