MCHD STAFF 2012-2013
Administration
Rachel & Kevin Averch are the founders of MCHD.
Rachel is the President of MCHD; she holds a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Center Management in addition to her primary AMS Montessori Certification through the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies, her Director’s qualifications and a Level four credential. With nearly 23 years’ experience in the field, Rachel brings extensive background both in teaching and administration.
Rachel developed the school’s gardening curriculum, which is a basic component of the nature study we do throughout the year.
Kevin Averch is MCHD’s Vice-President. Kevin holds a bachelor’s in Management in addition to his real estate license. Kevin was one of the school’s first teachers at its inception more than 20 years ago. After teaching with us for two years, Kevin returned to Fort Morgan to help his father run the family business. Having become very close friends after working together, Rachel and Kevin stayed in touch and got married in 1998.
Kevin and Rachel have two sons, Zaelig and Adiv. Both are students at MCHD Stapleton. Adiv is in the Upper Elementary classroom and Zaelig attends the Secondary Academy.
Beatrice Watson – Executive Director
I am a native Manhattan, New Yorker, though I spent my elementary and high school years in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. While living in Ui Jeong Bu Korea, I had my first child. After having her, I concluded that I had no clue about parenting and therefore, upon returning to the US, I enrolled and majored in Early Childhood Education at Pierce College in Lakewood, Washington. At this point I felt that I had a handle on parenting and had two more children. I later received my Early Childhood Education Certification from Pierce College and Montessori Teacher Certification from the University of Puget Sound/Spring Valley in Tacoma, Washington. Education is a huge part of my life and I have been in the field for over 25 years, serving in the capacity of Owner/Director of Crescent Montessori School in Eagle River, Alaska, co-organizer for the Open Optional Program, Anchorage School District in Anchorage, Alaska. I was also on the Governing Board for the Challenge School in the Cherry Creek School District and was a recipient of the A+ Teacher Excellence Award for Colorado. In 2004 and 2005 I received the Who’s Who among American Teachers Award. During our stint in Pennsylvania, I served on the grant writing committee for the Tri-Counties’ (Broward, Dade and West Palm Beach) charter schools. Due to corporate transfers with Eastman Kodak, my husbands’ employer for many years, I had the distinct opportunity to teach in numerous private and public schools across the US, gaining a bird’s eye view of education geographically.
I have three adult children; each attended Montessori schools during their primary and/or elementary school years. I now have grandchildren who are also attending Montessori schools. I have experienced the impact that a Montessori education has on adults. My children experienced benefits of this methodology and I can truly say that I now have seen a Montessori education come full circle.
Sarah Mohagen – Assistant Executive Director
I am happy to be starting my sixth year here at MCHD. I taught Primary for 2 years and was the Upper Elementary teacher for 3 years. This is my first year as the AED. I am addicted to learning and have been in school almost continually since kindergarten. I have an elementary teaching degree from UNC, Greeley, in addition to my Montessori certificates in Primary, Lower Elementary and Upper Elementary. I have worked with children in many other facets such as Girl Scouts, coaching, mentoring, tutoring, nannying, and babysitting. When I am not hanging out with other people’s children, I enjoy hiking, backpacking, camping, and snowshoeing with my hubby, Evan, and our two dogs, Kaya and Grizz. I also love to craft: crochet, scrapbook, and make cards
Maureen O’Flaherty – Campus Director, Mayfair
I knew from my first day of kindergarten that I wanted to be a teacher. I received my BA with a dual degree in Elementary and Special Education, taught kindergarten for several years and then stayed home for the next ten years as I had my three children. I then discovered Montessori and have been hooked ever since with this remarkable philosophy, both as a Primary teacher and in an administrative role. I spend much of my time with my very large family, especially my two grandchildren. I like to read, most of all English mysteries (although I am on Swedish mystery kick right now) and go to the movies whenever possible –it’s my favorite way to spend a Friday afternoon.
Michelle Cruz O’Donoghue– Campus Director, Stapleton
I received my AMS Associate Early Childhood Credential from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies in Boulder, Co. and am currently working on my Bachelor’s Degree in Early Childhood Education. I love art, spending time with my family, including our dog Daisy. I also love traveling, reading, and doing yoga. I grew up in Northern California and moved to the Denver area many years ago. I have been teaching Montessori for over ten years now and feel fortunate to be doing something I love! I have two children of my own, a daughter and a son. Both of my children are Montessorians and I love how it has contributed to the beautiful people they are becoming. My goal is to continue learning throughout my life.
Erin Larwick- Campus Coordinator/ Front Desk, Stapleton
As the little sister of Lindsey Larwick, I joined the MCHD community a year ago. I graduated earlier this year with a BA in Political Science and a minor in Art and Design for the Montessori Experience. Now that I have finished school, I am hoping that I will have more time to dedicated to the things I love, like drawing, rock climbing, and traveling. I also enjoy live music, knitting, and being outdoors.
Lindsey Larwick – Admissions/Office Manager, Mayfair
Hi, my name is Lindsey Larwick and joined MCHD in 2010. I studied Costuming and Small Business at Red Rocks Community College, earned my Real Estate certificate, studied fashion at the Art Institute and will be working on my Personal Training Certification and a degree in Psychology. I love shopping, sewing, reading, crafting and baking. I can wander in the library for hours. I have a dog , cat, rabbit and a bearded dragon. I love books by Clive Cussler and Dracula. I enjoy traveling and would move back to Canada in a split second. I love the history of Fashion and costuming, plan to become a published writer, and hopefully learn Greek followed by a nice long trip! I believe life is short, so make fun goals!
Catrina Amaya – Personal Assistant/Financial, Mayfair
Catrina joined the MCHD staff in 2012. Catrina has a background in administration, finance, child care and business. She loves a challenge. She enjoys hiking, playing with her four children (2 boys and 2 girls), and quilting. She is a native Coloradan and proud of it! She likes to read and watch movies. Her goal is to get a Bachelor’s in nursing.
Courtney Baros – Campus Coordinator, Hilltop
Courtney joined MCHD in 2013, coming to us from Plains to Peaks Montessori. She earned her Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Theatre, with a Minor in English and Humanities. She was
previously the owner of Be By Baby!, a retail and resource center for new parents. Theater, her two boys, Noah and Aidan, and a good book help to keep Courtney going.
Mayfair Community
Valerie Burn- Montessori Certified Lead Teacher
This is my 2nd year with MCHD and I am very honored and excited to be a part of a wonderful school. I have over 12 years of experience teaching at the Primary level and obtained my training through MECR. I grew up in New York but have lived in Colorado over 20 years. I have three grown children, each attended montessori schools during primary and continued with elementary exploring expeditionary schools. I am very passionate about montessori philosophy and love to foster children to become confident, independent, and self-motivated learners. Encompassing a love for learning and guiding each child individually is very rewarding and is why I love being a Montessori teacher. I look forward to getting to know the MCHD community.
Katie Yarnell – Montessori Certified Lead Teacher
My name is Katie. I couldn’t be more excited about continuing my work with MCHD. I have been teaching since 2006 with Montessori schools throughout Denver, beginning my work with MCHD in 2009. My passion is working with children, especially those at the primary age. On Sunday’s I teach religious school at Temple Emanuel, for four year olds as well as tutoring 5th graders in Hebrew. I love to sing, especially Hebrew music. Being the Colorado girl that I am, I love the outdoors. When it rains or snows, I enjoy curling up with my dogs and reading. I love to travel whenever I can.
Thea Lanford – Montessori Certified Lead Teacher
I am Thea Lanford. I love living in Colorado-I’ve been here all my life! Children are a joy and teaching is my passion. I have worked with children for over 16 years, six of those in Montessori. In 2006, I earned my Montessori credential for birth to three year olds. In 2007, I gave birth to my daughter, Laihla who is a Montessori child herself.
Claudia Esparza-Afternoon Coordinator
Claudia began working for MCHD this year. She is new to the Montessori field but has quickly become hooked and is looking to earn her Montessori Certification through MECR. She is fluent in both English and Spanish and enjoys sharing her love of singing. She plays sports, enjoys a good roller coaster, traveling, and crafting with the children of MCHD.
Erica Whiteside- Asisstant Teacher
Erica received her Bachelors at the University of Colorado in Psychology and her Primary Montessori training through MECR. She loves music, traveling, the outdoors and gardening and getting to share her passion with the children. Erica has 2 dogs and a cat, and hopes to one day own her own Montessori school.
Jaquelyn Garcia- Assistant Teacher
After studying General Studies at CCA, and working for MCHD, I realized my love of working with children and have continued to work with them. I am interested in all things legal and criminal justice related and would love to work in this as well. I am fluent in both Spanish and English and am heavily involved in my church and the choir. I help yearly with the bible school and kids retreat. I love coloring and reading, especially Same Kind of Different as Me.
Elizabeth Robles- Assistant Teacher
Elizabeth has been with MCHD for 2 years. She worked as a teacher’s assistant, toddler teacher and camp counselor. She has also worked for Volunteers of America for 8 years. She is fluent in both English and Spanish. She has 6 children and 11 grandchildren. She studied ECE and did her internship at Margery Reed Daycare. She is always looking to build relationships with child and family. Education is a passion, but leaving out fun is something she will never do!
Erin Aparicio-
Erin earned her BS in journalism at the University of Missouri and is working on her Montessori Certification through MECR. She has previously worked as an Assistant Teacher in Lower Elementary. Her goal is to help kids develop their confidence, kindness and independence. She is well traveled but loves returning home to sit quietly on her patio. She lives in Denver with her daughter, husband dog and two guinea pigs.
Park Hill Community
Ginger Buskirk – Montessori Certified Lead Teacher
I’m excited to be the teacher of the Blue Toddler Community again this year. I’ve had the wonderful experience of working in Montessori for over 12 years. I first started in a Nido (infant) classroom and worked with that age group for 7 years. I have worked in a Toddler Community for the last 5 years. I’m very passionate about Montessori Philosophy, and what
it offers to the children, the families, and me personally. I am Montessori certified AMI 0-3 and Early Childhood Teacher Qualified. I am also enjoying continuing to take classes at CCD in Early Childhood and studying to obtain my Director Certification. Some of my personal interests include growing as a human being, being a mother of three beautiful children, being a wife, and demonstrating respect for mankind.
Lynsey Patrei- Montessori Certified Lead Teacher
Lynsey is currently studying at the Community College of Denver to work toward a degree in Early Childhood Education and her teacher’s license. She has 2 years of experience in working with toddlers. Hiking, dancing, festivals, sunshine and visiting Mexico are wonderful, but none of them compare to the adventure of raising her son Jude. Lynsey loves to read fantasy books, especially the Outlander Series. Encouraging children to grow and become confident, well-adjusted, creative people drives her passion for teaching.
Karissa Witherspoon– Afternoon Coordinator
My Husband Ryan and I recently moved to Colorado from Arkansas. I earned my Bachelors from University of Arkansas. I have worked in childcare and education for a few years and love every second of it! I have one cat named Knox, absolutely love the outdoors, crafting and reading. I have traveled extensively (23 countries and counting!) and hope to become fluent in Spanish.
Brittni Greenwell- Assistant Teacher
Britt has been a children’s counselor and horseback riding leader at a guest ranch, as well as a before/after school program leader. She has volunteered with the Operation Home front of Arizona and continues to give her time to the Adopt a Plantoon Soldier Support Effort. She is currently a student at the University of Phoenix studying psychology and her goal is to become an art therapist.
Stapleton Community
Janet Gerhart- Lower Elementary Lead Teacher
I recently moved to Denver from the Chicago suburbs last July to be closer to my daughter and my two grandchildren. I have been teaching Montessori for twenty years and am certified in infants and toddlers as well as lower elementary (6-9) and upper elementary (9-12).
Amie Miller-Hubach- Upper Elementary Teacher
I fell in love with Montessori while working as an Animal Keeper and Educator. I completed my Lower Elementary AMS certification in 2006 and have enjoyed being a lead teacher in both Lower and Upper elementary classrooms. In fact, I began the Lower Elementary program with MCHD about six years ago! I have two sons, Eli and Max. We love spending time outside, going to the Farmers Market, and we try to get up into the mountains as often as we can.
Dayla is currently attending the Community College of Aurora, working to further her education and knowledge in the field of Early Childhood Education. She speaks Latin, paints, gardens and loves photography. Her daughter Trinity Kelley is her greatest accomplishment. The mountains, sports, and reading The Fault in Our Stars by John Green keep her mind and body in active and energetic shape.
Kristin Mah- Montessori Certified Lead Teacher
This is my second year as a lead teacher at MCHD. I have my B.A. in Behavioral Science and my Colorado Teacher’s License in Elementary Education. I completed my Montessori training in Primary education. Currently, I am working on my Masters in Reading and Writing Instruction and my State Reading Endorsement. I love learning and consider education a life-long pursuit. My husband and I live right on the Bear Creek green belt where we walk and bike almost every day. Biking, walking, swimming, camping, and reading are my favorite hobbies. My love of learning, love of nature, and love of movement helps me find what inspires each individual child.
Lauren Di Geronimo- Montessori Certified Lead Teacher
After studying Elementary Education, Business Management and Psychology, I began student teaching at Whitleigh Community Primary School followed by working as an assistant teacher in a Montessori primary program at Bright Horizons. I have also earned my Colorado Teachers License. In my free time I enjoy snowboarding, hiking, fly fishing, and quilting. I have circumnavigated the globe, missing only Australia and Antarctica, but there is still time to see those! Vermont is where my heart is. I love reading On the Road by Jack Kerouac and enjoying life to the fullest.
Lauren Darr-Montessori Certified Lead Teacher
I have a BA in Mass Communications, with a minor in Christian Studies from Ouachita Baptist University. I also studied at the Shelton School and Evaluation Center, Earning my AMS
certification. I love the arts: painting, photography and I also enjoy reading and writing. My spare time is spent with my family, friends and husband, not to mention my two wonderful dogs. I can’t even start to choose a favorite book. I enjoy traveling to new cities and countries, but my favorite place is home. I love learning about other cultures. I am fascinated by learning differences in children and am working everyday to become a better teacher.
Mayra Resendiz- Montessori Certified Lead Teacher
My name is Mayra Resendiz. I am originally from Mexico but moved to the United States in 2001. I live in Denver with my family. My fiancé and I have a son, who is 8 years old. We also have a Boxer who is 7 years old. I love spending time with my family. I train in Mixed Martial Arts (one of many other passions besides teaching young children) and I love the outdoors. I currently work at MCHD in the role of a lead teacher in the Toddler 2 class. I obtained my infant-toddler certification in 2006. I have worked as a Toddler teacher at other Montessori schools for a total of 6 years.
Lorena Morales – Montessori Certified Lead Teacher
I am originally from Mexico, but moved to the United Stated when I was 11 years old. I live in Denver with my family and I am the oldest of four children. My little brother can be credited with inspiring me to work with children. It has now been three years since I started working at MCHD. I love to teach Spanish to the children and to help them express themselves through art. I am currently taking my Montessori training this year at MECR.
Elia White, Montessori Certified Lead Teacher
Hi! I am Elia White. I love to teach Montessori and languages too. I have being doing this for over ten years. I am from Mexico and I have three sons, two in college and a younger one who is ten years old. We love to go outdoors together. My hobbies are salsa dancing, cooking, yoga and Pilates. I really love my chinchilla, Jimmy. He is a loveable animal. Please feel free to come and say hello!
Mallory Moss- Assistant Teacher
Mallory earned her Bachelor’s in Elementary Education and has worked with 2nd and 3rd graders as a reading specialist and substitute before joining MCHD in 2011. She is involved with Teachers of Tomorrow, Habitat for Humanity and Science Teachers of America. She loves reading (her favorite is The Giving Tree), being outdoors, and listening to music, and is currently undertaking the goal of learning to sew. Her constant goal is to spread her love of education and hopes to get her Masters.
Carina Dehoyos- Assistant Teacher
Carina studied Education at the University of Phoenix. She loves science, music, and spending time with her 5 children. She works as a missionary yearly in Haitti, raising money for orphanages. Carina hopes to one day own her own Montessori school in Hawaii.
Sunny Evans- Afternoon Coordinator
Sunny joined MCHD in 2010 at the Stapleton Campus. She is an artistic soul who loves being social and explore the outdoors.
Thania Fabian-Assistant Teacher
After psychology at the University of Mexico, she worked as a Teacher’s Assistant at MSD and MAC. Thania loves crafting, hiking, cooking, and sports. An upbeat person, she loves to read Chicken Soup for the Soul and to visit the mountains. She hopes to return to school to study Massage Therapy. She speaks both English and Spanish fluently.
Caitlin Delap- Assistant /Afternoon Coordinator
I have worked as a nanny for a number of years for infants up through preschool aged children. I have a BS in Biology and Chemistry. I have a MA in Environmental Leadership from Noropa. I am interested in aquaponics and love to travel. I have traveled to Napal, Peru, Costa Rica, and Italy which are all beautiful places but my favorite place is Lapham Peaks in
Wisconsin. I enjoy taking part in urban culture community farms and I participate in a green market.
Laura earned her B.S. in biology with a minor in chemistry from Metropolitan State University of Denver. She is a heavy participant in urban gardening and various volunteer projects in the area. Her favorite place on earth is Whidbey Island though she has enjoyed her travels to other countries and hopes to continue to explore the world more.
Drew Sugarman- Elementary Intern
Drew earned his BA at the Univeristy of Kentucky, studying Psychology and Philosophy. He is currently working towards his Elementary certification through MECR. An artist at heart, he loves sketching and music and can’t get enough of the outdoors. His favorite book is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and finds the Human Experience a fascinating study. His goal is to spread love, light and freedom as far reaching as he can however he can. Jennifer DeForke
Jennifer studied Education/Kinesiology at the University of Texas and earned her Assistant Teacher certificate from the Montessori Institute for 0-3 years. She has worked as an Assistant Teacher at Family Start, Hope
Montessori and Mountain View Montessori. She loves games, adventures and reading. Her hometown is Galveston Texas and she tries to go home as often as she can.
Mel Brandl
Mel studied Theatre and Women’s Studies at the University of Evansville. She has worked as a Case Manager for Big Brothers Big Sisters and worked in costume design for Center Stage Theatre. Her passion is theatre and fitness. Sewing, crafting and spending time with family keeps her going.
Hilltop Community
Kristin Romans- Certified Lead Teacher
I earned my B.S in Psychology from CSU, and my Primary level certification from Montessori Education Center of the Rockies. I moved here from Breckenridge where I taught 3-6 year olds. I love anything with two wheels, camping and cooking. Anything I can do that gets me outdoors I will try, even just enjoying a good book in a hammock. My favorite book is The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan.
Stacey Wallace- Assistant Teacher
Stacey has studied at Purdue and Arapahoe Community College. She also Earned her CAN license from New Directions and has previously been a hairstylist. Stacey loves to make things with her hands and is at her happiest in the wilderness by a stream. Her goal is to live life to the fullest and give back as much as she can to the world around her.
Angie Mushatt- Assistant/Afternoon Coordinator
Brian Belsha-Lead Teacher
After earning my Bachelors in Geography at the University of California, I worked as a teacher’s assistant at Marren Walker School and Montessori Center School. I have received the Award of Determination within Geography Major VCSB and am involved in STAR (Students teaching alcohol and drug responsibilities). I love sports, animals and outdoor activities. I have a dog named Archie. I enjoy reading Call of the Wild and love to return to San Diego. Traveling to the beach is great. I one day hope to become the principal of an Elementary school.
Other
Sherron Kilgore- Substitute
Sherron earned her Bachelor’s in Social work and Psychology, studied Early Childhood Education of CSU and Front Range Community College, and received a Masters of Business from the University of Phoenix. She has worked not just as a teacher but a Director, and has owned her own preschool as well. She enjoys the outdoors and beauty that Colorado has to offer and has traveled throught the US and various countries. Her goal is to help children reach their interests and potentials.
