MEET OUR GOLDEN GUIDES
Directors
Preschool Director
Lori Stineman
Lori has over 40 years of teaching experience, including 15 years running a Montessori school. In her free time, she enjoys reading, puzzles, and swimming, even giving swimming lessons. Lori finds inspiration in hiking the scenic trails of Colorado, embracing the outdoors as a source of relaxation and adventure.
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Infant Toddler House Director
Carrie Ann Rabbers
Carrie Ann relocated from Chicago to Colorado Springs in 2014 with her husband and two dogs, Jackpot and Buster. She balances her passion for sports, like hockey and the Cubs, with her creative pursuits in crocheting and SCUBA diving. Earning her Montessori credential in 2020, Carrie Ann is dedicated to fostering young minds in a nurturing environment.
Golden Guides
Our Golden Guides are more than just educators; they are your trusted partners in nurturing your child's growth and love for learning. With their deep understanding of the Montessori philosophy and a commitment to fostering each child's unique potential, your child will thrive in a supportive, engaging environment that empowers them to become confident, independent, and lifelong learners.
Infant/Toddler Supervisor
Makeba Ford
Keba, a native Coloradan, has been in the state for 48 years, with a strong bond to her sons, Jomo and Koffi. An introvert who enjoys literature and retail therapy, she's also a passionate Philadelphia Eagles fan. With a recent discovery of Montessori, Makeba has earned her bachelor's degree and finds fulfillment in helping students thrive.
Infant Room Teacher
Jeanette Baker
Jeanette has called Colorado Springs home for over 70 years, with roots in Springfield, Illinois. As the eldest of three siblings, she's the proud mother of two grown sons. With 35 years of early childhood education experience, she continues her studies while enjoying classic movies, church activities, and bike rides.
Toddler Co-Teacher
Yan Robbins
Yan, originally from China, moved to Colorado, where she lives on a ranch with her husband, Norm, and their dog, Charm. With a background in journalism and a master's degree in computer science, she enjoys gardening, literature, and culinary arts. As a Montessori advocate, Yan has six years of experience and is passionate about guiding children in their development.
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Montessori Toddler Co-Teacher
Joy Awakuni-Gonzalez
Joy was born and raised in Hawaii and holds a BA in History and Japanese Studies from the University of Puget Sound. With over 22 years of Montessori experience, she recently transitioned to working with toddlers, finding it to be one of the most rewarding phases of her career. Outside of work, Joy enjoys spending time with her family, caring for rescued animals, and indulging in her passions for manga, anime, and botanical medicine.
Toddler Co-Teacher
Cyndi Cress
Cyndi's journey began in Woodstock, Illinois, and has taken her from California to Oregon, finally settling in Colorado. She finds joy in her three daughters, three grandchildren, and beloved cat, Tom-Tom. In her free time, she indulges in hobbies like reading, knitting, and gardening while embracing the Montessori philosophy.
Toddler Co-Teacher
Nathalie Carrillo
Nathalie, from California with roots in Nayarit, Mexico, has called Colorado Springs home since winter 2024. With a degree in clinical psychology, she has worked with children battling cancer, which sparked her passion for working with kids. After moving to the United States in 2022 to learn English, Nathalie discovered the Montessori approach and now applies its principles in her work with children.
Infant Toddler Floater
Charlotte Boseman
Originally from Florida, Charlotte moved to Colorado to pursue Early Childhood Education at UCCS. The transition from beaches to mountains has been inspiring, fueling her passion for education. Balancing her studies, floater responsibilities, and adapting to a new state has been a fulfilling challenge, reinforcing her passion for education and her aspirations in the field of Early Childhood Education.
Infant Toddler Floater
Adelina Reyes
Adelina's academic journey began with a focus on Environmental Science and Biology during her freshman year of college, where she was captivated by the Montessori philosophy. This inspiration led her to blend her passion for science with teaching, finding immense fulfillment in caring for children both in her family and through Montessori. Today, Adelina proudly balances her roles as a scientist, teacher, and mother, cherishing the rewarding life she's built.
Preschool Co-Teacher
Sarah Boddy
Sarah holds a B.A. in Behavioral Sciences from Metropolitan State College of Denver and a Colorado Teacher's License, with a Montessori Casa Credential to teach children ages 3-6. She has nine years of experience at Free Horizon Montessori in Golden, CO, and recently moved to Woodland Park, where she enjoys hiking and learning to play the ukulele with her family.
Preschool Co-Teacher
Myrl Williams
Miss Myrl is a certified nurse assistant with extensive experience and is currently pursuing additional Montessori training. She loves spending time with her son and parents, writing mysteries, reading, birdwatching, and gardening. Her passion for education and family creates a harmonious balance in her life.
Preschool Co-Teacher
Jeanne Prather
As a dedicated Montessori educator with 26 years of experience, Ms Jeanne is completing both her Bachelor's in Early Childhood Development and her Master's in Montessori Education at St. Catherine's University. She is AMS certified for 3-6 year olds and holds a HEMI certification. Beginning her career as a preschool teacher, she later served as a Montessori school director, honing her leadership skills and deepening her commitment to the Montessori philosophy.