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What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
My name is Jonas Schenzel, and my journey in education began in 2012. After graduating with my Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies, I was inspired to further my career and education and obtained a Master’s Degree in Special Education in 2015. Working as a Special Education Teacher brought me great joy in helping others and making lasting impacts in the lives of our youth, and that’s where I remained until 2018. I decided to head back to school and earn another Master’s Degree in School Administration, graduating in Spring of 2020. I remained in Special Education for the next couple of years, and in 2023 I began working up the School Administration ladder as Special Education Director , instructional coach, Dean of Students and an assistant principal. The Montessori approach has always been something I have believed in and being the Assistant Principal at Alpine Academy College and Career I established close working relationships with the staff at High Desert Montessori in efforts to recruit students to transition from HDMS Middle School to Alpine Academy High School. In 2026 my wife and I made the decision to enroll our own children at HDMS and strongly believe in the Montessori approach of intrinsic learning and student centered learning environments.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe in the HDMS charter because I firmly believe in the Montessori approach and principles. Not only is Montessori a personal choice for my children but its principles closely align with my educational philosophies. Understanding the needs of children and helping guide them through their own learning journey is an important aspect in fostering curiosity and helping develop good decision making and positive outcomes that relate to natural consequences and lasting impacts in life. Coming from a mostly Charter background I also believe that school choice plays a crucial role in guiding diverse learners through their educational journey. I am beyond thrilled to become a member of the HDMS community.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I earned my Bachelor’s of Education in Elementary Education from the University of Phoenix in 2010. I attended the Montessori Teacher Training Collaborative, receiving my AMS Elementary Teacher certification in 2017. I received my Master’s in Montessori Education in 2019 from Xavier University, and my Master’s in Educational Leadership from Western Governors University in 2021. I was also part of the Emerging Leaders Fellowship of the American Montessori Society in 2019.
While I was completing my Bachelor’s of Education, my son, Cole, was struggling in his traditional school environment, resulting in being withdrawn and enrolled in an online school for 5th and 6th grade. Half way through 6th grade, Cole was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes.With me looking for a teaching job, being at home online was no longer an option for him. The middle school he was zoned for was not a good fit for him, so my husband and I went looking for alternatives. HDMS was the perfect fit not only for Cole, but for my daughter Eden as well. Both of my children were accepted for the school year 2014/15. A week after, I was notified that my children were accepted, and a teaching position at HDMS was posted. I thought it would be neat to teach at the same school as my children.
Little did I know that I would fall in love with the Montessori philosophy and approach to education.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
The Montessori approach to education should be available to all children regardless of background. HDMS allows all children to benefit from a Montessori education.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I have an Associates Degree in Business from Santa Barbara College. I spent over twenty years as a senior account executive in the communications industry. My husband is in the education field and we always shared the dream of one day being on similar break/vacation schedules. After our boys left the house, I decided to make a career change. A family friend worked at HDMS at the time and told me about what a fantastic school and work environment it was. After several years of working here, I can honestly say that I wholeheartedly agree with her assessment. HDMS is a wonderful school and I love coming to work each and every day.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I am so happy to be a part of the HDMS community. I’ve already told my own children that when they have my future grandchildren, they will be attending HDMS! I love this school with all my heart.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
After I graduated college I started working with kids as a Behavior Modification Tutor and continued to work with kids of all ages as a Developmental Specialist and a Teacher up until I had my own children. Working with kids is very rewarding and I enjoy seeing all of our students thrive at High Desert Montessori. From the moment he was born we knew we wanted a non-traditional school setting for my son. I did my research and found High Desert Montessori. By the time our son was two he was on the waiting list. Our son started at High Desert in 2015. Our daughter started in the primary program in 2017. I started working in the infant toddler room that same year and have been here ever since.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
The Montessori philosophy is simply amazing. Here at High Desert we see the whole child and provide an education that meets all of our kids individual needs. The students get to explore, create, and have a hands on educational experience that is incredible to see on a daily basis.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I attended Southern Utah University where I obtained a BA in Secondary Education & German. Over the years, I worked as an Administrative Assistant at a large Software Corporation and at a Law Office. I also ran my own business during the years that I had small children at home. We found High Desert Montessori School when my oldest daughter was in second grade. I immediately knew that I wanted to be a part of the school and applied when a position came open. Many years later, I still love my job and I still love this school. I have the added bonus of being one of the Archery Coaches at HDMS, which allows me to interact with many of our incredible students on a regular basis!
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
Our family started our journey in public school. Although the teachers were devoted, it became clear quickly that a “one size fits all” approach was not going to work for our family. Our children were bored and were beginning to hate school at very young ages. After much research, we found Montessori. We were drawn to the idea of independent children learning at their own speed. We were drawn to the idea of a methodology that kindled a love of learning and exploration. Many years later, we have three children who love learning, who are independent and brave, who are self directed, children who are kind and who love their community. I am forever grateful we found Montessori.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I have nearly 20 years experience working with children from birth to adolescence, three years of which were with special needs students. I was introduced to HDMS by Sherrie Jordan. My daughter, Paige is also an assistant at HDMS.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
This is my first experience in a Montessori setting and boy am I impressed with the level of independence and self guided work. Honestly, I wish I had experienced this environment earlier. It is wonderful that this Montessori program is available to so many families.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
My journey to HDMS started when I took a position working as an outdoor education instructor in Colorado. Being in outdoor education, opened my eyes to a world of different teaching methods and the power of learning through experience. I worked at various camps from Colorado to North Carolina, and finally landed in Reno, where HDMS was the perfect fit.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe in Montessori because I have seen first hand how beneficial this style of education is. It creates such a positive environment for learning and discovery, empowering children to follow their curiosity.
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