Miss Madelynn | Head of School

Hello all, my name is Madelynn, and I am the Head of School here at MCS! I have been entwined in the Montessori philosophy since birth; growing up, my parents and grandparents had a deep love for the method and when I was young, they started this wonderful school, MCS.

I have a strong background in Business Administration, holding a bachelor’s degree from Saint Mary’s College and a master’s degree from Notre Dame de Namur University. I also have my AMI Montessori 3-6 training from Montessori Northwest and am currently finishing my master’s in education from Whitworth University. I started working at MCS as the Assistant Director in 2013 and became Head of School after three years, delighted at the opportunity to lead our school. This is now my ninth year as Head of School, and it is something I look forward to doing indefinitely.

My goal for our school is to create a culture of warmth and belonging, where everyone feels welcomed, and all children are supported and respected as they unfold their unique personalities while receiving the very best AMI Montessori education. This is such a special community, and I am proud to be a part of it; our parents, guides, and children are filled with love and constant support.

I have one little, Odin, who is in the Nido community; it has been exciting being on the parent side of the school! When I am not at work you can find me playing soccer, watching my husband Matt play beach soccer (die-hard soccer family!), or going to/watching niner games!

Miss Aurora | Assistant Head of School

Hi! I am Aurora and I am excited to continue as the assistant director and work alongside Madelynn, my sister. I started my Montessori journey when I attended this school, MCS, in the Toddler and Primary program when I was a child! My parents also started this school so I have spent my entire life surrounded by the philosophy and developing a love for working with children. When I was just 14 I used to spend my summers or days off school helping my mom in the Nido classroom.

I have always been drawn to working with the babies. My first year, I assisted in the Nido program and loved immersing myself into the classroom full-time. I also did my AMI Montessori assistants training for 0-3 and plan to continue my Montessori education moving forward. Last school year, I took over as the assistant director and look forward to continuing in the same position. I am also currently pursuing my BA in Early Childhood Education through Grand Canyon University.

My goal as assistant director is to be a source of support for families and staff so we can bring our community together and make it the very best place for our little ones to learn and grow.

In my free time, I enjoy going to swimming holes, the beach, and hiking.

Miss Zoe | Nido Lead Guide

Hi there! My name is Zoe and I am the Lead Guide of the Nido classroom. I have worked at MCS for the last 5 years and I am so excited for this upcoming school year.

I was born and raised in Santa Cruz. I’ve worked with children of all ages in many capacities; tutor, behavioral technician, after school science program coordinator, babysitter etc. I graduated from Sonoma State University in 2019 with a BA in Early Childhood Development. In Spring 2021, I took a course at UCSD and am now a Lactation Education Consultant.

I graduated from the Montessori Institute of San Diego where I received my AMI 0-3 diploma (woo!!) in 2022. I spent 8 months participating in the course online and then 5 weeks down in La Jolla where I was able to learn hands on and collaborate with other educators. Although San Diego is beautiful, I am definitely a NorCal gal! This Fall, I am starting my Masters of Education in Montessori Education for the 0-3 child at Loyola University Maryland.

I love being able to watch infants communicate and evolve into the people they are going to be. It’s super important to me that babies feel accepted, and respected in our environment. They thrive with our trust and our love! Our classroom is full of joy and positive energy, which is something I take a lot of pride in. When I’m not working, you can find me at the beach or walking around town.

Miss Jayden | Nido Assistant

Hi, my name is Jayden North and I am very excited to continue with MCS for my second year! I have lived my whole life here in Santa Cruz and attended Montessori Community School in the Otter class when I was young. I earned my Early Childhood Education units at Cabrillo College and Theoria Technical College. I was very excited to be returning to MCS and revisiting all the memories I have from my time attending this school!

In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, riding my two amazing horses, and enjoying time outdoors by camping, fishing and exploring all the wonderful things nature has to offer.

Miss Marykate | Nido Assistant

Hi there, my name is Marykate and I’m so excited to be joining Montessori Community School this year!

I have 7 years of experience working with children at preschools, as a nanny and at day cares, and have found fulfillment everyday I get to help support them! I’m currently continuing my Early Childhood Education classes and working towards my degree. I truly believe in the Montessori philosophy and allowing children the freedom to be themselves by providing a loving, accepting environment. In my free time I practice yoga, read, try new recipes and collect plants!

I look forward to getting to know everyone and filling every child’s day with a sense of love and fun!

Miss Rebecca | Nido Assistant

Hello! My name is Rebecca and I will be joining the Nido classroom as a new assistant teacher. I have always enjoyed being with children starting with babysitting at a young age, and volunteering as a summer camp counselor. That led me to pursue Early Childhood Education classes in College. I have also worked as a long term nanny for three amazing families spanning 15 years (infants six years of age). I have great attention to detail and thrive in a fast paced working environment, having also worked as hostess, busser, server and bartender.

In my free time I love to go to the beach, hike with my dog, and explore new restaurants with friends. I look forward to meeting you all!

Miss Regina | Lead Puffin Guide

Hello, my name is Regina. Our MCS has been a dream come true. Before we opened MCS, my husband Bill and I could not find quality education at the pre-school level in this area and were placed on very long waiting lists. Seeing the need and having Montessori knowledge in our background, it all came together, and we created this school, which our last three children attended. Over the years, I have helped in many different capacities: Nido lead for 5 years, project planner, seamstress, tour guide, assistant guide in all classrooms, playground supervisor, and now Puffin lead. My husband Bill and I are very hands on and love to be part of the community, and I am excited to step in wherever is needed. Montessori has been our love and passion. Many challenges have happened over the years, but with every wave, we feel truly blessed to provide the best school possible for our community.

I have raised six children, the youngest being a senior in high school now. I also have 5 dogs and 3 cats who have become my babies, along with two grandchildren. All my children have gone to Montessori schools, and I deeply love the philosophy. Coming from a large family myself, the Montessori method was just a way of life, promoting independence and working as a family to accomplish our goals.

In my spare time, I love to garden, sew, work on construction projects, and cuddle my cats! I also love black and white classic movies, especially if they have Greer Garson in them.

Miss Kim | Puffin Assistant

Hello, I’m Kim and I am so excited to start my 7th year here at MCS!! I I started my journey in the Nido room, and quickly fell in love with the babies! I felt so honored to watch them grow and learn, to be a part of their first school experience. There were lots of giggles and hugs, and so much fun. I watched year after year the little ones grow and move on, they are all amazing children with amazing families!

This year, I will continue in the Puffin class, where I will be assisting Miss Regina and the toddlers.

Miss Gabby | Puffin Assistant

Hello everyone, I am Gabby, an assistant in the Puffins classroom. I recently started working here and I absolutely love it. I love to be part of the development in these tiny humans. Seeing them grow and discover their potential is amazing. I learn from them every day.

I graduated from Sonoma State University and have my BA in Psychology. I also have units in Early Childhood Education and worked as a Behavioral Interventionist.

In my free time I love to walk my dog, spend time with my love ones and watch my favorite tv shows. I’m excited for this upcoming school year and all the new adventures that it holds.

Miss Sam | Jellyfish Lead Guide

Hello ! My name is Samantha, but you can call me Sam. I am the lead guide of the Jellyfish Community. I’ve been working with children for over 10 years, and I spent over 2 years in a small home based daycare until I joined MCS in November of 2023.

I love watching, helping, and growing with the children. I believe that every child has natural capabilities and it’s our job to help them nurture and grow those capabilities . This is my first Montessori experience and I’m so grateful to be here. I’m so excited to follow the lead of the child and grow with them. I’m currently a student at Montessori Northwest and I’m pursuing my 0-3 Assistance to Infancy Diploma to further add to my knowledge about early childhood and the Montessori Philosophy.

I was born and raised in Santa Cruz. I currently live in Capitola with my dog Oneida, but spend most of my time in the mountains. If I’m up in the mountains ,you can find me by the river, hanging with my family, in the dunes, or exploring the forest with my dog!

Miss Isa | Jellyfish Assistant

Hi! My name is Isabella and I am one of the assistant guides in the jellyfish community. I have been working at MCS for about 8 months now. I am currently doing my AMI 0-3 orientation course through Southwest Institute of Montessori studies and eager to further my education through Montessori. I started with no knowledge of Montessori, but I was raised at such a young age to be independent, so witnessing the philosophy of Montessori, I fell in love. I have been working in childcare for almost 4 years. Getting to see each child grow, learn, and overcome so many obstacles is so special. I was born and raised in Santa Cruz, but also spent my time living in the Salinas area throughout my childhood.

In my free time, I love to spend time with family (I am very family oriented), going on walks with my two dogs, camping, car shows, car cruises, and getting to help my partner detail/prime a car part for a paint job. I am so excited for this upcoming school year and to continue growing within the community at MCS!

Miss Gabi | Jellyfish Assistant

Hi! My name is Gabriela, but you can call me Gabi (pronounced like Bobby but with a G) and this is my first year at MCS! I grew up in sunny Ojai California and spent several years living in San Francisco where I ended up falling in love with the Bay area and Santa Cruz County. My partner and I have just settled into our new little home in the Santa Cruz mountains, and are ecstatic to join the community and explore more of northern California’s beautiful landscapes.

I have over a decade’s worth of experience working with infants, toddlers, and pre-k aged children through child care centers, as well as privately nannying, with the bulk of that experience caring for toddlers. I am so excited to join the jellyfish community and to be working with toddlers again in a Montessori setting. The blossoming of children in their toddler years is my absolute favorite to observe and I am so honored to help facilitate that growth for our MCS families!

Miss Shikha | Dolphin Lead Guide

My name is Shikha Kaushik. My journey in Montessori Pedagogy spans seven years, during which I served as a lead Children’s House guide. I am a certified AMI (Association of Montessori Internationale) Guide, specializing in working with children aged 2.5 to 6 years. My training occurred at the Montessori Training and Research Institute in Hyderabad, India. I also completed the AMI Montessori Administrators certificate from Sydney Montessori Training Center Australia. Prior to my current role in the United States, I had the privilege of working as a Lead Guide for a year in India and three years in Thailand. I am now in my sixth year of enriching children’s lives in the Montessori environment.

In addition to my Montessori training and experience, I hold a postgraduate degree in International Human Resource Management from England. During my four-year tenure in the country, I have also honed my skills as a Lecturer and in Client Relations.

I am a native of India and am blessed with a family of four: my husband, myself, and our two boys. My older son is pursuing his Postgraduate Degree in Data Science and is based in New York. My younger son is about to finish his senior high. I am a very down-to-earth personality and adore being closer to nature. I enjoy listening to soft, romantic music.

I am very excited to join the MCS community and look forward to seeing everyone.

Miss Izzy | Dolphin Assistant

Hello! My name is Izzy and I am the Assistant Teacher in the Dolphin classroom. I’m starting my third year at MCS. I took my Early Childhood Education coursework through Montessori’s training program. I’m currently continuing my education by taking the AMI 3-6 Montessori Assistant’s course. I’m honored to be a part of such a devoted team and contributing to a safe and engaging environment for children to grow.

I have worked with many children ranging from toddlers to teens through my work as a babysitter and Behavioral Technician. I truly love witnessing and supporting children as they progress into independent humans and figure out how to navigate the world.

In my spare time, I love creating art and jewelry, playing with my dog, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Miss Melissa | Otters Lead Guide

Hi Everyone! My name is Miss Melissa and I am excited to continue as lead of the Otters. This is my fourth year at MCS; the first year in Jellyfish, the second year assisting Primary, and then I took over as lead of Otters after that. I completed my AMI Montessori 3-6 training through Montessori Northwest in 2023. I am looking forward to learning as much as I can while working with all of the children and families, while also implementing my knowledge of the Montessori philosophy to best support the children within our care.

I was born and raised in New Jersey and have been involved in early childhood education for over 15 years. I relocated to the bay area with my partner and our two dogs after living in Los Angeles for 2 years.

In my free time I enjoy going to the beach and being outdoors. I am an avid animal lover and I love taking road trips. I also try to visit family and friends in New Jersey as often as I can.

Miss Heidi | Otter Assistant Guide

Hello, my name is Ms Heidi! This is my third year with MCS. The first year I assisted in Dolphins and last year I assisted in Otters. This year I will continue in Otters. I am incredibly grateful to be a part of such a cohesive team of compassionate heartfelt professionals.

I am a mother of a 8 year old boy who ultimately was my biggest inspiration to want to learn, grow, and embark on my educational journey in Early Childhood Education. I’ve experienced so much self discovery in the process of being a mother and learning about child development. I am currently working towards my AA in ECE. I was deeply inspired during my studies when the montessori philosophy was introduced to me. My son attended a Montessori school, which greatly impacted my ambition for the montessori method. I have 5 years experience working in a preschool setting and I also have background working in the behavioral health field. I am thrilled to learn and practice Montessori methods here at MCS. I am also doing my AMI Montessori 3-6 assistants training.

I look forward to getting to know the children in the upcoming school year. It brings me great joy working with children and to get to help them along on their journey towards independence.

My favorite pass times are reading, being outdoors, gardening, crafting, movies, and spending as much time as I can with my 7 year old little boy Andrew.

Miss Tori| Substitute Otter Lead Guide

Hello friends, my name is Miss Tori. I will be the substitute lead guide in the Otters classroom! This year is my third year at Montessori Community School. Although I will only be teaching at MCS for the next month, I am looking for- ward to welcoming your child into this wonderful Montessori environment this fall.

In Spring 2022, I received my Montessori certification as Lead Guide in Primary ( ages 3-6 years) at Christian Montessori Training Center in MN.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy sunsets on the beach, playing my guitar, spending time with friends, thrifting, traveling, and volunteering when I can!

Miss Janine | Outside Assistant Guide

Hi there! I’m Ms. Janine, one of the assistant guides in the Primary classrooms! I joined MCS in February 2024 and am loving every minute of working here! I have always had a curiosity about the Montessori method and am learning more and more about this way of learning every day and am very fortunate to be working in this amazing environment with the best people!

A little about me, I am Scotts Valley born and raised and have attended schools here in town up until high school. I have my bachelor’s degree in Education from Grand Canyon University (Phoenix, AZ) and have been an assistant teacher since 2019. I have taught in various environments such as private religious preschools, public schools, and the Champions Before and After School program at Vine Hill Elementary and Brook Knoll Elementary.

In my free time, I like to volunteer with the Scotts Valley Educational Foundation (SVEF), especially with the Food Truck Friday events! I also enjoy watching sports, going to local restaurants and listening to live music, and hiking the beautiful trails this area has to offer.

Miss Shari | Floater

Hi. My name is Shari and I am so grateful to be a part of Montessori community school. I started here in September 2023 as a “floater”, assisting in all the classes, Nido, Toddlers and Primary levels. It has been a wonderful opportunity to get to know all the precious children.

I received an Attorney Assistant Certificate from West Valley College and worked as a paralegal at Santa Clara County Office of District Attorney until the birth of my third daughter, at which time I resigned to become a full time mom. Then I established a house cleaning business which enabled me to work around my three daughter’s school schedule and be involved with all their activities. I moved on to spend many years as an Administrative Assistant. Of all the positions I’ve held, ( except being a mom and grandmother) I find the greatest satisfaction and joy working with the children at MCS, encouraging them through compassion.

In my free time I enjoy working in my garden, taking my dog to the beach, crafting, reading, Sudoku and hanging out with my grandchildren.