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Meet Our Empathetic Educators
Dedication. Connection. Passion.
When looking for the right Montessori School for your precious child, please ask if all staff members have Montessori certification, especially the assistants! Assistants play a huge role in your child's development and a lack of training could undermine the entire Montessori Pedagogy. Here at Little Tree even our assistants have completed certified Montessori Training so that the children in our care get the absolute best this world has to offer. We are all excited about and love what we do.
Lead Primary Guide
Ms. Sandie
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) diploma: Primary (Ages 3-6)
Montessori Northwest in Portland, OR.
AMI Certified Elementary Assistant
Loyola University Maryland
Certified Caregiver and Me Coach
Administration Specialist
Primary and Elementary Assistant
Miss Makenzie
AMI Certified Primary Assistant
Montessori Northwest
AMI Certified Elementary Assistant
Loyola University Maryland
Bachelor’s in Psychology
Cappella University
AA Degree in Business Accounting
Gavilan College
Lead Elementary Guide
Mrs. Haley
Bachelors in Interdisciplinary Studies
San Francisco State University
Accredited American Montessori Society Elementary (Grades 1-6) Credential
Saint Mary’s College of Moraga
Primary Assistant
Tumbling Coach
Miss Caitlin
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) trained: Primary (Ages 3-6)
Montessori Northwest in Portland, OR.
AA Degree in Child Development
Gavilan College
Trained Tumbling Coach
USA Sport Connection
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Primary Assistant
Elementary Assistant
Mister Macen
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) trained: Primary (Ages 3-6)
Montessori Northwest in Portland, OR
Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) trained: Elementary (Ages 6-12)
Montessori Northwest in Portland, OR
About Our School
Little Tree offers quality Montessori education in a stimulating and carefully crafted environment for children ages 2 – 12 years of age. We are proud to have a program inspired by the Montessori pedagogy: a method of education named after Dr. Maria Montessori. The Montessori method is deeply ingrained with the belief that each human being is driven by human tendencies and when the child is allowed to develop, unimpeded, they would unlock their inner potential. Sparking in them the desire to contribute to humanity and society. The Montessori Method is a developmentally appropriate way of learning, where each child is followed by a specifically trained guide (teacher). The Guide(teachers) sets parameters in the classroom while the child selects their focus of learning based on their curiosity and interests. It is also the guide’s intention to foster within the child a sense of wonder and a desire to explore the materials in a way that fosters a lifelong love of learning. Overall, teachers provide an environment where children have the freedom to pursue learning and work to model kindness, conflict resolution, and, most importantly, respect.
Our Teacher Leaders
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Teacher Leader
Founding Teacher Leader and Primary Guide
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Teacher Leader
Founding Teacher Leader and Primary Guide
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Board of Directors
Support. Direction. Purpose.
President
Megan Adragana
As President of the board for Little Tree Community, A Wildflower School, I bring a wealth of experience in strategic leadership and a deep commitment to fostering positive social change. With a background in business operations and accounting, I have honed my skills in project management, communication and program development. My passion for Montessori Education drives me to innovate and collaborate, ensuring our organization makes a lasting impact. Committed to transparency and accountability, I work to mobilize resources and empower our team to achieve our shared goals. Together, we strive to create a brighter future for those we serve.
Wildflower Teacher
Member at Large
Encarna Buendia
Encarna Buendia is a Pan American Montessori Society certified teacher for ages 2 1/2-6. Encarna was born in Spain and raised in Barcelona. She is fluent in English, Spanish and Catalan with a Master’s Degree in Architecture. She creates spaces where children develop their natural love for learning through exploration in both the classroom and outdoor environment. Encarna is always developing new ways to bring children into nature; they become engaged and learn that we are all connected and that different cultures are the richness of the world we live in. She enjoys rowing, hiking, cultural immersions and gatherings around the table.
Member at Large
Cathy Mottau
Cathy Mottau is a Catholic school elementary school principal with over 20 years of classroom teaching experience. She has a BA in Child and Adolescent Development, a Masters in Education and an advanced degree in Catholic Educational Leadership. She is a proponent of education and the idea that one size does not fit all. Cathy is looking forward to supporting Little Tree Community in their goal to provide a quality education and community experience for their families.
Treasurer
Keith Schwehr
Keith Schwehr is a CPA/ CGMA and the current treasurer of Little Tree Community.
Keith currently works as the CFO at Keith Day Trucking. He is a dynamic and driven problem solver adept at bringing out the strengths in others to work toward common goals in challenging and changing environments. Proven track record of organizational improvement, increase in productivity while reducing risk and improving morale. All resulting in sustainable processes that build financial strength and organizational stability. Keith has seen the value of a quality Montessori Education with his children and grandchildren. He is committed to supporting his family, friends and co-workers.
Secretary
Makenzie Schwehr
Natasha Makenzie Schwehr is dual trained to be in both the Primary and Elementary classroom. She has degrees in Business Accounting and Psychology. As a co-founder of Little Tree Community, her goal is to build a place that can not only help children grow but provide somewhere that parents are supported and the community can celebrate.
Our Board of Directors
Community Driven