Maura Milder has been a member of the Portland community for over 13 years. Her early Portland years were as a college and university student, achieving a master’s degree from Portland State University in Educational Leadership and Policy. Maura was born in Boston, MA and raised in Santa Fe, NM, where she discovered her love for learning and the environment by living sustainably off grid with her family.

Having over a decade of early education experience, Maura brings curiosity and wonder to her teaching. She has over three years of experience developing and writing curriculum for children 12-60 months, and over seven years of experience teaching preschool and ecology. Harnessing these experiences, Maura designed Montavilla Preschool with the mission of cultivating young learners to feel empowered, inspired, and supported throughout their personal journey of early learning. She loves getting little ones outdoors and learning through sensory experiences, whether that be through craft, nature discovery, or play.

When Maura is not teaching, she spends her time running, hiking, homesteading, meditating, and enjoying the beauty of the Pacific Northwest with friends.