GUIDE TEAM
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EXPLORE PICCOLO
EXPLORE ACADEMY
EXPLORE MONTESSORI
Explore Piccolo
Morgan Stirling – Director
Our director Morgan Stirling’s journey began as a Childcare Teacher, in Rigby, ID, where she honed her ability to provide attentive care to infants and toddlers. Her dedication to routine and adherence to schedules created a stable foundation for young learners. Her talents and dedication lead her to be the Director of that school. After 4 years of service she left for a leadership role in another center in Rexburg, ID, where she simultaneously earned her associates degree. We are excited that she and her husband have decided to move to Bozeman to start their life together with our Explore Piccolo family!
In Morgans free time she loves being outside, crafts, singing, music, and anything with horses. A little fun fact about Morgan is that she loves Disney! Though she can be shy at times, she is a hard worker and cares for each child like she would her own.
Lauren Audette
Lauren Audette is a teacher at Explore Piccolo.
Maci Nelson
Maci Nelson is currently attending MSU, to receive her Bachelors in Education. Her dream is to become a second grade teacher. She is so excited to gain experience and knowledge from working with the kids at Piccolo. Maci is originally from Renton, WA but moved here to attend college.
In her free time she loves reading and spending time with her friends. She loves Kit-Kat and Grilled Cheese (Girl after my own heart). We are so happy to have Maci on our team!
Ren Durtka
Ren Durtka is a teacher in the Nido room at Explore Piccolo. Ren has many advanced child caring classes under her belt as well as having two kids of her own. Ren is motivated in learning more and advancing in her Montessori certifications. Ren was born in Washington State, but has lived in Montana for 16 years.
When Ren is not at work she loves reading, writing, baking, and hanging out with her kids.
Rachel Hurn
Rachel Hurn is a teacher in the Explorer’s classroom at Piccolo and helps out in the other buildings as well. Rachel prides herself in making everyday a fun filled learning environment. She loves assisting with the art projects, lessons, and taking the kiddos outside.
When Rachel isn’t in the classroom she loves relaxing with her favorite bowl of Mint Chocolate Chip Ice Cream.
Explore Montessori–Kagy
Sarah Smith
– Head of School
Sarah Smith is our Head of Primary and has been teaching at Explore Montessori since August 2021. She has her Masters Degree in Early Childhood Education and is currently working towards earning her Montessori Teacher Certification.
She has been teaching children for 20 years and develops and implements her own curriculum in both the common core and (UK) National Curriculum. Previously, Sarah taught in outdoor classrooms in both Brooklyn and London and incorporates the lessons she learned in those classrooms into the curriculum for her Primary Class. She finds joy in guiding children to interact with their outdoor surroundings and learning from nature.
Sarah is a mother to two children, enjoys crocheting and considers herself a happy home-buddy. She enjoys teaching Montessori because of the freedom to alter direction and instruction based on the individual child giving them the encouragement to explore and learn at their own pace.
Riley Wallace
Riley Wallace is the Primary teacher at Explore Academy.
Rylee Williams
Rylee Williams is the Infant teacher at Explore Academy.
Stacey Jennaway
Stacey Jennaway is the Primary teacher at Explore Academy.
Elizabeth Moore
Elizabeth Moore is the Infant teacher at Explore Academy.
Explore Montessori
Kori Richardson-Pech
Kori is a dedicated and experienced teacher here at Explore, gifting us with years of experience working with children. Kori has proven to be an invaluable asset in the classroom. With her Montessori certification, Kori’s commitment to professional development is evident in her participation in health and family development classes. With Kori’s passion for teaching coupled with her extensive background, she creates a nurturing and enriching environment for our students to thrive.
Toni Tarara
Toni Tarara just moved to Bozeman this year from New Hampshire. Toni has a graduate degree in Psychology and Adventure Education. She is working towards being the lead teacher in the Primary classroom. Toni has worked with children for many years in numerous settings! She prides herself on communication, adaptability, and organization.
When Toni isn’t in the classroom she is outdoors; hiking, biking, and camping. Anything outdoors she loves! She is an avid coffee drinker – so if you smell coffee Toni is in the classroom!
Zoey Holley
Zoey Holley is the Pre – Primary lead teacher at Explore Montessori.
