Teachers

Jessie Ellis
Jessie Director / Head Teacher

Hello,
My name is Jessie. I have been a Montessori teacher for more than twenty years, and a parenting coach, teaching parenting the positive disciple way. My first Montessori training was 40 years ago when I was a teenager. Now I have raised two children who are wonderful adults. Recently I became a grandma. In our school, I love to see children feel like the school is an extension of their homes. Where peers become family and, they value learning, problem solving, being a role-model and belonging. Education with Montessori method is an experience that will stay with them throughout their academic life. I feel it a privilege to help children build the best foundation in learning at our school.

AMS Certified

Kylie Lower Elementary Teacher
Kylie – Lower Elementary Teacher

Hello,
My name is Kylie and I am originally from New Zealand where I got my BEd in Elementary Teaching. I worked with a variety of grade levels in New Zealand, Asia and the Middle East. 
After arriving in the USA to raise my own family, I returned to teaching in 2022 at Cherry Lane Montessori, where I teach Lower Elementary. I love Montessori so much that I recently earned my diploma as a certified Montessori Teacher and each day is an adventure, wondering what wonderful surprises will come from my students.

NAMC Certified

My name is Kristine, I moved to Idaho 2 years ago from Western Washington, where I have been working with preschoolers and Kindergarten aged children for over 30 years! I earned my Early Childhood education degree, also recieved Montessori assistant training certification and taken multiple courses in positive discipline.

I have a special interest and really enjoy teaching kids about classic artists and musicians and introducing students to the history and techniques of the world’s best artists. I enjoy reading, and going on adventures with my husband and kids, the great Idaho weather and getting outside and enjoying it.

I’m so happy to be here at Cherry lane Montessori school, and look forward to making relationships with all of our students.

Dalia - Spanish Teacher
Dalia – Spanish Teacher

iHola!

My name is Dalia Irigoyen and I am from Mexico. I am the Spanish teacher at Cherry Lane Montessori. Learning Spanish will have numerous lifetime benefits for your child including improved logical thinking, memory, global opportunities and cultural immersion. We are going to do so many fun things and learn a lot.

I can’t wait to get to know your child and your family!

iNos vemos pronto!

(Currently on sabbatical, but helps out substituting from time to time.)

Miss D - Spanish Teacher
Miss D – Spanish Teacher

Hola,

My name is Desislava Tombaugh (aka Miss D). I’m from Bulgaria. I work at Cherry Lane Montessori as the Spanish teacher and assistant to Ms. Jessie.  In my home country I graduated from the university of chemical technology and metallurgy in Sofia, Bulgaria  with specialty of “Organic chemistry – Technology of plastics polymers” in 2005. I worked at Bulgarian Academy of science in Sofia before moving to the United States.

I speak 4 1/2 languages; Bulgarian, English, Spanish, a little Russian and have finished few French courses.

I am married and have one son. In my free time i like reading, travelling and spending time with my family and friends.

Gracias

Aiko - Parent Volunteer
Aiko – Parent Volunteer

Hi,

My name is Aiko. I am from Japan and I am very happy to volunteer in my daughters classroom whenever I can while my husband is working in the United States.

I have 2 children and my little girl is doing very well at Cherry Lane Montessori.

It is wonderful that we have both learned English in such a short time and this makes me very happy.