Our Team

Hello, I'm excited to begin my 29th year in education. I grew up in rural Pennsylvania, where I attended Edinboro University of Pennsylvania and earned my Bachelor's in Elementary and Special Education. I earned my Master's degree at the University of Northern Colorado and completed my principal licensure at Western Colorado University. I reside in Crawford with my husband Aaron, daughter Allyson, and son Kevin.

If you can't find me in the office, I'm probably outside playing with the students! Building relationships with students and being involved in their learning is most important to me as an educator. Please stop by and visit with me anytime!

Hello, my name is Cortney and I grew up here in Paonia, CO. In my spare time, I raise cows and I manage a ranch. My favorite things are my kiddos and family.

I am excited to be back in the classroom with Preschool and Kindergarten. I began working at NFM@C in 2001 when I came to pick up my 4-year-old nephew and noticed how happy the children were. I have 2 children, 2 nephews and a niece who have all graduated from NFM@C!

I did not know teaching was in my future when I graduated with a degree in Art from the University of Texas. I became Montessori Certified at the Houston Montessori Center and loved it so much that I became a Licensed Teacher through the ATL program. I am happy to be part of this long-standing community school. Seeing my ex-students in the community and beyond brings me joy!

This will be my tenth year as a Montessori Teacher. Over the years I have worked with children from ages 0-12. I was drawn to Montessori education because it is aligned with the development of children and because what a child learns at each level is reinforced and further developed in the next level. I have my Montessori training from the Association Montessori International for Primary (3-6 years) and for the elementary level (6-12 years). I also have a Master's in Education from Loyola University.

I have lived in three different states: Oregon, Connecticut, and Colorado, and four countries: USA, Haiti, England, and Mexico. I am a book lover, nature lover, and creative person. My idea of a good time is curled up with a book, hiking, camping, cooking, or working on one of my art hobbies.

I was raised in England and loved school, but got in trouble for "moving around." During college, as part of my education major, I did an internship at a Montessori school. It had strong academics, a highly-structured prepared environment, and the children learned how to self-regulate. Also, the children could move around!

When Delta County School District opened a public Montessori school, I was delighted to apply. I am state-certified and Montessori-certified. We have been serving wonderful Delta County families and forging a strong reputation ever since. The team is amazing, and it's an honor to be a part of it!

I was born and raised in the North Fork Valley. I married someone who was also raised here, and we were able to raise 4 kids here. I have worked at the North Fork Montessori for 14 years. The first 7 were in the Primary classroom, and I have been in Lower El since then. I love working with kids and watching them learn and grow.

I am a life-long learner and educator with experience teaching diverse audiences around the world. I began teaching at NFM@C in 2014. My experience includes teaching cello lessons, university ecology and biology courses, outdoor education, backpacking skills, naturalist-guiding, and elementary education. I have taught in locations around the world including Alaska, Patagonia, Bolivia, New Zealand, and Germany.

I have a BS in Biology, a Master’s degree (MS) in Botany, am a certified teacher in Colorado, and have done Upper Elementary Montessori training in all subject areas. I teach Upper Elementary with Shannon Castle, and I focus on math and science in the classroom. I love promoting hands-on, experiential learning with my students.

My husband and I moved to western Colorado because we love the community and the surrounding environment. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, playing my cello, reading fiction, gardening, and doing anything active outdoors. I love teaching and am grateful for the opportunity to support our students as they learn and grow into their place in this world.

I began my work with NFM@C in 2011 as a parent volunteer. Yes. My role evolved into a part-time art teaching position for K-6 students, and with the move into our current building I became a full-time staff member. I still create art with K-6 students and I am also part of our Upper Elementary team. I teach Upper Elementary with Esther Alsum and focus on reading, writing, communicating, and research works with students.

I have a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree with an emphasis in Ceramics, K-12 Art Teacher Licensure, Elementary Education Licensure, Montessori Elementary II Language training, and a Master of Arts degree with a focus on Community Art. I have teaching experience at all levels from Pre-K through adult.

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with family and friends in our beautiful valley. I grow a garden, cook, spend time outdoors: walking, biking, hiking, cross-country skiing, practice yoga, and make art.

Every day the students at NFM@C remind me of the importance of relationships, flexibility, and creative thinking. I am so grateful that I get to guide and observe as students discover a love of learning, gain independence, and develop critical thinking skills. Thanks for sharing your children with us!