MEET OUR GOLDEN GUIDES
Directors
Senior Director of Schools
Infant Toddler House Director
Carrie Ann Rabbers
Carrie Ann relocated from Chicago to Colorado Springs in 2014 with her husband and two dogs, Jackpot and Buster. Earning her American Montessori Society Infant Toddler credential in 2020, Carrie Ann is dedicated to fostering young minds in a nurturing environment. In her free time, she balances her passion for sports, like hockey and the Cubs, with her creative pursuits in crocheting and SCUBA diving.
Preschool Director
Jeanne Prather
Jeanne has been in Montessori education for over 26 years and has served as a Preschool Director in Colorado for 14 years. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Development and completed her Montessori certification through HEMI and University of St. Catherine’s. She is deeply passionate about the Montessori method and truly believe in the impact it has on children, families, and communities.
Golden Guides
Our Golden Guides are more than just educators; they are your trusted partners in nurturing your child's growth and love for learning. With their deep understanding of the Montessori philosophy and a commitment to fostering each child's unique potential, your child will thrive in a supportive, engaging environment that empowers them to become confident, independent, and lifelong learners.
Infant/Toddler Supervisor
Makeba Ford
Keba, a native Coloradan, has been in the state for 48 years, with a strong bond to her sons, Jomo and Koffi. An introvert who enjoys literature and retail therapy, she's also a passionate Philadelphia Eagles fan. With a recent discovery of Montessori, Makeba has earned her bachelor's degree and finds fulfillment in helping students thrive.
Infant Co-Teacher
Angelina Edwards Pimienta
Angelina was born in Aurora, Colorado, and after a brief time away during childhood, she’s happy to be back home. She lives with her husband, three cats, and enjoys having her in-laws within walking distance. With a background in art and a deep appreciation for Montessori principles, Angelina is passionate about fostering children’s growth through creativity, intrinsic motivation, and respectful guidance.
Infant Co-Teacher
Rachael Peeples
Rachael grew up in Colorado Springs and was inspired by her grandmother, who ran a Montessori preschool in Massachusetts, to pursue her own path in education. With a few Early Childhood Education classes completed, she is excited to deepen her Montessori training and grow in the philosophy. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her husband and pets, as well as hiking and pottery.
Infant Toddler Floater
Dorothy Hammons
Dorothy joins our school after many years of working aboard cruise ships and at The Broadmoor, where she developed a passion for exceptional customer service and creating engaging enrichment experiences for children. As a proud mother of a son, she understands the importance of creating a warm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and valued. Dorothy believes that babies have a natural ability to thrive and is passionate about providing them with the care, encouragement, and opportunities they need to grow and explore.
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Toddler Co-Teacher
Joy Awakuni-Gonzalez
Joy was born and raised in Hawaii and holds a BA in History and Japanese Studies from the University of Puget Sound. With over 22 years of Montessori experience, she recently transitioned to working with toddlers, finding it to be one of the most rewarding phases of her career. Outside of work, Joy enjoys spending time with her family, caring for rescued animals, and indulging in her passions for manga, anime, and botanical medicine.
Toddler Co-Teacher
Yan Robbins
Yan, originally from China, moved to Colorado, where she lives on a ranch with her husband, Norm, and their dog, Charm. With a background in journalism and a master's degree in computer science, she enjoys gardening, literature, and culinary arts. As a Montessori advocate, Yan has six years of experience and is passionate about guiding children in their development.
Toddler Lead Teacher
Katharine Fender
Katharine moved to Colorado from Arizona with her husband and son in July 2026 and brings over 8 years of experience in early childhood education, with a focus on infants and toddlers. She is excited to begin learning more about the Montessori philosophy while creating a nurturing and supportive environment. In her free time, Katharine enjoys spending time outdoors hiking, camping, paddleboarding, and fishing, as well as spending time with her family and pets.
Toddler Assistant
Janice Olmstead
Janice Olmstead was born and raised in Colorado and brings 20 years of experience in public education, with a growing passion for child-led learning and allowing children to follow their curiosity. She teaches art classes at Bennis Art School and enjoys sharing her love of creativity and artistic expression with children. Outside of teaching, Janice enjoys spending time with her daughter and animals, gardening and growing food, creating art, and exploring Colorado and National Parks.
Infant Toddler Teacher
Cyndi Cress
Cyndi's journey began in Woodstock, Illinois, and has taken her from California to Oregon, finally settling in Colorado. She finds joy in her three daughters, three grandchildren, and beloved cat, Tom-Tom. In her free time, she indulges in hobbies like reading, knitting, and gardening while embracing the Montessori philosophy.
Infant Toddler Floater
Charlotte Boseman
Originally from Florida, Charlotte moved to Colorado to pursue Early Childhood Education at UCCS. The transition from beaches to mountains has been inspiring, fueling her passion for education. Balancing her studies, floater responsibilities, and adapting to a new state has been a fulfilling challenge, reinforcing her passion for education and her aspirations in the field of Early Childhood Education.
Preschool Co-Teacher
Myrl Williams
Miss Myrl is a certified nurse assistant with extensive experience and is currently pursuing additional Montessori training. She loves spending time with her son and parents, writing mysteries, reading, birdwatching, and gardening. Her passion for education and family creates a harmonious balance in her life.
Preschool Teacher
Adelina Reyes
Adelina began her Montessori journey while studying Environmental Science and Biology in college, where she was inspired by the philosophy and its impact on children’s learning. Her passion for education grew as she blended her love of science with teaching, creating a meaningful path in Montessori. Today, she balances her roles as a dedicated educator and proud mother.
Preschool Teacher
Heather Grau
Heather Grau brings nearly a decade of experience working with preschool, pre-K, and school-age children, along with the perspective of being a mother of seven and grandmother of five. She loves the Montessori approach and especially enjoys watching children learn, grow, and discover their own interests and abilities. Outside of the classroom, Heather enjoys watercolor painting, mindfulness practices, and exploring activities involving plants and animals.
Preschool Teacher
Katie Pennington
Katie Pennington is originally from Texas and has nearly a decade of experience working with children, finding early childhood education to be one of the most rewarding paths she has pursued. She loves Montessori’s child-led approach and enjoys getting to know each child while watching them grow into confident, capable individuals. Outside the classroom, Katie enjoys crafting and visiting Grand Lake, Colorado, with her husband each year.