Call Us: 503-255-1056
Call Us: 503-255-1056
About
Higher Elevations Learning Place
Higher Elevations Learning Place is built on a simple but lofty goal of transforming Early Childhood Education in the greater Portland area. We believe that learning and growth come from the hard work of pushing limits and challenging ourselves. We utilize a play-based curriculum that creates challenging moments for our children, encouraging them to stretch their abilities, grow and learn.
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For Desi and I, the mountain in our logo is a touchstone of our own personal story and we wish to share the ideal to those in our school. Its a reminder that success is almost always intertwined with failure. That for every pound of hard work, we also need a few ounces of compassion and assistance from those around us. When we look out for each other, higher elevations are obtainable.
OUR MANAGEMENT TEAM
Mike Villani
Director
Mike has over 15 years of experience working in children’s program coordination and operations management. He started his career in corporate fitness before becoming a Director at the YMCA in Florida running youth fitness, sports, camps, and special events. He was there for five years before moving to Washington, DC.
Mike worked for Arlington County Government in community center facility management and program management for youth through seniors. His primary focus for seven years was youth development, teen health and fitness, as well as specialty camps and after school programs. He also worked with grants, procurement, and budget management. Mike worked for Tualatin Hills Park and Recreation District as a Program Coordinator for childcare, youth sports, dance, art, specialty programs, and special events. It is where he found his passion for childcare. Mike and his spouse became certified foster parents in 2019 and currently has two foster children.
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Mike enjoys hiking, going to the gym and spending time with his family and dogs. He is excited to bring his knowledge and experience to educate and develop the children of HELP!
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K.C. Hudson
Owner, Operations Mgmt
Kurt has spent twenty-five plus years in Operations Management in a number of industries. Having served at both large companies and small business, he's incredibly excited about this new chapter at Higher Elevations Learning Place PDX.
Much of his free time is consumed by his two littles, Wesley and Tillie, both students at HELP-PDX. They run him ragged in the best of ways while re-educating him in the areas of patience and humility.
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Kurt spent quite a few years as a high school head wrestling and football coach in California, Montana and Oregon. He's the sports nut of the family.
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Desi Hudson
Owner, Finance/Business Strategy
For the last decade plus, Desi has been operating a successful small business she and a business partner created, Moso Graphics. Moso is a leader in the retail environments space, specializing in the furniture industry.
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An avid hiker and outdoorswoman, Desi is constantly drawn to the mountains for her getaway time and inspiration. She conquered the Oregon section of the Pacific Crest Trail with her dad a few short years ago. The PCT is a 460 mile trek definitely not for the faint of heart.
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Desi is without a doubt a "wonk", any subject matter she has set her inquisitive mind to gets the royal treatment when it comes to research and education.