Lower Elementary Staff

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E2

Rosie

E2 Head Teacher

Rosie has been a member of the FMS teaching staff since 2003. She came to FMS with over 13 years of teaching experience and began her career at FMS teaching on the Primary side of our school. Rosie has a BS in Education and has earned her Montessori Certification for both Primary (3-6-year-olds) and for Lower Elementary (6-9-year-olds).  She earned her Lower Elementary certification from the prestigious Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (MECR). In 2012, FMS was fortunate to have Rosie move from a Lead position in the Primary classroom and take a Lead position in a Lower Elementary classroom. She brings a calm and knowledgeable presence to every encounter she has, and she enjoys “learning something new each day.” Her favorite things about Montessori is “mixed ages in the classroom and guiding the children to discover, explore, learn and resolve things on their own rather than providing them with the answers.”

a child focused on counting with Montessori golden beads

Marian

E2 Co-Teacher

A certified Montessori teacher in Lower Elementary, Marian joined the FMS teaching staff in 2011.  Marian holds a B.A. in English and Anthropology from Emory University and has previously taught English for grades 9-12.  She also has twelve years of experience as a professional writer, editor, and photographer.  Marian’s quiet and studious approach towards her students gives them a clear pathway for learning.  She combines the best in a teacher who is an active listener and someone skilled in having the student discover the underlying meaning of their activities. Marian reflects, “I love the way Montessori encourages children to explore their own interests and in that process, to find that learning is its own reward.”

Adrien

E2 Support Teacher

Adrien has been a part of the Foothills Montessori family since 2008 when she enrolled her twins in preschool. She served as room mom for E2 and on the PTO for several years. Adrien started a Girl Scout Troop at Foothills and has been leading that for 10 years now. She earned her Montessori certification in 2022 and our students have benefited immensely from her teaching. Adrien graduated with a BS in behavioral science and a minor in anthropology. She loves the foundation that Montessori gives to children and believes it fosters a true love of learning. After watching her own children thrive from a Montessori education she is thrilled to be a part of this school.

E3

Maria

E3 Head Teacher

In 2006, Maria brought her Spanish flair and enthusiasm to FMS. She inspires her students to learn their lessons in Spanish by naturally immersing them in the second language. Maria came to FMS with four years of teaching experience. She holds an MA in Education (foreign language emphasis) and an MA in Linguistics, in addition to Montessori certification. Maria says: “One of the things that I love about Montessori is how a student becomes independent. He or she will do the job for their own personal satisfaction rather than to receive praise from parents and/or teachers.”

Rebecca

E3 Co-Teacher

In the Fall of 2015 FMS had the privilege of adding Rebecca to our Lower Elementary teaching team. Rebecca began her teaching career over 20 years ago as a preschool teacher in a traditional setting. She earned a BS in Secondary Education and was inspired to learn the Montessori method after seeing her daughter blossom during her time in a Montessori Kindergarten class. Rebecca now holds Montessori teaching credentials for Primary and Elementary aged children and is working towards her Montessori Master’s degree. Over the years, Rebecca has come to see the profound influence that the Montessori method has on creating an opportunity for everyone to find their own window into their education. Rebecca comments, “It is such a hands-on, multisensory method of teaching, that I have experienced its positive impact first hand.”

Yasnay

E3 Support Teacher/Spanish Immersion

With over 19 years of teaching experience, ranging from early childhood to the university level, Yasnay joined the FMS teaching staff in 2013. She holds a BA in Education and is originally from Cuba. She loves participating in community events and researching about nutrition. “My favorite thing about Montessori is the rigorous individualized instruction. I enjoy teaching in a warm, open and structured environment that fosters the children’s independent grown,” Yasnay says.

a child sorting objects by size, enhancing cognitive and motor development

Heatherann

E3 Support Teacher

Heatherann Rose, born and raised in Napa County, CA, brings a unique blend of creativity, entrepreneurial spirit, and a deep love for Montessori education to our school. Coming from a line of teachers spanning four generations, Heatherann always aspired to be both a teacher and a mom. She holds a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from UNLV. She is a dedicated teacher, small business owner, and published author. Her Rose Sisters Garden Series, inspired by her daughters Audrey, Poppy, and Genevieve, encourages families to explore gardening and nature together. This series reflects her commitment to fostering curiosity, creativity, and a love for learning in young minds. Her journey into Montessori education was sparked by her transformative experiences and her desire to create an enriching, hands-on learning environment. Heatherann’s teaching emphasizes independence, exploration, and a connection with nature. Outside the classroom, Heatherann enjoys gardening and spending time with her three daughters. Her dynamic and compassionate approach makes her a beloved member of our educational community, dedicated to nurturing each child’s potential and fostering a lifelong love of learning.

E4

April

E4 Head Teacher, Elementary Grade Level Head

April arrived at FMS in 2003, with over 15 years of teaching experience. She holds a BA in Psychology and an MA in Curriculum and Instruction. She is Montessori certified for Lower Elementary (6-9-year-olds) and she also holds a Literacy Endorsement. April’s ready smile and warm demeanor is matched by her depth of knowledge and her keen eye for observation. Her favorite things about Montessori is that “the Culture Curriculum gives children an understanding and compassion for all people. The Montessori classrooms allow children to work at different levels, while freedom of choice creates enthusiasm for learning.”

Ashle

E4 Co-Teacher

Ashle has 9 years of teaching experience. She taught students of all ages as a general classroom teacher, English as a Second Language teacher, and reading strategist. She is excited to be immersed in the enriching pedagogy of Montessori philosophy. As an educator, she loves witnessing those “lightbulb” moments when a student makes a connection to a new concept. When she isn’t teaching, she likes to find herself outdoors by camping, skateboarding, walking her dog, reading a book in a hammock, or any other activity to get her out of the house.

Andie

E4 Co-Teacher

Andie is a Las Vegas native. She served for four years in the United States Air Force and decided to pursue teaching upon ending her service. She has a Master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and several years of teaching experience in various positions. She is a strong believer in building relationships and says, “Once you build that relationship, you’re able to know the student’s strengths, meet students where they are, and teach with purpose.” Our community is grateful for her sincerity, teaching talent, and emotional intelligence.

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