Our Team

  • Jeanne Anderson

    I’m Teacher Jeanne.  I’ve been working with children for over 50 years.  I have a degree in early childhood education, raised three children of my own while running a nationally accredited home childcare, directed two large childcare centers, and taught elementary school for 18 years. 

    Now I am privileged to operate a certified child care home where I get to interact with my grandchildren, and other children ages 18 months to 6 six years, and share their wonder and excitement. 

    After hours I enjoy spending time with family, going to the beach, sewing, and dreaming up new experiences for children.  

  • Nicole Hess

    I have 25 years of experience working with children and families birth to age 5. I have a son who is three years old. I love seeing children learn new things and reach milestones. I also love doing messy art projects, science activities, and music with children.

    When not at Thriving Wildflowers, I enjoy spending time with my family , reading, hiking, playing board games, and watching movies.

  • Iris Salazar

    I have over 16 years experience in early childhood education. I have always enjoyed working with children and hope to grow more working here at Thriving Wildflowers.

    I love to explore the world and have been to many countries around the world. I love fashion and experimenting with my look . I am a proud dog mama of two mix dachshunds. I enjoy different creative activities from painting, sewing, drawing, clay work, jewelry making etc.

  • Shanna Zongo

    Child care seems to be in my blood. When I was young, my mom ran a home child care so she could be home with me and my siblings. When I was old enough, I started babysitting and enjoyed it immensely. During high school I served as a camp counselor for Outdoor School. I also volunteered in my mom’s class at Winterhaven Elementary.

    I always enjoyed drawing and decided to go to college at SCAD in Savannah Georgia where I earned a degree in graphic art. I design fabric and specialize in floral paintings. When I decided to start a family, I took a corporate job at Dove Lewis in the HR department and was there for about five years.

    Recently, I gave that up and joined my mom, Jeanne, at Thriving Wildflowers where I am happy to be working with her and our wonderful staff and families.

  • Julie Perez

    I was born and raised in Portland. I have two grown children and a puppy named Dahlia. I started watching kids when I was 13. I have been in childcare for over 15 years. I knew then that this is what I wanted to do. Watching children grow and learn is so rewarding. I love seeing their excitement as they learn things. I love doing art projects and simple science with the kids.

    On my free time I love watching scary movies, trying new recipes and taking Dahlia for walks.

    “Play is our brain’s favorite way of learning” Diane Ackerman

  • Zoey Lahey Murphy

    I have been working with children ages 1-14 over the past 5 years. I am currently a social work student at Portland State University, studying to be a school social worker.  I love helping children discover their capabilities, creating engaging activities, and simply having fun with the kiddos.

    To me, Thriving Wildflowers acts as an amazing way for me to be active in my community, while also gaining experience and learning about the field that brings me passion and joy. 

    When I am not at Thriving Wildflowers or playing with my chihuahua, Prince, you can find me roller skating, sewing, watching movies, going to the river, and studying.