Skip to main content

Early Education

EARLY EDUCATION

A glimpse into Early Education

An environment where children...

  • work to achieve developmentally appropriate independence

  • develop concentration through their interactions with the environment and others

  • form community through social cohesion in multi-age environments

  • establish a foundation for academic success

Learn More

Our Early Education program is grounded in a fundamental respect for the child and their individual development.  Read more about what that means in our Belief Statements.

 

Children and an adult sit in a circle on a rug, engaged in an activity.

Getting ready to start our Early Education program?

A graphic titled 'Mastering an Independent Bathroom Routine' with three sections: 'Coaching Them', 'Helping Them Handle the After', and 'Accidents Happen'.

A graphic titled 'How to Say Goodbye' offers advice for children's transitions.

A graphic lists back-to-school shopping essentials, including a galaxy-print lunchbox, an insulated water bottle, and colorful rain boots.

  • A young child works at a table
  • Children gather in the woods
  • Children work together in a circle in the snow
  • Three children work on the floor with shapes and blocks
  • Children walk across a snow covered bridge in the woods
  • Children work at a table writing letters in a box of sand

Early Education Staff

I joined Community Montessori in 2019. When I discovered Montessori education, I knew this was the career path for me. I have worked with children in a variety of ways including mentoring, tutoring, art education and childcare. I have a BA in Fine Arts/Sculpture as well as my Montessori teaching certification for Early Childhood. I spent my childhood living overseas in Asia, where I developed a love for people and learning about other cultures. I try to bring that open minded philosophy into the studio everyday and enjoy sharing things from around the world with the children. I live in New Albany with my husband and three children. We love to swim, play outside, bake bread, make art and watch soccer.

My Community Montessori journey began in 2025 when my daughter joined the Nurtury. Shortly after, I became a Developmental Specialist for Gemstone. Although I spent many years climbing the corporate ladder, my passion for working with children truly flourished after becoming a parent and serving as a Site Director for School Age Childcare and a Summer Camp Director at the local YMCA. I am thrilled to be here and to be part of your child’s learning experience. When I’m not floating between studios, I enjoy baking sweet treats to share, spending time with my family, and thrifting for unique finds.

In the summer of 2019 my family and I made the move from Florida to Indiana. I fell in love with CM's vision and some days I still can't believe that I am part of this amazing team. I graduated with my BS in Elementary Education in 2018. I plan on getting my Montessori Teaching Certification as well. Working with children is my biggest passion and I feel blessed to work within a Montessori environment that showers children with respect and understanding. Some of my favorite pastimes are exploring new parks with my son, being in the water, and relaxing with a good book.

2025 marks my first year at Community Montessori, and I’m so excited to be part of this incredible learning community! I graduated from Berea College in 2021 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology. Since then, I’ve worked as a substitute teacher in early childhood classrooms and as a Mental Health Coordinator for a Head Start preschool program. What draws me to the Montessori approach is its emphasis on relationship-building and the mutual respect shared between teachers and learners. In my free time, I enjoy hiking, volunteering with my local PFLAG chapter, and spending time with friends and family.

I became a Community Montessori parent in 2013, and the more I learn about the philosophy the more I fall in love with it. I received my Montessori Early Childhood credential in January 2019. I have a Bachelor of Arts in both Communication and Psychology from Indiana University, and have taught both in public and private schools since graduating in 2005. I enjoy spending time with my husband and two daughters, and love hiking, crafting, any activity outdoors, and exploring new places.

I've been teaching Early Childhood Education for over 8 years. I have a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and a Minor in Special Education. I was drawn to the Montessori approach early in my career, and after seeing it in action at CM, I knew I wanted to be part of this community. I'm passionate about fostering children's curiosity and creativity and feel honored to be part of their first school experience. In my spare time, I enjoy visiting antique shops and spending time with friends and family.

Coming soon...

I have been a part of the Community Montessori family since 2012 when my oldest started in Pentagon. I studied Philosophy & Asian Studies at Indiana University Southeast and Kanda University in Japan. After working as a substitute at CM I knew I wanted to be a part of Montessori and to help young minds grow to be strong, independent & peaceful leaders. I love spending time with my children, going on adventures, reading, learning and hand embroidery. I'm so very excited & honored to be here with families to help on this journey.

I started my journey with Community Montessori in 2017, as a parent.  The community and respect that exists at CM is incomparable. As my children got older and I decided to get back into education, I knew there was no other place for me to go.  I started working at CM in 2022 and have loved growing within the school.

I have been a part of this amazing community since 2014. I have 3 kids, one that graduated from CM and two that currently attend. Before my transition to Early Ed I was an Educarer at The Community Nurtury for 6 years.

I first became a Community Montessori parent in 2020, started substituting in 2022, and became a staff member in 2023. I have a background in child psychology, early education, and working with kids who have been through trauma. My three kids, pets, and I live in Southern Indiana, where we love to spend time outdoors. I love anything involving being in the water, hand embroidery, live music, plants, and clothing upcycling. I am so excited to be a part of the Community Montessori family!

I've been part of the CM family since 2015 when my oldest child started in Ellipse. I fell in love with the Montessori philosophy in college and my passion for supporting learners to grow and flourish deepened through my experience subbing throughout all the levels in the building. I'm looking forward to watching learners develop a life long enthuasiam for knowledge. I live in Jeffersonville with my husband and four children who all currently attend CM. In my free time, I enjoy camping with my family, reading, yoga and hanging out with my pets.

My journey with Montessori began when my boys started their Montessori education at age two—and we quickly fell in love with this approach to learning. From 2010 to 2024, I worked as an Occupational Therapist in outpatient and home health settings. The Montessori philosophy, along with the RIE approach, aligns beautifully with my OT background and values. Outside of work, I love spending time in nature, hiking, practicing yoga, reading, working on puzzles, and sharing lots of laughter and silliness with my boys.

I have been counseling and teaching skills (coping, emotional, educational, and practical living) to children, teens and young adults ages 4 to 22, as well as families and other caregivers, for 12 years through community-based services in Louisville, KY. Many of the needs have included autism spectrum, developmental delays, cognitive differences, attachment disorders, emotional disturbance, drug use and history of neglect and abuse. I am a proud dad, and I play, teach, and compose music. I am the creator of Liberation Living Room, Children’s Concert and Web-series. I am very happy to be part of the incredible Community Montessori team.

I have been a member of Community Montessori since 2002. I graduated from Indiana University Southeast from which I attained a Bachelor's Degree in 2002. While attaining my teaching certificate from Indiana Wesleyan University, I began my career here with CM as a teacher with 6-9 year old's. In 2010 I transitioned into the 9-12 program. During this time I earned Montessori certification. I have taught all levels ranging from 6-12 years of age. I enjoy boating on Lake Cumberland with my wife Heidi and our kids Alex. Jaden, Damon, and Ellie. I am proud to be a part of a school that is redefining education one learner at a time.

Observation and Evidence Based

Montessori teachers are trained to observe for each individual's specific social, emotional, and academic needs. We offer lessons and experiences grounded in the Montessori philosophy, established over a century ago and supported by modern neuroscience and educational research.