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Benaifer Aspandiar
I proudly call myself an Oregonian and have been living in the Portland area for the last 31 years. That said, the roots of my parenting philosophy are intimately tied up with my upbringing in Mumbai. Raised by firm, but incredibly nurturing parents, I grew up with a good sense of right and wrong, polite and courteous manners and the safety that came from knowing I had parents who loved me and consistently had my best interests in mind. I was also encouraged to set goals for myself and not be afraid of the challenges that might arise when working to successfully achieve those goals.
As a young girl, I was always passionate about playing with dolls, and envisioned being married and having children of my own. I realized through my own upbringing that I had developed an innate desire to nurture, guide and teach others. I knew that along with my career goals I would one day realize this desire.
As a young adult I pursued a career in intellectual property law, and enjoyed the legal puzzles our clients would bring in. I enjoyed working with the diversity of our clients and their specific needs. I was also able to hone my mediation and problem solving skills. I left India in my late twenties in order to join my husband who had recently completed his PhD studies at Stanford and had moved to Oregon for work. My adjustment was challenging to say the least - although I was excited for the new opportunities that lay ahead, I was also dealing with the emotions that come from being separated from my family, community, and career.
After a year of relocating, I got my wish to be a mother to my newborn son, and then sometime later, a daughter. I channeled my time, love, values, and energy into raising my children, and took a similar approach to that of my own parents in raising them, loving but firm. In them, I have instilled a strong sense of honesty, responsibility, kindness and empathy, values that I share to this day with all children in my care. Both my children are alumni of MSB, and have continued to pursue and be successful in their higher education choices. I am proud of who they have become, what they have accomplished, and how they carry themselves in the world.
When my youngest daughter left for college, I knew that I wanted to continue taking care of children. I have so loved and enjoyed parenting, and I know the importance and value of having strong role models and parental figures in a child’s life, especially as our world continues to get busier and busier in every sense of the word. I extended all my years of experience, skill, and expertise, to caring for the children of friends and family. I have a long-standing connection with Montessori School of Beaverton and the families throughout the years. For me success comes from knowing that every child that I work with feels safe, nurtured, and grows into a responsible young adult. I feel happy that everyday my home is filled with love, laughter, banter and the endearing innocence of wonderful children.