Wander in Wonder PDX
Meet Our Director
Responsible for managing and orchestrating the daily operation, family scholarships, employment; HR, interviewing, hiring, corrective action, termination, payroll hours, staff shifts and schedules, and family scheduling.
Rose Lopez-Avila (she/her)
I value the connection between home and school and strive to understand children by seeing the world through their eyes. I believe in seeing all people as complete individuals. My previous experience before starting Wander in Wonder includes: working as a Lead Teacher for four years, serving as an Education Coordinator for two years, and being Center Director for two years. I am enthusiastic about leadership and advocating for young children and early childhood educators. I am a Portland native and a mother to an amazing child. Together we enjoy going for walks, visiting the zoo, OMSI, and spending quality time together. Recently, I have been mastering my skill with indoor plants, and am becoming curious about outdoor gardening.
Meet Our Education Coordinator
Will oversee teaching staff with the site director, providing training, curriculum support, and behavior management. While supporting classrooms in maintaining the school philosophy. An education coordinator may substitute for the director(s) when absent.
Debra Saunders (she/her)
I earned my Associate's Degree in Early Education and Family Studies from Portland Community College in 2013. For several years, I worked as lead teacher in preschools that emphasized emergent curriculum and open-ended group play. My focus is on social-emotional support and family dynamics, as I believe the connection between home and school is crucial for a child's sense of security and consistency. I began my role as Education Coordinator for Wander In Wonder in 2023, and I'm excited to grow as a leader in teacher coaching and program management. I'm a native of Denver, Colorado, but I've lived in Oregon since 2001 and consider myself a proud Portlander. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my family and pets, camping, hiking, listening to music, dancing, reading, and learning how to play guitar and piano.
