Art and Science Kids Outdoor Preschool Teachers
Joseph Flaherty
Founder and Teacher
Local children call me “Mr Flaherty”, “Teacher Jofus”, or just plain “Joe”. I moved to O’Brien in 2005 after completing my masters degree in Early Childhood Development from Southern Oregon University in Ashland. I am a certified teacher licensed by the state of Oregon. I have over a decade of experience working with young children in the Illinois Valley. I taught first grade at Evergreen Elementary School for eleven years, and I also worked at the local Head Start. I taught an after school math and science class to fourth and fifth graders, and I taught English Language Development to Spanish speaking students at the middle school and high school level. In my final years at the public schools, I sat on committees and led professional workshops on the subjects of student behavior, school improvement, and science instruction. I tutor children of all ages in subjects especially algebra, geometry, and primary grade literacy. I enjoy long hikes in the mountains, playing music with my friends, and petting my cat Roo. My favorite wilderness area is Kalmiopsis.
Gabby Taylor
Student Teacher
I have always had a love for working and creating with young children. I grew up in Maryland where I graduated from Brunswick High School. In high school I took two years of child development. I currently have a two year old son named Jasper. I love every aspect of teaching him. He has taught me that children teach us as much as we teach them. I believe that Art and Science Kids Outdoor preschool is a wonderful space socially, emotionally, and academically. I love to go hiking, adventuring, kayaking, traveling, spending time with my family, music, running my hummus business, and aerial silks.