Our Team

Barbara joined SVCMS in 2023. She has her AMS Early Childhood Credential and over 20 years of experience teaching Montessori at the primary level.

I joined SVCMS in 2021. I have worked in Montessori classrooms since 2013 as an assistant and a lead for five years. Before entering the education field, I worked for an environmental organization, where my passion toward educating young children grew. I hold an M.A. in Education, with a Montessori focus, an M.A. in International Environmental Policy, the AMS Early Childhood Credential, and Director Qualification. I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, traveling, and playing the piano.

I joined SVCMS in 2022 as a co-lead guide in the Conifer. I come to SVCMS from Garden Place Academy in Denver. This will be my third year as a Montessori teacher and my fifth year in the classroom. I have a history degree from CU-Boulder, a teaching license, and a Lower Elementary Montessori certification from MECR. I enjoy listening to podcasts and audio books, taking long walks, and spending quality time with my family and friends. I am very excited to join the SVCMS community!

As a Montessori child myself, I always knew I wanted to return as a teacher. This is my third year as a Lead Guide in Willow Northeast. I have an MFA in Poetry and Book Art and still enjoy writing and creating in my spare time. I also love to sew, read, and knit. My favorite Montessori materials are the cubing and squaring math materials, but our math materials in general, and working with them with children bring so much joy to my heart.

After 20 years of working in Montessori classrooms I am taking on the role of Math Interventionist and Special Projects Coordinator. I enjoy hiking, running, reading, and spending time with my family.

I joined SVCMS as the MS Art Occupation Guide in 2016. In 2014, I left a career in publishing (Interweave Press) to pursue a growing interest in Montessori education. I studied Montessori pedagogy for two years in the Great Work Apprenticeship program at Compass Montessori in Golden, Colorado. I earned an MFA with a concentration in Fiber Arts at Colorado State University in 1997. I am a writer, spinner, knitter, weaver, felter, bead embroidery artist as well as a mom (two daughters, 16 and 12).

I discovered Montessori as a classroom assistant when I was 23. I did my primary training at RMMTTC, and since then have worked as a guide in CH, LE, UE, SPED, and movement. I was a founding parent and teacher at SVCMS. I love hanging out with my family, parties, and live music. My other pastimes are refinishing furniture and making art of all sorts.

I joined SVCMS in 2021 as Anti-Bias Anti-Racism (ABAR) Coordinator. I hold BA and MA degrees in Forensic Psychology from John Jay College of Criminal Justice and completed additional training in Clinical and Community Psychology at the University of Illinois. My personal and professional work has focused on community mental health, trauma-informed care in juvenile settings, and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence. I enjoy traveling the world, as well as everyday adventures with my family

I joined SVCMS part-time in 2018 as a Middle School Math Guide and full time in 2021 as the Community Support Specialist and Middle School Math and Seminar Guide. My favorite Montessori work is literally any of the Math materials because I love Mathematics. I have a B.S. in Manufacturing Engineering from CSU, have had a previous career as a Systems Engineer, have done extensive work serving marginalized folks, and have read much of the Montessori Canon.

This is my eighth year as Lead Guide in Willow Northeast and my third year as Level Lead for the UE. Most of the Montessori materials fascinate me, but my current favorite is the cubing material because it is such a beautiful material and because patterns in math fascinate me. I enjoy spending time with my husband, Marc, our three wonderful daughters, and our three lovely little granddaughters. During the summer I try to touch nature by working in my garden as much as possible.

I am thrilled to be embarking on my 9th year as a Montessori Guide. The wondrous and serendipitous path of my professional life began as a family therapist and play therapist for young at-risk children in NYC, led to travel writing and teaching English in Japan, and eventually to a Montessori school in Colorado that has carved its way into my heart throughout almost a decade. I am a wife, mother, herbalist, nutritionist, fabric artist, and grateful member of our SVCMS community.

I joined SVCMS in 2019 as co-lead guide for Blue Spruce. I have been in childcare and education for most of my adult life; I've taught in traditional and non-traditional public schools and love Montessori philosophy and methods. I hold a Master of Teaching and am Lower Elementary certified through Montessori Education Center of the Rockies. I enjoy hiking, reading, swimming, eating delicious food, and exploring the world with my daughter.

I joined SVCMS in 2022 as a Co-Lead Guide in special education. I value providing access to a Montessori education where students’ dignity and diversity is celebrated. After 4 years of teaching refugees in Seattle, I earned my Masters and taught for 6 years as a Children’s House teacher and a literacy and ELL interventionist. I am completing special education training, and I hold ELL and special education endorsements. I love a cup of coffee, good books, and exploring new places with family.

Casie joined SVCMS in 2023, bringing with her 3 years of experience as a paraeducator and assistant teacher.

I was raised in Boulder and adore art, science and nature. After teaching art for 4 years on the western slope I found my way to SVCMS in 2010. Currently, I live in Longmont with my lovely wife and son, several obnoxious chickens, and a tortoise. My favorite Montessori works are the Great Lessons and their extensions, these serve to root our work in wonder and a state of unknowing. This, to me, is the root of all education, and I hope to cultivate the spirit of wonder in my daily practice.

I joined SVCMS in 2021 as a Guide in Blue Spruce. My favorite Montessori work is grammar symbols because using color and shapes to categorize words makes so much sense for long term retention. I am new to Montessori instruction but so looking forward to learning everything I can. I love to read and knit in my free time.

I joined SVCMS in 2018 as the Communications Manager. I’m thrilled to be a part of Montessori education for so many reasons, but mainly because of the way that children are respected as unique individuals and learners. I have a Master’s degree in English Education from CU and have taught at the high school level. Most of my professional experience is in content development for large technical companies. I'm an avid reader and enjoy all that Colorado has to offer with the beautiful outdoors.

I joined SVCMS as Lead Guide in 2012. I am now LE Level Lead, Art Guide and offer specific literacy instruction. I have my Montessori credential at the LE level. Before coming to SVCMS, I worked in a LE classroom for six years at Jarrow Montessori School. In addition to teaching at SVCMS, I am an Art instructor at MECR and a Geometry Instructor at the East Fort Worth Montessori Academy. I love to paint, draw, hike, camp and play with my two sweet boys, Elijah and Maxwell.

I joined SVCMS in 2020 as a Lower Elementary guide. Among my favorite Montessori works are geographical maps, because kids can study about the different countries and cultures all around the world - and I love traveling! I’m originally from Mexico City where I obtained my bachelors degree in Graphic Design and also my AMI certification as a Montessori guide. I have 12+ years of experience working in Montessori’s Children’s house, here in Colorado. I love painting, music, and running.

I joined SVCMS in 2016 as an Evergreen guide. I have taught in community-oriented schools for 32 years. For the last 19 years, I've worked in Montessori adolescent programs. I have AMI certification for UE and a degree in biology and environmental science along with a teaching license. I am CO native and have enjoyed the outdoors, climbing, kayaking, and skiing since I was very young.

I wore a few hats when I joined SVCMS in 2016, but I’ve been full time in the Middle School teaching writing, communication, improv, and peace (and loving it) since 2017. In the past, I taught youth theater and writing camps, offered undergraduates writing support, and facilitated community dialogues. In addition to my degree in Communication and Writing from Regis University, I have completed Great Work Montessori’s 12-15 year old adolescent training and am currently pursuing a Master's degree.

I joined SVCMS in 2019 on the special education team. My training includes a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, and a Master's Degree in Social Work with a focus on high risk youth. I also earned an Animal Assisted Therapy Certificate during my Master's studies. I love to travel and spent 5 months living in a van traveling across New Zealand, and 6 months living on a sailboat traveling across the Carribean.

I joined SVCMS in 2021 as lead guide in Willow South. Before that, I lived in Tucson, where I taught at Khalsa Montessori School for 12 years. My master's degree and work background are in magazine-style writing and photojournalism, and my upper-elementary training came from MECR in Boulder. My favorite Montessori materials are the math ones, because I love the way they hold answers to the question "Why?" When I'm not at school, I enjoy hiking, reading, ruminating, and drinking tea.

I am the Movement Lead Guide. I delight in combining Montessori philosophy with my love of physical activity and joy in working with children. I received Montessori Phys Ed training at MECR and the Denver Institute of Phys Ed & Dance. I am a licensed soccer coach and have worked with youth soccer for 10+ years. I was introduced to Montessori at Austin Montessori School, and I sought Montessori education for my children. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, hiking, yoga, and soccer.

Tiffany joined SVCMS as a subtitute in 2022 and moved to reception in 2023. She has held various positions working with children for over 20 years, from being an educator and administrator to starting her own maker-led program here in Colorado.

I've worked at SVCMS since 2009. I earned a BA in Psychology and English from the University of Massachusetts, an MA in English Literature from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and a Masters in Library Science from San Jose State University. Prior to joining SVCMS, I was an Instructor of Writing and Rhetoric at the University of Colorado . I am the parent of one current SVCMS student and one SVCMS alumnus.

Renee joined SVCMS in 2023, bringing with her MACTE certifications for both Lower and Upper Elementary, a Master's degree in Special Education, and 11 years of educational experience.

I have been with SVCMS since the beginning and have enjoyed guiding children in the Montessori for the past 44 years. I earned my degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Dubuque and received my AMS Early Childhood Certification from the Rocky Mountain Montessori Teachers Training Center. I am also director qualified through the Colorado Department of Human Services: Division of Child Care. I enjoy being with my family, traveling, theater, horseback riding and Disney trivia.

Kyle joined SVCMS in 2023. He is a Lead Guide in Evergreen.

I joined Evergreen as a Lead Guide in 2021. I love the awe and wonder that adolescents have when they discover their own passion about a work. I see this in music exploration classes and when we are out at the orchard. I have  background in solo and choral vocal performance as well as theater and language. I received both of my degrees from CU and have performed professionally across the front range. I enjoy spending time with my family, knitting, baking, and weightlifting.

I joined SVCMS in August of 2020 as a Lower Elementary guide, and have since transitioned to co-lead guide of Blue Spruce. I earned my degree in psychology from CU Boulder, and I am in the process of earning my Montessori certification from Montessori Education Center of the Rockies. I love watching students grow in their confidence and independence through Montessori education. My time is often spent outdoors enjoying time with my partner, our dog, Bug, and family and friends.

I joined SVCMS in 2009. I received my Early Childhood Montessori certification from MECR. I earned my BFA from UNC-Chapel Hill and my MFA from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago and taught classes in the Art Department at DePaul University for several years when I lived in Chicago. Geometric Solids is my favorite Montessori work because of its simplicity and relationship to art and design. I enjoy creating art, reading, and hiking.

Blue Spruce Guide

I have been a parent to SVCMS students for the past 9 years. I began subbing in the 2021/2022 school year. In 2022, I began working on at the reception desk on Fridays.

I joined SVCMS in 2018 as office staff and have been the Health and Safety clerk since spring 2019. I have enjoyed getting to know the students and experiencing the Montessori environment. I spend most of my free time with my family and our dog.

I have been Head of School of SVCMS since we opened our doors in August 2009. Prior to that, I served as president of the founding board of directors of the school. Before getting involved in Montessori education, I was a marketing executive in the natural foods industry, and hold BS and BA degrees in Economics and Sociology from Northwestern University. I moved to Colorado in 2005 from Chicago with my husband Paul and our then four-year-old children.

I joined SVCMS in August, 2022. I have taught at the primary level for over 20 years. I love this age because the children are like little sponges absorbing everything around them. My favorite work is the golden bead work in math since it is so visual and manipulative. I have 2 grown children who fortunately live in the Denver area. I became a grandmother last March and am loving every minute of this new role in my life! You can find me hiking year round and on the ski slopes all winter!