Hi, I’m Mika! I’ve spent the last decade working as an educator and artist. I specialize in early childhood education, and love helping children learn and grow! I hold a Bachelors in Art with a concentration in ceramics and painting, and am a working artist with a practice spanning virtually every medium, from sound to textile to sculpture. As the son of a preschool teacher, I first started working with children as a volunteer when I was in middle school; I’ve since worked with schools, summer programs, and solo students galore. I bring a Reggio Emilia inspired, compassionate, arts-focused, and inclusive approach to nannying and behavior management consulting.

Sketch & upcycled outfit by E, 5 years old

The Mr. Mika Method

1. Child-Led Learning

Builds confidence, independence, and essential life skills

In a child-led learning approach, rather than telling children what we want them to know, we see what they’re curious about and collaborate with them to explore that interest. This naturally gives way to opportunities to practice math, literacy, fine motor, critical thinking, and creativity, all while empowering a child to be a leader in their own learning— in and outside of formal schooling. For example, an interest in insects could turn into counting and drawing insects, looking at maps to see where they live, and recognizing shapes and patterns to identify them- essential skills for school and life.

Collaborative weaving by 3 & 4 year olds

2. Art as the Main Course

Every new way to create is another language children can use to express themselves, expanding their ability to be understood by others, and to understand themselves.

Art is processing- it’s making sense of the world around you, your feelings, and your experiences. To me, it’s a pillar of how children develop social-emotional skills, which cover vital things like identifying and regulating emotions, and communication. While art is immensely valuable in itself, art also encompasses other academic areas in a way that feels fun and fosters positive connection with these concepts, so they feel like tools and not homework. Art involves measuring, counting, math, pattern recognition, literacy, and builds the fine motor skill we need to do things like holding pencils and scissors, and managing buttons and zippers.

Learning with Mr. Mika

Individual nannying

Patient and playful childcare with an arts focus from an experienced early childhood educator. I am a working multidisciplinary artist and musician, and love connecting kids with creative outlets to understand themselves and the world! From knitting to fairy houses to clay, I will work with you and your child to identify and follow their interests.

Behavioral management strategy & solutions

Casual convos helping you identify what is and isn’t working at home and why, plus implementing strategies and solutions that might be better suited to help both you and your child.