Lily Rosenbaum grew up at Chrysalis, as the founder’s daughter. She has a Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education from Portland State University and has been working with children for over fifteen years. Her own children are currently 4 years and 1 year old.

Lily has a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Acting from Illinois Wesleyan University, and is active in the long-form improv scene of Portland. She founded Quirk, a children's improv camp in Los Angeles, and has taught classes at Oregon Children's Theater. Lily brings her theater background into the classroom with drama games, imaginative play, and facilitating student-created stories and puppet shows.

Lily draws inspiration from the RIE approach and Respectful Parenting, Reggio Emilia, Montessori, and her years of observing the preschool in action at home. She is honored and excited to carry on the family business of bringing joy and wonderment to young children.

Every Teacher at Chrysalis is First Aid and CPR certified, holds a food handlers card and attends continuing education classes in the field of early childhood education each year.

Our Founder

Colleen Strohm has a Masters degree in Early Childhood Education from Antioch University, a BA in anthropology, and AMS Montessori certification. She has worked with young children for 35 years. Colleen has taught education classes at community college, mentored many home care providers and continually learned from the children in her care.

After working as the director of a large center, Colleen founded Chrysalis in her home in 1989 in order to offer the more nurturing experience of a small group.

Colleen retired in 2022, but is number one on our list of substitute teachers!

Chrysalis is licensed by the state of Oregon.  Each year we are visited multiple times by a state licensing specialist and someone from the Multnomah County Health Department to ensure that our environment is safe and a positive place for children to spend their days.

Our drinking water has been tested for lead and is well in the safe range. The classroom has a full fire sprinkler system, as well as smoke and carbon dioxide detectors, and we practice monthly fire drills.

Our backyard is a certified Wildlife Habitat. The children love feeding the birds and watching squirrels and hummingbirds!

While we don't require vaccinations, we recommend them and our families have a high percentage of compliance with the state guidelines.

Chrysalis is endorsed by the Eco Healthy Child Care initiative. We use only non-toxic materials both inside and out.