Clarissa graduated from Calvin University with an Interdisciplinary degree in Social Work, Sociology, and Congregational Ministry Studies. Clarissa worked with toddlers during her time in Haiti as a summer intern with Haiti Foundation Against Poverty. Currently, Clarissa is close to completing her AMI Assistants to Infancy diploma. Clarissa is passionate about advocacy for women, youth empowerment, and self-care.

Kieran was an MCMS student from Children’s House through graduation from the Adolescent Program in 8th grade. After attending and graduating from West High School in Madison, he came back to work at MCMS, looking forward to gaining more experience working with children before continuing to college. Outside of school, Kieran enjoys creating art, listening to music, and spending time with family

April and her husband Dan have two daughters and have lived in Madison for over a decade. Her love for young children has shown through her past work in various daycare settings, nanny positions, and most recently providing in-home childcare while raising her own children. April is very excited to join MCMS part-time in the toddler room and learn more about Montessori principles.

CHILDREN’S HOUSE GREEN

Anna has lived in Madison most of her life. She graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in early childhood education, and later attended the Midwest Montessori Institute in Milwaukee, where she received her AMI primary certification in 1991. She taught for several years in Janesville before returning to Madison and MCMS in 1993; she has been teaching here ever since. Anna and her husband have three children who have all graduated from MCMS.

CHILDREN’S HOUSE PEACH

Meghan grew up in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and discovered the Montessori method while subbing as an aide in a Montessori classroom after college. She moved to Madison after earning a PhD in English, with a specialization in Victorian children’s literature. In 2017, she earned her AMI Primary diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota and returned to Madison the next year to be closer to family.

CHILDREN’S HOUSE YELLOW

Amanda joined the MCMS community in 2022 after moving from Port St. Lucie, FL to Madison. Amanda spent nearly a decade working as a licensed massage therapist and previously taught writing to college freshmen. Amanda started volunteering at her children’s school and loved being in the classroom so much that she joined the staff full time. She worked as an assistant in both Toddler and Children’s House environments in Florida before completing her AMI Primary diploma at the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies.

CHILDREN’S HOUSE PEACH

Kedzie graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2023 and worked at MCMS previously in the CHAS room.  Kedzie has experience with children from toddlers through middle school, having worked previously as a camp counselor for all ages, karate instructor for young children, and elementary classroom aide. She gained familiarity with Montessori concepts through an internship at a Montessori school in Spain.

CHILDREN’S HOUSE GREEN

Kim grew up in Madison and received her assistant and lead teacher qualifications from MATC. In the winter of 2013, she obtained her AMI Montessori assistant certificate after completing a rigorous training course through the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee. Kim feels very fortunate to be part of such a wonderful school community for so long and is excited to continue working and growing at MCMS. Both of her children have completed the Children’s House program here, and are now young adults.

CHILDREN’S HOUSE YELLOW

Lua and her husband have one child currently at MCMS, as well as two graduates of the school. Lua has been working with children and youth ever since graduating, including her experiences in after school programs, as well as providing in-home child care while being at home with her youngest son.

LOWER ELEMENTARY

Marisol has worked in the MCMS elementary program since 2009, first as an assistant in both lower and upper elementary, and now as a lower elementary guide after completing her AMI 6-12 diploma program from the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota in 2021. Marisol is fluent in Spanish and English.

LOWER ELEMENTARY

Rachel is originally from Sparta, WI annd earned a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature. Rachel discovered and fell in love with Montessori education when on a whim she spent an afternoon observing her sister’s classroom. She completed her AMI elementary training at the Montessori Training Center of Minnesota as well as her Master’s degree through St. Catherine University. Rachel has served as an assistant and lead guide in Montessori primary and elementary environments, at private and public schools in the Madison area.

UPPER ELEMENTARY

Baylen grew up attending Montessori schools in south-central Wisconsin. He received a Cello Performance degree from the University of Minnesota, but soon after expanded his interest in teaching beyond music. He received his AMI elementary certification at the Montessori Center of Minnesota and a Masters of Education from St. Catherine’s University. Baylen has taught at a variety of institutions both in the Midwest and the Washington D.C. Metro area.

UPPER ELEMENTARY

As a young child, Grace attended MCMS’ Children’s House program. In May of 2024, they graduated from Edgewood University with a bachelor’s degree and hope to continue their education through AMI training in the next few years. Grace has been leading MCMS summer camps for the past two years, and is very excited to be part of the MCMS staff! In their free time, outings with family and quality time outside is always a must. Grace also loves partaking in many different forms of art and music, enjoying both creating and engrossing themselves in other artist’s work.

ADOLESCENT PROGRAM

Scott is originally from northern Michigan where he earned degrees in business management and in forestry at Michigan Technological University. Scott came to Wisconsin in 1999 to earn a master’s degree in environmental education at UW-Stevens Point. Afterward, he worked at Nature’s Classroom Institute, where he thoroughly enjoyed working with Montessori adolescents in this environmental education program. Interacting with these adolescents inspired him to pursue his own Montessori adolescent orientation, which he completed after his first year at MCMS. Scott continues to enjoy his time with adolescents as they begin finding their place in the larger world.

ADOLESCENT PROGRAM

Amber taught in the adolescent program at Pines Montessori School in Kingwood, Texas from 2016-2019, where she instructed across subject areas, supervised student research, facilitated Socratic discussions, and accompanied students on educational outings and trips. Amber received her American Montessori Society Adolescent Certification from Houston Montessori Center during that time. Amber also holds a law degree from the University of Texas and worked in the legal field before becoming a Montessori educator. he currently holds a position on the advisory board of Montessori on Wheels, an outreach mission driven program to bring the transformative beauty of Montessori education to underserved communities.

SPANISH & SUPPORT STAFF

Leonora is originally from Colombia, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in rural education and worked as a teacher for 10 years. After coming to the United States, she earned a certificate in early childhood education, and attended an AMI Montessori Children’s House summer course. She just completed her AMI Montessori elementary diploma from the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee. Leonora has two children, who are also at MCMS, and enjoys spending time with her family and serving her community. She is fluent in English and Spanish.

FITNESS & WELLNESS

Bri has always been drawn to all forms of movement, ever since starting gymnastics at the age of 2. She began coaching at age 14, and has been the head coach for the Madison West High School gymnastics team since 2011. She still competes on an adult gymnastics team, and enjoys being active in general: whether it’s golfing, biking, playing volleyball, pickleball, working out or trying new circus/movement arts. She grew up in Southern Wisconsin and landed in Madison while getting her BS in Art from UW-Madison. Bri was introduced to Montessori education through her wife, who attended MCMS, and they now have a son at the school. She values spending time with her family, traveling, and connecting with others.

ART & CREATIVE EXPRESSIONS

Andy has always been drawn to creative pursuits, earning his B.A. in art education from Bethel University in St. Paul, Minnesota before starting his career teaching art and a variety of other subjects at a K-12 private school. Andy obtained his special education license from Edgewood College in 2011 and taught special education in area public schools for several years before choosing to stay home with his two sons. Andy has enjoyed learning more about Montessori education and is passionate about lifelong learning.

STUDENT SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Sharese received two undergraduate degrees from the University of Wisconsin Madison in psychology and sociology. She then attended the University of Wisconsin Whitewater to become a school psychologist with a masters of science in education degree. She has spent many years working in the Middleton Cross Plains Area School District as a school psychologist and student services coordinator. Sharese is thrilled to join MCMS! She is eager to grow in the Montessori philosophy and pedagogy while collaborating with parents and staff to honor childrens unique strengths and challenges in a way that promotes respect, acceptance and belonging.

CHILDREN’S HOUSE AFTER SCHOOL

Tracy was raised in Madison and graduated with degrees in psychology and sociology from UW-Madison. She spent several years working in psychiatric hospitals and therapy programs in Chicago before discovering Montessori education. Tracy possesses Primary diplomas from both AMI (Milwaukee Montessori Institute) and AMS (Seton Montessori Institute). She was a Children’s House Guide in Oak Park before she and her husband decided to return to Madison to raise their daughters. Tracy first joined MCMS as a parent, then as a Toddler Assistant for a year, then as a Children’s House Guide. Tracy has also partnered with the Lower Elementary children as a program assistant. In her spare time, she loves biking, playing games, and paddle boarding with her family.

CHILDREN’S HOUSE AFTER SCHOOL

Melissa has been a part of the MCMS community for many years as a staff member and a parent. Melissa has a degree in Art from the University of Wisconsin- Madison, as well as an AMI diploma for Children’s House age children and a M.Ed from Loyola University in Baltimore, MD.  Melissa was a Children’s House guide for several years and also taught in the Art program at our school. In addition to education, she has experience as a doula, yoga & wellness teacher, and coach. 

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

Kennedy has been a student at Greenville University in Greenville, IL for the past 2 years. She is pursuing her degree in elementary education and has moved to WI with her husband, who is a middle school P.E. teacher. Kennedy has a strong passion for teaching and is excited to be a part of the MCMS family! In Kennedy’s free time she enjoys going on hikes with her German shepherd, and spending time with her family.

HEAD OF SCHOOL

Gretchen joined MCMS in July 2022 after moving to the Madison area from California’s Bay Area. Gretchen served in various roles at Valley Montessori School since 1999, most recently as the Director of Elementary and Middle School. Gretchen holds a Montessori Early Childhood Credential (2001), a Montessori Administrator Credential (2007), and a M.Ed. from St. Catherine University (2013) with an emphasis on Montessori Education. She completed the NAIS Fellowship for Aspiring Heads of School in 2021 and the AMI Administrators Certificate in 2022. Gretchen is the proud parent of two young adult children who attended Montessori schools through 8th grade, and in her free time loves to exercise, spend time with her family and play with her cats. 

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION

Kate has been with MCMS since 2014. Before moving to Madison, she graduated from Lake Forest College with a degree in English and her AMI elementary certification from the Montessori Institute in Milwaukee, followed by a master’s degree in education from Loyola University in Baltimore, Maryland. Before moving into an administrative role, Kate served as a Montessori guide in both lower and upper elementary at MCMS. Kate is passionate about AMI Montessori education, also working as a consultant for AMI/USA. Kate’s goal is to ensure students and families of all backgrounds are welcomed and thrive in the classroom. When she’s not at MCMS, Kate enjoys exploring the Madison area, cooking, playing trivia, and spending time with her family.

OFFICE ASSISTANT

Tess grew up in the Middleton-Cross-Plains Area School District with her twin sister and younger brother. She graduated from Edgewood College with her degree in Art and Design Education. She has experience working with children from elementary through high school from teaching art for public schools in the Madison area. Tess and her husband have two daughters who are in the Montessori program, and they are all honored to be a part of the MCMS community. In her spare time Tess likes to draw portraits, read, watch movies, and spend time with her friends and family.

ADMISSIONS & MARKETING COORDINATOR

Amanda was raised in northern Wisconsin, and earned a bachelor’s degree in English and creative writing from Edgewood University in Madison. She continued on to study secondary education in the post-baccalaureate program, where she became interested in progressive education. Amanda received her AMI primary certification from the Montessori Institute of Milwaukee in 2018. She has worn many hats at MCMS, including the CHAS program and serving as the Office Assistant. As Admissions & Marketing Coordinator, Amanda is excited to introduce prospective families to authentic Montessori education! Amanda and her husband, Joe, live in Madison with their son, Luca, who also attends MCMS.