Enrolling for 2026-2027 NOW!

Hi! My name is Cara Shambaugh. I was born and raised in Massachusetts, where I earned my Master’s degree in Education. Eight years ago, my family and I moved across the country to Oregon to begin a new chapter living on a farm. In 2022, my husband and I purchased Dragonfly Ranch, which has been our home in Oregon City ever since.

We share our ranch with our two children, Rena (13) and Drew (6), along with several horses, two cats, a bunny, a pig, and our dog, Remy. Over time, our family has grown to include goats, chickens, another pony, a kitten—and countless wonderful friends.

With the founding of Dragonfly Ranch Education, our mission is to educate children through hands-on experiences rooted in ranch life, including raising animals and growing food. As Co-Director of Dragonfly Ranch Education, I am responsible for designing curriculum and activities that make learning engaging, meaningful, and fun. By combining our strengths in education with a deep love for nature and animals, we strive to create a program that has a lasting impact on children in our community.

I have worked with children for over 20 years and have seen firsthand how animals and outdoor experiences enrich learning, confidence, and social development—something I have also witnessed with my own children. As a family, we love exploring and playing outdoors, spending time with our animals, visiting the beach and the river, discovering what's out there, and enjoying a great family movie together.

My name is Dan Silvey, a lifelong Oregonian who was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest. I earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Oregon and later completed his Master’s in Education at Portland State University. I currently live in Wilsonville, Oregon, with my wife, Amy, our two children, Declan (12) and Josie (10), and our boxer, Lucky.

I am one of the founding members of Dragonfly Ranch, LLC, where I serve as a Co-Director of Dragonfly Ranch Education, a role I have held for the past seven years. Prior to focusing my work with preschool-aged children, I spent more than 15 years working with students in kindergarten through fifth grade. My extensive experience across age levels has shaped my belief in the importance of play, outdoor learning, and strong relationships as foundations for children’s growth and curiosity.

As both an educator and a parent, I am continually inspired by watching children explore the world around them. In 2025, I felt a new calling through my church in Wilsonville and stepped into the role of Children’s Ministry Director, further aligning my professional life with my passion for supporting children and families.

Outside of work, my family enjoys adventuring together and embracing the things we love most—cheering on the Oregon Ducks, golfing, camping/the outdoors, and spending time with animals. My faith, as well as my personal and professional experiences, continue to influence my approach to education, leadership, and family life.