Our Team
Nicole Butterfield
Nicole, founder and owner of Little Otters Play Café, lives in Washougal with her husband, Brady, and their three grown sons. High school sweethearts, Nicole and Brady spent 20 wonderful years raising their family in Farmington, Utah, a small town with the same friendly, close-knit feel they love about Camas and Washougal.
Nicole has spent her life working with children and families. She began her career in service through AmeriCorps, supporting kids in elementary schools and after-school programs. As a young mom herself, she quickly discovered the joy of connecting with other parents and creating opportunities for kids to explore, learn, and play together. Whether organizing playgroups, planning community activities, or volunteering in schools, Nicole has always had a heart for helping families feel supported and connected.
After earning her degree in Art Education with a Special Education certification, Nicole taught art and later special education at both the elementary and secondary levels. Her time in the classroom allowed her to become deeply involved with local communities, building relationships with families, collaborating with teachers, and supporting children of all abilities. Those experiences deepened her understanding of how children learn, grow, and thrive when given the space to be creative, curious, and confident.
Little Otters Play Café was born from that same love. Nicole wanted to create a space where parents could take a breath, enjoy a cup of coffee, and know their little ones were playing safely, learning, and making friends. A place that felt like an extension of home; bright, welcoming, and filled with laughter.
Today, Little Otters is a reflection of Nicole’s lifelong passion for nurturing community and childhood wonder. It’s a space designed for connection, where kids can explore, parents can relax, and families can feel right at home.
Cyntia Cooper
Cyntia brings a unique background to Little Otters Play Café. Coming from the automotive service industry, she and her husband, Jared, own Racers Division, a local shop right here in town. Since living in Washougal for 15 years, she’s deeply rooted in the community and excited to extend her passion for connection beyond the shop.
Bilingual in Spanish and English, Cyntia loves being able to connect with families from all backgrounds. As a proud mom of two little ones, Uma and Zoey, she understands firsthand the need for a fun, safe place where children can play and parents can build friendships. She’s thrilled to help make that vision a reality and looks forward to welcoming families to a space that brings Washougal together.
Kiera Christie
Kiera lives in Washougal with her husband, Brandon, and son, Salem. They have lived all across the country, but Washington is home. Kiera and Brandon met during their first semester of college and have been together ever since. Salem is the light of their lives and made their little family complete.
Kiera has over 10 years of experience working with children of all ages. She started out as a Summer camp counselor, then moved on to provide childcare at the YMCA as well as becoming a nanny. Later on, she became a program leader at a non profit after school program which brought with it a lot of hands on classroom experience.
Kiera loves meeting other families within the community and is excited to have the opportunity to get to know you and your little ones.