Jenna has been in the early childhood educational field for over 20 years. She taught at the Learning Circle Montessori School for over a decade before assuming the role of Director and later navigating the transition to Mountain Meadows Montessori. She holds an Early Childhood Credential from the Caspari Montessori Institute and served as president of the Montana Montessori Educators’ Association and Caspari Montessori Institute Alumni Association. In addition to her expertise in Montessori education, Jenna has experience in science, outdoor and experiential curriculum development and implementation across a variety of settings. She recently obtained certification as a Positive Discipline Trainer and implements the Positive Discipline Parenting Workshop series.

Erin has been a teacher for over 20 years. She has a degree in Human Development from Washington State University, associate's degree in early childhood education and AMS Montessori Certification at the Primary level. She is a big reader. Erin loves reading books, going to the library and local bookstores. She likes to garden, run, drink coffee, be with her family, and visit Seattle and all beaches. She values Early Childhood Education and is continuing her growth by sharing her knowledge and hands on learning; the outdoors and animals; family time and experiences together; kindness. 

Alicia is currently completing her Montessori certification with the Montessori Teacher Education Institute before she resumes working towards dual degrees in Child Development and French and Francophone Studies at Montana State University. She has aspirations of obtaining a master’s degree in Montessori Education. Alicia has a passion for art and loves to teach her students about different artists and styles of art. She brings with her years of experience with children of all ages in a wide variety of settings including being a lead teacher for an infant classroom, working as a preschool aide, nannying, and babysitting.

Our finances are handled by Robyn, who worked for Learning Circle Montessori for the last ten years. She brings experience with other local Montessori schools as well, as a parent, board member, and bookkeeper. Besides her financial role with the school, Robyn is a substitute teacher who steps in to help out throughout the day or week.

Kenzie began her Montessori journey in her hometown at Cornerstone Montessori in Washington State where she worked for two years before joining Mountain Meadows Montessori. She holds an Associate of Arts degree, and is continuing her education at Montana State University, pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Psychology with a minor in Human Development and Family Sciences. Kenzie plans to further her studies to achieve a Doctorate in Occupational Therapy and become a pediatric occupational therapist. She has experience working with children of all ages, from infants to school-agers, and has also provided care for multiple families through babysitting.

Joanie graduated from Colgate University in 2015 and is currently pursuing her master’s degree in Native American History at Montana State University. Before returning to graduate school, she spent four years teaching history at Steamboat Mountain School, an experiential high school known for integrating academics with outdoor education. During her time there, she led expedition trips throughout Colorado, Moab, and abroad, combining place-based learning with historical inquiry and leadership development. Joanie’s teaching and research interests center on the intersections of landscape, culture, and historical memory in the American West.

Kaitlin has been working in early childhood education for 10 years. She has worked in several roles as assistant, lead teacher, and director of various programs. Kaitlin received a Bachelor of Psychology with a minor in Human Development from Montana State University. She is currently pursuing her Master of Early Childhood Education at the University of North Dakota. She also has taken several Master level courses in Early Childhood Special Education through the University of Northern Colorado. Kaitlin is new to the Montessori field and is currently completing the American Montessori Society’s Introduction to Montessori Classroom Practice certification. Along with working in the classroom, Kaitlin also creates sensory bins and teaches classes for ages 2-8 through her business Inspire Together.

Shea is a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC) and the owner of Lone Mountain Melodies, where she provides in-home music therapy services and beginner piano, guitar, and ukulele lessons throughout the Gallatin Valley. As a music therapist, Shea uses music to support children's growth in areas such as communication, emotional expression, self-regulation, confidence, and social development. Originally from North Carolina, Shea has called Montana home for nearly four years, where she lives with her husband and their dog, James. She is passionate about sharing the joy of music with children and loves creating meaningful, engaging musical experiences. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with family, cooking and baking, hiking, and exploring national parks.