Our Team
Dr. Khuyen Camden
Founder
Dr. Khuyen Camden, on her journey to becoming a first-time parent, found herself exploring childcare options and saw an opportunity to create something truly special.
Inspired by the belief that early childhood education should nurture the whole child—mind, body, and spirit—she founded Pinecone Childcare to offer a holistic and harmonious approach to learning.
They say it takes a village to raise a child, so Dr. Camden set out to build that village—a vibrant, supportive community where students, teachers, and parents can grow and thrive together.
Shazia Abdulla
Director
With over two decades of experience in Montessori education, Shazia Abdulla has dedicated her career to both working in and leading Montessori schools. Over the years, she has had the opportunity to lead teams, support staff and students, and connect parents to the profound value of Montessori and Early Childhood Education. Before stepping into leadership roles eight years ago, Shazia gained hands-on experience by studying and teaching across three levels of Montessori education—toddler, primary, and elementary—across three continents.
Her diverse background, with roots in South Africa, Pakistan, and the United States, provides her with a unique global perspective. She is passionate about bridging diverse perspectives and stories while remaining deeply committed to holistic child development. Shazia's focus is on fostering acceptance, belonging, and nurturing socially responsible global citizens.
Elizabeth “Izzi” Stewart
Primary/Preschool Teacher
Elizabeth “Izzi” Stewart is honored to be part of the Pinecone community. With over 24 years of experience in the Montessori field, Izzi is an AMI/AMS-certified lead guide who is deeply committed to fostering creativity, inclusion, and mindfulness in the classroom. She is passionate about nurturing each child’s unique gifts by creating a warm and supportive environment where they can thrive.
Izzi loves hands-on, curiosity-driven learning and has a special passion for teaching Botany, Zoology, Astronomy, Geology, Art, and more. She believes in the importance of building strong partnerships with parents to support children’s journeys toward independence and personal growth.
Originally from Southern California, Izzi fell in love with Oregon in 1994 and has called the Pacific Northwest home ever since. She holds a B.A. in Theater Arts from Southern Oregon University. Outside of the classroom, Izzi enjoys horseback riding, camping, hiking, gardening, permaculture, woodworking, fiber arts, photography, dance, theater, and music—all of which she loves sharing with the children. At home, she enjoys life with her partner Jonathon and co-parents their three children: Corin, Cara, and Connor. Their lively household also includes three spoiled cats, butterfly koi, clown loaches, a large plecostomus, and any stray animal that comes their way.
Jacqueline Aguilar Uluan
Toddler Teacher
Jacqueline Aguilar Uluan graduated from Portland State University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and went on to volunteer for two years at Randall Children’s Hospital in Portland, Oregon. During her time there, Jacqueline worked directly with children and their families, offering emotional support, comfort, and care during some of the most challenging moments of their lives. Whether helping to uplift children’s moods through thoughtful engagement or providing a compassionate presence for families navigating difficult circumstances, Jacqueline gained a profound understanding of how to nurture resilience and foster hope. This experience solidified her passion for supporting young children and their families in meaningful ways.
Raised in Beaverton, Oregon, Jacqueline is Guatemalan by heritage, fluent in Spanish, and a proud mother to her daughter, Mia. Her upbringing in a large family and her experience working with children at her church in Cedar Hills have shaped her belief in creating a sense of connection and belonging in the classroom.
At Pinecone, Jacqueline is excited to share her love of Spanish to enrich the children’s early learning experiences. Her warmth, dedication, and nurturing approach make her an invaluable part of the Pinecone family.
Micah Camden
Chef & Culinary Teacher
Chef Micah Camden brings his love of cooking and passion for food to Pinecone. As the chef and culinary instructor, he prepares wholesome meals and teaches children the joy of cooking, exploring fresh ingredients, and learning about safety and composting. His goal is to help kids build a lifelong connection to food and healthy eating.
Beyond the kitchen, Micah worked closely with his wife, Dr. Khuyen Camden, and Childcare Director Shazia to design, build, and bring Pinecone’s vision to life. He ensures that the facilities and grounds are well-maintained, creating a safe and welcoming environment where children can learn, play, and thrive.
Alex Camden
Teacher Assistant
Alex Camden is a teacher’s assistant at Pinecone, where his warm heart, youthful energy, and love for kids shine every day. As he begins his journey in child care under the guidance of Shazia, Alex brings a sense of fun and curiosity to his work. Whether he’s leading outdoor adventures, sparking creativity through hands-on activities, or simply ensuring little ones feel safe and supported, Alex is always ready to help kids explore, grow, and thrive. His enthusiasm and caring nature make him a beloved part of the Pinecone family.