The Founder

Maria Medeiros

As the proud Owner and Director of Casa Feliz Childcare, I bring over 25 years of experience in early childhood education and care. My career has spanned roles as a nanny, babysitter, and Au pair across Brazil, Finland, and Oregon, allowing me to develop a deep understanding of diverse cultural perspectives on childcare. Fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish, I am able to connect with a wide range of families and communities.

My professional development includes over 60 hours of specialized training in the RIE®️ Foundations course, along with more than 120 hours in Care Courses for infants and toddlers. This training, combined with my extensive hands-on experience, enables me to implement best practices in childcare at Casa Feliz.

What I cherish most about my work is the positive impact I can make—not only in the lives of the children we care for but also in the lives of their families and the broader community. My strong sense of empathy and compassion allows me to truly understand and meet the needs of each child, fostering effective communication and trust.

At Casa Feliz, I personally train all of our staff to ensure that our care practices align with our philosophy and standards. When hiring, the most important quality we seek in a candidate is their genuine love for children. I believe that this natural affection is essential for providing the nurturing and supportive environment that children need to thrive.

Knowing the significance of our work and the lasting impact we have on the community brings me immense joy and fulfillment. From a young age, I knew that my passion lay in working with children. At just 11 years old, I began helping to raise my siblings, which ignited a lifelong commitment to childcare. After years of working as a nanny and saving diligently, I realized my dream of opening my own Childcare Home, Casa Feliz, in 2015.

My vision for Casa Feliz extends beyond providing exceptional care. I aim to create a unique philosophy for our center, rooted in the rich Hispanic and Brazilian culture that we all share. My goal is to make Casa Feliz a second home for the families we serve, where everyone feels like part of one big family.

Furthermore, I am dedicated to the continuous professional development of myself and my staff. I firmly believe that there is always room for growth and learning, especially when it comes to the ever-evolving field of early childhood education.