Meet Our Staff

MSD FACULTY AND STAFF

Highly trained, always engaged, constantly inspiring.

Montessori School of Denver Faculty and Staff 2022​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.

Early Childhood Team

Kelly Elio Headshot Image
Kelly Elio
Primary Teacher
Christina Graham Headshot Image
Christina Graham
Primary Teacher
Emily Kline Headshot Image
Emily Kline
Primary Teacher
Megan Korell Headshot Image
Megan Korell
Primary Teacher
Caitlin Tuminello Headshot Image
Caitlin Tuminello
Primary Teacher
Aura Padilla Headshot Image
Aura Padilla
Primary Teacher
Mary Broeckling Headshot Image
Mary Broeckling
Toddler Teacher
Erin Murphy Headshot Image
Erin Murphy
Toddler Teacher
Valene Rodriguez Headshot Image
Valene Rodriguez
Toddler Teacher

Elementary Team

Leana Kerr Headshot Image
Leana Kerr
Lower Elementary Teacher
Jasmine Manislovich Headshot Image
Jasmine Manislovich

Lower Elementary Teacher

Lauren McFall Headshot Image
Lauren McFall
Upper Elementary Teacher
Candice Rudasill Headshot Image
Candice Rudasill
Lower Elementary Teacher
Kate Powell Headshot Image
Kate Powell
Upper Elementary Teacher

Middle School Team

Cole Jones Headshot Image
Cole Jones

Middle School Math Teacher

Joel Richardson Headshot Image
Joel Richardson

Middle School Science Teacher

Alexandra Swann Headshot Image
Alexandra Swann

Middle School History Teacher

Beth Shepard Headshot Image
Beth Shepard

Middle School ELA Teacher

Specials & Urban Farm Team

Chris Bangs Headshot Image
Chris Bangs

Physical Education Teacher

Serge Fedorowsky Headshot Image
Serge Fedorowsky

Librarian

Stephanie Fernandez Headshot Image
Stephanie Fernandez
Spanish Teacher (K-LE) / Executive Director, Horizons at MSD
Laura Goodman Headshot Image
Laura Goodman
Music and Theater Teacher
Elaina Pignolet Headshot Image
Elaina Pignolet

Art Teacher

Molly Tronco Headshot Image
Molly Tronco
Spanish Teacher (TODD-PRI)
Lexi Fickenscher Headshot Image
Lexi Fickenscher

Handcraft Teacher

Jackie Vay Headshot Image
Jackie Vay
Urban Farm Manager

Student Support & Wellness Team

Chris Bangs Headshot Image
Marissa McCullough
Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Belonging Coordinator
Chelsea McKinlay Headshot Image
Chelsea McKinlay

Learning Specialist

Tori Virlee Headshot Image
Dr. Tori Virlee
Director of Student Support
Janel Wade Headshot Image
Janel Wade
Learning Specialist
Elaina Pignolet Headshot Image
Tia Gamelin

Occupational Therapist

Educational Leadership Team

Anne Hewetson Headshot Photo
Anne Hewetson
Dean of Programs & Student Life
Rachel Northrop Headshot Image
Rachel Northrop

Director of Early Childhood Education

Meghan Phillips Headshot Image
Meghan Phillips
Curriculum & Experiential Education Coordinator
Carrie Ross Headshot Image
Carrie Ross
Director of Middle School Education
Annie Springer Headshot Image
Annie Springer

Director of Elementary Education

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