Teachers

Jessie – Director and AMS Certified Lead Teacher

Hello, families! My name is Jessie Ellis, and I am the director and a lead teacher at Cherry Lane Montessori. I have been a Montessori teacher for more than 20 years. In fact, I took my first Montessori training 40 years ago, when I was a teenager. I am also a parenting coach who teaches Positive Discipline.

I love it when children feel that school is an extension of their home. Here, peers become like family. Children learn to value learning, problem solving, being a role model, and belonging. A Montessori education stays with them throughout their academic life, and it is a privilege to help build that foundation.

Outside of school, I raised two children who are now wonderful adults, and I recently became a grandma.

Credentials: AMS Certified (American Montessori Society)

Kristi – AMS Certified Primary Lead Teacher

Hello, families! My name is Kristi Mondry, and I am a Primary lead teacher. I have more than 40 years of experience as a Montessori teacher. I have also mentored fellow educators as a teacher trainer, sharing my passion for the Montessori philosophy.

My journey began in Minnesota, where I grew up surrounded by community and kindness. Those values still guide my teaching today. For me, teaching is more than a profession; it is a calling. I love helping children discover their strengths, and I look forward to many more years of learning alongside my students and colleagues.

Family is at the heart of my life. I am happily married and the proud parent of two grown children. At home, our little dog keeps us entertained.

Credentials: AMS Certified (American Montessori Society); Montessori teacher trainer

Amanda – Caspari Certified Lead Teacher, M.A. in Montessori Education

Hello, families! My name is Amanda, and I am so excited to join Cherry Lane Montessori as a lead teacher. I am certified through the Caspari Montessori Institute, and I hold a master’s degree in Montessori Education and Leadership. I have worked in Montessori education for more than 10 years. I started as an assistant, then became a lead teacher, and later served in school leadership.

Montessori education has shaped the way I see children, learning, and the role of the teacher. I create classrooms where children feel safe, respected, and capable. They have the freedom and support to build independence at their own pace. My favorite moment is when a child realizes, “I can do it myself!”

Outside the classroom, I am a mom to my nine-year-old daughter, Aurora. We love exploring new places, being creative, and learning new things together. Being a parent and an educator has strengthened my belief that every child should feel known, valued, and supported.

Credentials: Caspari Montessori Institute Certified (Primary); M.A. in Montessori Education and Leadership, St. Catherine University; B.A. in Educational Studies, Boise State University

Anjana – AMS Credentialed Lead Teacher

Hello, families! My name is Anjana, and I am so excited to join the Cherry Lane community as a lead teacher. I am an AMS-credentialed Montessori educator with experience teaching preschool and kindergarten. Before following my passion for education, I worked as an engineer in Singapore for several years.

I love helping children build confidence, independence, and a genuine love for learning. I am looking forward to a wonderful year of learning, growing, and making meaningful connections.

Outside the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my husband, my son Harvin, and our puppy, Dexter.

Credentials: AMS Credentialed (American Montessori Society)

Katie – IMT Certified Assistant

Hello, families! My name is Katie, and I am an AMS certified assistant with seven years of experience in Montessori classrooms. I began my career at a small school in Mountain Home, where I developed a deep appreciation for the Montessori philosophy.

Watching children flourish truly inspired me. In a Montessori classroom, children grow independently, at their own pace, with love and respect. It is rewarding to support that growth each day.

I am also the proud parent of two wonderful children. They taught me to slow down and appreciate the small moments. I bring that perspective into the classroom, where every little moment is precious.

Credentials: IMT Certified Assistant (Institute of Montessori Training)

Deaven – Opener, M.A. in Education

Hello, families! My name is Deaven, and I am the opener at Cherry Lane Montessori. Over the years, I have worked in many educational settings. I have supported students of all ages, from early elementary through high school and adult education.

As a former Montessori student, I have seen the lifelong impact of this approach firsthand. My daughter has attended Montessori programs since daycare. She has been a proud Cherry Lane student since our family moved to Idaho several years ago. My passion is helping her, and all of our students, thrive in a joyful environment that nurtures independence and curiosity.

I look forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and welcoming new families to another wonderful year!

Credentials: B.A. in Psychology, California State University, Dominguez Hills; M.A. in Education (School Counseling), Fresno Pacific University

Miss Dalia – Spanish Teacher

¡Hola, families! My name is Dalia Irigoyen, and I am from Mexico. I am the Spanish teacher at Cherry Lane Montessori. Currently, I am on sabbatical, but I still help out as a substitute from time to time.

Learning Spanish has lifelong benefits for your child. For example, it improves logical thinking and memory. It also opens doors to global opportunities and cultural immersion. Together, we will do so many fun things and learn a lot.

I can’t wait to get to know your child and your family. ¡Nos vemos pronto!