Crescere Kids Early Childhood Center
"A ministry that honors all children's learning styles so they may learn and experience the world in ways they understand"

Teachers/Staff

Phyllis has resided in the Portland area for 39 years. She worked for 17 years in the optical wholesale industry before moving to Portland. While her children were young she did extensive volunteering with the Red Cross, church and Aid Association for Lutherans. For the past 14 years Phyllis has served as the registrar, secretary and financial administrator for Prince of Peace Preschool and Kindergarten, in Portland, OR. Phyllis has a daughter and a son who live in the Portland area with their families. In addition to serving on the Board of Directors, she serves as registrar and financial secretary for Crescere Kids Early Childhood Center.She is also an organist at Bethlehem Lutheran Church. Phyllis finds joy in working with the children and the families who visit and attend the center. 


Sheryl has resided in the Beaverton/Portland area for 47 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Psychology and a Masters of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from George Fox University.
She worked as a teacher at Prince of Peace Preschool and Kindergarten, in Portland, OR, for 19 years and as Preschool and Kindergarten Director at the school for 4 years.
Sheryl is a Stephen Minister Leader and has served as Discussion Leader in Bible Study Fellowship. She has been involved in Sunday school classes, Vacation Bible School and midweek children’s programs for many years.
In addition to serving on the Board of Directors of Crescere Family Ministries, she is currently teaching classes at Crescere Kids Early Childhood Center and works as a marriage and family therapist at William Temple House and as a qualified mental health professional in Marion and Yamhill counties. .
Sheryl sees early childhood education as an opportunity to help children discover the joy of new friends and community, to begin a lifelong love of learning, and to build and nurture their faith life. She believes children are the foundation of the future and that by supporting children and their families through the early childhood years we help strengthen the family unit now and our country in the future.


Liz Skinner, born and raised in Scotland, has resided in the Portland/Beaverton area for eight years. She holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Theology from International Christian College, Glasgow, Scotland. Before becoming the mother of three children, she worked in Child Evangelism Fellowship, Gospel Literature Outreach and as an Outreach coordinator at the college. Liz has coordinated and led children’s clubs in church settings and worked along side the pastor to reach out to families. She also did extensive small group and individual work in disciplining new Christians. She teaches the threes and fours preschool classes Crescere Kids Early Childhood Center and as a volunteer at Oak Hills Elementary School. Liz’s vision for the future is to work with children and their families. She believes that children are the church of today not tomorrow. Liz is currently on a leave of absence.


Michelle  Wakeling was born here in Portland, Oregon. She graduated from Portland State University in 2003 with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing and Advertising Management. She taught the Pre-Kindergarten Class at Prince of Peace Preschool in Portland for 4 years. Currently she serves on the Board of Directors of Crescere Family Ministries and works as a substitute at the preschool.


Gina Turnbull has resided in the Portland area for 23 years. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing and Advertising from Portland State University. Throughout high school and college she volunteered at daycare centers. She worked as a department manager for 4 years at Nordstrom's. In addition to teaching preschool at Crescere Kids Early Childhood Center, she also owns her own advertising company, FreeTime Media, with Michelle Wakeling. Gina loves teaching and interacting with children.