Karla Nelson, AA, AMS-EC, Lead Teacher - Toddler Two Classroom
Karla began working at MSC in 2002. She loves everything about the Montessori philosophy. Seeing the pride of the children when they master a task, the awe of the parents when they see what their child is capable of and the freedom the children have to pursue their interests. Karla has three children, two grown sons and one young daughter.
Contact Ms. Karla: toddler.two@montessorischoolofcheyenne.org
Lead Assistant: Estelle Bennett
At the Montessori School of Cheyenne, we feel very lucky to have caring, highly qualified, and loyal teachers and administrators. Many of our teachers have been at the school for over five years and some staff have served the school for 10-20 years. Many of our teachers hold degrees related to children and education and all of our teachers are certified by the American Montessori Society (AMS).
Each classroom has one Montessori-certified head teacher as well as one assistant teacher. Some of the primary classrooms have two assistants.
The strong educational backgrounds and substantial classroom experiences of our faculty make them highly trained and knowledgeable in the area of early childhood education. The Montessori School of Cheyenne supports ongoing professional development for all of our staff through internal and external staff training and other educational pursuits.
Jackie Eckles, BA, MECR, AMS - Lead Teacher - Primary One Classroom
Jackie discovered MSC in 2016 when she enrolled her daughter and began working there the same year. Jackie fell in love with Montessori in high school and seeing her daughter flourish at MSC reignited the passion to be a Montessori guide. She has since received her training from MECR in Boulder and is AMS certified. She grew up in Cheyenne and graduated from East High School! The best part of Jackie are her children, which she loves to talk about, she has three children: two boys, Liam who will begin his college career soon, the middle child, Aodhan, and Zoe who is a MSC Montessori graduate.
Contact Ms. Jackie: primary.one@montessorischoolofcheyenne.org
Lead Assistant: Toni Ortiz
administration
OUR MONTESSORI TEACHERS
Samantha Odell, BA, AMS-EC, Lead Teacher - Toddler Three Classroom
Samantha O'Dell started working at MSC in 2009. Samantha has a BA in Elementary Education with a minor in Early Childhood and earned her Montessori Infant/Toddler Certification in 2017. Samantha loves that Montessori focuses on the individual child and their potential, offers mixed ages in the classroom, and fosters independence. Samantha loves being outdoors and spending time with friends and family.
Contact Ms. Samantha: toddler.three@montessorischoolofcheyenne.org
Lead Assistant: Gabby Snell
primary
Madison Miller, BS - Assistant Director
Madison joined MSC in 2018. She and her husband Taylor and have two children; August and Evelynn. They moved to Cheyenne in 2016 from Joplin, Missouri when her husband accepted the job as the Lead Producer at Element Church. She loves being a mom, coffee, crafting/organizing things, and Thai food. Madison thinks that the Montessori Method is such an amazing way of teaching kids and couldn’t be more excited to be a part of the Montessori School of Cheyenne family.
Contact Ms. Madison: assistant.director@montessorischoolofcheyenne.org
Alaina Blakely, MA, AMS-EC, Lead Teacher - Primary Five Classroom
Alaina started working at MSC in 2000. She loves the Montessori philosophy because it allows the child to have freedom to explore his or her surroundings. In her free time, Alaina enjoys running and spending time with her husband and two step children.
Contact Ms. Alaina: primary.five@montessorischoolofcheyenne.org
Lead Assistants: Jennifer Sones
Angela Weigel, BA - Lead Teacher - Primary Four Classroom
Angela began working at MSC in 2018. She believes that Maria Montessori is right when she says "it’s not enough to love a child." Angela's is thrilled to love, nurture and watch the children in her classroom grow. Angela has been a part of the teaching community for 28 years, but is new to Montessori and loves learning new Montessori work right along with her students!
Contact Ms. Angela: primary.four@montessorischoolofcheyenne.org
Lead Assistants: Denise Sones
Kathryn Bigelow, BA, AMS-EC, Primary Directress and Kindergarten Teacher - Primary Three Classroom
Kate began working at MSC in 2008. Kate believes that Montessori children are the best part of Montessori Education. The philosophy builds independent, inquisitive learners that make each day exciting and new! Kate holds her Wyoming State Teaching Certificate, and she is also our Kindergarten teacher. Kate has an adorable black Lab named Kai that keeps her very busy!
Contact Miss Kate: primary.three@montessorischoolofcheyenne.org
Lead Assistant: Denisha White
Brittaney Stewart, BS, AMS - Lead Teacher - Toddler One Classroom
Brittaney has loved being a part of MSC! There are many things that Brittaney likes about Montessori education, but her top two reasons are fostering each child’s independence within the classroom, and meeting the child’s needs where they are developmentally. When Brittaney is not in the classroom you can find her taking road trips, spending time with friends and family, or reading a book. She currently has one cat fur baby named Sophie who I rescued from the animal shelter in Laramie Wyoming.
Contact Ms. Brittaney: toddler.one@montessorischoolofcheyenne.org
Lead Assistant:
Lindsey Davis, BS, AMS-IT, PITC I/T Credential - Executive Director
Lindsey has been with MSC since 2000. She received her bachelor’s degree in Child Development from University of Wyoming in 2007 and then completed her Montessori Infant Toddler Certification in 2008 from The Montessori Education Center of the Rockies. She was a lead toddler teacher for 11 years. Prior to becoming MSC’s Director, she served as the interim director and assistant director. The Montessori philosophy and Montessori School of Cheyenne have played a huge role in her life and she is very humbled and thankful to be leading such a wonderful program. Lindsey has high hopes for the future of MSC. Both of Lindsey’s children have attended MSC and it holds a very special place in her heart. On her free time she enjoys spending time family and friends and practicing yoga when she gets the chance.
Contact Ms. Lindsey: director@montessorischoolofcheyenne.org
Alyssa Trevathan, BA - Lead Teacher - Primary Two Classroom
Alyssa taught a year of preschool in Colorado and fell in love with the age group. She is new to Montessori but already loves the philosophy and sees how well it works to inspire children to be independent learners. She has two sweet kitties named OJ and Lily who keep me on my toes.
Contact Ms. Alyssa: primary.two@montessorischoolofcheyenne.org
Lead Assistant: Brooke Downey
Toddler
Montessori School of Cheyenne
Where exploration fosters a love of learning