About The Author

Meet the Author

The Heart Behind the Curriculum

Mimi Wilhelm brings over two decades of experience in early childhood education. She is the founder and former director of The Gan Preschool, a Reggio-inspired program in Portland, Oregon that she led for many years. Throughout her career, Mimi has passionately explored how to weave Jewish values and traditions into developmentally appropriate, child-centered learning, drawing from both Reggio Emilia and Montessori methodologies.

Mimi holds a master’s degree in education, specializing in curriculum design. A mother of eight children ranging in age from one to nineteen, she also brings a wealth of practical, real-life experience to her work with teachers and school leaders. Mimi passionately advocates for the formative years in a child’s life and the pivotal role educators play.

In September 2023, she authored the Jewish Reggio Inspired Curriculum, already embraced by 75 preschools nationwide. Currently, Mimi gives workshops and coaches teachers and ECE directors nationwide. Mimi is committed to equipping educators with essential tools for effective leadership in early childhood education.