Our Educators
Beth Shine
Director/Teacher
Beth is an A.M.I. (Association Montessori Internationale) trained teacher with a diploma that is respected worldwide for its authenticity, high standards, and high quality. AMI Montessori training has given Beth the knowledge and tools to successfully teach what works for each child, regardless of their socioeconomic status or stage of development. Beth has over 20 years of experience in the Montessori classroom and is passionate about child development and helping her students find their own natural path in her hands-on, self-paced, collaborative, and joyful classroom.
Ally Gledhill
Teacher
Ally became a classroom assistant at MCHL in 2016 after studying early childhood education at Cuesta College in San Luis Obispo. In 2022 Ally started the A.M.I. training and graduated with the set of internationally recognized standards of quality that A.M.I. instills in its teachers. Ally trusts the Montessori methods which have been around for over 100 years. She believes its self-paced, individualized education is an aid to life, far beyond the preschool years. Ally has five sons and enjoys the outdoors and camping when she’s not in the classroom.
Carol McGee
Classroom Assistant
Carol became a classroom assistant at MCHL in 2002 and has been a stable, caring, and skilled teacher’s assistant in the purple classroom ever since. Carol enjoys seeing how Montessori education provides a springboard for children to bloom. She enjoys watching each student progress through their lessons and mature in their creativity.
Amy Otten
Classroom Assistant
Amy has an AA in child development from Peralta Community College and trained at the Montessori Teacher Education Center based in San Francisco, CA. She has 9 years experiences in Montessori classrooms both as a teacher and an assistant. Amy likes that Montessori is a child-centered education that provides children an environment where they can work with materials that interest them, giving them life skills and confidence in their capabilities.
Deanna Will
Assistant/After School Care
Deanna has worked with children for 30 years, in the dental field as a certified dental assistant as well as being a preschool teacher/aid. She enjoys the Montessori concepts of learning and is proud to be a part of a great team and work at a great school.
Michalyn Steiner
Office Assistant/Substitute
Michalyn studied early childhood education at Naropa University and has been working as a teaching artist with youth and teens locally for over 15 years in dance studios and theaters. She works in the office every morning and has been a substitute at MCHL since 2019. Michalyn recognizes the lasting impact that early learning experiences have on a child’s development and has witnessed the effectiveness of the Montessori method on her own two children who each attended MCHL for four years.
