FACULTY
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“The children are now working as if I did not exist”- Maria Montessori

Our Dedicated Staff

The educational practices of our school and faculty are based on the principles taught by Dr. Maria Montessori. With the understanding that children hold within themselves a natural curiosity for learning, Alden Montessori teachers are well-trained to assist in the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical growth of each child within their care. The teachers thoughtfully and carefully prepare the classroom environments to be rich in content and materials.

We are fortunate to have experienced and dedicated staff devoted to the care and nurturing of each child, engaging them in activities to foster the growth of mind, body, and character. Our school is grateful to our staff, knowing the wide range of opportunities available to them; but each has chosen Alden as their preferred school community. Their commitment and dedication is illustrated in the following At-a Glance facts as of 2017:

Jere Albanesi – Head of School

• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
• CME- Accredited Montessori credential
  • Lower Elementary (ages 6-9)
• Montessori experience
  • 6 years teaching
  • 24 years administration
  • 8 years at Alden

Karyn Dole – Head of School

• Bachelor of Science in Chemistry & Biology
• AMS- Accredited Montessori credential
  • Early Childhood (ages 3-6)
• Montessori experience
  • 3 years teaching
  • 14 years administration
  • 9 years at Alden

Ruth Austin – Director

• Undergraduate Studies in Childhood Education
• MEPI-Accredited Montessori credential
  • Early Childhood (ages 3-6)
• Montessori experience
  • 8 years teaching
  • 15 years administration
  • 8 years at Alden

Sarah Swartz – Admissions Coordinator

• Bachelor of Arts in Theatre
• 3 years at Alden

Pam Kubie – Nutrition Coordinator

• Texas Food Manager certificate
• Montessori experience
  • 15 years teaching
  • 6 years at Alden

 

Lower Elementary Community – 6 to 9 years

Paul Vinson – Clydesdale Class

• Bachelor of Arts in Literature
• Master of Education
• AMS-Accredited Montessori credential
  • Early Childhood (ages 3-6)
  • Lower Elementary (ages 6-9)
• Montessori experience
  • 17 years teaching
  • 4 years at Alden

Irene Arevalo- Clydesdale Class

• Bachelor of Business Administration
• Master of Business Administration
• AMS-Accredited Montessori training
  • Lower Elementary internship (ages 6-9)
• Montessori experience
  • 4 years teaching
  • 2 years at Alden

 

Preschool/Kindergarten Community – 3 to 6 years

Michelle Blanchard – Arabian Class

• MEPI-Accredited Montessori Credential
  • Early Childhood (ages 3-6)
• Montessori experience
  • 18 years teaching
  • 2 years at Alden

Magaly Garay – Arabian Class

• Primary Montessori credential
  • Early Childhood (ages 3-6)
• Montessori experience
  • 6 years teaching
  • 3 years at Alden

Adriana Hernandez – Bronco Class

• MEPI-Accredited Montessori credential
  • Early Childhood (ages 3-6)
• Montessori experience
  • 21 years teaching
  • 6 years at Alden

Lina Arbaji – Mustang Class

• Associate Degree in Civil Engineering
• MCI-Foundations of Montessori certificate
  • Early Childhood (ages 3-6)
• Montessori experience
  • 8 years teaching
  • 4 years at Alden

Julie Jewett – Bronco Class

Mirna Morales – Mustang Class

April Nelson – Thoroughbred Class

• Undergraduate studies
• AMS-Accredited Montessori credential
  • Early Childhood (ages 3-6)
• Montessori Applied to Children at Risk certification (2017)
• Montessori experience
  • 11 years teaching
  • 8 years at Alden

Helena Hakaste – Thoroughbred Class

• Master of Science in Engineering
• Montessori experience
  • 14 years teaching
  • 7 years at Alden

 

Toddler Community – 2 to 3 year olds

Nicole Sizemore – Appaloosa Class

Sharon Carlson – Appaloosa Class

• Associate of Xray Technology
• NAMC- Montessori credential
  • Infant/Toddler (ages 0-3)
• Montessori experience
  • 17 years teaching
  • 5 years at Alden

Vesna Dizdarevic – Shetland Class

• AMS-Accredited Montessori Training
  • Infant and Toddler internship (ages 0-3)
• Montessori experience
  • 19 years teaching
  • 6 years at Alden

Lindsay Kuhlengel – Shetland Class

• Undergraduate studies in Education
• AMI-Assistants Course for Assistants to Infancy
  • Infant/Toddler (ages 0-3)
• Montessori experience
  • 9 years teaching
  • 2 years at Alden

 

After Care Program Teachers