Teacher Bios and Recommendations
At Bozeman Montessori our staff is still growing. We are committed to hiring people who not only love young children, but respect them. We know that each child is an independent capable person and that our role is to support and nurture them though the most developmentally important time in their lives. We also recognize that the first few years of a young child’s life are also an important time in the life of their family. We know that working with a child means also providing the support and community that every family needs.
All of the lead staff will be Montessori trained at the highest level possible with the goal of international recognition.
Office
Marissa SherKenney
After finishing my BA in Experiential Education (mostly focused on taking teens into the outdoors) I pursued and completed my Master’s degree in Education and My AMI primary (working with children from 3-6 years of age) Montessori credential. I have been working in the Montessori movement since 2001. I first discovered Montessori when I discovered that I really enjoyed 5 year old children and wanted to explore working with this age group. In the process of exploring Montessori education I found out that I was a Montessori child myself.
Chris McNeil
I’m from Montana! Growing up in Butte and Helena. Bozeman for over 20 years! I have a BS in health and human development with emphasis in financial area. I am an introvert and can seem shy or reserved until we’re over the small talk and can get to meaningful conversations.
Heather Cooper
Career Highlights: Working in Nido was my first time working with infants, and I feel like it helped me become a much better care giver.
Special Skills: Remembering birthdays and being able to perform dry, menial tasks for hours.
Things I am passionate about: Films, singing, dogs & cats, games (board, video, and tabletop), puzzles, Hozier, and the color orange.
In my free time, I love to: Watch films, play games, solve puzzles, sing off-key while doing chores, point out dogs I see on walks, and write.
When I was little, I loved to: Do much the same things, but not with as much confidence.
Want to be remembered by: I want to be remembered as someone who tried every day to do and be better than I was yesterday.
Favorite quote: “Wherein lies th’ offense, that man should thus attain to know?” John Milton, Paradise Lost
Personal philosophy: Life is too short for boring socks.
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Primary
Kiera Kirschner
I taught at a high school based on a similar hands on model and believe that’s how true learning takes place. I find working with young children very rewarding and a lot of fun! I have a B.S. in Environmental Science and I am currently in AMI training.
Rebecca Eberlin
I came to Bozeman to study art and education at MSU. I got my degrees and loved it so much that I decided to stay in town. I’ve wanted to teach since I was a child myself. I was really drawn to the passion and professionalism of the teachers at this school. I love climbing, drawing, painting, and lending out my comics to Marissa to read!
Chia Ying Lin
I graduated with a Bachelor of Arts, Applied English in Taiwan; I have several years of teaching younger children the language program both in Taiwan and United States. I love teaching and the reward of seeing them grow. I love cooking and I have a bulldog who skateboards, I speak 3 languages.
Kristen Vardanega
I am currently a college student pursuing a B.S. in community health and human development at MSU, have worked at Bozeman Montessori for over a year, and have worked with children for about eight years. I began substitute teaching at a Montessori school while I was a children’s ski instructor at big sky and the experience led me to working full time as an assistant guide here at Bozeman Montessori! I have worked with children in many different ways in my life, but the Montessori method and the charm and abilities of 3-6 year olds continue to fascinate and impress me! I am the school’s food program coordinator and work on planning and preparing healthy meals and snacks for the primary and Pre-primary children. I love cooking and am a big fan of fresh, home cooked meals, exploring new techniques and am continually expanding my horizons with food! I enjoy skiing, rock climbing, spending time on the river, and knitting!
Pre-Primary
Whitney Mason
I have earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. In the past I have worked as a co-teacher and lead in a traditional preschool classroom setting prior to coming to Bozeman Montessori. I have worked at the school for over 2 years now and look forward to many years to come! I have always wanted to help others. I volunteered at the after school program in Big Timber during high school and discovered a passion for working with children. I had my son, Zachary, on May 5, 2017. I have enjoyed being a new mom and getting to know my beautiful baby.
Nido
Edna Davion
Career Highlights: Joining the Bozeman Montessori Community
Special Skills: Making children laugh
Things I am passionate about: Children, learning and peace are a few of them.
In my free time, I love to: Hike, camp, ski, watch birds, bike, travel, scuba dive, try new foods, read
When I was little, I loved to: Climb trees, catch bugs, swim in the ocean
Favorite quote: ‘Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again’ – Nelson Mandela
Personal philosophy: ‘You must be the change you want to see in the world’ – Mahatma Gandhi
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Katie Tosic
Career highlights: Bonding with such sweet & amazing children and their families!
Special skills: personable, empathetic, team player
Things I’m passionate about: uplifting others , personal growth & learning!
I’m my free time, I love to: spend time with my husband & puppy!
When I was little, I loved to: Run around in my neighborhood! Travel & spend time with friends and family.
Want to be remembered by: being authentic, being loving & being helpful!
Favorite quote: “There are no mistakes, only opportunities.” —Tina Fey
Personal philosophy: Live each day with a grateful heart & spread kindness wherever possible!
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