HDM Staff

Our staff are incredibly compassionate, accomplished, and highly trained professionals who are driven by a passion for educating our youth.

All guides are:

  • Completing or have completed NAMC (North American
    Montessori Center) teacher training for their level of children or MACTE accredited training through the Age of Montessori in Bozeman, MT
  • OCC/ODE qualified/certified teachers
  • Current in CPR/First Aid
  • Introduction to Childcare Health & Safety Recognizing & Reporting Child Abuse & Neglect trained
  • Oregon Food Handlers
  • Infant Safe Sleep trained
  • Engaged in completing 20 hours of continuing education yearly

This training prioritizes Montessori training but also addresses additional needs such as diversity and family health.

About our Current Staff Training

Bobbie – Head of School - is fully trained in all 3 areas (infant/toddler, primary, and elementary) and oversees the current staff and their distance training.

The infant/toddler staff are completing or have completed Assistants to Infancy training which is for birth-36 months.

The primary staff are completing or have completed primary training which is 3-6 years.

Cathy Swan and Montessori Northwest provide twice yearly intensive week long or weekend long trainings in collaboration with the NAMC distance training.

Our Staff

Bobbie Bolton

Owner/Director

Bobbie has been working with children over 25 years and has earned her B.S./ECE and M.Ed. She first encountered the Montessori method 25 years ago through children she nannied for and fell in love with the gentle, hands-on pedagogy.

"It just felt like it was HOW children should naturally be educated."

Bobbie has completed the A to I, Primary, and Lower/Upper El NAMC Montessori training courses.

In her free time, Bobbie enjoys being on her farm with her husband, two children, and numerous farm animals. Bobbie and her husband have also begun the process of opening a winery on their farm, another passion along with children.

April

Head Teacher-Owyhee (elementary) Guide

April has completed her Bachelors degree in elementary education as well as the MACTE elementary training through the Age of Montessori. She wanted to be a teacher for many years even while working with animals for 15 years. Five years ago she was able to change her life completely and begin working towards her education degree. She has known about the Montessori method for many years and always thought it would be a wonderful fit for her own children.

"My favorite thing about Montessori is the method of teaching to the ‘whole child’ and cultivating lifelong skills such as kindness and empathy."

In her free time April enjoys hanging out with her husband and four kids as well as reading and spending time relaxing with her dogs and cats.

Kristen Bruce

Cactus Wren Co-Guide (Primary)

I believe that the Montessori principles that children inevitably learn at High Desert Montessori will stay with them as they grow; Before starting at the school I discovered that naturally I was incorporating Montessori methods at home with my own children. The more I read and learned about Montessori I realized it just made sense and that it was the best option for my family. I knew I wanted to work at the school and that my children would thrive in an environment where they could be themselves, discover their interests and continue to build confidence and foster independence.

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, camping, archery hunting, arts and crafts and lazy days at home. 

Chelsea

Cactus Wren Co Guide (Primary)
Chelsea has been working in education for over 12 years now and is thrilled to be a staff member at High Desert Montessori. While she’s new to the Montessori experience, she has has been interested in the unique philosophy for some time and is excited to learn more about it. She earned a Masters in Teaching in Elementary Education in 2021 and has a passion for working with students from pre-k through elementary levels. Her teaching philosophy boils down to the belief that every student can learn and deserves a challenging and emotionally safe educational environment in which to do so. It is one of the great joys of her life to guide students through their learning and growing processes.
 
In her spare time, Chelsea enjoys spending time with her husband, family, friends, and two fluffy cats. She loves rock climbing, hiking, running, and going for walks in the beautiful Central Oregon area. You might also find her cooking, reading, playing her guitar, or listening to some good tunes. Chelsea and her husband recently welcomed their own precious baby boy!
 

Dori

Head of Casa-Sagebrush Lead Guide

Dori has been taking online college courses since high school in pursuit of an early childhood education degree. She has been a mom for almost 8 years and she and her husband just welcomed their second little man. She first encountered Montessori through a family member.

"What I enjoy most about Montessori is the encouragement at a young age to follow your passion."

Dori spent a year as a Montessori teacher’s assistant in the Lower Toddler class and has been excited to step into the role of lead guide. In her free time she enjoys riding horses and being with her family. Dori has completed the Age of Montessori A to I training.

 

Nicole

Sagebrush Assistant (Toddlers)

Nicole has been working at the school for over five years now. She started off working in the main building during after-care as a high school student.

"I knew the Montessori method was special and was something I wanted to be a part of as soon as I got a feel for it. These children are so capable. I love what I do."

Nicole believes Montessori allows children to be independent and shows them how important being kind is.

In her free time, Nicole enjoys working out and riding her motorcycle!

 

Kayla Billett

Sagebrush Assistant (Toddlers)

Kayla is new to the world of education having been a diesel technician for the last five years with the National Guard.  The change of pace has been refreshing and she looks forward to furthering her own education, while guiding the children to learn and grow.

"I knew the minute I read about the Montessori method that it was special.  The encouragement of independence and showing children what they are capable of is truly magical."

In her free time, Kayla loves spending time with her husband and children, doing outdoor activities, cooking, and baking.

Danika

Juniper Berries Guide (Infants)

I have worked in a childcare environment for over 4 years and I fell in love with Montessori from the moment I started working here. I personally saw the change it made in my two children and I see everyday how incredible it is for the children here who have such self confidence and are given the opportunity to grow to their full potential every day! I love to cook and bake with my husband and children and we spend the majority of our time outside tending to our chickens, running around in the gardens and playing with our cat! I went to school for art and I love having a job where I am able to express the creative side of myself!

Nicole Davis

Juniper Berries Guide (Infants)

Ever since Nicole D was a child, she wanted to pursue education, to spread the love of learning she gained through her own educational experiences. Before beginning work at High Desert Montessori, she had seen how wonderful Montessori can be through her sister and her three children. Her children having come from a Montessori upbringing have gown up to be respectful, kind, and full of curiosity when it comes to learning. Nicole and her husband cannot wait to raise their own soon to be born child in this wonderful Montessori environment and will adapt their own parenting styles to raise a child just like the ones she has the privilege of working with daily.

In her spare time, Nicole enjoys hanging out with her husband and 2 cats. She enjoys going outside, fishing, hiking, exploring and crafting! She and her husband recently welcomed their own little girl into the world.

Molly

All School Assistant

Molly has an affinity for guiding children and has taken to the Montessori style in her personal parenting. She has gleaned much from her collegiate courses in Child’s Psychology and Development, as well as incorporating the wonderful teachings of Magda Gerber and Janet Lansbury.

"I feel a child is best off when given respect and opportunity to make the appropriate choices, with plenty of room for error, guidance, and self-correction."

Her degree in Health and Physical Education compliments her lifestyle and desire to pass along body awareness and healthy habits to those she has in her care.

When she’s not in school she can be found enjoying the Central Oregon forests and lakes, thrifting the local shops, or creating with her kids. Motherhood has been her biggest blessing and her greatest teacher

Olivia Thomas

Aftercare Assistant

Picture & About Me Coming Soon

Riley Calico

Aftercare Assistant


About me coming soon.

High Desert Montessori | 536 SW 12th St, Redmond, OR  97756 | 541.516.6512