Parenthood is worth preparing for.
A thoughtful, practical class for expectant parents who want more than just a hospital checklist. We’re here to give you the tools, confidence, and grounded support to navigate early parenthood with clarity and calm.
Not another birth class, a parenting prep class.
Preparing for birth is extremely important (and we have recs for amazing people in Portland who can help) but this class is something different — this class helps prepare you for the rest of your life with a child, starting with those first, tender months. It goes far beyond what hospital classes tend to offer.
This warm, community-centered program helps expecting parents build confidence, deepen connection, and gain practical skills for life with a new baby. Rooted in the respectful caregiving approaches of Magda Gerber, Dr. Emmi Pikler, and Maria Montessori, we’ll explore how to support your child’s development — and your own — from day one.
Created by an infant and toddler education specialist, this course offers thoughtful, research-backed guidance on everything from bathing a baby with dignity to navigating adult relationships after your baby arrives.
Whether you’ve read every parenting book or have no idea where to start, Stumptown Storks will meet you where you are — and help you prepare for what’s next.
8 Week Cohorts
Over the course of eight sessions, we’ll explore essential topics in early parenting—from practical caregiving routines to emotional attunement and family dynamics. Each session blends lecture, video, discussion, and guided reflection to help you build the skills and confidence to begin parenting with presence and respect.
meet the
team
Courtney Dern
Founder, Facilitator
Courtney Dern is an infant and toddler education specialist with deep expertise in respectful caregiving and early development. She’s the founder of Beech Street Parenting, where she facilitates Portland’s popular observation-based play groups for infants, toddlers, and families rooted in the RIE® philosophy. Known for her warmth, clarity, and humor, Courtney helps families build confidence, connection, and trust—right from the start.
Emma Koehler
Education Consultant, Facilitator
Emma Koehler is a seasoned parent coach and educator with over a decade of experience supporting families through the early years. A RIE® Foundations graduate and parent of two, she brings deep knowledge and warm empathy to her work—running play groups for Twig and Branch Parenting, leading parenting support groups, and guiding families through the joys and challenges of early development. As a contributing educator and group facilitator for Stumptown Storks, Emma helps create thoughtful, confidence-building spaces rooted in respectful caregiving.
