Our journey, your child's future
Welcome to Star Steps Montessori Preschool in Portland, Oregon. Discover the heart behind our unique approach, our passion for early childhood education, and the warm, enriching environment we've created for your child's growth and learning. We're dedicated to nurturing curiosity, creativity, and confidence, one step at a time.
Meet your teacher
My name is Dinithi Masha Thilakarathna, and I am originally from the beautiful island of Sri Lanka. I worked as a Medical Laboratory Technician in my home country for several years. After moving to the United States, I followed my passion for education, changed my major to Art and Education, and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. As a certified Montessori teacher who has spent years leading a primary classroom in a reputed Montessori school ,I have developed a deep commitment to the Montessori philosophy.My time as a lead teacher has allowed me to refine my classroom leadership and mentor children during their most critical years of development. . I am also a proud member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society, where I enjoy supporting students in their educational journeys.
Meet my family
The Heart Behind Our Preschool
As a parent myself, I understand how important it is to find a safe, loving place for your child. My family is the heart behind this preschool, and we are committed to creating a nurturing environment where every child feels valued, supported, and inspired to grow.
A few years ago , my family moved to Oregon from Missouri after my husband completed his PhD . We have three wonderful children- two boys (17 and7 years old ) and a 14 year old daughter -as well as a furry family member .As a family, we love playing tennis and spending time at the beach. I look forward to a joyful and successful school year with you and your child.
my Vision for every child
My inspiration to create Star Steps Montessori blossomed from a deep passion for early childhood education and the invaluable experiences gained from working directly with children. Witnessing their natural curiosity and innate capacity for learning ignited a desire to cultivate an environment where every child could truly thrive.
My biggest dream for the children who attend Star Steps is for them to develop into confident, independent, and joyful learners. I envision each child discovering their unique talents, building a strong foundation of self-worth, and fostering a lifelong love for exploration and discovery, preparing them not just for school, but for a meaningful life.