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As young teachers in Marin County Mary’s great aunts had the opportunity to visit and observe Maria Montessori's model classroom at the 1915 San Francisco World Expo.  They were most impressed and never forgot the experience, passing along their enthusiasm for the Montessori model to Mary’s mother, Katherine, whom they raised.  Katherine went on to found several Montessori schools in Sonoma County.

Mary ultimately followed in the footsteps of her mother and great aunts, having initially received her BS in accounting from UC Berkeley and working as a corporate accountant. Dissatisfied, she joined her mother as school business manager and within months was drawn into the classroom where she found her true vocation. She went on to do her Montessori training and earned a California Teaching Credential from the University of San Francisco. She owned and taught at a 44 student Montessori primary program in Santa Rosa, Children’s House, for many years.

Having lived in Japan, Thailand and Europe as a child, she brings a multicultural perspective to her class and has been commended for her ability to teach diverse students.  Mary has also raised a special needs child and she is intimately familiar with therapists, remediation, and the needs of the parent as well as the child. She is thrilled to be a part of River Montessori and, in her words, loves being paid to have fun with interesting little people every day!

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Janel's journey with Montessori began 11 years ago in Atlanta, Georgia. After graduating with a BA in education, she discovered Montessori and began working as an assistant teacher.  She spent the following year in Bergamo, Italy pursuing her Montessori elementary training, and after a dynamic year returned to the same school in Atlanta and worked for three years as a lead teacher in a lower elementary class. The travel bug struck once again and she followed-up on an offer to work in a Montessori school in Bermuda.  She spent five years working in Bermuda, making friends from all over the world and meeting her Italian husband, Enrico. Janel co-taught in a 6-12 Montessori environment in Zurich, Switzerland prior to relocating to Petaluma and joining River Montessori.  
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Janel is a strong believer in the Montessori method. She particularly enjoys history, geography and biology, and encouraging the children’s research in these areas. She loves preparing her classroom environment for the students, and is inspired by her work with our young mathematicians, writers, teachers and scientists as they discover their unique lifelong passions.

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We are pleased to welcome Montessori Guide Jean Hicks to the RMCS faculty in Fall, 2011.. After founding Walden Green Montessori in Spring Lake, MI, Jean worked for many years teaching in the Montessori classroom. Walden Green is also a charter school and houses kindergarten through eighth grades. After leaving Walden Green, Jean spent a year in India volunteering in a fledging slum school near Calcutta.  She looks forward to settling in Petaluma and getting to know the RMCS community. 

“The philosophy and mission of River Montessori is in unison with my own; a community created for all children that 'inspires self-paced, individualized discovery and a love of learning.'  I feel so fortunate to have found this special school and to return to what I love doing the most!”

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"I began studying Montessori philosophy about 15 years ago when my first child was born. Maria Montessori's ideas about educating children for life, following the child, cosmic education, and freedom with responsibility inspired me so much that I have never stopped following these ideals,” Having received a bachelor's degree from UC Berkeley, Deanna attended Saint Mary's College to obtain a California teaching Credential as well as Montessori certification for the primary (3-6 years), lower elementary (6-9 years), and upper elementary (9-12 years) levels. While teaching at Eagle Peak Montessori in Walnut Creek, she completed a Masters degree in Montessori Education.

Chartered by the local school district, Eagle Peak has forged the way for public Montessori in the Bay Area, and Deanna had the privilege of playing a leadership role in its development for six years. She served in many capacities, including teaching at lower and upper elementary levels and serving on the Board of Directors. She joined River in its first year and has been with the school ever since, having relocated to Petaluma with her husband and three children, all of whom attended Montessori elementary school.

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Beth’s Montessori teaching career began in Canada where she received her Association Montessori International (AMI) credential and taught Lower Elementary for a number of years in Toronto. In 2002 she received her 6-12 American Montessori Society (AMS) credential, and for the next eight years taught Upper Elementary where she developed the curriculum and programs for a private school in the San Diego area. Beth also served on the Board of Directors, developed the summer camp programs, and coordinated annual school book fairs.  

Beth became certified as an AMS consultant in 2006 and she has visited numerous Montessori schools throughout the United States and Canada, gaining valuable insight and resources which have enhanced her own teaching experience. She joined River in fall, 2011 as an Upper Elementary teacher and is passionate about supporting children in their development and growth as individuals through a sense of joy and lifelong love of learning.

Beth has raised five children of her own, several of whom attended Montessori Elementary school. Prior to her work as a Montessori educator, she enjoyed a successful career as a pediatric nurse and trainer.  

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