Elementary Program

What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?

My High Desert Montessori experience started as a parent.  Both of my son’s attended HDMS my oldest started in Kindergarten and my youngest was 3 years old.  I was working as a teacher’s assistant for WCSD at the time, but was so taken with the community here that I approached one of my children’s assistants and told her to keep me in mind if there were any openings.  It wasn’t long after I let my intentions be known that I was invited for an interview. I became the assistant in the Excelsior classroom. I was the assistant in Excelsior for 31/2 years before I completed my teacher licensure and became the teacher in the Excelsior classroom.

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

Prior to becoming an assistant at HDMS, I had no desire to become a teacher.  It didn’t take long for me to realize that this was inspiring, this was the WAY to teach.  I began my licensure program after my first school year. If Montessori’s methods could inspire me as an adult, her methods are exactly what children need to be excited to become life long learners as well.  The children at HDMS are surrounded by adults who truly want to help them become the best versions of themselves every step of the way, even if they are not involved with the child throughout the day.

What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?

I am enthusiastic to be joining this learning community. Working at High Desert Montessori is something that I have been interested in for a while. I have been privileged to have friends and family here so I could observe the benefits of Montessori. I have worked with families and kids in education (as a paraprofessional, teacher and counselor) and served families (non profit work) since 2006. I am a lifelong learner and serving children helps me to thrive as an individual and I need them as much as they need me.

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

I am looking forward to getting to know your kids and helping them find their best selves using the tools and foundations of the Montessori experience.  As a formally trained teacher and counselor I strongly believe in helping our kids to be happy, balanced and independent individuals who contribute to society and thrive.  Thank you, High Desert Montessori for being here for them to do this and for allowing me to be part of the process. Having been in many schools both public and private I know our community is blessed to have a public Montessori option!

What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?

I started teaching at HDMS in 2014 and earned my Montessori Teaching Certificate in 2016.  I received my bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Russian from UC Davis and a teaching certificate from Sierra Nevada College.  I began my teaching career in 2008 in a small, rural school in Markleeville, California where I taught first and second grades.  Prior to teaching, I worked with at-risk youth in South Lake Tahoe in a wilderness therapy group home and started a youth street outreach program.

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

Teaching in public schools is my calling, and until I moved to Reno, I did not know public Montessori schools were an option.  During my teaching credential program at Sierra Nevada College, we studied many famous education philosophers.  Maria Montessori’s work always stood out to me as the most well-founded and effective method for children to learn.  When I discovered that HDMS offered a tuition-free Montessori education to a wide range of students, I knew it was the school for me.

What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?

I have been teaching in the traditional school setting for 15 years working with students from preschool to 4th grade. I love teaching and helping my students to learn and grow. While I have enjoyed teaching, my family and I have struggled. We been looking for a different approach to teaching and learning which led us to find our Montessori.

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

I love the student led and developmental approach to Montessori. All of the hands on experiences make for a beneficial learning environment. In addition to these qualities, I really appreciate how the whole child is a focus.

What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?

I graduated from New York University in 2007 and Appalachian State University in 2009. I hold an Associate’s of Art Degree and a Bachelor’s Degree in Internationals Studies: The Developing World with a minor in Political Science. I began my career through a less traditional route, with Teach for America in Denver, CO in 2011. As I developed my practice and educational philosophy, I sought out schools that were community focused, learner driven, and environmentally conscious. That led me to the Denver School for International Studies where I served as a teacher and teacher leader. Later, I transitioned to Sabin World IB School, an accredited IB school, where I was the IB and Personalized Learning Coordinator.  After moving to Reno in November of 2018, I was elated when I came across HDMS. I could not be happier to join such an empowered and thoughtful community of learners! 

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

All children should have access to an education that nurtures their passions, interests, and curiosity for the world, while fostering and developing their social, behavioral, and intellectual growth.  I believe in our public charter Montessori school because the Montessori method and philosophy cultivates and advocates for the development of the whole child and the community of learners in which they belong. 

What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?

I have worked in education in several different capacities. I did my student teaching in Japantown of SanFrancisco. I was lead teacher at an afterschool program for the Jewish community center of San Francisco while working on my undergrad at SFSU. I was selected for the Oakland Teaching Fellows after I began my work in teaching Special Education in East Oakland at Life Academy. I remember hearing about Maria Montessori in my Education classes but her work was presented as something to inform a traditional pedagogy. When looking into daycare programs for my oldest child, I quickly got on a list at HDMS for the infant toddler program.  I observed, I asked questions, I was extremely persistent and eventually had my daughter enrolled in the primary program. When my youngest was born, I took a hiatus from teaching special education/resource for WUSD and applied for an opening. Even though my education was strictly traditional, I truly believe in Montessori education and strive everyday to merge the two in a meaningful way.

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

I believe in equality of education for all students. When I look at the Montessori pedagogy I see that it truly meets the needs of all students, where they are on their path, and is non-judgmental of the style or speed of learning.

What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?

I have a Masters in Equity & Diversity in Education and a Bachelors in Human Development and Family Studies from University of Reno, Nevada. I have worked as a Special Education aide at Washoe County School District, at Head Start, and as a substitute at WCSD.  I came across HDMS online and researched the school and applied for an open assistant position.

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

I love the Montessori program because it allows a child to be him/herself and learn with freedom and responsibility.  It teaches a child to be independent, responsible, and learn at his/her own level.

What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?

I have worked with kids for 12 years in a child care setting after having my first son. When he was going to start kindergarten I was so nervous because I had been his teacher for 5 years and wanted to find something that would set him up for an amazing future. I found HDMS online and scheduled an observation and fell in love. I was blown away with how well 3 and 4 year olds behaved and worked all by themselves, especially coming from a daycare. The atmosphere was so different and I knew that is where I wanted my son to be. After 4 years of my son being enrolled I got an opportunity to work there and jumped at it.

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

I believe in our school because I see everyday how dedicated not only the teachers and assistants are but also the administration and parents. We are a community at our school and work as a team to shape the future of the children there.  I am proud and so grateful to be a part of HDMS and when my youngest is 3 we will all be there.

What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?

As an undergraduate an Norteast Missouri State University, I studied Anthropology and Sociology. I was an administrative assistant for a local independent business for 15 years and a stay-at-home parent for nearly a decade prior to coming to HDMS. My son has been attending the school since kindergarten. When my daughter started kindergarten here last year, I was ready to become a member of our community as a staff member as well as a parent. 

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

When my son was ready for kindergarten, I was absolutely thrilled when I discovered a free public charter Montessori school in my neighborhood. Over the years, my familiarity with the school as a parent deepened my appreciation for the idea of child led learning. The respect for children at our school and the compassion and independence I see in our students inspire and humble me.

What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?

I first worked as a short term office aide and loved the HDMS environment.  Then I heard there was an Assistant position open.  After observing the classroom and meeting Ms. Autumn, I was excited to join the team with a permanent position!

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

I believe children should have access to various environments throughout the day, be able to practice what they’re skilled at, and have a chance to learn new skills as well!  I believe in fostering independent learning in children.  I love seeing how capable they are and how surprised them sometimes are by their own progress!