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What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I have a B.S. in K-8 Education from Montana State and a Master’s of Education in Advanced Teaching and Leadership. Along my journey I also obtained teaching endorsements in TESL (Teaching English as a Second Language) and Gifted and Talented Education. I earned my Early Childhood Montessori diploma with the Authentic Institute of Montessori in 2025.
I have been teaching professionally since 2009. Prior to coming to HDMS, I had the privilege of teaching preschool and elementary students in Seoul, South Korea for a year in 2010-11. I also spent many years teaching in WCSD. My love for education also extends beyond the early years as well, having previously been an instructor for TMCC and holding classes, workshops, and training for parents and teachers on a variety of topics.
My sister, former HDMS teacher, introduced me to Montessori which pushed me to research and study more about the methodology. I spent two years in Toquima Class as a co-lead teacher with her, before moving to Moapa Class.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
HDMS is able to provide an educational experience that is individualized and meets the needs of each child, which isn’t something you can find at all schools. It’s a place where a strong foundation is laid and the love of learning cultivated.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I have a B.A. in environmental science and ecology and a Master’s degree in education. I earned my Montessori primary diploma from Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) in 2012. I came to High Desert looking for an individualized and whole child approach to education for my two daughters. I have been a part of the High Desert Montessori community for over 10 years now.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I love working with children; each day is different and new. I enjoy seeing each child reach his or her true potential through the Montessori curriculum in a public charter school setting. I believe all children should have access to a Montessori education regardless of their background.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I have worked with children for most of my life. After teaching special education for 18 years, I decided to join HDMS as the next leg of my own educational journey. The idea of learning a new (to me) method of supporting the growth and education of our children is exciting!
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe all students have the right to participate in quality educational experiences and take an active roll in those learning experiences. HDMS creates a learning environment that helps students become independent learners who take pride in their education.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I was born in Guatemala and moved to the United States at the age of 12. Reno has always been my home away from home.
I knew early in life I wanted to work with children, and when I started seeking childcare for my eldest daughter, I fell in love with Maria Montessori’s work.
I have been a primary teacher in the Beowawe classroom for the last 12 years and before that I was an assistant for three years. I am committed to this method/philosophy because of the profound respect Dr. Montessori had for children and their developmental stages. I graduated from the Montessori Institute of San Diego in 2009 with an AMI diploma (ages 2-6).
In addition to teaching, I find it rewarding to serve as an interpreter and translator for our Hispanic families. I provide parent education nights and offer my expertise as an advocate for their needs and rights.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
Our school is able to successfully serve approximately 425 students and their families. We believe that all children should have access to a Montessori education regardless of their socioeconomic, racial or cultural background. I feel grateful to be part of the HDMS community.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I graduated in 2014 with a degree in Early Childhood Education. I started working at HDMS in the Fall of 2014. My son, Elliott, had been attending HDMS since 2013. Montessori was a teaching style I had learned about while going to school for my degree. I loved that I could work at the same school as my son.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe in HDMS because it is very accepting of all families. I believe in HDMS because I have seen how this learning style can greatly affect children to be independent, life long learners.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I love working in education and have worked at a number of schools here in Reno and the Bay area. I absolutely love HDMS.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
After raising 3 boys and being a part of my 7 grandchildren’s education I see how important quality education and school choice is. The way a Montessori classroom runs is so unique and beautiful.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
My experience and training with kiddos began with my first job in high school with the City of Sparks. This lead me to pursue to a Bachelor Degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I’ve worked with children between the ages of birth to 17 in many capacities. My favorite being my job onboard different cruise lines!
I also ran an infant/toddler home daycare.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
After becoming a parent I realized even more so how important education is and wanted the best all around place for my kiddo to attend. We enjoy the philosophy and intent behind Montessori and feel lucky to be a part of the HDMS community.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I worked with Maureen in an Early Childhood Program for several years.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe in following the child.
What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
I am currently studying elementary education in college. I came to High Desert Montessori thanks to Miss Martha in Candelaria because when I was doing my observations for my 203 education class she saw how interested, how polite and friendly I was and she asked me if I would like to work here, I looked at her really shocked and I told her really? I could work here even though I don’t have my associates degree yet? She said I could and I was really happy because just by observing that classroom I saw how wonderful the school is.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe in our public charter Montessori school because I see the happiness in the children’s face. I’m not in a classroom but the few times that I have been put in one even if it’s for an hour I see how engaged the students are to learn. The learning methods that are used are very different than with public education and coming from one, if I would have had the chance to ask my parents if they could put me in a Montessori school, I would have. I also saw how my younger sister was being taught in elementary and she struggled a lot to understand things, especially with Math. I had the opportunity to see a teaching method used for math, and it made it seem so simple. I like how the children have choices on what work they would like to do and how hands on the teaching methods are.
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?
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
Montessori is such a beautiful way of educating children. I deeply value a holistic approach that is respectful, responsive, and truly nurtures the whole child. As a parent, I am beyond grateful to watch my own child blossom in this environment. As an educator, I feel honored to be among likeminded individuals and get to be a cornerstone in providing a magical educational experience to children.
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?
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 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.
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