Our Cedar Mill Team

Nancy Kaur, owner of two preschools, Safari Kid Beaverton and Safari Kid Cedar Mill in Portland, Oregon, was inspired by her love for early childhood education. Her passion was further fueled by her own son’s experiences. With 15 years of rewarded experience in affordable housing, she has dedicated herself to making affordable homes more accessible. In her free time, Nancy enjoys watching good movies and indulging in a bit of window shopping.

Hello, I’m Carly Lichtenwalter, your Preschool Director. Born and raised in California, I embraced a new chapter when I relocated to Portland, Oregon in April 2012. With 12 years immersed in childcare and 2 years as Director, I am committed to cultivating an enriching environment for young learners.

Beyond my role, I find solace in family moments and seaside escapades. When not at work, you’ll likely find me cherishing time with my loved ones or exploring coastal wonders. My zest for adventure extends to travel, allowing me to gather inspiration from diverse cultures.

With a passion for continuous growth and nurturing young minds, I’m dedicated to creating an environment of curiosity, creativity, and collaboration within our preschool community.

Ms. Heidi is a dedicated educator with a strong background in early childhood education. She is passionate about fostering a love of learning and creating a nurturing environment where children can thrive. With her experience and commitment to education, Ms. Heidi brings warmth, creativity, and enthusiasm to the classroom at Safari Kid Cedar Mill, ensuring each child feels supported and inspired to grow and discover.

Ms. Detrea is an experienced infant caregiver with over six years of experience, including three years in a Montessori infant classroom. She is passionate about creating safe, nurturing environments where babies feel secure and supported as they explore and grow at their own pace. She also has two years of experience working with children on the autism spectrum, developing strong skills in individualized care and inclusive support. As a proud mother of four grown sons, Ms. Detrea brings patience, compassion, and a deep understanding of the trust families place in caregivers. She feels honored to support children through their earliest milestones.

Hi, I am Alyssa! I have been working with children since I was 15, gaining many years of hands-on experience and growing into leadership roles along the way, including supervising a preschool program at the Multnomah Athletic Club. While I truly valued that experience, I realized how much I missed the connection and joy of being in the classroom, which led me back to where I feel most at home. I enjoy encouraging creativity and being playful and silly with children, while also creating a consistent and comforting routine that helps them feel safe and confident. I am passionate about supporting each child’s individual growth and fostering a lifelong love of learning. I am so happy to be here and look forward to learning and growing alongside your children.