business TEAM

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Lead Guide  - Toddler Community

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!

Lead Guide - Primary Community 

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

Assistant Guide - Primary Community

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!

Assistant Guide - Toddler Community

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!

Aftercare Guide

Bailey is from Dallas, Texas and has recently embarked on a new chapter of her life by relocating to Austin.  This move is driven by her aspiration to obtain a Bachelor of Arts degree in psychology.  With plans of going to Texas State University in the upcoming spring semester, she will be taking her final “basics” classes at Austin Community College this fall.

She has accumulated years of experience with Montessori pedagogy, first in her home as the daughter of a trained Montessori Guide, as a Montessori student in a Toddler and Primary Community, and finally as an adult as a substitute Montessori teacher for the past two years.  Substituting allowed her to develop her teaching skills and gain valuable insights into the educational field. 

Additionally, Bailey has spent the past three years working as a nanny, during which she provided childcare for children of various age groups.  Her extensive experience in nannying and substituting has equipped her with a deep understanding of the needs and developmental stages of children.

Bailey’s personal life is equally dynamic as the oldest of seven siblings, with ages ranging from 20 to 18 months old.  This familial role has instilled in her a strong sense of responsibility and leadership, qualities she carries into her professional and academic endeavors.

Bailey is so excited to join the Little Blue team in hopes of inspiring children to be the best versions of themselves; to grow and flourish in a positive environment!

Aftercare Guide

Alyssa brings eight years of childcare experience to her new role at LBMS.  She is excited to explore Montessori pedagogy and to build meaningful relationships with both the children and her colleagues.  One of Alyssa’s favorite moments in teaching is when the students are engaged, develop confidence, and have that “ah-ha!” moment when fully understanding a new concept.  She looks forward to contributing to a nurturing and dynamic learning environment!