Rachel Northrop, Director of Early Childhood Education, received her Bachelor’s degree in Child Psychology from the University of Minnesota. She completed her Montessori Primary teacher training at the Center for Contemporary Montessori Programs, in Minnesota as well. Rachel has been a supervising teacher for the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (MECR). Rachel joined MSD in 2001. Email Rachel at rnorthrop@msd-co.org.

Mary Broeckling, Toddler Teacher, graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Arts in Art History and a teaching certification in art for Kindergarten through 12th grade from Columbia College. She received her AMS Infant/Toddler Credential from the Seton Montessori Institute in Illinois. Prior to joining MSD, Mary was a lead Toddler teacher at Chiaravalle Montessori School in Evanston, Illinois. She started her Montessori career in 2005 at Columbia Montessori School in Columbia, Missouri. Mary joined MSD in 2014. Email Mary at mbroeckling@msd-co.org.

Erin Murphy, Toddler Teacher, joined MSD in 2014. Erin is a Colorado native and received a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Colorado, Boulder, and holds an Elementary Level Colorado State Teaching License. Erin took her Infant/Toddler Montessori teacher training at the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies in Boulder, CO. ​Email Erin at emurphy@msd-co.org.

Valene Rodriguez, Toddler Teacher, has extensive experience leading a Toddler Montessori classroom at Denver area schools, including a home-based education program that travels to pregnant mothers’ homes, transitional housing, and homeless shelters to build parenting skills. Valene received her Infancy/Toddler Montessori training from The Montessori Institute,  holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Early Childhood Education Administration, and recently obtained her Masters in Montessori education from Loyola University. Valene joined MSD in 2018. Email Valene at vrodriguez@msd-co.org

Kelly Elio, Primary Teacher, joined MSD in 2010. Kelly completed her Primary Montessori training at the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies and her internship at MSD. Kelly grew up in Colorado and has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Anthropology from Metropolitan State College in Denver. Email Kelly at kelio@msd-co.org.

Christina Graham, Primary Teacher, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a Masters of Science from Colorado State University in Interior Design with an emphasis on Museum Exhibit Design. She has her AMI Primary Montessori Credential from Montessori Casa International. Christina has worked at the Denver Art Museum as a designer and the Clyfford Still Museum in their education department in addition to her Montessori teaching experience. She has her Primary Montessori Credential from Montessori Casa International and has been at MSD since 2013.​ Email Christina at cgraham@msd-co.org.

Emily Kline, Primary Teacher, has her Montessori Early Childhood teaching credential from Montessori Teacher Academy in Indiana and holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education and Special Education from Ball State University. Emily joined MSD in 2016 after leading her own Primary classroom at Bunche Montessori Early Childhood Center for three years, in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Previous to that she worked as a Field Study Educator at the Mtendere Orphanage, Malawi, Africa, teaching special needs students and adults one-on-one, and assisting in literacy lesson plan development. Email Emily at ekline@msd-co.org.

Megan Korell, Primary Teacher, first joined MSD in 2017 as an assistant in the Toddler program. Since then, she has earned Montessori certifications in both Infant/Toddler and Primary from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (MECR). She has extensive experience working in both of MSD’s Toddler and Primary programs. Aside from her Montessori certifications, Megan has a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism and Spanish/Latin American Studies from American University. Email Megan at mkorell@msd-co.org.

Caitlin Tuminello, Primary Teacher, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Ecosystem Science and Sustainability from Colorado State University. After working in both MSD’s Toddler and Primary programs as an assistant, she received her Early Childhood Montessori certification at the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (MECR). She joined MSD in 2019. Email her at ctuminello@msd-co.org.

Annie Springer, Director of Elementary Education, has a Master’s in Educational Psychology from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Theatre from Tulane University. Annie holds an International Montessori Teaching Diploma in Upper Elementary Instruction from the North American Montessori Center, British Columbia. She also completed the Friends School Teacher Preparation Program, earning her Colorado State Teaching License in Elementary Education. Aside from her dedicated work and strong leadership in the Upper Elementary program, Annie previously worked on designing the Middle School program curriculum and was the Middle School Language Arts Teacher at MSD for two years. She also led the teacher mentorship program for new and second-year teachers at MSD for three years. Annie joined MSD in 2011. Email Annie at aspringer@msd-co.org.

Leana Kerr, Lower Elementary Teacher, joined MSD in 2022. Previously, she worked at DCS Montessori in Castle Pines, including three years as a Lower Elementary lead. Leana has her Lower Elementary Montessori certification from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (MECR) as well as a Masters in Montessori Education from Xavier University. She also serves as a Field Consultant for MECR. Leana is truly a lifelong learner with an open and curious nature and an inclusive approach to education. Email Leana at lkerr@msd-co.org.

Carrie Ross, Director of Middle School Education and History Teacher, holds a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities and Social Sciences from Colorado State University. Carrie holds a Montessori Secondary I and II Credential through the American Montessori Society. She has experience teaching Middle School and has nearly completed her 6-12 Colorado State Teaching certificate. Carrie is an enthusiastic and accomplished equestrian. She joined MSD in 1996 and spent several years as the Assistant Business Office Manager until she joined the Middle School team in 2015. Email Carrie at cross@msd-co.org.

Cole Jones, Middle School Math Teacher, has attained a total of three degrees from the University of Arkansas: an A.S. in Computer Science, a B.S. in Applied Math, and an M.A. in Education. He has also attended two training courses through the Math Institute: Designing a Montessori Math Adolescent Classroom and Congruency, Polygons, and Measurement. Over the course of his time as an educator, he has dedicated himself to teaching mathematics and has also previously served as the lead teacher and program coordinator in a math instruction program. Prior to his teaching career, Cole worked as an electrical safety engineer for Underwriter’s Laboratories. Understanding the adolescent’s need to feel that their learning is connected to the real world, Cole loves drawing upon his past experiences in engineering and construction to demonstrate the practical applications of mathematics. He possesses a deep-seated passion for understanding how things work and has a wide range of hobbies, including gardening, media art (sculpture and film), American literature, name etymology, engineering, and spending time with his two dogs, June and Milo. Education is also a family passion, as Cole’s wife, Hannah, is also a math teacher at Place Bridge Elementary. He joined MSD in 2023. Email Cole at cjones@msd-co.org.

Joel Richardson, Middle School Science Teacher, has a Bachelor of Science in Communication and a Masters of Education in Elementary Education, Curriculum, and Instruction from the University of Denver. His previous teaching experience includes working at Washington Montessori, a public Montessori charter school in North Carolina, where he taught science, history, and writing, and also served as the Athletic Coordinator for students ages three to fourteen years. Joel worked as a Counselor at Keystone Science School, a place well-loved by MSD’s Upper Elementary program, delivering their well-regarded science curriculum out in the field. Joel officially joined MSD in 2016. Email Joel at jrichardson@msd-co.org.

Magdalena Ortega Neri, Director of Specials and Spanish Teacher (Upper Elementary through Middle School), has a Bachelor of Arts in Cultural Anthropology, with a Minor in German from Metropolitan State University of Denver. Magdalena joined MSD in 2007. Prior to MSD, she worked as an English and German Teacher at the Técnologico de Monterrey and the Universidad Autónoma de Zacatecas in her hometown of Zacatecas, Mexico. Magdalena has experience in a public dual-language Montessori program, as well as with Spanish curriculum design. She is passionate about curriculum integration – believing that language should be taught in a meaningful context with a cultural understanding. Email Magdalena at mortega-neri@msd-co.org.

Chris Bangs, Physical Education Teacher, joined MSD in 2007. He graduated from Union College in New York with the Bachelor of Science degree in Biology. Chris is also a Certified Massage Therapist and an avid outdoor enthusiast. Chris attended a Montessori school when he was young. Email Chris at cbangs@msd-co.org.

Serge Fedorowsky, Librarian, joined MSD in 2019. He received his Bachelor of Science in English, Film & Media Studies, and Music from Ripon College in Wisconsin and obtained his Master of Library and Information Sciences degree from the University of Denver. As a librarian, Serge has worked in public, academic, and private libraries in Colorado, Wisconsin, and Ohio. He is excited to bring his passion for learning and educational growth to the school. Email Serge at sfedorowsky@msd-co.org.

Lexi Fickenscher, Handcraft Teacher, graduated from Oberlin College with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and has a Masters of Public Health with a focus in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Oregon Health and Sciences University. After working in mental health research at the Anschutz Medical Campus for a decade, Lexi transitioned to the world of urban farming.  She and her family purchased a vacant lot in their neighborhood, transformed the lot into an urban farm, and ran a successful urban farm business.  She volunteered to help start the Urban Farm Program when her two children enrolled at MSD in 2014 and officially joined the MSD Staff in 2016. Email Lexi at lfickenscher@msd-co.org.

Laura Goodman, Music and Theater Teacher, joined MSD in 2018. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Performance from CU Boulder and attained her Master of Fine Arts in Acting from the American Repertory Theater at Harvard University. Before joining the MSD team, Laura worked in New York City with students aged 3-14 as a theater teacher and music director. She helped create the curriculum for yearlong company programs at Brooklyn Acting Lab among others and has worked internationally in China, Guatemala, Russia, and Australia. Laura has strong experience directing children’s musical theater, as well as working with children to write and create their own theatrical and musical work. Email Laura at lgoodman@msd-co.org.

Elaina Pignolet, Art Teacher, received a degree in art with minors in French, dance, and interdisciplinary arts from Gonzaga University. Having grown up as a Waldorf student, she taught at a Waldorf school before coming to MSD in January 2018, where she started out as an assistant in our Lower Elementary program. There, she shined when teaching art history and led art projects with the students in her classroom before beginning her work with all of the students as the K-8 Art Teacher in the fall of 2018. Elaina brings a passion for helping every child find artistic expression. Email Elaina at epignolet@msd-co.org.

Molly Tronco, Spanish Teacher (Toddler through Lower Elementary), grew up in Denver and received her Bachelor of Arts in Spanish Literature and International Business from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington. After giving restaurant management a try, she realized that working with children was her true passion and joyfully brought her talents and wonderful nature with her to MSD in the spring of 2018. She jumped right into the groove in our Spanish program laying the important groundwork with the younger Spanish speakers. Email Molly at mtronco@msd-co.org.

Lexi Fickenscher, Handcraft Teacher, graduated from Oberlin College with a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Studies and has a Masters of Public Health with a focus in Epidemiology and Biostatistics from Oregon Health and Sciences University. After working in mental health research at the Anschutz Medical Campus for a decade, Lexi transitioned to the world of urban farming.  She and her family purchased a vacant lot in their neighborhood, transformed the lot into an urban farm, and ran a successful urban farm business.  She volunteered to help start the Urban Farm Program when her two children enrolled at MSD in 2014 and officially joined the MSD Staff in 2016. Email Lexi at lfickenscher@msd-co.org.

Dr. Tori Virlee, Director of Student Support, joined MSD in 2015 as a Primary lead teacher. She currently provides school psychological services for the Toddler, Primary, and Middle School programs. Tori is a Montessori certified teacher, holds a Psy.D. in School Psychology from the University of Colorado Denver, and earned a B.A. in Speech Language and Hearing Sciences from Metropolitan State University. Tori has worked in Montessori schools since 2008 serving in various roles from Primary teacher to Academic Director and in schools from Denver to Albania. During her summers, Tori works with the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies training future Montessorians. Email Tori at tvirlee@msd-co.org.

Marissa McCullough is thrilled to be supporting the MSD community as our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Coordinator. Previously, she taught 1st and 2nd grade at St. Anne’s Episcopal School with an emphasis on mindfulness, and also served on the Justice, Love and Belonging leadership team. Marissa holds a B.A. in Art History and Education from Colorado College and an M.A. in Education and Human Development from the University of Colorado Denver. Born and raised in Colorado, she loves all things outdoors–camping, gardening, yoga and hiking with her husband and dog. As an executive team member of the Colorado Diversity Network, she also helps to facilitate professional development for ACIS-accredited schools across the state. Email Marissa at mmccullough@msd-co.org.

Chelsea McKinlay, Learning Specialist, joined the Student Support Team in 2020. She supports Primary and Lower Elementary students and teachers with early academic skill development through general curriculum consultation and intervention services. She came to MSD from Brooklyn, NY with eight years of experience as an elementary teacher, including five years in independent schools. Chelsea has impressive knowledge of best practices in literacy instruction and incorporates Montessori elements into her work with students. Her extensive professional learning of Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist educational practices made her a natural fit for MSD’s culture and values. Chelsea is a certified local LETRS facilitator. Some of her other credentials include training in the Orton-Gillingham approach to reading and spelling, a Master’s in Effective Teaching, and a B.A. in English Literature. She also speaks and writes fluently in French! Email Chelsea at cmckinlay@msd-co.org.

Janel Wade joined the Student Support Team in 2022 as a part-time Learning Specialist. She supports Upper Elementary and Middle School students and teachers with academic skill development through general curriculum consultation and intervention services. Janel holds a Montessori Credential in Elementary I & II from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (MECR) and an M.A. in Special Education (ages 5-21) from Metropolitan State University. She led Lower and Upper Elementary classrooms before becoming a foster and adoptive parent. Janel is experienced in the effects of trauma that affect students both personally and academically, and has taught in a bilingual school, a Title 1 school, and public charter schools. Prior to joining MSD, she worked as a Learning Specialist for five years supporting students with research-proven reading intervention. Janel continues to serve as a Montessori instructor for adult learners at MECR in the areas of Practical Life (including assessments) and Bio Sciences. When not in the classroom, Janel loves long hikes in the sunshine, creating artist books, growing flowers, reading and connecting with friends, and spending time with her son. Email Janel at jwade@msd-co.org.