Butterfly
Our classroom
Our teachers
Julie Crocker
Senior Child Development Specialist Mentor Teacher
she/her/hers
julie.crocker@pcc.edu
Education
- Bachelor’s of Science, Psychology and History, Portland State University
- Master’s of Teaching, Early Childhood and Elementary, University of Portland
A little about me
I have been working as a Senior Child Development Specialist/ Mentor Teacher since January 2020, but I have been working full time in education for over 25 years. I began my journey at PCC as the mentor teacher in the older toddler room and in 2023 I became mentor teacher for one of our preschool rooms, the Butterfly Room. I have worked with ages 12 weeks to 12 years, but my focus and majority of my career has been with toddlers through kindergarten. I am so happy to be a part of the wonderful team of ECE teachers and staff. I also really enjoy the part of my job being a mentor teacher to the ECE practicum students. However, I feel the best part of my job is working with and supporting children and families.
As an early childhood educator I am passionate about children’s literature, social justice, and having a play based classroom with an anti-bias curriculum. I also love bringing in natural materials, loose parts and recycled materials to the classroom for the children to explore. I love being outside as much as possible with children and bringing activities outside whenever we can. Toddler rooms are such a special place because of their joy in discovering, exploring, creating, singing, dancing, and building. I feel it is a privilege to be a part of this amazing stage of development in a child’s life.
I am a native Oregonian. I was born and raised in Portland. I have two grown daughters, Amanda and Caitlin. I currently live in Beaverton with my husband, John and our two cats. I love spending time with my family and friends. I also love visiting new spots in the Pacific Northwest and wherever my daughters may be living.
Erika Gomez Lopez
Child Development Specialist
she/her/hers
erika.gomezlopez@pcc.edu
Education
- CDA Portland Community College
- Current PCC student, Early Education and Family Studies AAS
A little about me
My name is Erika Gomez Lopez. I am a Child Development Specialist in the Butterfly Classroom Room at the PCC Sylvania Child Development Center, and a current PCC student in the Early Education and Family Studies Program.
Originally from Mexico, I have been living in Oregon for 7 years. I have 6 years of experience working with infants, toddlers and preschoolers. I started babysitting when I was 15 years old and after completing high school, I decided that I want to be part of a community where I can help children and families.
In the year 2020 I started taking ECE courses and working with children. I am now passionate about providing high-quality educational experiences for all children. I believe that each child is unique and they are capable learners. I hope to build strong relationships and trust with all of our children. I love to see them explore, grow, and use their imagination while playing.
I have a daughter named Achsah. My husband and I like to play musical instruments, we like to spend time outside playing soccer and tennis, and spend time with family and friends.
Christy Chan
Child Development Specialist
she/her/hers
chiyanchristy.chan@pcc.edu
Education
- Associate of Applied Science, Early Childhood Education – Portland Community College
- Early Childhood Education Child Care Aide Certificate – Portland Community College
A little about me
Hi! My name is Christy Chan. I am from Hong Kong! I speak Cantonese, Mandarin and English. I obtained my Associate degree and certificate in the Early Childhood Education field from PCC. I have also had my practicum and worked as a sub teacher in PCC CDC before, and now I am working as a Child Development Specialist in PCC CDC. I am so glad to be a part of the PCC CDC family. Educating children is a passion for me, not only to help them achieve their academic goals but also for their physical and mental development. I am a mom with two lovely children. As a mother, I wish my children would grow up with a happy childhood and they would feel optimistic about their future. Therefore, giving a safe, healthy, peaceful, and joyful environment for children to learn and grow is what I value.
When I was outside the class, I loved to spend time with my husband and kids. It could be a playground visit, or shopping for groceries. It can be a chill day at home or attending church services. I feel really joyful and thankful to be with my family.