For Cari Cullen, early childhood education is about helping children find their voices, building strong foundations for their futures, and ensuring families have a village of support along the way.

As an early intervention/early childhood special education (EI/ECSE) specialist, Cari supports young children with developmental needs while helping families navigate early childhood special education services.

Cari joined Clackamas Education Service District in 2019 as a lead preschool teacher before transitioning to her current role in 2023. Today, she serves children and families at the Clackamas Early Learning Center and preschool locations throughout North Clackamas.

Her work includes developing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), collaborating with educators and specialists, and partnering with families to build on each child’s strengths. She finds particular joy in helping children discover new ways to communicate and express themselves.

“It takes a village holds true in early childhood. It isn’t a metaphor but our daily working model,” Cari shared. “We don’t work with just one person. We work with teachers, specialists, family members, and others to ensure the success of the child. Intentional alignment is important for a child to succeed. When the village works in sync, the impact is incredible.”

That collaborative spirit shapes Cari’s relationships with children, families, and colleagues.

“Cari takes the time to connect and listen,” shared Kileen Birmingham, services program coordinator for early intervention/early childhood special education. “She helps families and staff feel seen and heard. She values what others bring to the table and works alongside them to create meaningful change in the lives of children and families.”

Cari earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Oregon, specializing in early childhood special education.

For Cari, meaningful progress often happens in small moments: a child finding a new way to communicate, a family gaining confidence, or a team celebrating a shared success.

Each moment reinforces her belief that when a village works together, children thrive.