Special Services

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

I have 15 years experience working with children and families in educational and therapeutic settings. AA in Early childhood education, MSW-minor in Women’s Studies, Licensed Master Social Worker #M-10049, , Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor intern.

I came to High Desert Montessori in 2016 as a teacher assistant after moving to Reno. I had two daughters enrolled in an adolescent program and one in elementary. It was the perfect fit for us! HDMS supported me through higher education and I am so happy to be rejoining HDMS community as School Counselor.

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

I believe in High Desert Montessori Charter School because it provides children and families with quality and equitable Montessori Education which promotes dignity and worth of all people and fosters importance on human relationships while practicing integrity and competence. As a school, HDMS proves their commitment to children and families of the Reno/Sparks area by closing the gap between Montessori Education and socio-economic barriers by providing free to the public Montessori Education.

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

I began teaching while going to college and quickly changed my major to education. I have taught specialized programs and all grade kinder to 8th grade. I have enjoyed each level of need and grade for various unique reasons. My experience has been with the Washoe County School district. After having a previous colleague move to High Desert Montessori and listening to her testimony I could not pass up the opportunity to bring myself a new challenge and to be able to align myself with others that share my same beliefs.

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

After being in education for the past 15 years I am deeply drawn to being able to meet students where they are and cultivate their love of learning. Meeting the needs of the student so they are able to learn and develop a love of learning.

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.

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

I have my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Speech Language Pathology and Audiology from the University of Nevada, Reno. I have worked for the Washoe County School District in that role Fall of 2012 to the Spring of 2023. I have worked with pre-k through 8th grade students in that time. I have worked with a variety of kiddos with a range of speech and language challenges as well as those with more complex struggles. I have been a parent in this community for several years and am overjoyed to be able to bring my student centered approach to the students here. I look forward to supporting students in the Montessori community with their communication.

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

I believe that the purpose of school-based Speech and Language support is to help kiddos achieve what they want to as a human and not solely as an academic being. I believe that kiddos and their families are able to identify their priorities for improving communication. I love that Montessori supports the child as a whole and believes in their ability to express age-appropriate autonomy. Our public charter Montessori school allows a more diverse range of families to be able to participate and benefit.

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

My experience is as a teacher is varied from informal tutoring to classrooms. I have my certifications in TESOL and taught in South Korean at an all girls Middle and High School. I found this school after having my first child and researching the Montessorri method and implementing it at home. My oldest is currently in Primary and my second child will hopefully be joining in fall.

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

I believe that Montessori provides an environment that can really help children flourish and be conscious members in any community, however many Montessori programs are private. HDMS being a public charter school provides an opportunity for families that would otherwise not be able to participate in Montessori education, myself included. The community here is thoughtful and mindful and works towards providing safe space for all children to grow and learn.

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

I have a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, and over 20 years of experience teaching in many different educational settings. I love working with English learning students and being a part of the excitement that comes with learning to communicate more freely.

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

Our family moved from Arizona in 2023. We were so thrilled with High Desert Montessori for our 3 children, that I decided to join the team too.  We love the Montessori method, the smaller school environment, and the strong community feeling that High Desert Montessori brings.  

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

I have a bachelor degree in special and elementary education from UNR and a masters degree in curriculum and instruction from Lesley College.  I was an educator in WCSD for 30 years teaching special education and lower elementary grades. 

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

My grandchildren started preschool at HDMS several years ago, and I have been providing small group instruction in reading for the past few years.  I believe that many different options should be available to children and families when educating children.  I enjoy seeing the variety of classrooms and the approaches used by the HDMS staff.

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

I was placed at High Desert Montessori School through the Foster Grandparent program. I have always loved serving my community and working with the public.

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

I have volunteered at High Desert Montessori School for over ten years because I just love it here. The staff are wonderful and reading with the children brings a smile to my face.

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

I was placed at High Desert Montessori School through the Foster Grandparent program. I have worked with at-risk youth for many years.

Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?

This is my first experience working with a charter school. I believe every child is entitled to a good education.