Toddler House Team
Brittney
Lead Montessori Teacher
I am so excited to be joining the Cornerstone community! I am from Connecticut but have been living in Colorado for almost three years now! I have been teaching for the past three years at a Mobile Education Program which is where I obtained my Montessori Teaching Certification. My time spent here in CO has really made me passionate and wholeheartedly appreciate the Montessori Philosophy. I enjoy providing a safe and beautiful environment that encourages the student’s natural desire of learning. I am even more excited to get to know all of your students as I transition into your community! When not at school you can find me painting or snuggled up with a good book, or enjoying the great outdoors that CO seems to endlessly provide for us! I look forward to getting to know each of you and your children here at Cornerstone!
Elise
Classroom Assistant
Hi! I'm thrilled to be a part of the Cornerstone Family! I grew up being homeschooled in Tucson, Arizona and stayed there to attend the University of Arizona. I moved to Colorado in 2022 to experience a new culture, different weather, and start a new chapter with my husband. I discovered my enthusiasm for teaching kids when I worked as a swimming instructor for two years, and then continued gaining experience as I taught STEM camps using Lego materials. Outside of the classroom, I spend most of my time at the barn with my horse, Molly, or curled up with a blanket to read. I look forward to learning more about Montessori philosophy and putting it into practice in support of the next generation!
Emily
Classroom Assistant
I grew up in Colorado and graduated from the University of Colorado Denver with a Bachelor’s in Psychology and Sociology in 2020. I have experience working with children of all ages in various settings and have found that toddlers are my favorite age group. I love watching little ones explore their personalities, interests, and capabilities, and I believe the Montessori classroom is the perfect setting to do so. In my spare time I enjoy playing paintball, roller skating, and taking walks with my husband. We have a baby girl on the way, due in January! I am excited to share my lifelong love of learning with the Cornerstone community.
Preschool Team, NE Classroom
Kelsey
Lead Montessori Teacher
I grew up in Wheat Ridge and graduated from Colorado State University with a degree in Communication and Ethnic Studies. I found my passion for early childhood teaching and alternative learning environments working with 3-4 year olds at the Jackson Hole Mountain Sports School. I also worked with the Tomahawk Girl Scout Camp for two summers and it reinforced my passion. In my spare time I enjoy sliding downhill on two sticks, hitting the dusty trail, laughing with my family at my grandpa’s house, eating copious amounts of Girl Scout cookies, and making breakfast for dinner!
Alex
Classroom Assistant
Hello! I'm excited to start my first year as a teacher’s assistant in the Northeast Classroom! I’m originally from Arizona but have lived in Colorado for seven years. I graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a Bachelor's in Communications and a Minor in Recreational, Tourism, and Hospitality. I love expressing myself through movement and art, going to concerts, and exploring what our world has to offer with my dog, Garth. I found passion in working with others at a young age and continued to care for and work with a variety of individuals throughout my career. I have previously worked with children ages 8mo-5yrs, individuals in the residential and supported employment programs, and individuals with Autism and other developmental disabilities. I am beyond grateful for this opportunity to be a part of a wonderful program and I look forward to learning more about the Montessori philosophy and meeting all of you!
Isabel
Classroom Assistant
Hello, I am so grateful to be returning to Cornerstone for my second year as a teacher's assistant in the Northeast classroom! Cornerstone has always been a home away from home for me, my brother and I both attended our preschool years here and years later, I am still drawn to the peace this environment and community grants me. I was first given the opportunity to intern at Cornerstone when I was 12 and have since come back during the summers, falling more into my passion and learning and growing as the years passed. I attended the University of Northern Colorado to pursue a degree in Special Education when COVID hit. I decided a break was best for me… All roads lead back to home and I landed at Cornerstone once more. I'm absolutely honored to work with your children and my team. I have felt myself make leaps and bounds, with my confidence, my love to work with children, my own personal knowledge, and the pride when a child learns something new, which to me shows the Montessori philosophy is a lifelong gift. I am so excited to meet all of you this year.
Stephanie
Classroom Assistant
My name is Stephanie and I’m from Long Island, New York. I graduated from SUNY Purchase with a BFA in Painting and Drawing in May 2022. I love making art, going on hikes, and cooking for my friends and family. I’ve been a part of the Cornerstone family since 2022 and couldn’t be happier with this community!
Preschool Team, NW Classroom
Mary
Lead Montessori Teacher
Hello families! I came to Cornerstone in 2022 after moving from my hometown in Massachusetts. Before moving to Colorado I began teaching in Montessori in 2017 and finished my Montessori training from NEMTEC in 2019. I became certified in Positive Discipline in 2021 and completed my Bachelor's in Early Childhood and Special Education in 2022. I am passionate about the emotional and spiritual well-being of the children I care for. Finding Montessori was like finally finding the missing puzzle piece. The philosophy speaks so deeply to my soul and I cannot imagine teaching children without Montessori. I like to say I am a “teacher of tiny humans,” I like to approach the children so that I am helping them learn about themselves and how to be a part of our world. In my time outside of school, I love to hike, run, embroider, and try new vegan recipes! I look forward to getting to know you all and working together soon!
Bill
Classroom Assistant
I started attending Cornerstone when I was 2-1/2 and never really left. Even while attending Creighton University to become a pediatrician, I'd return to Cornerstone for summer jobs. After Creighton, I decided to skip medical school and was fortunate to get a full-time job at Cornerstone. It's more rewarding to help children grow than send them home with a diagnosis and some medicine. I've been at Cornerstone for 15 years now and am still excited to spend my time nurturing the children and their families.
Kyla
Classroom Assistant
Hello! My name is Kyla and I am absolutely blessed to be apart of the Cornerstone family. I started as an assistant teacher in the north west classroom in January of 2023. I have amazing mentors to guide me at Cornerstone and cheer me on as I make my journey to becoming a lead teacher. I have a 4 year old son who attends Cornerstone Montessori and this has been such and amazing experience for both of us. We have been welcomed with so much love a support. My love for early childhood education started when my beautiful child came into my life. I was so amazed watching him explore the world around him, watching the wheels in his brain turn as he discovered a new skill. I couldn't think of a better place for us to be to learn together!
Maddie
Classroom Assistant
Hi! My name is but I prefer to go by Maddie! I am beyond excited to be a part of the Cornerstone family! I grew up and have lived in Golden, Colorado my whole life. I attended Free Horizon Montessori from the grades of 4th-8th. I graduated from Wheat Ridge High School in May of 2022. I have three younger siblings, who I enjoy spending most of my time with. I love nature, the outdoors, and animals. I have three dogs at home who love going for long walks and sleeping. I am excited and grateful to be a part of the Cornerstone family, and I can’t wait to learn more about Montessori Philosophy and all it offers!
Preschool Team, SW Classroom
Stephanie
Lead Montessori Teacher
Hello! I was privileged to join the Cornerstone community when my oldest daughter enrolled in the preschool program. With my background in traditional education, I immediately saw the potential that Montessori education seeks and hones in children. I fell in love with the processes and the notion of the prepared classroom. I jumped at the chance to join Cornerstone Montessori School as a member of the Support Staff. This school year, I am enjoying my role as Montessori Lead Teacher in the Southwest Preschool classroom. I am currently continuing with my education in Montessori, both as a mother and as a professional. My oldest daughter graduated from the Cornerstone Kindergarten program in May 2013 and my youngest daughter graduated from the Kindergarten program in 2017.
Sonora
Classroom Assistant
I've been passionate about Montessori since I was a young student of Montessori myself! I graduated from Compass in 2005 with the first graduating class, and after attending college in Illinois, returned to Colorado and completed my Montessori Early Childhood Training at MECR. I have held several positions at different Montessori preschool programs, and worked in non-Montessori childcare programs. I enjoy snuggling with my cats, taking walks with my partner and daughter, and dabbling in mixed media arts.
Emily
Classroom Assistant
Hello! I am so excited to be continuing in the Southwest classroom as an assistant this year. I have spent several years in volunteer positions within various teaching environments, as well as within a tutoring context. I have thoroughly enjoyed every opportunity I have had to work with children and encourage them to learn while helping them to understand important concepts. I have worked with kids ranging in age from preschool to high school, and have appreciated the opportunity to support each child in reaching their highest potential. My previous experience in the healthcare field has given me the opportunity to help people of all ages understand important concepts about their health and well-being. While I truly enjoyed helping people in those roles, I came to recognize that the part of my job that I enjoyed the most was helping others to learn and to thrive. I have especially loved learning about the Montessori approach to preschool education and watching it in action this past year. I am looking forward to a great new school year of 2023-2024 in Southwest!
Kindergarten Team, SE Classroom
Sydney
Lead Montessori Teacher
Hi families, I am so excited to be joining the Cornerstone team as the Lead Montessori Teacher for the kindergarten classroom. I am a University of Colorado Denver graduate and I have been teaching primary grades in Denver for the past three years. I specialize in supporting students in foundational literacy and conceptual math while honoring each child’s identity and learning style. I am looking forward to getting to know each of you and supporting your child's learning next school year.
Administration Team
Tia
Owner/Administrator
Rick
Owner/Head Ninja
In full disclosure, I'm the one person on this page that isn't part of the staff. But as an owner, I'm honored to be in the company of such knowledgeable and dedicated education professionals. That said, I too am passionate about pre-K education and a fan of what the Montessori method has done for my boys. I'm happy to pitch in as tech geek, groundskeeper, engineer, website developer...you know, general handyman stuff! In my "spare" time, I'm the COO of a software company that develops regulatory compliance tools. More at my LinkedIn profile below.
Malu
Director
Hola! I was born and raised in Mexico, attended college in Mexico, and earned my BS in Business Administration. I moved to Colorado in 2003, started at Cornerstone as a substitute in 2006, became a Certified Montessori Teacher in 2009, a US citizen in 2011 (so proud), and earned my Director's certification in 2014. I'm constantly amazed at how smart, fun, and curious our children are. My commitment is, and will continue to be, to provide a safe, nurturing, kind and amazing environment for children, families, and staff of Cornerstone.
Amy
Director
After completing my Bachelor's degree in Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado, I stumbled upon this beautiful community and knew I had to be a part of it. As a Montessori child myself, I experienced firsthand how it can provide a strong foundation for a lifetime of learning. I started in the Kindergarten classroom in 2003, received my Infant and Toddler Montessori Certification in 2005, and earned my Director's certification in 2013. I very much enjoy being one of the Directors and am 100% committed to the school's vision and mission of educating young children.
Carrie
Science Teacher
I have been with Cornerstone since February 1989 and was the Kindergarten teacher for 26 years. Currently, I serve as the science teacher and am on call as a substitute. I love introducing the wonders of science to the children in all of the classrooms and look forward to working with everyone in the Cornerstone community.
Pauline
Administrative Coordinator
I've worked at Cornerstone as both a Teacher’s Assistant and now as an Administrative Coordinator, and both of my children are students. Having experienced the school as an employee and a parent, I can say that there is truly no better place than Cornerstone Montessori School! I feel so fortunate to be a part of this caring, supportive, and knowledgeable community. I received my BS in Business Administration from Regis University and have worked in education my whole professional life. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, hiking, reading, cross-stitching, and traveling.