Meet Our Staff
MSD FACULTY AND STAFF
Highly trained, always engaged, constantly inspiring.
Our teachers design ways to connect subject to subject so each builds on the other. The more kids connect each thing they learn, the more their sense of wonder grows. The Montessori philosophy is based on connecting one subject to another, teachers to kids, inside spaces to outside places. From our Urban Farm to our classrooms, you’ll find our teachers connecting one “aha” moment to another and nurturing innovative problem solvers.
Each member of our experienced Montessori Faculty is trained by one of the nation’s American Montessori Society-accredited training centers, holds a bachelor’s degree, and often has further educational training or a master’s degree. Classroom teachers have at least one assistant, many of whom also have a bachelor’s degree or are completing their Montessori internship. Our Specials Teachers (Performing Arts, Visual Arts, Library, World Languages, Physical Education) all hold at least a bachelor’s degree and have specialized training in their fields. All teachers are committed to enhancing their professional development through workshops, classes, and special events.
Staff Quick Links
Early Childhood Team
Kelly Elio
Christina Graham
Emily Kline
Megan Korell
Caitlin Tuminello
Aura Padilla
Mary Broeckling
Erin Murphy
Valene Rodriguez
Elementary Team
Leana Kerr
Jasmine Manislovich
Lower Elementary Teacher
Lauren McFall
Candice Rudasill
Kate Powell
Middle School Team
Cole Jones
Middle School Math Teacher
Joel Richardson
Middle School Science Teacher
Alexandra Swann
Middle School History Teacher
Beth Shepard
Middle School ELA Teacher
Specials & Urban Farm Team
Chris Bangs
Physical Education Teacher
Serge Fedorowsky
Librarian
Stephanie Fernandez
Laura Goodman
Elaina Pignolet
Art Teacher
Molly Tronco
Lexi Fickenscher
Handcraft Teacher
Jackie Vay
Student Support & Wellness Team
Marissa McCullough
Chelsea McKinlay
Learning Specialist
Dr. Tori Virlee
Janel Wade
Tia Gamelin
Occupational Therapist
Educational Leadership Team
Anne Hewetson
Rachel Northrop
Director of Early Childhood Education
Meghan Phillips
Carrie Ross
Annie Springer
Director of Elementary Education
Magdalena Ortega Neri

Kelly Elio
Primary Teacher

Christina Graham
Primary Teacher

Emily Kline
Primary Teacher

Megan Korell
Primary Teacher

Caitlin Tuminello
Primary Teacher

Aura Padilla
Primary Teacher

Mary Broeckling
Toddler Teacher

Erin Murphy
Toddler Teacher

Valene Rodriguez
Toddler Teacher

Leana Kerr
Lower Elementary Teacher
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.

Jasmine Manislovich
Lower Elementary Teacher
Jasmine Manislovich, Lower Elementary Teacher, comes to MSD from Adventure Montessori School, where she completed her internship and first year of teaching. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire and her Lower Elementary Montessori certification from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (MECR). Jasmine is particularly drawn to supporting the social-emotional growth of her students and promoting peace education in her role as educator. When not in the classroom, Jasmine loves the outdoors, music, reading, and learning! She joined MSD in 2024. Email Jasmine at jmanislovich@msd-co.org.

Lauren McFall
Upper Elementary Teacher

Candice Rudasill
Lower Elementary Teacher

Kate Powell
Upper Elementary Teacher

Cole Jones
Middle School Math Teacher
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
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.

Alexandra Swann
Middle School History Teacher
Alexandra previously served as a substitute Spanish teacher at MSD before stepping into her role as Middle School History Teacher, joining the team in 2024. With a B.A. in history from Davidson College, an M.A. in history from the University of Connecticut, and over fifteen years of teaching experience in independent schools across Manhattan, Alexandra brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our program. Her tenure as the history department chair at her previous school underscores her leadership skills and dedication to education. Alexandra’s teaching philosophy is characterized by fostering warm personal connections with her students, and she possesses a genuine passion for learning that she enthusiastically imparts to her students. Outside the school day, she loves spending time with her husband and two children, going to parks and museums, reading, baking, volunteering, and getting to know Colorado. Email Alexandra at aswann@msd-co.org.

Beth Shepard
Middle School ELA Teacher
Beth is excited to return to a Montessori setting after spending four years in a traditional middle school. Her own educational journey began at Tomlinson Montessori and Triangle Lake Montessori in Greensboro, North Carolina, then attended a performing arts magnet school before graduating from an international baccalaureate high school in Dubai. She attributes her diverse educational background to her liberal arts approach to pedagogy. Beth holds a master’s degree in secondary English education from Vanderbilt University, a license in secondary English education, and certification for K-12 Culturally and Linguistically Diverse education. Beth joined MSD in 2024. Email Beth at bshepard@msd-co.org.

Chris Bangs
Physical Education Teacher
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
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.

Stephanie Fernandez
Spanish Teacher (K-LE) / Executive Director, Horizons at MSD

Laura Goodman
Music and Theater Teacher
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
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 (TODD-PRI)
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
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.

Jackie Vay
Urban Farm Manager
Jackie holds a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy and, prior to MSD, had been working as an Outdoor Program Manager overseeing the educational programming of 34 schools in Austin, Texas. She has years of experience managing and supporting school gardens, coordinating volunteers, and delivering science and SEL-focused curricula for in-school programming and community summer camps. Jackie joined MSD in 2024. Email Jackie at jvay@msd-co.org.

Marissa McCullough
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Coordinator
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
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.

Dr. Tori Virlee
Director of Student Support
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.

Janel Wade
Learning Specialist
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.

Tia Gamelin
Occupational Therapist
Tia comes to MSD with 27 years of experience working in both school based and clinical settings, around the country and abroad. She has extensive experience working with children with sensory processing differences, autism spectrum, and twice exceptional learners. Tia is thrilled to see so much overlap between what we do as Montessorians and her work as an OT. She holds a B.S. in Occupational Therapy from Lenoir-Rhyne University and is licensed through the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapists. She joined MSD in 2024. Email Tia at tgamelin@msd-co.org.

Rachel Northrop
Director of Early Childhood Education
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.

Annie Springer
Director of Elementary Education
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.

Carrie Ross
Director of Middle School Education
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.

Magdalena Ortega Neri
Director of Specials/Spanish Teacher (UE-MS)
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.

Anne Hewetson
Dean of Programs & Student Life

Meghan Phillips
Curriculum & Experiential Education Coordinator
Meghan brings a wealth of experience to MSD, having dedicated nearly seventeen years to the Montessori School of Evergreen in various roles, including Dean of Education. Most recently, she taught third grade at a public school in Idaho Springs, where she further honed her teaching skills. With her administrator credential from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies, Meghan is excited to return to the Montessori environment. She is enthusiastic about joining the MSD team and is committed to supporting both the students and the community. Meghan joined MSD in 2024. Email Meghan at mphillips@msd-co.org.

Meghan Phillips
Curriculum & Experiential Education Coordinator
Meghan brings a wealth of experience to MSD, having dedicated nearly seventeen years to the Montessori School of Evergreen in various roles, including Dean of Education. Most recently, she taught third grade at a public school in Idaho Springs, where she further honed her teaching skills. With her administrator credential from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies, Meghan is excited to return to the Montessori environment. She is enthusiastic about joining the MSD team and is committed to supporting both the students and the community. Meghan joined MSD in 2024. Email Meghan at mphillips@msd-co.org.

Meghan Phillips
Curriculum & Experiential Education Coordinator
Meghan brings a wealth of experience to MSD, having dedicated nearly seventeen years to the Montessori School of Evergreen in various roles, including Dean of Education. Most recently, she taught third grade at a public school in Idaho Springs, where she further honed her teaching skills. With her administrator credential from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies, Meghan is excited to return to the Montessori environment. She is enthusiastic about joining the MSD team and is committed to supporting both the students and the community. Meghan joined MSD in 2024. Email Meghan at mphillips@msd-co.org.