Welcome to Brighten Montessori

“While attending Montessori School from kindergarten to third-grade, I always thought I was a part of something special. During my transition from the Montessori to a traditional Elementary School, I knew I was right. I learned life skills at Montessori that I have carried with me well into my adulthood. When Kristin approached me with the idea of Brighten Montessori, I knew I couldn’t let this opportunity pass me by. I am so excited to have the chance to guide and impact children the way that my teachers did for me. With Kristin’s education background, and my business background, we are an undeniable force and we are so excited for Brighten Montessori to join the Wilsonville community.”

“Working with children has always been something that has come naturally to me. I quickly fell in love with Maria Montessori’s philosophy of initiating learning in a supportive, thoughtfully prepared environment. My time spent at the “little red school” in Wilsonville has lead me to pursue my own dream which is now, Brighten Montessori. After taking time off to have my own children, I’ve teamed up with a longtime friend whose passion for children and professional business background has created an unstoppable team. Bree is a product of a Montessori education and shares my values of working with and educating children. Both Oregon State University graduates, we are honored to be a part of the Wilsonville community and are excited to bring Montessori back to the area.”

"Hello! My name is Elsie, I’m a California girl loving life in Oregon and my new journey in Washington. Before coming to Brighten Montessori, I was a manager at Clackamas Build a Bear for 5 years! I had applied for that position on my 18th birthday. I wanted to work in a job that created memories and brought smiles to kids faces, and everyone could see the passion I had for it. I learned I loved kids when my cousin Diego came into my life and also when my baby cousin Melanie walked into my life 8 Years ago. Her fun and amazing personality solidified my passion. I love live music, I have 17 pets and I am so grateful and excited every day to be a part of Brighten Montessori."

"Hi, my name is Alex! I’ve worked in long term memory care for 10+ years, and I’ve always enjoyed caring for others! It’s not until recently I decided to make a change from working with seniors to working with children. The best part is seeing them smile! Being able to help others and teach them is something I’ve always enjoyed. Being a part of child development is very rewarding, I learn something new everyday! I have two daughters of my own who are growing rapidly and keep me busy with their sports and activities. In my spare time, I enjoy camping and going to the coast with my fiancé and kids."

"Hello, my name is Alina! I am a mother to three beautiful children! My family is from Ukraine. I am from Odessa, a beautiful sunny city by the Black Sea. I attended the Odessa National Economic University and received my master’s degree in Banking. While attending the University, I met my husband and moved to Kiev. That is where I started my career in banking and my family. I worked in the Ukraine bank for 5 years, but my heart has always been with children. When volunteering at Sunday school, I found my desire to work with children. Then I began to get involved in the Montessori education system. I realized that I want to develop my children only according to the Montessori method. When our family moved to the United States, I was starting to realised my career in Montessori school. I’m so happy to be surrounded by children and their amazing energy. 

I am excited to become part of this Community in Brighten Montessori school!"

"My name is Jenn and I have been working in some form of child care since I was 12 years old. And started my own babysitting business inspired by my favorite books The Babysitter's Club. From then on I have been working in child care for about 20 plus years.  I love working with children  and watching them learn and realize they can do things on their own."

"Hi, I’m Heather! I was born and raised in Oregon and come from a big, close-knit family that taught me the value of patience, kindness, and teamwork from an early age. Growing up surrounded by kids helped spark my love for working with young children and watching them grow into confident, curious learners. Before joining Brighten Montessori, I worked in both early childhood education and hospitality, where I developed strong communication skills and a passion for creating meaningful connections with others. I love being part of an environment where children feel safe, supported, and encouraged to explore at their own pace. Helping each child build confidence, independence, and joy in learning is what makes this work so meaningful to me."

"Hi. I'm Tasha. With 16 years of experience as an Early Childhood Educator, I bring a deep commitment to supporting young learners at a critical stage in their development. I am passionate about meeting children where they are, identifying their individual learning needs, setting goals for growth, and fostering their social, emotional, and cognitive development through play-based learning. Working with families to help them understand their role in school readiness is equally important to me. The early years lay the foundation for future academic success, and I find great reward in partnering with families during this formative time."

"Hello! My name is Lauren and I was born and raised in Hillsboro, OR but recently moved to the area with my husband and kitty Ruby. My journey of teaching began in 2014 when I cared for young children of ESL students. I soon realized teaching young children wasn’t only my work but my passion. As of 2018 I began working in early childhood education as a full time job. I was introduced to Montessori in 2020 working in Children’s House (3-6 Years old) and completely fell in love with the philosophy. I believe all children have the capability of achieving any goal as long as they are given a safe, respectful and trusting environment. I hope to continue to guide the children to be  independent and lifelong learners. In my free time I love being outdoors, traveling and spending time with family."

“Aloha! I’m Peggy born and raised in Hawaii. I have 3 children (1 in Vegas, 1 in Hawaii, 1 in Oregon) and 3 grandsons (2 in Vegas and 1 in Hawaii).  My youngest came to Oregon for college and told my husband and I that he wasn’t coming home to live.  So we packed everything, sold our house and moved here almost 4 years ago.  We are part of the Villa Bois Community and we love it. Majority of my adult life was working in financial institutions or as a secretary/receptionist. When I was a young child my mom would babysit children from as young as 1 month til about 3 years of age for our family and friends. I would rush home from school just so I could help watch and play with them. I am so excited to be given the opportunity to work at Brighten Montessori to care for your children and watch them grow and succeed."