Meet The Team
All staff go through the state background check prior to starting with us and every five years. Each have completed a minimum of 10 hours of state required training, including CPR and first aid, food handling, and child safety specific trainings. In addition to this, we require that they spend their first month going through our program's on the floor training. They are not left alone with any children until this is complete. Staff are required to continue expanding their knowledge base through both online and in person trainings and other educational materials throughout their employment with Head and Heart Childcare.
Founder & CEO
Mikaela Thieme
Mikaela started Head and Heart Childcare October of 2020 in the midst of the chaos of Covid 19. She has a love for children and a special interest in helping their development in their early years. Mikaela started babysitting when she was 12, then worked in her church nursery when she was in high school. At 17, she started working in a daycare herself, further expanding her experience. She has three kids of her own and has provided foster care as well. Mikaela has continued her education and training in this field, specifically in early child development and Autism Spectrum Disorder. She is passionate about providing individualized care for all the children who attend Head and Heart Childcare and building a community for their families.
Milwaukie Provider
Kristina Davis
Kristina works as the licensed provider at our Milwaukie location. She has been with Head and Heart Childcare since 2023. Before that, she worked for 11 years as a medical assistant, helping provide care to families in the clinic. Kristina does a phenomenal job of connecting with parents and making sure their child is provided with the best care we can offer. She uses her acute attention to detail and playful nature to build strong relationships with the children to make sure their needs are met and development supported.
Gladstone Provider
Ashley Geheb
Ashley is the licensed provider at our Gladstone Location. She previously worked in real estate, as a hairstylist and is a mother of two wonderful children. She is a natural in the field, providing consistent and nurturing care for all the children under her supervision. You will often find her engaging in imaginary play, making children laugh at her silliness. Her insights have been indispensable to both our team and to parents.
Assistant Provider
Alyssa Thompson
Alyssa works as our assistant provider at our Milwaukie location, planning our program activities, projects and leading circle time. She is a natural nurturer. The kids in care go to her for all their snuggles!
Toddler Room Teacher
Madisyn Sweeten
Madi is our toddler room teacher at our Gladstone Location, guiding our youngest students through their learning time in the morning and providing support and input for any toddler specific care. She is consistent and gentle in her approach, talking through every step of each process with these little ones.
Toddler Room Teacher
Karsyn Manzo
Karsyn is our toddler room teacher at our Milwaukie location. She helps support this group through their learning and circle time in the mornings and provides individualized care to the many infants in care. Her kindness, patience and wonderful sense of humor make her the perfect person for this position.
Assistant 2
KylaMae Totten
KylaMae is the Assistant 2 at our Gladstone Location. She helps in every area of care and is a jack of all trades. You will often find her on the floor surrounded by children right in the middle of whatever they are doing.
Family Centered care is priority, and that doesn't stop with the families we provide care for! We prioritize our staffs' well being and health to ensure that those who are closest with the children are thoroughly compensated for all their hard work. Child care is a very taxing job! Due to this we offer our staff health insurance compensation, paid holidays, PTO and Sick Time, continuing educational opportunities paid for by our Union, and help with the cost of any seasonally required outer wear. All new staff are started at a minimum of $20/hour or more depending on their experience. Taking care of our staff keeps our turn over rate very low, allowing us to have consistent care for all the children. Wonderful relationships are built between our staff and the children in our care. This helps children feel comfortable at care, encouraging all sorts of development and learning!
Apply Today
We'd love to hear from you! We require that you either have a CBR number or have applied for it prior to reaching out. Thank you!