Karla Elias, a native of El Salvador, is the youngest of four children in her family. As a child, she immigrated to the United States and primarily grew up in Southeast Portland. With over twenty years of experience in child development and a successful decade-long tenure as a business owner, Karla received her B.A. in Child and Family Studies, with a minor in Early Childhood Education.

​

Karla holds a firm belief that children are unique individuals deserving of a loving and secure environment. She values inclusivity and respects the distinct qualities, abilities, and learning styles of each child. Karla dedicates her energy to promoting parent involvement and raising community awareness.

​

In 2008, Karla established the Sellwood location of Uno Dos Tres Academy with just four children enrolled. Within nine months, the enrollment grew to fill two preschool classrooms, later expanding to include toddlers. Today, the Sellwood Academy continues to flourish, catering to children aged 6 months to 5 years. In 2016, Uno Dos Tres Academy further expanded by opening a new branch in the Portsmouth neighborhood of North Portland. This additional location serves children aged 12 months to 5 years and has the capacity to accommodate up to fifty children.

​

Uno Dos Tres Academy is a bilingual child development center committed to providing a safe and nurturing environment for all children. Alongside high-quality care, the Academy offers a thematic curriculum that adjusts based on the students' interests and skills. The teachers are fluent in both English and Spanish, and both English and Spanish is spoken throughout the day. Karla and her dedicated staff firmly believe in the boundless potential of every child and recognize that children at Uno Dos Tres Academy receive an academic jump-start for their future school experiences.

​

In her personal life, Karla finds solace and happiness in the comfort of her home, which she shares with her husband of 20 years, two beautiful daughters, and two irresistibly adorable doodles.