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 life long learners 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!

Director: Ms. River

Ph.D., College of Health and Human Development, the Pennsylvania State University
International Montessori Teaching Diplomas (Preschool/Kindergarten and Lower Elementary)
Professional Development Specialist & Montana Early Childhood Practitioner Level 10
Extensive graduate-level coursework in Early Childhood Education, Play, Human Development, and Family Studies
Montana Preschool Teaching Certificate
Bachelor of Education and Master of Science from a teachers' university in China
Recipient of the 2021 Early Childhood Direct Service Award (Healthy Start Missoula)
Happily married to a wilderness scientist and grateful mother of two children
A lifelong learner who enjoys reading, gardening, piano, singing, dancing, ice skating, horseback riding, and spending time in nature

Teachers at our original MPI location in Missoula's historic Westside neighborhood:

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
Early Childhood Montessori Assistant Certificate
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

Ms. Josie

Artist and graphic designer who loves working with children
Five years of experience as an early childhood assistant teacher, including three years at a Montessori school in Whitefish, MT
Originally from Helena, MT, where her love of theater and the arts began
Enjoys digital illustration, printmaking, and puppetry, bringing creativity and imagination into children's experiences

Teachers at our MPI–Cold Springs location in South Missoula:

Please see the MPI-Cold Springs webpage

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. Zehui

Native Mandarin speaker and art educator with experience teaching young children in both the U.S. and China
Holds a master’s degree in Contemporary Art from the U.K.
Deeply values Montessori principles and creating environments that are safe, respectful, and joyful
Based in Missoula for over three years, inspired by the connection between children, nature, and learning
Teaching experience includes Zootown Arts Community Center and Sussex School’s extended day program
Uses art to support language development, communication, and self-expression through hands-on, nature-based experiences