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FACULTY & STAFF
financial DIRECTOR
SUSAN ROTH

Susan started working at MECR in 1996 when her daughter was born.  In those early years, visitors to the MECR office might find a baby asleep under her desk as she worked.  As her family grew, so did her job at MECR as she evolved from the MECR Assistant to the MECR Financial Director.  Susan often says that working with Montessorians for her entire career has been a beautiful blessing, as Montessorians tend to walk a path of kindness and perspective and purpose.   While Susan has never taken training (she’s been a bit busy every summer for the last 25 years!), all 5 of her children have attended Montessori schools.  She fully enjoys the connections she has made with the many students and instructors who have passed through MECR and loves to imagine the light they have passed on to the world  in service to the child.

“Thousands of candles can be lit from a single candle, and the life of the candle will not be shortened. Happiness never decreases by being shared.” – Buddha –

Susan took this photo of the hands of her two sons on MLK day in 2014.

TEACHING ROSTER


Tunisha Hairston-Brown

thairston-brown@mecr.edu
I am a Montessori Public school educator - Reading Interventionist, Instructional Coach, and Teacher Leader at Lincoln Elementary (Denver Public Schools), an Assistant instructor for - EC Reading Certificate Program through AMS, MECR EC Math Instructor, Board President, and member of the Equity Committee. I hold an EC AMS Credential.

As a young mother, I was drawn to Dr. Montessori’s scientific approach - her study of children and creating materials to support the learning and growth of those children - rather than coming up with a theory and fitting it to the children... I chose Montessori for my family as an education model and as a way of living. I wanted to support them in becoming global citizens using their gifts and talents and knowing who they are - all while being seen, heard, and understood.

I have a passion for DEI/ABAR work - I am focused on working towards a Montessori Collective Community where Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) are seen, known, understood, and where feeling safe is the norm and feeling othered is an anomaly.
BA, Computer Science/Mathematics and Psychology with an emphasis in Mental Health, Doane College

Deborah Matyjevich

dmatyjevich@mecr.edu
Montessori pedagogy has been embedded in my life for the past 2 decades. Upon entering my first Montessori classroom, I knew I had found an educational model that was profound, comprehensive, and based on creating a better world by supporting and guiding children in a way that was holistic, academic, worldly and emotionally and developmentally up-lifting. I spent the past 18 years teaching Preschool and Kindergarten in Denver and watching the magic that comes from Montessori education. I believe that children are given the opportunity to thrive, blossom, and come into their own in the most authentic ways in Montessori classrooms.
For the past 10 years, my role has evolved from teaching full time into other roles that have allowed me to broaden my impact. I am passionate about supporting new teachers, schools, parents and families. My degree in Psychology and Sociology from Emory University in Atlanta, along with my Montessori training has laid a foundation that supports me in coaching and consulting with educators, parents, and schools.  The beautiful Colorado mountains in Estes Park originally drew me from my home in Atlanta in 1995, but it is my passion for Montessori education, my loving family, and the opportunity to make an impact in my community that has made Denver my home.
BA Psychology/Sociology, Emory University

Tori Virlee

tvirlee@mecr.edu
I have a bachelor's degree in speech, language, and hearing sciences. At the time I thought I would work with the Deaf and hard of hearing population. I accepted a job in a Montessori school as a sign language instructor. I immediately fell in love with the philosophy and approach and have been working in the Montessori world ever since! I went to training and received my early childhood credential. I have worked in the classroom as well as in administrative and student support roles. Now I enjoy sharing the philosophy and approach with adults on their own Montessori journey.
M.A. (School Psychology), University of Colorado Denver

Devon Warn

devon.warn9@gmail.com
Recently, I unearthed a collection of Rubbermaid tubs full of old memories. Inside one of these bins was my writing journal from second grade. Written on an aged piece of college-ruled spiral notebook was the passage, “When I grow up, I want to be a teacher … or a pop star.” While I can enjoy a portion of pop stardom on a Karaoke Tuesday, my career as a Montessori teacher has been one of the most impactful decisions of my life. For me, there is no better job than inspiring young minds. From the time I was seven years old, I dreamed of being a teacher. Following this dream has taken me to different continents and countries around the globe, working with children of all ages and backgrounds. From a quiet neighborhood tucked in the forest of Evergreen, Colorado, to a seaside town in Viña del Mar, Chile, to a hillside village in Sankhuwasabha, Nepal, to a lakeside city in Neûchatel, Switzerland, I am continually reminded that the Montessori Method is an exceptional way to illuminate and inspire young learners. Walk into any Montessori room around the globe, and the familiarities and commonalities will shine through: each Montessori environment shares the same heartbeat.
BA in History, University of Northern Colorado

Mary Broeckling

mbroeckling@mecr.edu
After earning my teaching certificate in the state of Missouri to teach Art K-12 I stumbled upon the Montessori philosophy and never looked back! This is my 18th year of teaching in a Montessori environment. I earned my IT Credential at Seton Montessori Institute just outside of Chicago in 2010. I currently am a lead guide in a Toddler classroom at the Montessori School of Denver. Last year I began as an instructor at MECR teaching Child, Family, and Community. I also started consulting with several schools around Colorado. This year I will continue as an instructor at MECR, consulting, and I will take on Field Consulting.
Bachelor's Degree in Art History, University of Missouri

Kymm Garcia

kgarcia@mecr.edu
Kymm Garcia has over 25 years of Montessori experience, and she has been in the classrooms working with students from infancy to high school over the course of her career. She has taught various self-expressions in middle school and teaches a concurrent enrollment course in ECE to high school students.

She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Family Studies and Developmental Psychology from Metropolitan State College of Denver, and a Master’s in Education from St. Catherine University. Additionally, she holds a Principal’s License and has her EDs in educational leadership from UNC. Kymm holds AMI diplomas in Infant/Toddler, primary, Elementary and adolescent levels.
EDs in School Leadership, University of Northern Colorado

Valene Rodriguez

vrodriguez@mecr.edu
I have always loved children so when I had the opportunity to work at a Montessori School when I was 6 months pregnant with my first child I was so excited. I was an assistant for a few years and then fell in love with the philosophy. I knew I needed to take my Montessori Training. I took my training at The Montessori Institute. I have experience working with the Nido environment and the toddler environment.
Masters Degree, Loyola University

Lisa Russell

lrussell@mecr.edu
While dealing with a severe medical condition I was not able to work full time. I had a friend who worked at a Montessori school that had infants and I asked if I could work part time for her just to give me something to do. I had been in the ECE field for many years and was over qualified to be a part time assistant but I needed something to do. I fell in love!
AA ECE, Colorado Metro State

Laura Baglietto

lbaglietto@mecr.edu
As a child and young adult everyone mentioned to me that my personality would fit great as a teacher. I remember having really bad experiences in school and disliking my teachers, therefore, I thought teaching would be out of the question. I tried really hard to stay away from education and I pursued other careers which did not fulfill me. After being very unhappy at my then job, and after a lot of soul searching, I finally applied to a Montessori school that was in need of an assistant. Once I observed the classroom I immediately knew that being a Montessori teacher was going to be my profession, my passion and my life.
Masters in Elementary Montessori Education, Loyola University of Maryland

Sheela Dharmarajan

sdharmarajan@mecr.edu
My Montessori journey began in a small Montessori school in India, when I was three years old. As an adult, I volunteered at a Montessori school and I have never looked back. I took my Primary Teacher Training at MECR and also have my Primary Training from AMI. I'm Birth to Three, trained from The Montessori Institute, Denver. I have been field consulting for MECR for 14 years. I teach in Denver Public Schools and have been teaching in public Montessori schools for 21 years now. I have a bachelor's degree in Accounting and Business and a masters degree in Education. In my spare time, I like to read, spend time outdoors, travel and try out new recipes.
Masters in Education, University of Phoenix

Tunisha Hairston-Brown

thairston-brown@mecr.edu
I am a Montessori Public school educator - Reading Interventionist, Instructional Coach, and Teacher Leader at Lincoln Elementary (Denver Public Schools), an Assistant instructor for - EC Reading Certificate Program through AMS, MECR EC Math Instructor, Board President, and member of the Equity Committee. I hold an EC AMS Credential.

As a young mother, I was drawn to Dr. Montessori’s scientific approach - her study of children and creating materials to support the learning and growth of those children - rather than coming up with a theory and fitting it to the children... I chose Montessori for my family as an education model and as a way of living. I wanted to support them in becoming global citizens using their gifts and talents and knowing who they are - all while being seen, heard, and understood.

I have a passion for DEI/ABAR work - I am focused on working towards a Montessori Collective Community where Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) are seen, known, understood, and where feeling safe is the norm and feeling othered is an anomaly.
BA, Computer Science/Mathematics and Psychology with an emphasis in Mental Health, Doane College

Robin Hoch

rhoch@mecr.edu
I started working at the Montessori Academy of Colorado in March of 2003 and fell in love immediately with what a beautiful way it is to teach children. I moved into a music specialty and have continued my education to merge all of my certifications in with Montessori to create a balanced, chid-centered curriculum.
Bachelor of Arts, two half completed Masters don't equal a whole, I assume :), Colorado State University

Jessica LeBlanc

jleblanc@mecr.edu
I began teaching Kindergarten in a traditional classroom in 2006. Kindergarten is such a magical age of discovery and learning! Then, after my first child was born, I observed in a Montessori classroom--I remember being amazed at the level of independence even the youngest children showed. I pursued my training at MECR and began to appreciate all that this philosophy has to offer to children. I taught for three years at Valdez Elementary in Denver before moving to Steamboat Springs. I was a founding teacher at the Steamboat Montessori Charter School and continue to teach there now, 7 years later.
I love teaching Practical Life at MECR! My work with adults inspires my teaching of children. And my work with children helps me to connect with the adult learners as they learn about day to day practices in the Montessori environment.
MECR is a place where I feel surrounded by people who share the same passion for educating the whole child in a Montessori environment. It is where we teach and we learn from each other how best to serve children. It is a place of shared wisdom, kindness and respect for one another—the same ideals we want to share with children.
M Ed in Early Childhood & Elementary Education, Antioch University

Kay Loer

kloer@mecr.edu
My Montessori roots run deep as a Montessori child myself. I was always intrigued by various educational philosophies and found myself quickly drawn back to Montessori pedagogy. I earned my undergraduate degree in Early Childhood and Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin La Crosse. Afterwards, I moved to Portland, Oregon to complete my Primary Montessori training at Montessori Northwest and completed my Master's of Montessori Education from Loyola College of Maryland. I am currently the Lower Division Director at the Montessori Academy of Colorado.
Master's, Loyola College of Maryland

Deborah Matyjevich

dmatyjevich@mecr.edu
Montessori pedagogy has been embedded in my life for the past 2 decades. Upon entering my first Montessori classroom, I knew I had found an educational model that was profound, comprehensive, and based on creating a better world by supporting and guiding children in a way that was holistic, academic, worldly and emotionally and developmentally up-lifting. I spent the past 18 years teaching Preschool and Kindergarten in Denver and watching the magic that comes from Montessori education. I believe that children are given the opportunity to thrive, blossom, and come into their own in the most authentic ways in Montessori classrooms.
For the past 10 years, my role has evolved from teaching full time into other roles that have allowed me to broaden my impact. I am passionate about supporting new teachers, schools, parents and families. My degree in Psychology and Sociology from Emory University in Atlanta, along with my Montessori training has laid a foundation that supports me in coaching and consulting with educators, parents, and schools.  The beautiful Colorado mountains in Estes Park originally drew me from my home in Atlanta in 1995, but it is my passion for Montessori education, my loving family, and the opportunity to make an impact in my community that has made Denver my home.
BA Psychology/Sociology, Emory University

Tori Virlee

tvirlee@mecr.edu
I have a bachelor's degree in speech, language, and hearing sciences. At the time I thought I would work with the Deaf and hard of hearing population. I accepted a job in a Montessori school as a sign language instructor. I immediately fell in love with the philosophy and approach and have been working in the Montessori world ever since! I went to training and received my early childhood credential. I have worked in the classroom as well as in administrative and student support roles. Now I enjoy sharing the philosophy and approach with adults on their own Montessori journey.
M.A. (School Psychology), University of Colorado Denver

Michelle Baker Rogers

mrogers@mecr.edu
After having been an elementary educator in public schools in Utah, Wyoming and Colorado, I was drawn to the Montessori strand in my last school in Carbondale, CO. Seeing the children work with materials in an independent fashion intrigued me and spoke deeply to both my mind and my heart. The spiritual transformation that occurs when becoming a Montessori guide has provided a renewed sense of purpose, allowing me to be a better educator, mother and human. The reverence for and the potential seen in each child continues to inspire me as a guide of both children and adults.
Bachelor of Science in Education, Weber State University

Mandi Franz

mfranz@mecr.edu
I attended a Montessori school from age 18 months through Upper Elementary. I am the teaching coach at Ross Montessori Charter School in Carbondale, CO and a MECR Elementary and Administrator course instructor. I also volunteer as a member of the AMS Teacher Education Action Commission.
Masters Degree - Montessori Leadership, Endicott College

Robin Hoch

rhoch@mecr.edu
I started working at the Montessori Academy of Colorado in March of 2003 and fell in love immediately with what a beautiful way it is to teach children. I moved into a music specialty and have continued my education to merge all of my certifications in with Montessori to create a balanced, chid-centered curriculum.
Bachelor of Arts, two half completed Masters don't equal a whole, I assume :), Colorado State University

Heather Legendre

hlegendre@mecr.edu
My Montessori journey began in 2006 when I started teaching in a lower elementary classroom at Jarrow Montessori School in Boulder. After six years at Jarrow, I chose to move into the public sector. Since 2012, I’ve been an elementary instructor at St. Vrain Community Montessori School in Longmont, Colorado. While at SVCMS, I’ve worn many hats, including LE Lead Guide, LE Level Coordinator, Visual Arts Instructor, Montessori Instructor Coach, and, most recently, Literacy Interventionist.

I received my EI Teaching Credential from MECR. My MECR teaching journey began in 2013, whereupon I took on the position of Elementary I Visual Arts and Crafts Instructor. In 2017, I expanded my role at MECR, and began teaching the EI Geometry course, in addition to continuing to teach EI Visual Arts and Crafts. I have taught at the EC level, and I have been a Field Consultant and a Supervising Teacher.

I am originally from Vermont, but have been in Colorado since 2006. I live with my wife (also a Montessori teacher), and my two sons, ages 6 and 8, in Longmont, Colorado. I have many passions, including drawing, painting, literacy, hiking, playing games, and, of course, working with six to nine year olds.
Bachelors in Sociology, Smith College

Candace Proctor

cproctor@mecr.edu
I entered my first Montessori classroom in 1995 when I had the opportunity to observe a Toddler classroom at Riverbend Montessori in Sugar Land, Texas. At the time, I planned a career as a child care director. One hour into the observation, my career plans changed, and I never looked back. I loved everything about that beautiful environment and the other incredible Montessori classrooms in the school. When the head of school invited me to serve as a substitute in the Toddler classroom and later as an assistant in the Upper Elementary classroom, I eagerly agreed. In the following years, I explored other career paths, but every one led me back to Montessori. I've found a school home at The Montessori Academy of Arlington, where I lead the Elementary team and my Upper Elementary classroom. My son, Benjamin, will be graduating from our Upper Elementary classroom in May, and I feel grateful that he will carry the best of our Montessori school with him as he moves to middle school.
Bachelors, Texas Womans University

Janel Wade

jwade@mecr.edu
Freedom within limits defines a key component of the Montessori realm for me. I came from a public education background but I was fascinated and drawn by the choice given to children both in academics and in how they learned to behave within their environment. I started as an assistant working in ‘aftercare’ while in my last year of high school. By that time, I was hooked and just couldn’t leave this wonderful philosophy which was designed to nurture the whole child. In Montessori philosophy, I found the nurturing, guidance and choice that I myself needed as I grew to adulthood. After earning my degree, I taught both lower and upper elementary classes before eventually fostering and adopting my son. I have recently specialized in forming inclusive support strategies for unique learners in the Montessori classroom. I now enjoy sharing my passion for Montessori with adults who are new to this ‘freedom within limits’ philosophy.
Masters of Arts in Teaching, Metropolitan State University

Andrea Blackwell

ablackwell@montessorihawaii.org
I found Montessori after I finished my BA in Elementary Education. I was looking for a job and found an asst. position on Craigslist and within 6 months I had fallen in love with the method and wanted to pursue training. I received a Masters of Education in Montessori 6-12 from Lander University and taught at Montessori schools in Charleston, SC, Warsaw, Poland, and Honolulu, HI. I have consulted with Montessori schools in Georgia and observed Montessori schools around the world.

Currently I am completing a PhD in Educational Foundations, Global and international Education from the University of Hawai'i. My dissertation focuses on Montessori education in Poland, in particular the importance of adaptations to the Montessori method to meet local communities needs. I believe that adaptations are inevitable, but that they need to be done carefully and intentionally in order to ensure the fidelity of Montessori schools.

In addition, I think continuous growth and lifelong learning is necessary for all individuals, but especially individuals in education. I hope that through working with MECR I can support others lifelong learning as we grow together.
Doctorate, University of Hawai'i

Nikki Conyers

nconyers@mecr.edu
I was a Montessori student myself in my early childhood years and have many fond memories of loving school and learning. As a college student, I took a job as an assistant in an Elementary I classroom which led me to seek my Elementary credentials after graduating with my BA in Psychology and Communication.
Master's Degree in Education, St. Catherine University

Sakeenah Franzen

sfranzen@mecr.edu
My introduction to Montessori began in 2009 as an Art Teacher at a Montessori school in northern Virginia. I quickly fell in love with the Montessori approach that so seamlessly weaves together child-centered, visual, tactile, and kinesthetic learning, and knew I wanted to expand my teaching to include all curricular areas. After completing my EI-EII training at the Institute of Montessori Studies (IAMS) at Barrie, in Maryland, I worked for 7 years as a bilingual Elementary II guide at the Latin American Montessori School in Washington, DC. I served as an Instructor for EI-EII Art, and then EII at IAMS as well before moving to Denver in 2020. After working as a Secondary Sciences (Occupations) guide at the farm school of Denver Montessori Jr/Sr High School for two years, I took a break to give birth to my daughter in 2022. We decided to return to Montessori together, and we both now attend Monarch Montessori School of Denver, where I again have the pleasure of serving as a bilingual EII guide and Upper Elementary Team Lead.
Masters of Arts in Education (MAEd) in Montessori Education, St. Catherine University

Dakota Prosch

dprosch@mecr.edu
Dakota started teaching in 2000 with Teach for America in the Chicago Public Schools. After 8 years, she learned of Montessori and got her training at Montessori Institute of Milwaukee. After 5 years at Near North Montessori, she returned to the public schools of Chicago and enjoyed the satisfaction of high fidelity Montessori in the public sector. She has worked for 5 years at a Dual Language Montessori School in Denver, and teaches in Spanish as well. She is a trained SEED (Seeking Educational Equity and Diversity) leader and has facilitated conversational communities to drive personal, organizational, and societal change toward social justice. She completed the Montessori Coaches Training with NCMPS in 2020 and loves talking with teachers about Montessori practices in their classrooms.
Masters in Education, National-Louis University

Diana Visser

dvisser@mecr.edu
Montessori Education has always been a passion of mine. I am a third-generation Montessorian; my mother and grandmother were both Montessori primary teachers and I attended Montessori Primary, so I have very deep roots in the philosophy and methods of Dr. Maria Montessori. After I completed my M.A. in Elementary Education, I taught Kindergarten for 12 years in traditional school. When my daughter was Kindergarten age, we registered her for Montessori school and I thought, "This is what I know! I need to get back to thriving in a Montessori environment!" Soon after, I completed my Montessori Elementary I-II credential from The Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (MECR) in Boulder. I joined the faculty at MECR in 2018 teaching History. During the school year, you can find me teaching Upper Elementary at DCS Montessori Charter in Castle Pines, Colorado. I embrace every opportunity to stay connected to the greater Montessori community and advance the work we are doing with children in the world.
M.A. Elementary Education, University of Phoenix

Janel Wade

jwade@mecr.edu
Freedom within limits defines a key component of the Montessori realm for me. I came from a public education background but I was fascinated and drawn by the choice given to children both in academics and in how they learned to behave within their environment. I started as an assistant working in ‘aftercare’ while in my last year of high school. By that time, I was hooked and just couldn’t leave this wonderful philosophy which was designed to nurture the whole child. In Montessori philosophy, I found the nurturing, guidance and choice that I myself needed as I grew to adulthood. After earning my degree, I taught both lower and upper elementary classes before eventually fostering and adopting my son. I have recently specialized in forming inclusive support strategies for unique learners in the Montessori classroom. I now enjoy sharing my passion for Montessori with adults who are new to this ‘freedom within limits’ philosophy.
Masters of Arts in Teaching, Metropolitan State University

Board of Directors

Lorie Federman
Sensorial
Lorie Federman
Baglietto Laura
Tunisha Hairston-Brown
EC Math, EC Overview Math
Dede Beardsley
President
Linda Allred
Treasurer
Linda Gottschalk
Tatenda
Tatenda Blessing Muchiriri
Current Montessori Teacher
Former Student

I’ve heard it said that, “life is what happens when you’re busy making other plans.” I did not believe this until 2016, when I took my first training – Birth to 3 at MECR. I can only describe the effect of that summer as dividing, splitting my life into the time before Montessori and everything from then on. The training was very transformative, focused not only on the “albums” but the inner preparation of a teacher. When I took my EC Montessori training at MECR the summer of 2019, I was totally convinced that MECR was my MECCA. They are very intentional on creating a diverse learning space that supports inclusivity and practice radical hospitality.

Gabrielle Holt
Gabrielle Holt
MECR Alumni

I loved my time at MECR because of the spiritual transformation and preparation of the adult that occurs. I left MECR with robust knowledge on materials, development, and pedagogy, but more importantly I was spiritually prepared to honor and nurture the children I worked alongside. It is truly a transformational experience!

Kristine Hablemann
Kristine Hablemann
MECR Alumni

My training with the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies was a positive and life-changing experience. I have more trust and respect for my students, more confidence in my teaching, and more joy in my everyday life. Through MECR, I attended an intensive summer training program to cover the curriculum and philosophy of the Montessori Elementary I-II curriculum. Taking my Montessori training at MECR was the best step I ever took in my career.

Devon Harper
Devon Harper
MECR Alumni

The Montessori Education Center of the Rockies supports the learning experience and fosters the creativity of its students.  The educators, instructors, and staff provide a caring experience that reflects the positive learning environment of a Montessori classroom in a setting that supports adult learners.  My first experience at MECR was to receive my Early Childhood training, and I enjoyed it so much that I went back again for Lower Elementary!  The deep exploration of the Montessori philosophy that I learned at MECR helps me teach first through third graders everyday, and I know my teaching is much better as a result.

Kandice Cook
Kandice Cook
MECR Alumni

I began my MECR journey in 2018 after several years in a Montessori classroom. The training I received was superb. The instructors were not only knowledgeable about the curriculum and classroom management, but they were filled with joy and offered encouragement every step of the way. While rigorous, I never felt as if I were alone. The staff, both instructional and administrative, were always there to help me and offer guidance. There is truly a MECR family, and I feel I will always be a part of it.

metta_sm
Metta King
Former Student

MECR provided a transformational experience for me.  The community of engaged learners and supportive instructors helped prepare me for my career and beyond.  I can’t imagine a greater place to learn and grow as a person and educator.

Sam
Samantha Morgan
Current Montessori Teacher
Former Student

MECR is certainly a place that is full of such incredible humans, who are all working toward creating a space to inspire the next generation of learners. I am so grateful to have had the chance to be a part of both Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary courses and witness all that the Montessori philosophy has to offer for the Elementary student. Thank you for this home-away-from-home and showing me this piece of greatness in Colorado.

Suzanne-Collins
Suzanne Collins
Current Montessori Teacher
Former Student

My experience at MECR was life-changing. The moment I walked into the door, I felt like I walked home. The environment radiated with acceptance, learning, respect, and love. The instructors beautifully modeled Montessori’s philosophy of grace and courtesy. Also, I deeply cherish the friendships I made during my process of learning and growing as a future Montessorian.