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What is your experience and training and how did you come to our school?
My name is Liz Kelley and I will be your new School Counselor. I have had twenty years’ experience as a school counselor in the WCSD school system. I worked at Greenbrae Elementary for twelve years as a general education counselor and eight years as an SIP (Social Intervention Program) counselor. These two positions were entirely different, and I learned a great deal from both of them.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I came to Montessori because I wanted a change from being in the public school system. I look forward to learning all about Montessori and being part of the team. I have an open-door policy for all teachers, students and families, so please stop by and say hello.
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 am proud to share that I have taught special education for over a decade and worked with students from pre-k to high school! I grew up in Gardnerville, NV and attended UNR. In my career I have worked for Silver State Charter School, Carson City School District and Douglas County School District. I am so excited to be a part of High Desert Montessori! One of my favorite former colleagues works here, Miss Rachel! She shared the opening for a special education teacher with me and I couldn’t be happier to now be a part of the magic HDMS has to offer!
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I believe that every child is unique and deserves to be met at their level and provided with the tools to set them up for success. I strive to provide the resources needed to make sure learning is fun by being patient, positive, and understanding. I strongly believe that school should be a place students want to be. In my heart I know HDMS is a place students (and I) want to be!
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 children currently attend the Primary Program here at HDMS.
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 am a 4th generation Reno native who graduated from UNR with a degree in Elementary and Special Education in 2014. I worked as a Special Education Resource Teacher at Clayton Middle School, and have worked as a substitute teacher periodically for a total of 8 years. I also have a degree from America’s Teaching Zoo at Moorpark College. I have worked with exotic birds Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, and raised a guide dog puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind. I have combined my love of wildlife and teaching by working with an animal rescue and educational outreach organization called Conservation Ambassadors, Wild Things Inc. During the summertime, I give wildlife presentations for children and their parents with animals ranging from Great Horned Owls to Brown Lemurs to American Alligators.
Why do you believe in our public charter Montessori school?
I fell in love with the Montessori methodology when I was raising my own toddlers. I found High Desert Montessori School and started substituting a few days per month and loved the program. I love to watch the children take control of their own learning and practice a work to mastery. I’m excited to be a part of a school that fosters a love of nature as well as a love of learning.
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.
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.
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