WHO WE ARE
Simple Gifts Montessori is a new preschool launched in 2024 by Sunshine and Steven Vortigern. We originally met while studying for masters degrees at San Diego State University in 2003. We were drawn together by our tendency to think outside the box and mutual desire to find meaningful, sustainable work. This led us to organic farming in West Virginia, where we spent 15 years homeschooling our children, teaching music lessons to children in the community, running an educational farming apprenticeship program, and learning how to build a successful farming business. After moving to Portland in 2021, we both worked as substitute educators while Steve established himself as a musician and Sunshine completed a Montessori Primary School Degree. We're excited to bring our many educational and life experiences to Simple Gifts Montessori, and to continue our journey as learners alongside your child.
Sunshine Vortigern
CO-DIRECTOR & CHILDREN'S GUIDE
As the eldest of five children, I have been teaching someone for as long as I can remember. Homeschooled until 7th grade, I learned the value of deep study and dedication through daily violin practice and by delving into whatever subject most fascinated me at that time. My current deep dive into early childhood education is the result of a life-long quest to discover how education can better serve all types of learners.
The Montessori approach meets each child exactly where they are each day, and I believe that is exactly what children need in order to flourish.
My teaching style nurtures every dimension of your child's development: social, academic, artistic and imaginative. They will develop a clear sense of their ability to contribute to our school community and take pride in their many accomplishments.
My role as children's guide is to help your child develop the skills necessary to do the majority of their daily tasks independently. Through our practice together in the classroom, they will build their skills and the confidence to challenge themselves so that they can move through life with grace and dignity.
Steven Vortigern
CO-DIRECTOR, MUSICIAN-IN-RESIDENCE & ASSISTANT
Whether homeschooling my own children, substituting in the public schools, or teaching private music lessons, I believe that both teachers and students should hold themselves to high standards. Showing persistence in the face of challenges is a valuable and necessary part of the work educators must do with children of all ages. I'm excited to share my dedication to learning with your child at Simple Gifts Montessori.
I believe the only way to truly meet a student's learning needs is to observe their strengths and weaknesses, and mold my approach to respond.
Finding the humor in even the toughest moments is one of the ways I stay young at heart and share a balanced view of life with students.