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Meet the Team

Our faculty members are dedicated professionals who are highly qualified. We work at MPI because of our heart-felt passion for young children, and because of our shared vision in what a top-quality program could look like. We are idealists who  always want to improve our practices; our most valued rewards come from the awareness that we have contributed positively to the child's life to the best of our capacity. All faculty members at MPI have college education and above. It takes a community to raise a child. We are excited about working and growing with children and families at MPI!

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Ms. River    Director        

  • Montana’s Highest Professional Level (Level 10) Early Childhood Practitioner

  • Early Childhood Education Trainer (Professional Development Specialist III)

  • Ph.D., College of Health and Human Development, the Pennsylvania State University

  • International Montessori Teaching Diplomas: Preschool/Kindergarten; Lower Elementary

  • Extensive Graduate-level Courses in the field of Early Childhood Education, Play, Human Development and Family Studies

  • Montana Preschool Teaching Certificate

  • B. Ed. & M.S. from a teachers’ university in China

  • Happily married to a wilderness scientist; a lucky mother of two children

  • A life-long learner who enjoys studying, reading, playing piano, gardening, singing, dancing, ice skating, horses

MPI Teachers: 

Ms. Ellie                  

  • Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education with an Early Childhood Endorsement from Dickinson, ND 

  • Studied Early Childhood Development at MSU

  • Worked as an Assistant Teacher at MSU's campus preschool

  • Assisted English Language Learning students in K-5 with English, reading, and math skills, gaining experience with diverse cultures and backgrounds

  • Enjoys watching movies, spending time in nature, cooking, and baking

  • Loves spending time with her fiancé and their family pets (a dog, 2 cats, and 12 fish)

  • Avid plant enthusiast with a love for sweet treats

Ms. Kristi                

  • Over 18 years of experience in both elementary and special education.

  • Holds a Master’s in Elementary Education (University of Phoenix) and a Bachelor’s in Psychology (Montana State University), with additional training through the Montana Early Childcare Project.

  • Passionate about supporting children’s learning and growth as a dedicated educator.

  • Enjoys reading, watching dramas and comedies, puzzles, baking, and spending time outdoors with family and friends.

  • Proud mom of two amazing teenagers and actively involved in their lives.

Ms. Alice               

  • Montana Preschool Teaching Certificate

  • Early Childhood Montessori Assistant Certificate

  • M.A., Slavic Languages & Literatures, University of Wisconsin - Madison

  • B.A, Russian, Oberlin College

  • Grew up in Portland, Oregon

  • Was an exchange student in Germany after high school and an English assistant in a German high school after graduating from college

  • Spent summers in college teaching eight- to eighteen-year-olds Russian & German at Concordia Language Villages

  • Worked in Portland helping refugee children and their families from the former Soviet Union transition to school in the US in the early '90s

  • Lived in Russia with her husband in the mid-90s, where they taught English to 5th-13th graders; used to be an adjunct instructor of Russian at UM

  • Believes in life-long learning and feels lucky to be involved at MPI since 2018

  • Enjoys interacting with young children and the wonder, curiosity and openness with which they approach the world

Ms. Cate

  • Studying Secondary Education at the University of Montana, with a focus on History and Political Science

  • Attended Montessori schools in Spokane from early childhood through 8th grade

  • Former Assistant Kids Ministry Director, supporting children from birth to age 12

  • Brings a warm, grounded approach that aligns beautifully with our values

MPI Substitute Teachers:

Ms. Joyce 

  • M.A. in Communications, University of Montana

  • Early Childhood Montessori Assistant Certificate

  • 25 years of experience as an Early Childhood Developmental Specialist

  • Expertise in early childhood development, parent training, curriculum development and intervention strategies for infants and children

  • Provided training to parents, therapy technicians, teachers’ assistants, and community agencies, including an 2-week early childhood training modules to orphanage care givers from all over China

  • Co-founded and coordinated a nationally certified and recognized non-profit therapeutic riding program serving individuals with disabilities, elderly, youth-at-risk and families in crisis

  • Resides in Missoula with her doting husband of more than 50 years who still cooks for her and serves her wine at the end of the day

  • A beloved wife, sister, mother, aunt, and grandmother who is a highly valued source of love and support for all family members

  • A lifelong learner!

Ms. Lani

  • Native Missoulian with over 10 years of experience supporting children in school settings.

  • Holds a B.A. in Psychology and a Master’s in Clinical Social Work focused on children and families.

  • Professional background includes family support, behavior intervention, and specialist roles in Missoula public schools.

  • Enjoys floating the river with her partner and two dogs, along with gardening and outdoor activities.

Ms. Nicole

  • Experienced Handwork Teacher and Preschool Support at a Waldorf-inspired farm school in Missoula

  • Developed and led nature-based handwork and art curriculum for preschoolers

  • Co-founder of a Waldorf-inspired independent school in Missoula

  • Worked as an assistant teacher in an early literacy program but prefers working with young children in our Montessori Plus program

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