Specialists

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a child matching geometric solids with base shapes to explore 3D forms

Laura

General Music Teacher and Cultural Arts Coordinator

Ms. Laura Thiele has been a part of the FMS community since her grand-daughter, Lana Lopez, enrolled in 2021 as a kindergartener.  She is a seasoned and passionate Montessorian, having taught in Montessori schools and raised three children in Montessori school environments.  When it comes to music, “Miss Laura” (as she is known to her students) will tell you that “music has always been my playground.”  In addition to degrees in music education, she is a registered Suzuki Piano teacher and a licensed Musikgarten teacher. She is certified in the Orff and Kodaly Music teaching methods for elementary children. Originally from Arizona, Miss Laura moved to Henderson and opened Green Valley Piano Studio in 2015.  Aside from teaching music, she enjoys hiking, biking, and spending family time with her three grown children and two granddaughters.

a group of children exploring Montessori sound boxes to refine auditory senses

Julie

Art Specialist

Julie is excited to share her love of the visual arts with the FMS community.  Julie holds a Bachelor of Science in Art Education from Western Michigan University.  She has over eight and half years of experience teaching Art Education in Southern Nevada.  Julie is a National Art Education Association member and the Nevada Visual Arts Education Association.  Her love and patience for our students are evident when she rolls her art cart into each classroom, ready to teach a new and exciting art lesson.  Julie is genuinely passionate about the arts and is ready to serve the students of FMS through the visual arts program.  Outside the classroom, Julie enjoys hiking, traveling, and volunteering for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.  She also enjoys spending time with family, friends and her lovable Labrador, Bentley.

students engaged in a cooking activity, learning practical life skills

Maria

Spanish Specialist

Maria joined the FMS faculty in 2006, bringing with her the flavor of her native Spain. She holds an MA in Education (foreign language emphasis) and an MA in Linguistics. Once she discovered the power of the Montessori method, and the true independence it instills in its students, Maria went back to school and obtained her Montessori Certification (3-6 year olds). She came to FMS with over four years of teaching experience and infuses an enthusiasm for learning with all of her students. Maria says: “One of the things that I love about Montessori is how a student become independent. He or she will do a job for their own personal satisfaction rather than to receive praise from parents and/or teachers.”

Robert

Athletic Director/Physical Education Instructor

FMS is proud to introduce “Coach Bob” to our school community. Bob holds a BA in Physical Education and comes to our school with over 15 years of Physical Education and coaching experience. Having played third base for the San Francisco Giants Minor League, early in his career, Bob brings a unique and well-seasoned approach to his current position. He has seen the positive impact that sports have had on the development of the whole child including cultivating the values of “sportsmanship, integrity and honesty.” Bob has coached Varsity baseball at the high school level, as well as Jr. Varsity girl’s basketball and softball teams. He brings a wealth of experience and enthusiasm to his new role at FMS and we are confident that he will positively impact FMS’s Physical Education program.

Gayle

Primary Outdoor Classroom Specialist 

Gayle has been on our campus and in our classrooms for seven years now. First as a classroom volunteer in E2, then a substitute, and then our before-care teacher. We now welcome Gayle as the teacher of our Outdoor Classroom. Gayle loves that Montessori is a hands-on learning experience for children and believes Montessori makes learning fun! Outside of school, Gayle enjoys reading, hiking, and spending time with her family. We are lucky to have someone so kind, hardworking, and dependable become a more permanent member of our FMS family.

Mackenzie

Assistant PE Coach

Mackenzie holds a B.S. in K-12 Physical Education and joined the FMS team in 2023 as a primary support teacher in E3. With a deep passion for physical education, she is excited to serve as Coach Bob’s assistant in PE this year. Mackenzie’s enthusiasm and team spirit, honed during her years as a competitive dancer, shine through in her work. Her admirable work ethic and refreshing honesty make her a valued member of our team. Mackenzie is a dedicated and passionate teacher who thrives on building meaningful relationships with her students. Her love, patience, and commitment to positively impacting their lives are evident in everything she does. We are thrilled to have Mackenzie on our team, and her joy in teaching and supporting students is truly inspiring.

Jenna

Head of Aftercare

Jenna currently runs our aftercare program at Foothills Montessori, where her dedication and nurturing spirit significantly impact our students’ after-school experience. She is also in the process of earning her teaching degree and is working as a student teacher, with plans to graduate and manage her own classroom soon.  Having been a part of our school community since childhood, Jenna has evolved from a curious young student into a remarkable educator. Last year, she served as the writing teacher in E3, where she was highly regarded and cherished by students, parents, and colleagues alike.  We are incredibly proud of Jenna’s journey and are thrilled to witness her transition into the teaching profession with grace and courage. Her growth and commitment to education continue to inspire us, and we are grateful to have her as a cornerstone of our community.

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