Our Cold Springs Teaching Team: 

Director: Ms. River, Ph.D. 

Preschool Teachers: 
Ms. Maria

• Bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education

• Early Childhood Montessori Assistant Certificate

• Extensive experience working with children (from infants to elementary ages) since 2003 

• Experience in preschool/child center administration

• Enjoys family life and cherishes moments with husband, son, and daughter

• Loves skiing and scenic hikes with family; enjoys literature, podcasts, and the art of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

• Has a profound belief in the partnership between parents and educators

Ms. Mary Anne

• International Montessori Teaching Diploma: Preschool/Kindergarten

• Montana Preschool Teaching Certificate

• Studied Collagraph printmaking, sculpture and film photography, piano and music theory at University of Montana

• Has shown works in multiple local galleries

• Working as a professional photographer for many years before joining MPI in 2015 

• Enjoys spending time with family 

Mr. Beckett​

• Years of experience in early childhood education

• Currently pursuing his Child Development Associate (CDA) Credential

• Moved to Missoula in 2019 for college and has loved living here ever since

• In his free time, enjoys cooking for friends and family, playing video games, and cuddling his cat, Juniper

 

Toddler Program Teachers:
Ms. Virginia

• Bachelor's degree in Children’s Learning and Development from the University of Massachusetts Amherst

• Early Childhood Montessori Assistant Certificate

• More than 5 years of experience in both Montessori and nature-based classroom settings

• Values strong partnerships with families to guide and support children’s growth

• Originally from Massachusetts; now happily calls Missoula home

• Enjoys skiing, trail running, knitting, and baking bread in her free time

Ms. Quinn​

• Bachelor’s degrees in Psychology (early lifespan emphasis) and Sociology (families emphasis)

• Over 20 years of experience working with children and families

• Played a key role in creating a toddler program focused on social-emotional development

• Three years of experience as a home visitor supporting prenatal and postnatal families

• Passionate about infants and young children and their rapid early development

• Enjoys camping with her boxer dog, reading fantasy novels by the fire with her cat, and dreams of seeing an active volcano

Ms. Mila​

• Studying Communication and Social Work at the University of Montana

• Years of experience teaching swim lessons to infants, children, and adults

• Doula for seven years, supporting families and expecting parents

• Former licensed foster parent, caring for children, including babies and toddlers

• Enjoys training for marathons and triathlons, spending time outdoors with her child, and playing with her cat, Mason

 

Substitute Teachers: 

Ms. Zehui

• Native Mandarin speaker and art educator with experience teaching young children in both the U.S. and China

• 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​

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!