About Suzanne Malin, Owner

Hello, I’m Suzanne Malin, you can also call me Ms. Sue. I’m so excited you’re here! As a parent myself, I know firsthand how difficult it can be to leave your children in someone else’s care.

When my boys were younger, I was fortunate to find a wonderful in-home daycare called Marti’s Place. Marti and her team provided such a warm, supportive, and competent environment that I quickly felt at ease leaving my children with them. Before long, Marti’s caregivers became trusted parenting partners for our family.

Watching my boys build strong, loving bonds with the staff and other children was a beautiful experience — and Marti’s Place became my inspiration for Irvington Day Nursery. Marti’s Place is no longer open, but the care and community I experienced there continue to inspire the work I do today.

My Background

For the past 26 years, I’ve worked as a pediatric dental hygienist, where I developed extensive experience with the growth, behavior, and development of children. I’m now pursuing a new chapter: creating my own childcare center.

To prepare for this exciting step, I expanded my education in Early Childhood Education at Portland Community College and have earned the highest step certification through the Oregon Registry. I’m dedicated to providing a nurturing, safe, and joyful space where children can grow, explore, and thrive.

I, myself, will be providing care for the children, as well as three other qualified providers. I will have their bios available soon.

More About Me

• I’m 54 years young and a proud mom of two boys.

  • My oldest son, 18 years old, just graduated from Grant High School and will be attending the University of Oregon. Go Ducks!

  • My youngest son is 13 years old and in the 8th grade at Beverly Cleary School.

• My husband Grant and I have been married for 27 years.

• I’m originally from New Mexico and have called Oregon home since 1999.

• I’m also a proud dog mom to my two sweet Havanese-Shih Tzu pups, Libby and Coco.

• I love entertaining friends and family.

• I enjoy building community through block parties, neighborhood watch groups, and emergency preparedness meetings.

• I’m part of a non-profit group called Nuevos Sonrisas that travels to Guatemala each year to provide free dental care to children.

• I stay active by going to the gym, swimming, hiking, playing tennis, and gardening.

About Our Day Nursery Space

Irvington Day Nursery is located in the cozy, light-filled lower level of my family’s newly constructed home (built in 2021) in the Irvington neighborhood of Portland, Oregon.

This unique space was thoughtfully designed with children in mind and is completely separate from the rest of the house. Thus my family’s daily living routine does not intersect with the nursery. Photos coming soon–and in the meantime, please reach out to schedule a tour. I would love to show you around.

• Large south-facing windows for plenty of natural light.

• Two bathrooms and a full kitchen.

• A spacious common room.

• A separate nap and play area (play area used when not napping).

• Radiant heat floors for cozy winters and air conditioning for warm summers.

I can’t wait to welcome you and your family to our daycare community!