Casita Azul Expands Preschool with New Hillsboro Campus
After a very busy year for owner Laura Paz-Whitmore - and amidst significant challenges posed by the political climate threatening smooth operations - SVP Community Partner Casita Azul is celebrating a major milestone: the opening of a beautiful, expanded campus in Washington County. The new facility adds more than 70 preschool seats, with an official grand opening on Friday, November 7th. Event details and an RSVP link can be found below.
SVP Portland’s partnership with Casita Azul is centered on supporting their rapid growth through strategic organizational development and operational assessments designed to ensure sustainable expansion. Earlier this year, Lead Partner Noel Menezes and Partner Rob Aslett met with Laura to lay the groundwork for a strategic planning session. Along with Partner Anusha Sunderam, the team recently completed an evaluation using SVP’s new organization assessment methodology, developed by SVP summer intern Deenie Choong. The assessment identified both key strengths and opportunities where SVP’s support can make an impact.
Noel shared, "Casita Azul is making great strides in capacity building with the new Hillsboro campus. SVP is uniquely positioned to help their growth with our strategic planning, HR, finance, and marketing strengths."
This next phase marks an exciting chapter for Casita Azul - one that reflects both their unwavering commitment to early learning and the power of partnership in expanding access for children across our region. SVP looks forward to continuing to walk alongside Laura and her team as they build on this momentum and shape a strong foundation for years to come.
Event Details
Friday, November 7, 2025
11:00 AM – 1:00 PM
770 NE Rogahn Street, Hillsboro, OR
This new space brings together three programs under one roof:
Casita Azul Spanish Immersion Program – play-based, culturally rooted early learning and a proud Preschool Promise Site.
Spanish Horizons Academy (K–5) – bilingual, experiential education.
Cocinarte – a bilingual cooking and culture program for children and families.
Casita Azul began as a small in-home daycare and has now grown into 11 in-home programs, 2 centers, and this new Hillsboro campus - collectively employing 55 Latina women through an employee-ownership model that builds leadership and opportunity. Their mission is to celebrate Latin culture, language, and community through bilingual education and family engagement.
