About Us

Following Children's Natural Curiosity

Welcome to Highlands Montessori, where we have been nurturing young minds since 2014. Our authentic Montessori education caters to children from 8 weeks to six years, offering a nurturing environment through our Nido, Toddler, and Primary Community programs, along with before and after school care. With a dedicated team of highly trained and experienced educators, we are committed to helping each child reach their full potential. Our mission is to foster lifelong love of learning, encouraging natural curiosity and a passion for discovery in every student.

At Highlands Montessori, we are dedicated to fostering a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within our community. We believe that every individual deserves a safe and supportive environment where their unique backgrounds and perspectives are celebrated. Together, we strive to create an inclusive educational experience that empowers every learner to thrive.

Our Story

Founded by two passionate Montessori educators (Emily Farley and Natalie Anderson), our school was born from a shared vision of providing high-quality, authentic Montessori care for young children.

After meeting while teaching in the public sector, Emily and Natalie enrolled together in the Assistants to Infancy (0-3) Montessori training program. During this time, they recognized a significant need for exceptional early childhood education in the Denver metro area. In 2014, they opened Highlands Montessori in a small house in the vibrant Highlands neighborhood of Denver, starting with just one classroom of 10 toddlers and their steadfast dedication to nurturing young minds.

As the Highlands Montessori community grew, so did their commitment to creating a nurturing environment where all children can thrive. Today, Highlands Montessori proudly serves 80 children, from infants through primary, in a spacious and welcoming facility. Although Emily and Natalie have transitioned into administrative roles, they remain deeply involved in the classrooms, ensuring that the Montessori philosophy continues to guide their approach.

At Highlands Montessori, we believe in putting children first, fostering a love for learning, and creating a supportive community for families. Join us on this incredible journey of growth and discovery!

Meet the Team

Meet The Team

Emily Farley (she/her)

Founding Director

Emily Farley graduated from Regis University with a degree in Elementary Education. She received her Montessori Primary training from The Montessori Institute of North Texas (AMI) and spent six years as a lead primary guide in Title 1 schools within Denver Public Schools, where she dedicated herself to supporting diverse and underrepresented student populations before opening Highlands Montessori in 2014.

Emily completed her Assistants to Infancy (0-3) training through The Montessori Institute of Denver (AMI). She completed her M.Ed. in Montessori education through Loyola University.

As a Colorado native, Emily enjoys hiking, snowboarding, and spending time with her husband and two children.

Natalie Anderson (she/her)

Founding Director

Before opening Highlands Montessori in 2014, Natalie Anderson was a lead Montessori primary guide for five years in Title 1 schools within Denver Public Schools, where she worked to support diverse and underserved student populations. She received her Primary Montessori training from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (AMS), and completed her Assistants to Infancy (0-3) training through the Montessori Institute (AMI).

Natalie graduated from Regis University with a Bachelor's degree in Sociology and Criminology, and also holds a M.Ed. in Montessori education through Loyola University.

Natalie spends most of her free time with her husband, two children, and dog. She enjoys sewing, hiking, and enjoying the Colorado outdoors.

Administrative Team

Ingrid Mendez (she/her)

Nido Lead Guide

Ingrid Mendez was born in Texas but lived most of her young life in a small town in Mexico called Nuevo Casas Grandes. She moved to Colorado at the age of nine. Prior to joining Highlands Montessori, Ingrid worked as a teacher assistant in both traditional and Montessori schools. She loves working with children and considers it one of the most greatest experiences of her life. Ingrid completed her Assistants to Infancy training at The Montessori Institute of Denver (AMI).

Ingrid loves music, painting, educational videos and spending time with her family.

Kylie Russell (she/her)

Nido Assistant

Kylie grew up in Illinois and moved to Colorado in 2018. She has always had a passion for working with children through volunteering and now teaching. Kylie began her career at Highlands Montessori in a support position before discovering her niche working with infants in the Nido.

In her free time, Kylie enjoys taking her dog for walks, baking and hanging out with friends.

Aliyah Carrasco (she/her)

Nido Assistant

Aliyah was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. From a young age, she demonstrated a passion in working with young children. At the age of 13, she discovered that spending time with children brought her a large amount of joy.

Aliyah began working part-time at Highlands Montessori while attending Arvada Senior High School. After graduation, she decided to transition to a full-time position at Highlands Montessori. In Aliyah’s free time she enjoys spending time with family and friends, taking her two dogs on a walk, and shopping.

Nido (Infant Community) Team

Kate McAleer (she/her)

Toddler 1 Lead Guide

Kate McAleer was born in Washington D.C. and raised in Annapolis, MD before moving to Colorado in 2013. She is a "Montessori child," having gone to an AMI Montessori school from infancy through Upper Elementary. Kate obtained her B.S. in Biology and a B.A. in Psychology from Guilford College in Greensboro, NC and has her M.Ed. from Loyola University, MD. She completed her Assistants to Infancy training at The Montessori Institute of Denver (AMI) and is certified in Montessori Sports.

Kate, her husband, her daughter, and their 3 big dogs spend a lot of time hiking, running, practicing yoga and spending time with family and friends. In her free time, Kate also enjoys coaching girls lacrosse and teaching yoga.

Simen Brumback (she/her)

Toddler 2 Lead Guide

Simen was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. Simen has worked many different jobs, from bartending, landscaping, and cleaning houses. She developed a passion for working with young children after accepting a position at a small Waldorf-inspired childcare.

When an opportunity to attend a Waldorf ECE teacher training presented itself, Simen jumped at it! She has over a decade of experience working with young children, mostly in Waldorf schools.

Simen is completing her Montessori Infant/Toddler teacher training through the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (AMS).

Catherine Jacobs (she/her)

Toddler 3 Lead Guide

Catherine moved to Colorado from Texas to complete her degree in criminology. Catherine gained experience working with children as a nanny and tutor for many years. Post-graduation she developed a love for the classroom after taking an assistant position at Highlands Montessori. She completed her Assistants to Infancy (0-3) training with The Montessori Institute of Denver (AMI).

In her free time, Catherine enjoys camping, hiking, cooking, watching horror movies, and drawing. She is a proud mother of two twin boys.

Lorena Robles (she/her)

Toddler 1 Assistant Guide

Lorena is originally from Zacatecas, Mexico. She grew up in California before moving to Denver, Colorado 20 years ago. Lorena has always had a passion for taking care of young children, and often babysat her friends and neighbors. After working for many years cleaning offices she was very excited to have an opportunity to work with children again.

In Lorena's free time she enjoys spending time with her family, especially her four grandchildren. She loves going to Disneyland with and also enjoys knitting.

Sophia Friend (she/her)

Toddler 2 Assistant Guide

Sophia grew up in Indiana. She graduated from Indiana University with a degree in Social Work. She worked with children and families as a home-based caseworker until she moved to Colorado in 2023. Sophia's mother is a Montessori teacher and started bringing Sophia to work with her when she was 6 weeks old. As a result of these early experiences, she developed a love for Montessori at a young age.

Sophia welcomed her son in 2021 and experienced an even deeper level of appreciation for Montessori since becoming a mother. Sophia enjoys spending time with her family, antique shopping, and hiking.

Damani Mariney (she/her)

Toddler 3 Assistant Guide

A Colorado native, Damani was born and raised in Denver, Colorado. After graduating from East High School she enrolled in dental school at Concord Career College and worked as a pediatric dental assistant. After missing being able to build strong relationships with children, Damani transitioned to working as a nanny, where she developed an interest in learning more about Early Childhood Education. Along this journey found her way to Highlands Montessori as an assistant teacher.

Damani plans to follow in her mother’s footsteps of one day becoming licensed Child Care Provider. In her spare time she enjoys reading poetry, babysitting, watching movies, baking, and braiding hair.

Toddler Community Team

Dalilah Guerra (she/her)

Primary 1 Lead Guide

Dalilah is a Colorado native and loves enjoying all the outdoors that Colorado has to offer with her son! Prior to discovering her passion for Montessori education, she attended a technical school for Outdoor Leadership and Education and enjoys incorporating this into her classroom.

Dalilah has worked in public elementary special education classrooms as a Restorative Practices Liaison. She received her degree in Early Childhood Education from Red Rocks Community College. Shortly after joining the team at Highlands Montessori, Dalilah enrolled in the Primary training at the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies (AMS), where she will complete her training in 2025.

Leonela Barrios (she/her)

Primary 2 Lead Guide

Leonela was born and raised in California and moved to Colorado in 2004. She worked as a Montessori assistant for many years before joining Highlands Montessori in 2017. After working as an assistant in the Primary program, Leonela completed her Primary training at the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies. She is fully bilingual and enjoys teaching the children new words in Spanish.

In her free time, Leonela enjoys spending time with her husband, family and friends. She loves traveling, family vacations, and all things Disney!

Primary Community Team

Nido (Infant Community) Staff

Mafe Cevallos-Wallin (she/her)

Primary 1 Assistant Guide

Bio coming soon

Chantel Merriex (she/her)

Primary 2 Assistant Guide

Chantel was born and raised in Colorado. She has a Bachelor's of Arts in Entrepreneurship. Chantel loves children in general and has created a safe space for the kids in her neighborhood, where she has babysat some of the children for 11 years.

In her free time, she enjoys hanging out with kids in the neighborhood, family, and friends as well as shopping and relaxing!

Classroom Support and Aftercare Team

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Kendra Marco (she/her)

Aftercare Coordinator

Kendra was born and raised in Littleton, Colorado. She always had a passion and love for animals and kids, and started babysitting at 11 years old. Kendra worked as a full-time nanny from age 19 until becoming a mom herself. Kendra graduated from Bel-Rea with an associates degree of applied sciences and has worked as a veterinarian technician. She is a is proud single mom of 3 amazing kids (adults now) and loves animals, camping and pumpkins.

Kendra spends her free time with her dogs and family. One day she hopes to be living off grid in the mountains with her animals.

Bri Vigil (she/her)

Classroom Support/Aftercare Teacher

Bri was born and raised in Denver, Colorado and graduated from Westminster High School. She was initially introduced to Highlands Montessori by her stepmom (Ms.Lexie). After pursuing education and a full time career in cosmetology, Bri felt a different career was calling her name, and realized her true passion was working with children. She eventually ended up finding her way back to Highlands Montessori, where she has loved being around children again.

In Bri’s spare time she enjoys listening to music, babysitting, watch her favorite shows, doing her makeup, and spending time with her crested gecko Montgomery (Monty) and her beloved family dog Watson!!

Desiree Williams (she/her)

Classroom Support/Aftercare Teacher

Desiree was born in Wheat Ridge Colorado, but was raised in Golden. She is the oldest of her six siblings. Growing up, she was always interested in working with kids. As a teenager Desiree began babysitting, which cemented her passion for working with children.

Desiree started a part-time position at Highlands Montessori while she attended Arvada Senior High School, and transitioned to a full-time role post-graduation. In Desiree’s free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends, as well as baking, going camping, and doing arts and crafts.

Katie Ota (she/her)

Aftercare Teacher

Katie was born in Denver and has been a caregiver for the last 15 years, starting with babysitting and moving to professional nannying and teaching at a preschool. She especially loves babies but has worked with all ages from newborns to teens. In addition to working aftercare at Highlands, she also works as a night nanny and watches over her two nephews (who are her favorite people) during the day.

Outside of working with children, Katie spends her free time at museums or local events. She shoots analog photography and does filmmaking/producing for short films. She is also a practicing herbalist with a focus on clinical herbalism and skincare. At home, she relaxes by reading, watching movies, and caring for her plants and her cats.

Tiabeanie (Bean) Rutledge (they/them)

Aftercare Teacher

Bean is a Colorado native. They grew up in a small mountain town and moved to Denver to for school. Bean currently attends MSU Denver for human services mental health counseling, and plans to become a youth trauma therapist. They started working with kids at a young age volunteering at daycares and babysitting.

In Bean's free time, they enjoy going on walks, playing with their cats, caring for their leopard gecko and plants, and competitively dancing!

Melina Rossbach (she/her)

Aftercare Teacher

Melina was born and raised in Minnesota and graduated with a degree in Advertising. She heard the mountains calling, packed her bags and moved to Denver six years ago. Now she can’t imagine living anywhere else. Melina has always had a soft spot for kids - she started her own babysitting business at the age of 13 and nannied throughout college. After several years in the corporate world, she found her way to Highlands Montessori and has loved being around children again. In her free time, you can find Melina hiking with her two dogs, crafting, reading, or attending concerts.

Lexie Cabral (she/her)

Aftercare Teacher

Lexie was born and raised in Denver, Colorado where she pursued her education at the Community College of Denver for a double major in Psychology and American Sign Language. During the day, she works for two counseling centers in downtown Denver. In the afternoon she loves taking care of and interacting with the students while helping create a safe and kind environment for all.

During her free time she loves traveling and exploring new places with her partner, as well as experiencing new art, music, and different cultures. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends, and cuddling her sweet bulldog, Watson!

Nido (Infant Community) Staff