Portia was born and raised in Santa Barbara. In 2010 she completed her BA in Early Childhood Education from Naropa University in Colorado, then in 2014 went on to earn her MA in Educational Psychology from University Colorado Denver and a state of Colorado teaching license for preschool through grade three. She was introduced to Waldorf education during her time at Naropa. Portia’s heart connection to this curriculum led to her first preschool teaching position at a Waldorf inspired in-home program in Boulder, Colorado. This experience inspired her to complete the Lifeways North America Early Childhood Certificate program as well as a year-long nature connection apprenticeship through Feet on the Earth Programs aimed at mentoring children in the outdoors. Portia worked in early childhood for seven years, teaching in Colorado, Qatar, Taiwan and most recently at Wild Roots Forest School in Santa Barbara. Her curriculum experience spans across Waldorf, Reggio Emilia, Forest School and International Baccalaureate programs and she has completed level one of the Academy of Forest Kindergartens Teacher Training. 

Portia enjoys spending time in nature with her family, exploring plants, doing handwork and dance. She is thrilled to be able to join her two beautiful children (both students at Waldorf School SB) and loving husband (A.K.A. “Mr. K”) at the Waldorf School of Santa Barbara.