Miss Kristi K. - School Counselor

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

I have been employed as a public health social worker since completing my Master of Social Work and Master of Public Health degrees from Boston University in 2001. I have worked in the school setting, providing public health education and also vocational rehabilitation services for students with disabilities. Additionally, I have many years of experience counseling children and adults with histories of trauma.

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

I believe that a Montessori education mirrors the student-centered, holistic approach in which I have been trained as a social worker. Like social work, a Montessori education examines multiple facets of a student’s life instead of focusing on just one aspect of the child’s needs. High Desert Montessori School is also such an inclusive environment for children with special needs; I am a huge supporter of that, because I believe every child deserves a high-quality and equitable education regardless of ability.

Miss Chrislyn - Special Education & ELL

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

I received my Bachelor’s from UNR in Integrated Elementary Teaching with Emphases in Special Education and Teaching English as a Second Language in 2014. I taught my first year here in Reno, then life took my family to Las Vegas for my husband’s work. I taught in charter schools there, including a Montessori charter school, until 2018 when life brought us back to the Biggest Little City. While in Vegas, I earned my Masters in Curriculum and Instruction from WGU Nevada. I originally came to HDMS as a parent, but as fate would have it, the school needed a Special Ed teacher and I fit the bill. So here I am!!

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

I believe in a fair, equitable, and practical education for ALL children, not just the ones who can pass a test. Dr. Montessori designed her method while working with children with special needs, and so the idea that growth can be made by focusing on the whole child is totally aligned with how Special Education is meant to be: teach the child the skills they need to function successfully in the world, not just to pass a test.

Miss Lisa J. - Special Education

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

I began working in education in 1990 through a college program where I tutored children in crisis, including incarcerated young adults. I loved the work I was doing, so I decided to go back to school to get my teaching license. Through the years I have taught in public schools (LAUSD, CCSD, and WCSD) as well as private schools in Los Angeles. In 2016, I went back to college and completed my Masters in Science with licensure in Special Education. I was fortunate to get my first job as a Resource teacher working with Ms. Autumn. Her love for Montessori helped to inspire me and encouraged me to pursue a career at High Desert Montessori School.

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

My love for learning has drawn me to search for the most effective practices to help students with learning differences. I truly believe that learning should be motivated by excitement and wonder. Each child is unique and learns at a different pace, this is especially important to honor in students with learning differences. The more I learn about Montessori teaching, the more I realize that I have found my home.

Miss Kelly Y. - Intervention

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

I graduated with from the University of Nevada-Reno with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary and Special Education.  After teaching first grade in Washoe County for 10 years, I received my Master’s Degree in Curriculum and Instruction from Lesley College.  I returned to the classroom and taught 2nd grade for 17 years and third grade for 4 years, all in Washoe County.

This is my third year of retirement, and I am excited to be working with young people again.  

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

It is an important part of a community to offer a variety of educational settings for the children in the area.  I believe there is not a “one size fits all” to education, and the Montessori model offers an experience that can meet the needs and expand the horizons of both parents and students.