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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.

Veronica

Spanish Specialist

Originally from Mexico City, Mrs. Veronica brings a rich global perspective and deep cultural appreciation to her work as Foothills Montessori School’s Spanish Specialist. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and has pursued international studies in both China, where she studied Mandarin, and Spain, where she specialized in radio production.

Her journey into education began while volunteering at her children’s Montessori school, where she discovered a profound connection to the Montessori philosophy and its holistic, child-centered approach to learning. Since then, she has earned Montessori certifications in Primary, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary, and now teaches Spanish to students from Primary through Middle School.

Mrs. Veronica is dedicated to nurturing a love of language and culture in her students, helping them gain not only fluency but also an appreciation for global diversity. A lifelong learner herself, she continues to grow alongside her students and her three Montessorian children.

Beyond the classroom, she enjoys cooking, practicing yoga, and caring for her beloved cockatiel. She dreams of one day opening a seaside breakfast café and sharing her culinary creativity on a television cooking program.

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

Heatherann

Gardening Specialist

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.

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

Athletic Director/Physical Education Instructor

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.

Brianna

Curriculum Specialist

Brianna joined Foothills Montessori School in 2025, bringing more than 15 years of distinguished experience in education. She holds a BA in Psychology, an MA in Curriculum and Instruction, and is a certified Reading Specialist.

Her career began in the New York City public school system, where she quickly established herself as a skilled and innovative educator. She later served as faculty at Teachers College, Columbia University, partnering with schools across the nation to strengthen literacy instruction and mentoring the next generation of teachers.

Brianna is also a published contributor to professional development programs in literacy and has presented to educators on evidence-based reading practices. A dedicated member of the FMS community, she is the proud mother of triplet daughters who attend the school. She is passionate about empowering students with the skills, confidence, and curiosity to become lifelong learners.