Administration
Dr. Velvet Cooley
she/her/hers
Director
velvet.cooley@pcc.edu
Education
- Doctorate in teacher leadership from Concordia University
- Master’s in educational leadership from Concordia University
- Bachelor of Science in Social Science with an Early Childhood Education Certificate from Portland State University
A little about me
I have been in the early childhood education field for over 30 years. I owned my own daycare business when my first two children were small. After all four of my children entered school, I became a preschool teacher and director for a private preschool for 7 years. I transitioned into Head Start as a teacher for 6 years and upper management for 5 years at Mt. Hood Community College. Following Mt. Hood Community College, I was the Chief Operating Officer for a non-profit early childhood program for 4 1/2 years. Now, I have the privilege of serving at Portland Community College as the director and faculty in Early Childhood Education. I am passionate about nature-based learning and making sure every child has access to high-quality educational services.
I was born and raised in Oregon. I love being in the woods or on the water. My family is my priority and I love spending time with them.
Astrid Kizilelma
she/her/hers
Senior Office Assistant
astrid.kizilelma@pcc.edu
Education
- Associate of Applied Science in Interior Design.
- Interior Furnishings, Design for Accessibility and Aging in Place, Kitchen and Bath Certificates from Portland Community College
A little about me
I have been working in the Child Development Center as the Senior Office Assistant since 2023. My background is in E-Commerce and administration. Working for the Child Development Center has been a wonderful experience because I am able to work with such kind people who care about children.
I am from El Salvador and moved to Portland in 2007. I have a sweet three-year-old daughter named Sofi and have been married to Irfan for six years. Our family loves to go camping and have picnics in the park.