About Us
Our Story
Happy Valley Preschool began in 1990 when I (Mary Friesen) went to pick up my grandchildren from a babysitter and concluded they needed an educational environment. Being a teacher, I knew the importance of early childhood education. When my children were young, I had a private preschool and kindergarten in Medford, Oregon. This was ideal. I could pursue my love of teaching and provide an educational environment for my three children. Cliff Friesen, my husband and avid supporter, was creative with remodeling and building additional space. Kinder Kollege of Medford was born. Cliff and I operated the school until moving to Happy Valley, Oregon. I returned to public school teaching and taught in the North Clackamas School District for 23 years.
With the experience and knowledge of having a private preschool, it was easy to suggest to Rhonda (Friesen) Baker, our daughter, that we could have a preschool in Happy Valley. Rhonda had graduated from Portland State University with her teaching degree so she was well prepared to teach young children.
In the Fall of 1990, Happy Valley Preschool began in the family room at 10151 SE 145th Ave. There were two teachers and 10-13 children, two of which were our grandchildren, Andrew Baker, age 3 and Jill (Baker) Hensley, age 1.
The shop building was no longer needed for the Friesen boys (Jay and Kerry) to work on their cars, boats, or RV vehicles. They were pursuing careers elsewhere. The building was collecting antiques, junk, and much dust. Having restored numerous houses and buildings, Cliff and I tackled the shop and made it Happy Valley Preschool.
It wasn’t long before Rhonda wanted more room, especially for the rainy days. The stable that had been Happy Valley Stables for boarding horses (when Happy Valley was still “in the country”) was vacant except for old tools and things. Once again Cliff, who was “Papa” to the young children, used his creativity and opened the old stable building for the preschool playcourt.
Under Rhonda’s direction, Happy Valley Preschool grew to where our school years were completely full with no room to enlarge due to building restrictions for property with private septic systems.
In 2001, the sewer project began on 145th Avenue. Being able to connect city sewer made it possible for Happy Valley Preschool to grow and triple the educational floor space. With the increased size, Happy Valley Preschool and Child Care has been able to open programs for children ages 2 months to 12 years.
In the year 2003 an architect was hired to draw up plans to cover the space between Building A and the playcourt. An office and a kitchen replaced the porch of the original preschool building. The plan was to complete the building addition during the summer time when many families were on summer break.
True to the plan, HPVCC was able to begin classes in Building A on September 2nd. The PGE men arrived to connect the electricity to the street right at 9 am. There was much excitement; our goal of beginning the fall year in Building A was achieved.
In 2011, a new infant room was put in Building A. The infant and toddler ages required more space. Building A classrooms were then arranged for infants, toddlers, and potty-training students. Building B classes begin with completely potty-trained students age 3 (by September 1st) to age 5.
Our commitment is to provide an excellent educational program for young children. One that will give them skills and tools that will enable them to live successful lives. It is our desire to provide excellent service with special love and care for you and your children. The same high standard that I required for my own children and grandchildren.
Thank you for choosing Happy Valley Preschool.
Sincerely,
Mary Friesen, Ph.D.
Administrator
Mary Friesen, Ph.D.
Mary is the Owner and Administrator.
My alma mater is Lewis and Clark College, where I received my Bachelor of Music Education and my Master’s Degree as well. I have always loved learning and cannot remember when I did not want to become a teacher. Two other graduate degrees were added later, a M.A. from Western Evangelical Seminary and a Ph.D. in Teaching.
I moved to Medford, Oregon when I married my husband, Cliff. Our three children, two boys, Jay and Kerry, and our daughter, Rhonda Baker were born there. Medford did not have public kindergarten. With this in mind, we decided to have a private preschool and kindergarten in our home. I loved being with my children and loved teaching, so this arrangement was ideal.
We moved to Happy Valley when our children were in the 5th, 6th, and 8th grades. I was able to return to public school teaching and taught in the North Clackamas School District for over twenty-three years.
Happy Valley Preschool began in 1990. When Rhonda’s children (our first grandchildren) needed a preschool. Rhonda had graduated with her teaching degree and was ready to accept the challenge of Director of Happy Valley Preschool. Cliff and I raised the capital for building and renovation. Nothing was too much or too good for our grandchildren.
Rhonda Baker, B.S.
Rhonda is the Education Director and a Preschool Teacher in Green Class.
I am Rhonda and I teach the Green MWF class. My husband, Michael, and I have two grown children. Andrew was three and Jill was one when my mom, Mary, and I opened Happy Valley Preschool.
When HVPCC expanded to over 40 capacity, I could no longer teach and be director. I opted to teach! My degree is from Portland State University in education and I much prefer teaching to administration.
My daughter, Jill, is now the Director. She has two children and they both have been in the baby room through preschool and are now in the After School Club. My son, Andrew, still lives in Happy Valley.
My other interests include reading books, playing tennis, and walking the dog Atticus. I have 2 cats, Scout and Lexi.
Jill Hensley, B.A.
Jill is the Director.
Hi, my name is Jill Hensley! I am the director here at HVPCC. I have been working here since February of 2015 but have been around the school since I was one year old! My mom, Rhonda, and grandmother, Mary, started this school to provide a quality education and social experience with my older brother Andrew and me in mind! I have a Bachelors Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Family and Consumer Sciences, Organization Communication, and Business. I also minored in Clinical Psychology.
I have two children, Brooklynn, born in December 2013, and Hudson, born in December 2016. Both Brooklynn and Hudson have been attending since the baby room and are now in the After School Club.
In my spare time I love to plan events, organize, decorate and spend time with my family and friends. I am so thankful for the opportunity to work at such a quality school with such wonderful teachers and families!
Our Story
