FACULTY & STAFF
executive DIRECTOR
LAURA ALEXANDER
Laura followed her children into Montessori. Looking for a preschool for her oldest, she visited a Montessori school. She was an Aerospace Engineer, and when she saw the math materials, especially the golden beads, she was hooked.
After she had her second child, she began substituting at their school in the Early Childhood classroom. Over the next few years, she became an EC assistant and then took the Elementary I-II training at MECR. At the training center Laura has been an instructor, field consultant, seminar assistant and supervising teacher. She taught upper elementary for 12 years at the Montessori School of Evergreen and then moved into Administration there as Middle School Division Head.
“I feel blessed for every experience that I have had on my Montessori journey. To be on this new path as the director of this training center that has given me so much is immensely gratifying. I look forward to fostering growth and discovery for adult learners at every stage of their Montessori journey.”
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 23 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.” – Bhudda –
Susan took this photo of the hands of her two sons on MLK day in 2014.
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Lorraine Carter
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]Have been in the educational field for years, started working as an assistant at a Montessori School All clicked I knew I had found my dream in education. Got certified in Infant Toddler[/su_spoiler]
Heather Dennis
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]I was a Montessori student at Rising Star Montessori in Lafayette, IN. I loved to work with the toddlers as a lunch partner and started researching the Montessori Method. I enrolled with CMTE and trained with Virgina Varga upon high school graduation. I worked as a lead toddler teacher as I finished my undergrad degree in Child Development and Family Studies at Purdue University. My husband and I moved to Nashville, TN and I worked in several Montessori school in the Nashville Area. I enrolled in Belmont University Montessori 3-6 program and graduated in 2010 with a 3- training and a Masters in Teaching.[/su_spoiler]
Rebecca Howell
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]My first job post-Peace Corps @ TMICH in Denver.[/su_spoiler]
Kay Lawson
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]Nancy Rambusch at Xavier University, 1976[/su_spoiler]
Melody Patton
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]I first discovered Montessori as a parent[/su_spoiler]
Lisa Russell
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]I have been providing child care since 1985 and was introduced to Montessori through a colleague in 2006. I was so impressed at the respect and acknowledgement of each child there was no turning back to learn about any other method but Montessori.[/su_spoiler]
Lisa Russell
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]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![/su_spoiler]
Martha Stumb
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]Parent of three children and was very interested in the Montessori method when the oldest two started at Boulder Montessori School in Ginny Hennes's classroom. Karen Olsen encouraged me to take the montessori teacher training and I have been at Boulder Montessori ever since.[/su_spoiler]
Susan Tracy McDaniel
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]First as a mom in Parent-Infant[/su_spoiler]
Yvonne Bader
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]After college I knew I wanted to help young children and families get off to a good start. When I discovered Montessori, I decided this was the way to support children and families. The consistent day-to-day engagement in the Montessori environment guided children(and their parents) to develop a wonderful foundation. Respect for the child was foremost. Children were involved in developmentally appropriate hands on activities. The children grew to be independent and self motivated. The children loved learning. The class was a community and the children gained life time skills. I was fascinated by the children's capabilities and their joy in learning. Montessori was where I wanted to be.[/su_spoiler]
Lorraine Carter
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]Have been in the educational field for years, started working as an assistant at a Montessori School All clicked I knew I had found my dream in education. Got certified in Infant Toddler[/su_spoiler]
Ruth Ann Christensen
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]My first introduction to a Montessori classroom was when my oldest son attended preschool at the Montessori School of Evergreen. I was intrigued by the reverent feeling while the children went about their work. As I began to volunteer and eventually work in the classroom, my interest in Montessori philosophy increased. I joined the MECR early childhood cohort in 1991 and have never looked back![/su_spoiler]
Betsy Hoke
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]A desire to work with young children who are eager to learn brought me to Montessori the year after college.. The more I learned about it, the more excited and passionate I became about the Montessori philosophy and its implementation. I taught for seven years in two Colorado Montessori early schools until,a job opened up at a Montessori schooling Evergreen. My day included leading a class and administrating. I continued in those roles as the school expanded to offer elementary and middle school programs. Because the school was blessed with outstanding teachers and supportive parents, it gradually added elementary and middle school.
After "retiring" in 2009, I became a Montessori consultant and had the opportunity to observe schools throughout the county, coach teachers and administrators, and offer workshops for faculties and parents. I enjoyed serving as the Language and Classroom Leadership instructor at MECR in the 1980's and relished the opportunity to return be an instructor of philosophy at three levels and classroom leadership in EC interns in 2012 after my two children were young adults.
Always a global Montessorian, I established Montessori programs in Tanzania and discovered how powerful a program is for children who have little enrichment in their lives. The Tanzanian children possess an even stronger desire to learn than American students but demonstrate the same human tendencies and characteristics Montessori described. I trained Tanzanian teachers and returned to my first love, getting down on the floor and presenting materials to children and nurturing their potential![/su_spoiler]
After "retiring" in 2009, I became a Montessori consultant and had the opportunity to observe schools throughout the county, coach teachers and administrators, and offer workshops for faculties and parents. I enjoyed serving as the Language and Classroom Leadership instructor at MECR in the 1980's and relished the opportunity to return be an instructor of philosophy at three levels and classroom leadership in EC interns in 2012 after my two children were young adults.
Always a global Montessorian, I established Montessori programs in Tanzania and discovered how powerful a program is for children who have little enrichment in their lives. The Tanzanian children possess an even stronger desire to learn than American students but demonstrate the same human tendencies and characteristics Montessori described. I trained Tanzanian teachers and returned to my first love, getting down on the floor and presenting materials to children and nurturing their potential![/su_spoiler]
Rebecca Howell
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]My first job post-Peace Corps @ TMICH in Denver.[/su_spoiler]
Heather Legendre
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]Studying educational approaches in college, a cross-country trip, and luck[/su_spoiler]
Deborah Matyjevich
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]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.[/su_spoiler]
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.[/su_spoiler]
Sandra Murgacz
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]I loved the philosophy.[/su_spoiler]
Tori Virlee
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]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.[/su_spoiler]
Devon Warn
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]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.[/su_spoiler]
Michelle Baker Rogers
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]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.[/su_spoiler]
Julia Boldrin
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]After spending years coaching and working with children, I felt that my fields and courts were really classrooms without walls. This discovery led to the pursuit of more educational knowledge in a new phase of my life. I began to learn about different teaching methodologies and felt drawn to Montessori education upon a school visit where I saw the philosophy in action. Being a person that does not "sit still" well, I was immediately impressed by the movement within the classroom and the ability of students to gain the experience that best suited them each day while still gaining life skills and academically strong learning. When I began to pursue Montessori certification, I most connected with the hands-on process lived through a greater purpose to serve the world. Within the Montessori philosophy, my way of being integrated into the way of teaching. While I personally strive to learn new things, experience life to the fullest and live with passion, I have been able to carry these true and authentic elements of myself into each classroom I. At MECR, I have been blessed to be able to share experiences and passions for movement with adult learners in their individual journeys towards Montessori certification.[/su_spoiler]
Mandi Franz
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]I attended a Montessori school from age 18 months through Upper Elementary.[/su_spoiler]
Robin Hoch
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]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.[/su_spoiler]
Patrick Howard
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]My best friends raised Montessori kids - they started Compass in 1998.[/su_spoiler]
Heather Legendre
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]Studying educational approaches in college, a cross-country trip, and luck[/su_spoiler]
Betsy Lockhart
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]Like many, I found Montessori through my child. We placed our son in a Toddler environment when I needed to return to my work as a Geophysical Engineer. He flourished under the loving care of his Toddler teacher. I could scarcely believe what he was able to do for himself and was staggered by what he was learning. When he moved up to the Early Childhood classroom, my awe only grew for the Montessori Method and materials. When our son was 5, after the birth of our daughter, I left the engineering world behind and took the Montessori Training. I was in MECR's first Elementary-I cohort; there were 8 of us. After my internship year, knowing that I was destined to work with older children, I went to Silver Springs, MD to complete the requirements for an E I-II credential because there was no local E-II course at that time. I returned to teach in the E-II classroom at Montessori School of Evergreen and never looked back - I had found my Cosmic Task.[/su_spoiler]
Sarah Mohagen
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]After getting my k-6 teaching license, I felt unsettled. I wanted to find a way to reach all of my students at their various levels. Then I found Montessori education and I never looked back![/su_spoiler]
JEAN RASHKIN
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]I saw Standings book when I was pregnant with my daughter in 1978. When we got back to the states I started a home school in Midland Texas and got EC training through Dr Wentworth at Trinity Montessori. When we moved to Houston, I got E-1 training at The Houston Montessori Center and taught at Little Red Schoolhouse for 2 years. When we moved to Maryland I spent 8 wonderful years collaborating with Kathy Schwab at Paint Branch Montessori School (Paint Branch of the Potomac). When we moved to Colorado Springs I helped out in several schools in various capacities and then helped start Rocky Mountain Montessori Academy, where I was Curriculum Director, trained new teachers, and designed parent education nights, while teaching E-1, and a few E-2 students who stayed around. In 2008, I retired from the classroom and began my journey as Instructor of the E-1 Language Curriculum at MECR. I have revised the album every year for the last 9 years.[/su_spoiler]
Devon Warn
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]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.[/su_spoiler]
Laura Alexander
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]I followed my children into Montessori. When I toured and saw the brilliance of the materials, I was hooked. That is where my journey began. I have sought to continue learning and growing in all things Montessori.[/su_spoiler]
Patrick Howard
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]My best friends raised Montessori kids - they started Compass in 1998.[/su_spoiler]
Betsy Lockhart
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]Like many, I found Montessori through my child. We placed our son in a Toddler environment when I needed to return to my work as a Geophysical Engineer. He flourished under the loving care of his Toddler teacher. I could scarcely believe what he was able to do for himself and was staggered by what he was learning. When he moved up to the Early Childhood classroom, my awe only grew for the Montessori Method and materials. When our son was 5, after the birth of our daughter, I left the engineering world behind and took the Montessori Training. I was in MECR's first Elementary-I cohort; there were 8 of us. After my internship year, knowing that I was destined to work with older children, I went to Silver Springs, MD to complete the requirements for an E I-II credential because there was no local E-II course at that time. I returned to teach in the E-II classroom at Montessori School of Evergreen and never looked back - I had found my Cosmic Task.[/su_spoiler]
Sarah Mohagen
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]After getting my k-6 teaching license, I felt unsettled. I wanted to find a way to reach all of my students at their various levels. Then I found Montessori education and I never looked back![/su_spoiler]
Stephanie Van Fleet
[su_spoiler title="I found Montessori..." open="no" style="default" icon="plus" anchor=""]I discovered Montessori similarly like others, through the search of something better for my own child. I am ever so grateful to have discovered a Montessori school (MN Renaissance) where I lived back in Minnesota. Char Cushman inspired and encouraged me to seek Montessori training. I was blessed to train at the Center for Contemporary Montessori Programs with Chulie Fernando, and Michael and Rose Dorer. I became enthused with the methodology and found my passion and purpose, in addition to my own personal education of subject matter that I had never fully embodied or appreciated while in the traditional education setting.[/su_spoiler]