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 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.