STAFF

The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, ’The children are now working as if I did not exist.’ - Maria Montesori

Pocatello Valley Montessori is passionate about Montessori education. Our teachers are educational guides, introducing children to learning opportunities. This approach to education allows children to pursue their passions, at their own level and pace. As children progress, the teachers continue to guide, gently drawing them into new and progressively more challenging learning experiences.

Staff: Staff

MISS MORGAN

Lead Teacher - Toddler

Miss Morgan is an experienced child care provider and the lead guide in our Toddler classroom. Morgan is one of the founders of the school. She became acquainted with the Montessori Method when her oldest son was just a toddler. She enrolled him in a Montessori preschool and then worked tirelessly to start Pocatello Valley Montessori School. Morgan is a valued and long-term founding member of the school community.

MISS MINDEE

Co-Teacher- Toddler

Miss MinDee joined our school in 2021, and is now a coteacher in our toddler program. She is always an uplifting and positive presence to her students and fellow staff members. She loves the independence that Montessori encourages, and advocates for each child to take charge of their own education at an early age. Miss MinDee has three sons of her own, one of which attends PVMS. Outside of work Miss MinDee loves to spend time with her family, attending her boys' extracurricular activities, volunteering, and bowling.

MISS AMY

Lead Teacher - Primary

Miss Amy came to Pocatello Valley Montessori school after spending several years working as a paraprofessional in the local schools. She became intrigued by the Montessori philosophy while attending education classes at Idaho State University. Coming into the Montessori classroom felt like “home” to her as she embraced the individualized instruction.

Amy holds an American Montessori Society accreditation from the Montessori Institute at Westminster College in Salt Lake City. She and her husband have three daughters.

MISS RACHAEL

Lead Teacher- Primary

Miss Rachael began working at Pocatello Valley Montessori in the fall of 2018 as an assistant, and now leads her own class. She loves that the Montessori approach encourages students to find their own intrinsic motivation to learning, allowing them to enjoy learning starting at an early age. Her calm demeanor makes her classroom a soothing environment to all of her students and colleagues alike. In her free time, she loves to garden, hike, read, and create beautiful floral arrangements.

MISS STEPHANIE

Lead Teacher - Primary

Miss Stephanie was born and raised in Pocatello Idaho, educated through Idaho State University receiving her early childhood development certificate, and has her Primary Lead Certification. She became intrigued in the Montessori way through her affiliation with the Pocatello Valley Montessori School as an assistant. She has had a passion for teaching for many years. Her experience ranges from working in various childhood development centers, operating her own pre-school and raising 5 children. When she isn't teaching, Stephanie enjoys watching her children grow in their various talents and activities, spending time with her husband, being outdoors, helping others, cooking and crafting.

MISS SUMMER

Lead Teacher - Primary

Summer worked for the Blackfoot school district for 5 years and came to work at PVMS in 2018 as a classroom assistant. Summer is excited to be teaching. She has demonstrated her ability to respect each students learning needs while embracing their curiosity.

Miss Summer received her Primary Lead Certification in 2020.

MISS SANDRA

Lead Teacher - Lower Elementary

Miss Sandra grew up in Utah; however, after living in Chubbuck for the past 23 years, she is happy to call Idaho her home. She and her husband, Rich, have six children, all of whom have benefited from a Montessori education. Naturally loving and caring by nature, Sandra loves working with children and is passionate about the Montessori method as an approach to life and learning. She has a Montessori Lower Elementary diploma from the North American Montessori Center, and has a Bachelors Degree in Accounting from ISU.

Outside of the classroom, Sandra’s favorite pastime is cheering on her children from the sidelines as they participate in sports and musical activities. She also enjoys reading, gardening, and spending time with family.

MISS ANNIE

Lead Teacher- Lower Elementary

Miss Annie began working at PVMS in the fall of 2021 as an elementary teacher. Miss Annie studied psychology and philosophy in Scotland, where she received both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. In her free time Miss Annie loves to be outdoors, play the piano, and spend time with her pets.

MISS KARA

Intern Teacher- Upper Elementary

Miss Kara began working at PVMS in the spring semester of 2021 as an assistant teacher while studying Education at Idaho State University. She applied her degree in childhood development and education as a morning assistant in the toddler program, and an afternoon assistant in our lower elementary class. She is currently continuing her education at Idaho State University, finishing her degree in Elementary Education while she teaches our upper elementary class. She plans to pursue a doctoral degree in psychology. Miss Kara enjoys making everyone feelsafe, understood and welcome, making her a natural teacher and mentor. In her free time she loves collecting and researching rocks and crystals, road trips, and exploring new hobbies.

MISS ANJ

Before and After Care Lead

Miss Anj was born and raised in Idaho and educated in early childhood development. She began working at PVMS in 2018 in the before and aftercare program, which she now leads. In addition, Miss Anj works as an assistant in our primary program, and has completed her Montessori Assistant Certification. Miss Anj always has a fun craft or activity up her sleeve, and is adored by all her students.

MISS TAYLOR

Behavioral Specialist

Miss Taylor is an incredible resource to our students and staff alike, helping children learn important conflict resolution skills and how to cope with difficult emotions. In addition to being a vital member of our staff, Miss Taylor is a valued parent with a child of her own in our program.

MISS KARLI

Executive Director

Miss Karli started as director of the school in 2018. Karli has a MA in Social Work from Fordham University, and is currently completing her Montessori Administration diploma with CGMS. With 3 children of her own in the program, Karli was familiar with the school and came well recommended as an active, passionate, involved parent. Karli gives great first-hand advice to incoming parents and supports the staff so they can spend more time serving your children

MISS KAYLA

Office Administrator

Miss Kayla grew up in a Montessori house in Boise, Idaho. She moved to Pocatello in 2014 to attend ISU, where she obtained a BA and MS in Anthropology. She began working at Pocatello Valley Montessori in 2017 in the before and aftercare program. She has since worked as an assistant in our primary classes, and as a substitute in the toddler and elementary programs. In her free time she loves to spend time outside with her daughter, husband, and three dogs.