Cherie Smith, REALTOR®
With over 8 years of experience in the Austin real estate market and over 6 years as a resident of Easton Park, Cherie is extremely knowledgeable about the community in general and about the needs of Easton Park residents. There are currently little to no preschool or daycare options located within 10 minutes of East
Cherie Smith, REALTOR®
With over 8 years of experience in the Austin real estate market and over 6 years as a resident of Easton Park, Cherie is extremely knowledgeable about the community in general and about the needs of Easton Park residents. There are currently little to no preschool or daycare options located within 10 minutes of Easton Park, so we are experiencing a big shortage of this type of business as a community. With 2 children in Montessori School herself (Cedars Montessori School, which is located about 35 minutes away), Cherie is very familiar with the Montessori world and the many benefits that it provides to the growth and development of our children. Having successfully built a thriving real estate business from the ground up already, Cherie is the perfect fit to lead in the creation of The Little Blue Montessori School. Under her leadership, the school will be taken from just a little blue house all the way up to a fully functioning Montessori School with amazing leadership and guides and infinite opportunities for Easton Park’s youngest residents to grow and thrive.
Stephanie Ward, AMI
Stephanie has been in education for nineteen years. She holds an American Montessori Internationale diploma, specializing in children 0 to 3 years old and has taught at a well-known Montessori school in Dallas for 19 years. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she also served as the Early Childhood Projects Coo
Stephanie Ward, AMI
Stephanie has been in education for nineteen years. She holds an American Montessori Internationale diploma, specializing in children 0 to 3 years old and has taught at a well-known Montessori school in Dallas for 19 years. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she also served as the Early Childhood Projects Coordinator which allowed her the opportunity to create and facilitate large scale parent education events, maintain classroom and professional development budgets, interview incoming families and students, purchase classroom materials, hire and onboard new staff and coordinate Montessori accreditations.
Stephanie has a wealth of parenting knowledge as a mother to four children, all in different life stages. She can often be found helping her oldest daughter create and sew the latest fashions, cheering on her son at band competitions, creating new dessert recipes with her tween daughter or choreographing trampoline routines with her youngest daughter.
Early childhood education is Stephanie’s passion. She believes in the importance of creating a happy, healthy and holistic foundation for all children as well as the importance of cultivating a loving partnership between school and family. Stephanie believes the sense of belonging is one of the most important aspects of a Montessori environment. Arrival is one of her favorite moments of the day, as the children eagerly wait to greet each other, happily exclaiming, "Ms. Stephanie is home! Ella is home! Max is home!" and repeating that phrase for every child as they walk in the door. The Montessori environment is truly an extension of their home, just as the children and guides grow to become an extension of their family.
“The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” - Dr. Maria Montessori"
Haley Williams, BFA, AMS
This is Haley’s eleventh year working with young children. Her introduction to Early Childhood Education began at a preschool in Chicago, when she found her life’s calling. Soon after, she moved to Austin and started working in the Montessori community. Haley spent the next several years learning the in’s and out
Haley Williams, BFA, AMS
This is Haley’s eleventh year working with young children. Her introduction to Early Childhood Education began at a preschool in Chicago, when she found her life’s calling. Soon after, she moved to Austin and started working in the Montessori community. Haley spent the next several years learning the in’s and out’s of Montessori philosophy and attended Seton Montessori Institute where she received the American Montessori Society Infant-Toddler Montessori credential.
What drew her to the Montessori philosophy is the prepared environment for the child. This environment enables each child to self-direct, gain confidence, and practice independence; which is very inspiring to observe. She believes it is beautiful to see children learn life skills while gaining ownership of their environment. This aids them to be successful in the classroom as well as in their life at home! For Haley, working with children and being a part of their learning process is extremely rewarding.
In her free time Haley enjoys spending time with friends, family, and traveling. She loves being with her older sister, Julie and younger brother, Scott. She is a Zumba instructor and enjoys being outdoors. Haley is newly married to her husband, Ethan!
She is so honored to be a part of The Little Blue Montessori School community and looking forward to building relationships with both the children and their families. She is grateful for this opportunity and looking forward to what this year will bring!
Mia Carrera, BFA, Post Baccalaureate
Mia Carrera is a passionate and dedicated educator with a profound commitment to the well-being and development of children. With a diverse background in studio art, art history, and psychology, Mia brings a unique blend of creativity and understanding to her role as a Guide at Little Blue Montessori
Mia Carrera, BFA, Post Baccalaureate
Mia Carrera is a passionate and dedicated educator with a profound commitment to the well-being and development of children. With a diverse background in studio art, art history, and psychology, Mia brings a unique blend of creativity and understanding to her role as a Guide at Little Blue Montessori School. Her experience spans working with children aged 6 and under, as well as teaching children aged 9-13 in a professional setting. Mia firmly believes in fostering relationships built on mutual respect that value each child's creativity and individuality.
Mia graduated cum laude from the University of Texas in 2020 with a BFA in Studio Art and a minor in Art History. After graduation, Mia embarked on a journey to explore her passion for child development and chose to work as a nanny, seeking a safe environment during the pandemic where she could make a difference in children's lives. It was through this experience that she discovered her true calling—to ensure that children feel seen, heard, and respected - creating spaces where they experience unconditional support. She went above and beyond by creating and implementing Montessori-based curricula for the children she nannied. She tailored the lessons to their unique interests while ensuring they reached crucial developmental milestones. This experience further solidified her commitment to providing holistic, engaging, and personalized education. She also recognizes the importance of aiding in a child's social/emotional development, teaching them essential values: empathy, respect for others, self-advocacy, and ethical behavior.
While currently in the process of completing her post-baccalaureate studies in psychology at UC Berkeley, Mia is also pursuing her AMI/AMS certification. She is dedicated to furthering her knowledge and skills in the Montessori approach, with the aim of enhancing her ability to guide and nurture young minds effectively. Mia's genuine joy in working with and learning from children is evident in her approach. With her compassionate nature, creativity, and ongoing commitment to professional development, she is excited to contribute to the enriching and empowering environment at The Little Blue Montessori School.
Kasi Flores, BFA, AMI
Kasi is an Association Montessori Internationale certified Lead Guide for children 3-6 years. She has worked with children for five years and the last two as a Lead at a local Montessori school. Kasi was born and raised in Texas, and has lived here her entire life. Originally from Dallas, she has made her home in Aust
Kasi Flores, BFA, AMI
Kasi is an Association Montessori Internationale certified Lead Guide for children 3-6 years. She has worked with children for five years and the last two as a Lead at a local Montessori school. Kasi was born and raised in Texas, and has lived here her entire life. Originally from Dallas, she has made her home in Austin after exploring and getting to know the city.
Kasi obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in technical theater from the University of North Texas. During her time there, she had the opportunity to work with middle and high school students at UNT’s theater summer camp. This experience ignited her passion for working with children in a meaningful way. After graduation, she spent a year nannying two children before attending the Montessori Institute of North Texas to complete her Montessori 3-6 training.
Kasi was initially drawn to the Montessori method because of the inherent respect for children embedded. Guiding children towards independence and seeing the pride children feel when they accomplish something they couldn’t before has been one of the greatest joys of teaching for her. Hearing a child exclaim “Ms. Kasi, I did it!” after constructing the pink tower or pouring their water without spilling never ceases to be moving. In her experience, Kasi has observed the importance of bringing peace and harmony to a classroom through Grace and Courtesy. She believes strongly in creating an environment that is warm and comfortable so that all children feel supported and able to learn freely.
Alongside collecting art, Kasi loves to create her own, specializing in paint and fiber arts, and is excited to bring that love to the classroom. When not out and about she can be found tending to her plants and incorporating unique flavors into baked treats. She is excited to create a strong community with the children and parents of The Little Blue Montessori School!
“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” -Dr. Maria Montessori
Monica Arzaga, BSc (Psych)
Monica was born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico, where she studied psychology and completed her Bachelor’s degree at Faculty Sigmund Freud in 2017. She has been working with young children for six years. Since finding her way into Montessori schools, she has admired the philosophy of Maria Montessori and her
Monica Arzaga, BSc (Psych)
Monica was born and raised in Chihuahua, Mexico, where she studied psychology and completed her Bachelor’s degree at Faculty Sigmund Freud in 2017. She has been working with young children for six years. Since finding her way into Montessori schools, she has admired the philosophy of Maria Montessori and her teachings. In 2021, she completed the Association Montessori Internationale Assistant’s Course for children aged 3-6 at Centro de Entrenamiento Internacional Montessori.
Monica believes that Montessori schools are a good influence on society and she aspires to become a Lead Guide after continuing to gain experience in the classroom. One of her favorite parts of this work is to observe the children in the prepared environment. It is rewarding for her to watch them learn through work with the materials and grow by themselves. The environment provides every step for the children to become independent and thrive.
Monica loves to travel, eat good food, read a good book, drink coffee, run, and spend time with family. She is happily married to Hector and has a twin sister who is also a Montessori Guide. She is excited to join the Primary Community at The Little Blue Montessori School!
Rina Gallegos, BFA
Rina graduated for the University of North Texas with an Integrated Studies degree which encompassed Anthropology, Public Administration, and Health Promotion coursework. This led them to work in nonprofits, providing after school enrichment to schools around the Austin area. Most recently, they served as Site Coordina
Rina Gallegos, BFA
Rina graduated for the University of North Texas with an Integrated Studies degree which encompassed Anthropology, Public Administration, and Health Promotion coursework. This led them to work in nonprofits, providing after school enrichment to schools around the Austin area. Most recently, they served as Site Coordinator and developed curriculum for an after-school program. They look forward to bringing their skill set and love for community to The Little Blue Montessori School!
Sofia Estrada
Sofia is a born and raised Texan from Dallas and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Statistics and Data Science with a focus on Public Health and Business at the University of Texas, where she has been passionately involved in giving back to the Austin community through various work and research endeavors.
With exper
Sofia Estrada
Sofia is a born and raised Texan from Dallas and is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Statistics and Data Science with a focus on Public Health and Business at the University of Texas, where she has been passionately involved in giving back to the Austin community through various work and research endeavors.
With experience in volunteering at Montessori and private schools in Dallas and caring for children aged 2 to 8, Sofia believes in the importance of fostering a supportive environment that encourages curiosity and growth. She is passionate about empowering children to discover their unique talents and believes in the power of curiosity as a catalyst for learning.
Sofia is committed to creating an environment for young minds to thrive and is excited to bring her dedication and skills to The Little Blue Montessori School!
Jeremy Osborn
Jeremy has a passion for children’s education and for equipping future generations with the tools they will need to live their adult lives with passion.
He has an unbridled commitment to LBMS which started well before the building was purchased. Jeremy has been with LBMS since day one, working long and hard days to construct
Jeremy Osborn
Jeremy has a passion for children’s education and for equipping future generations with the tools they will need to live their adult lives with passion.
He has an unbridled commitment to LBMS which started well before the building was purchased. Jeremy has been with LBMS since day one, working long and hard days to construct a building with the ability to foster an environment which will allow some of the most exquisite minds to flourish.
When Jeremy is not pouring himself into the LBMS community, you can find him at home raising two beautiful children. Jeremy and his wife also volunteer their time to “Restore and Rebuild,” a nonprofit organization, whose goal is to transition single mothers from crisis to stability through education, financial aid and life coaching.
Sean Kohler
Sean is dedicated to providing high-quality, engaging music lessons that inspire his students to develop their intrinsic musicality and creativity. As a Music Together® certified teacher, he is committed to creating a fun and nurturing environment that encourages children to explore music in a playful and interactive way.
Sean i
Sean Kohler
Sean is dedicated to providing high-quality, engaging music lessons that inspire his students to develop their intrinsic musicality and creativity. As a Music Together® certified teacher, he is committed to creating a fun and nurturing environment that encourages children to explore music in a playful and interactive way.
Sean is originally from Montara, California, a small beach town just south of San Francisco. He comes from a family of musicians and music-lovers and grew up singing and playing on the instruments in his family home. He spent the early 2000’s performing in bands, composing original music, recording and releasing albums, and touring nationally.
His passion for educating children started when his son was born in 2009. After a year of mentoring at his elementary school, Sean transitioned to a career in education working at a Montessori School in Austin. In addition to this amazing, educational experience, he developed and implemented extra-curricular group music classes for students at the school. Sean now has his dream job teaching music to students of all ages and at schools all over Austin and beyond!
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