Our Team
Nicole Butterfield
Nicole, founder and owner of Little Otters Play Café, lives in Washougal with her husband, Brady, and they have 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.
Isla Gaston
Isla is currently a sophomore studying finance at Washington State University Vancouver. She was raised in Camas and spent much of her childhood running around Klickitat Park.
For the past two years, Isla has worked at Fisher Investments as an Industry Research Junior Associate. She enjoys diving into the industry, getting to know clients, and learning more about the world of finance.
Isla joined Little Otters in the early days because she’s practically family. She hopes to gain community service and volunteer experience while learning the ins and outs of a startup business. She’s truly enjoyed working with the children and getting to know and support the parents as well. We’re so lucky to have Isla as part of the Little Otters team!
Kayla Coburn
Kayla is the founder of Bigfoot Books, a nonprofit that donates books featuring disability representation to schools across the Pacific Northwest. She felt an immediate connection when she discovered Little Otters. From the welcoming community and friendships formed among families to the opportunities for kids to learn and play together (and, of course, the unlimited coffee!), it quickly became one of her favorite places.
Before moving to Washington, Kayla worked as a special education teacher in California, specializing in supporting students who are Deafblind. As a mom of four, she's always looking for places where her children can connect, explore, and build friendships while she builds connections with other local families.
Kayla is passionate about helping families learn about disabilities and creating communities where everyone feels like they belong. When she's not chasing after her kids, you can find her reading, going for walks, practicing yoga, or spending time outdoors with her family. She is also the author of three children's books that celebrate kindness, belonging, and the importance of including everyone in our communities.
She's excited to meet you and your little ones at Little Otters!
Madeline Lindberg
Meet Madeline! She is excited to play along side your little ones at Little Otters. She lives in Camas with her husband and daughter Rosalie. Madeline first came to Little Otters looking for a space to bring her toddler to play and to meet new moms.
Before becoming a stay at home mom, Madeline worked as a preschool teacher working with ages 2-6, as well as working to support adults with disabilities through the community. More recently she started a small business and enjoys participating in local markets. Her passion lies in creating a supportive community and leaving a positive mark on everyone she meets.
Madeline is an avid crafter and creator always looking for a new project or activity. She enjoys: knitting, crochet, sewing, working on her debut novel, and editing videos for Instagram. You will find Madeline at Little Otters in the mornings playing with your kiddos on the slide, over by the sensory wall or outside. Come say hi! She can’t wait to meet you!
Aalijah Plazola
Aalijah recently traded the California coast for the beautiful Pacific Northwest and now proudly calls the Camas/Washougal area home. She is the mama of two adventurous little boys, ages 2½ years and 6 months, who keep her days full of laughter, learning, and fun.
After moving to the area, Aalijah visited Little Otters hoping to find a place where her oldest son could play, make friends, and where she could connect with other moms. It quickly became a special place for their family, making the opportunity to now be part of the team especially meaningful.
With several years of experience as a preschool teacher working with children from 6 weeks to 5 years old, Aalijah has a true passion for early childhood. She loves creating environments where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to learn through play.
When she's not at Little Otters, you'll likely find her curled up with a good book, working on a creative project, enjoying movie nights with her family, or chasing after her two little boys. She also has a lovable wiener dog named Zoe, who keeps life entertaining! While she'll always miss the California coastline, she's grateful to be building a new life and becoming part of this wonderful community.
Aalijah is excited to welcome families to Little Otters and hopes every visit is filled with laughter, connection, and joyful play.
Marigrace Williams
Marigrace is the owner and director of Cornerstone Music, located on 192nd in Camas. She is passionate about building a welcoming, community-focused studio where students of all ages can grow in skill, confidence, and creativity.
Her goal is to provide high-quality music education in an environment where families feel supported and students feel celebrated. Over the years, she has expanded Cornerstone Music into multiple locations and created a wide range of learning opportunities, including private lessons, group classes, seasonal concerts, and community events.
Marigrace has a special passion for working with young children, especially at Little Otters Play Cafe. Teaching toddlers and finding joy in their curiosity, imagination, and eagerness to learn has always held a special place in her heart, made even more meaningful now that she is a mom herself. Marigrace loves creating playful, music-filled environments where children can explore rhythm, sound, and self-expression, often turning simple moments into meaningful milestones. With patience, creativity, and a warm approach, she delights in nurturing confidence and sparking early musical excitement in even the youngest learners.