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“The secret of good teaching is to regard the child’s intelligence as a fertile field in which seeds may be sown, to grow under the heat of flaming imagination. Our aim therefore is not merely to make the child understand, and still less to force him to memorize, but so to tough his imagination as to enthuse him to his inmost core.”
-Maria Montessori
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe in HDMS because of the community built here. I stayed for 5 years because of the caring staff, warm environment, and the Montessori philosophy that became life changing for me. I’ve never had a better work environment and a greater joy than coming back to HDMS year after year!
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I have a Bachelors in Studio Art, a Masters in Elementary Education and a Masters in Education Leadership. After five years as a middle school math teacher, I wanted to make the change to elementary school. I went to Montessori and resonate with the education style. It brings together my passions for art, languages, and movement.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe that High Desert Montessori gives learners an alternative method to learning. Teachers are trained in the ideal ways students learn but HDMS implements them.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I came to Reno and High Desert Montessori School in 2007. I joyfully took a teacher position in the middle school program after searching for a school that would provide me flexibility in teaching practices. HDMS was a great place for me and my two boys, who had just come from a charter school in Las Vegas that allowed them to guide their instruction, explore the real world, and be with multi-age groups.
After receiving my Bachelor of Science in 1998 from University of Nevada Las Vegas, I taught K-2 students in various public schools and at a K-8 multi-age, project-based charter school. In 2005, I received my Master’s Degree and in 2008 started my Montessori training.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
Coming to HDMS allowed me to remain in the public school setting, which provides education to a diverse population. Being in a charter school, provided a unique learning experience to families from all over the valley. The diversity of our school has connected me with people from many different places in the world, students of various abilities, and the opportunity to share the Montessori philosophy and materials.
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 sons attended HDMS. My oldest started in Kindergarten and my youngest was 3 years old. I was working as a teacher’s assistant for WCSD then 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 that I was invited for an interview. I became an assistant in the Excelsior classroom. I was an assistant in Excelsior for 3 1/2 years before I completed my teacher licensure and became a lower elementary teacher. I have since become fully Montessori-trained in Elementary Education and have switched to teaching upper elementary in the Sierra classroom.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
Before becoming an assistant at HDMS, I had no desire to become a teacher. It didn’t take long for me to realize that the Montessori methodology was inspiring, this was the WAY to teach. I began my licensure program after my first year as a teacher. If Montessori’s methods could inspire me as an adult, her methods are exactly what children need to be excited to become lifelong learners. 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.
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?
Teaching is my calling, I always knew I wanted to be a teacher. I graduated from a College in México with a Bachelor’s Degree in Education; specifically in Spanish working for Middle Schools. After that, I enrolled in another University to learn English. Being bilingual gave me the opportunity to work with almost all ages students. For almost eight years I worked as a Grammar, Latín and English teacher at a High School.
I moved to Sparks and started working as an Interpreter for the WCSD, helping families and teachers. Becoming a mom took me to another chapter in my life, and I worked four years at a Daycare.
During my career, I learned about teaching theories and methods and certainly Montessori was the one that stood out for me. I heard there was a Montessori school and I wanted my daughter and myself to be part of this community. When the position for Teacher Assistant became available I applied and took this opportunity.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I truly believe the Montessori method provides all children with a hands on learning environment and the motivation needed for them to feel inspired and always thrive for the best.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I currently attend TMCC and I have enjoyed working at HDMS this past couple of years. I attended HDMS from kindergarten through 8th grade, so I have a personal understanding of the Montessori method of education.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe children should have the opportunity to learn and feel valued despite the obstacles they may face within themselves, and in their personal lives. Montessori provides a comfortable environment that, in my experience, is sure to be memorable.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I’m currently studying elementary education with a speciality in english language arts at UNR. I’ve always had a passion for education and learning. I’ve been looked for an opportunity to start my career path and once I met the kindhearted people of HDMS, I enrolled my daughter into the Primary Program and applied as a teacher’s assistant. Now I’m lucky to be a part of such lovely community.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
As a mother, I’ve been looking for a school that will respect my child and foster her independence with grace and I’ve found through the Montessori method. HDMS has reassured me as a parent and proved to be dedicated the Montessori educational philosophy and the well-being of the child.
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?
I went to college to pursue a degree in Secondary Education in History and knew from an early age that I was really passionate to be in a classroom.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
As far as the Montessori method, I’ve gotten the pleasure of seeing it in action, in so many age groups- I get to learn so many new things every day!
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 am Montessori certified in Montessori Elementary ages 6-12 and have a Master’s Degree in Integrated Learning and Montessori Education.
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 a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education, and over 20 years of experience teaching in many different educational settings. I hope to foster a lifelong love of learning and encourage my students to always stay curious.
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 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 position. I have since that time attended AMS Elementary Montessori Training.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I love the Montessori program because it allows children to be themselves and learn with freedom and responsibility. It teaches children to be independent, responsible, and learn at their own level.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I graduated from TMCC with an Associate of Arts in Education and then graduated from UNR with my Bachelor of Science in Education. I began my teaching career before even going to college, I used to serve in different community spaces as a volunteer/mentor to middle and high schoolers. During my time at UNR I worked in WCSD as a substitute teacher, after UNR I enjoyed my time as a preschool teacher. I had my son in 2019 and a daughter in 2021, at which point my career was on pause. I’m excited to get back into teaching this fall and am so looking forward to my career beginning and growing here at HDMS.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
All I can think to say here is that the “proof is in the pudding.” I recently enrolled my son into HDMS and the way in which my little boy has grown and developed and matured in just even a few short months at HDMS was reason enough for me to want to become more connected to the community. I saw his smile at the end of school and how much care, attention, individuality, and encouragement is placed into my kids learning and being successful; I knew this was the kind of teaching I wanted to be a part of. The kind of teaching that believes a student holds all their potential and we just need to unlock it. The kind of teaching that has compassion and empathy for students who may not fit into the normal “boxes.” A kind of teaching that develops critical independent thinkers and problem solvers. Might bite myself with that one since my 5yo already knows too much (Just kidding). The biggest thing that made my heart light up about Montessori is how every student is able to find THEIR own goals, purposes, and belonging in the school community, I believe having a sense of belonging and accomplishment at school is vital to success and HDMS has given myself and my kids so much room to grow here and I am grateful.
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 am duel certified in both special education and elementary education and that I am both upper and lower Montessori Certified through AMS. 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 many years of experience working with children. It has always been a passion of mine to work with children and help them grow, as they are the future. I believe we are their support and guidance and that their learning abilities are endless. When I was offered the position at HDMS, I was really happy to join the team.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe in HDMS because it provides the tools and opportunities for children to be independent and take pride in their work. Montessori helps children explore their surroundings and learn at their own pace. Children are very hands-on and practice new skills every day. This helps them with self-confidence and knowing what they’re capable of.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
Before I became a public school teacher, I was the On Site Detention Room staff at Mesa Verde High School (Citrus Heights. CA.) from 1993 – 1996. In 1996, I finished up my degree, got my CA. Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and became a 6th grade teacher at Rhoda Maxwell Elementary School in Woodland, CA. In 2005, I transferred to Norfolk, VA., and became a 5th grade teacher at the Chesterfield Academy. In 2007, I then moved to Iksan, Korea, where I taught English for the next 15 years. While in Korea, I was able to get my Master’s Degree in teaching English Language Learners from the American College of Education.When my son and I moved back to Sparks, NV., we were lucky enough to get him enrolled at the High Desert Montessori in early 2023. While meeting with the staff there, I thought to myself, “Hey, this would be a great place to work!” I was hired here as a Classroom Assistant in early August of this year.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
Montessori has been the most challenging educational assignment I’ve ever had. The lack of student desks, classrooms arranged in rows and columns, seating charts, and a set schedule with regards to which subject shall be taught and when it shall be taught was hard to get used to. The faith that the school puts in each student, and students responsibly choosing which spectrum of the curriculum they will study and engage in, and the “Build it, Read it, Write it,” approach to learning certainly opened my eyes to a student driven learning experience. Most of all, the quote, “Help me to do it alone,” really resonated with me and helped me believe that teachers/assistants are best utilized as guides for our charges.
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?
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Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
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What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
Besides working on my teaching degree and observing classrooms, I have always been so passionate about Montessori and dream of being a Montessori teacher! I was working as a hostess at a restaurant working on my degree when I found out High Desert was looking for an assistant for one of their classrooms. I quickly applied and now I have a job that has been so wonderful and rewarding!
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I was so lucky to have gone to High Desert Montessori for Primary all the way up to Middle School. I loved every second of my education and felt so taken care of. Montessori helped me connect with what I was learning personally and helped me develop a deeper understanding of content. I connected with the other students around me and had wonderful relationships with my teachers. Montessori education helps shape and prepare students in a unique way and I believe it will always help shape wonderful students that will become independent and have powerful voices throughout their lives after Montessori!
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!
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I currently attend TMCC and Alpine Academy High School as a dual enrollment student. I attended HDMS from 1st grade through 8th grade, so I have a personal understanding of the Montessori method of education.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe children should have the opportunity to learn and grow at their own pace. I’m grateful I got to attend Montessori School.
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