Floater teachers
Pinar Kaya Kucuk
Floater teacher
Education
- Business from Anadolu University, Turkey
- Portland Community College ESOL, Academic English
A little about me
My name is Pinar Kaya Kucuk, and I am a floater teacher at the PCC Child 沙巴体育官网ment Center. I am from Istanbul, Turkey. I worked as an advertising manager in the field of Marketing and Project Management between 2000 and 2015 in Turkey. I have been married since 2014 and have lived in Portland with my husband since 2018. I have always enjoyed being with children. It makes me happy to understand and help them as much as I can.
Ran Liu
she/her/hers
Floater teacher
Education
- M.A. Curriculum and Instruction, Portland State University, OR, US
- M.A. Linguistics and Applied Linguistics, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
- B.A. English Education, Capital Normal University, Beijing, China
A little about me
One summer evening, my family and I took a walk on PCC Sylvania Campus, and a beautiful childcare building caught our attention. It was the PCC CDC. One year later, my son was very lucky to be enrolled in this wonderful childcare with amazing teachers caring and supporting him. To help my son get used to his early days at school, I became a parent volunteer in his classroom. Besides translating for my son, I also got the opportunity to interact and play with his classmates. I enjoyed reading books, making play-dough, dressing up and role playing, building blocks, singing and dancing, doing math, writing letters, and so many other activities with the children. I also loved seeing their beautiful smiles and felt so spoiled in their hugs. That was when I realized I love working in the field of Early Childhood Education. Now I am a floater teacher working with different age groups. I cherish this opportunity very much and feel so honored to witness and celebrate the children’s progress and achievements in their early years. In my spare time, I enjoy swimming, hiking, and baking with my family and friends.
Sharon Fiser
she/her/hers
Floater teacher
Education
- AA Early Childhood Education, Portland Community College
A little about me
I retired from the PCC Child 沙巴体育官网ment Center after thirty-seven years in the classroom, working with toddlers, student teachers, and staff. I loved being a part of the lab school learning community. Children and adults learning and growing together is rewarding and special for all of us. I am grateful I get to continue working with the staff and families at the CDC as a floater teacher.
Outside of school, I spend my time creating a yard and garden that is full of surprises as the seasons change. I am also exploring essential oils and their amazing possibilities.
Alexis Benedict
Floater teacher
A little about me
Hi everyone! My name is?Alexis!
I was born and raised right here in the PNW. I’ve worked in childcare for a little over a year now as a floater teacher here at the CDC. I’m currently in my third year working towards my associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education here at PCC. In my spare time, when I’m not working at either of my jobs or doing school, I enjoy spending time with my friends and family, watching hockey and WWE, as well as taking walks with my two amazing dogs, Luca and Aria. I can’t wait to spend this year learning and growing with your children!
Cassie Mahoney
Floater teacher
Education
- BA Psychology/Sociology
- Master’s in Teaching
A little about me
I believe we are all lifelong learners, just at different ages and stages, and making new discoveries. I like a holistic approach to helping children flourish and succeed by making sure their social, emotional, and physical well-being needs are met. I want to create an environment that fosters respect, understanding, and a sense of justice among young learners.
I love to run and go to the gym. I am always open to doing something in nature, from skiing to hiking. Nature restores my energy and helps me be centered. I have two amazing teenagers. 18 and 16, who always teach me new things about myself and make me laugh uncontrollably.
Dina Selim
Floater teacher
Education
- Bachelor of Economics
A little about me
I am a certified early childhood educator with experience working with young children. I am dedicated to creating a warm, supportive, and engaging learning environment where every child feels safe, valued, and encouraged to learn. Bilingual in English and Arabic, I enjoy building strong relationships with children and families and am passionate about supporting children’s social, emotional, and academic development.
Paula Smith
Floater teacher
Education
- BS in Communications, Santiago, Chile
- ESOL Program, Academic English, PCC
- Associate of Applied Science in Early Childhood Education expected in April 2028, PCC
A little about me
I am Paula. I moved to Oregon 14 years ago from Chile, the southernmost country in South America. I joined the CDC in January 2026 as a Floater Assistant. What I love most about being here is the opportunity to help children explore the world while fostering their creativity and emotional growth. I have over 13 years of experience in Spanish Immersion programs, working with elementary students in the Tigard and Sherwood school districts. This spring, I am starting my Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education. When I’m not at work, I like gardening, hiking with my dogs, and reading.