Executive Director

The Missoula Community School is excited to welcome its new Executive Director, a passionate educator entering her 19th year in the field! She holds a B.S. in Elementary Education, an M.Ed. in Special Education, and has completed doctoral coursework in Education Leadership. She champions project-based learning and loves to create meaningful opportunities for students to positively impact their local and global communities, the environment, and wildlife. Her dedication to early learners and building strong foundations is a perfect fit for MCS. When she's not at school, she enjoys time with her supportive partner Ryan, her 15-year-old son Kainan, and their three furry dogs.

Curriculum Coordinator

We are thrilled to introduce our new curriculum coordinator! She's a passionate advocate for education, with a special focus on early learning. She's entering her 11th year in education, having spent four years in elementary education and the last six years teaching pre-kindergarten here at Missoula Community School.

A strong believer in creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and heard, she was drawn to this new role for the opportunity to extend that philosophy school-wide. She holds a bachelor's degree in elementary education and believes that we never stop learning or wondering. When she's not at school, she enjoys anything related to music and spending time with friends and family.

Hummingbird Teacher

Jessie has been teaching at Missoula Community School since August 2021. She is originally from Missoula and after graduating from the University of Montana in 2008, took a big leap of faith and moved to sunny San Diego, living there for 14 years and working as a paraprofessional in a school district. She has an extensive experience working with children as a teaching assistant and paraprofessional, and received her Board Certified Assistant Jessie is also a certified sleep consultant, supporting children and families in the Missoula community.

Her hobbies include, reading, traveling, wine tasting, happy hour, spa days, hiking, sports (Go Patriots!), and skiing now that she’s back in the snow!

Assistant Preschool Teacher

Hattie is glad to be a part of the MCS team as an assistant in the Otter room.  She is originally from Hong Kong and has lived in Missoula for 10 years.

Hattie has worked in both Montessori and Waldorf schools internationally.   While attending the U of M, Hattie worked in day care settings and offered in-home childcare to friends and neighbors. 

After graduating from U of M, Hattie took a break from childcare and worked in a confectionary kitchen for 5 years. She returned to teaching in 2023 and finds joy and happiness in guiding students to become kind, helpful and inquisitive learners. 

Assistant Teacher

Crystal is a passionate educator with nearly a decade of experience, both abroad and in the U.S. Holding a B.A. in Liberal Studies, a minor in Spanish, a Bilingual Authorization (BCLAD), a Multiple Subject Teaching Credential, and an M.S. in Education with a specialization in Pedagogy, she is dedicated to inspiring every child she teaches. Crystal has taught English as a Foreign Language, Spanish, and first and fourth grades. She believes every child has incredible potential and strives to help them grow into the most fulfilled versions of themselves. Always eager to learn, she never turns down an opportunity to read the latest research in childrearing and bilingual education. Outside of the classroom, Crystal is a devoted mama and wife, and a lover of dance, kayaking, traveling, and watercolor painting.

Lead Preschool Teacher

Angie was born in Connecticut and after a few years in Colorado, came to Montana and has lived here ever since. She graduated from the University of Montana with a degree in Elementary Education in 2005.

Angie has worked with children of all ages for close to 20 years, but teaching preschool is definitely her favorite! She enjoys reading, drawing, gardening, hiking, paddle boarding and going to the Griz games with her husband.  Angie loves spending time with her family and hanging out with her dogs and cats. She is so excited to be a teacher here at Missoula Community School!

Lead Toddler Teacher

Originally from a small town in Minnesota, Storm moved to Missoula a decade ago and has been in love with the beauty of the area ever since. Her passion for teaching began early in life as the middle child in a family of ten, where she got the opportunity to support and teach her younger siblings. She is currently pursuing a degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Montana Western, where she is excited to continue developing her teaching skills.

In her spare time she enjoys exploring the mountains, reading, embroidering, and watching movies. At home, she shares her life with her wonderful husband, three loveable cats—Oliver, Cleo, and Winnie—and too many plants to count. Storm believes every day in the classroom should be filled with joy, magic, and discovery, creating a love of learning in every child.

Assistant Toddler Teacher

Mackenzi was born and raised in west Texas, the land of big tumbleweeds and great tacos. She came to Missoula in the summer of 2019 for a six-week photography program. During that short time she fell in love with the mountains and dreamed of coming back—and she got her wish last year! When she’s not exploring outside you can find her touring the local coffee shops, baking, or trying her hand at watercolor. 

Mackenzi loves working with children and has worked a combined total of 9 years as a nanny. She also has experience as a substitute teacher in a Montessori preschool. She has a passion for fostering independent discovery and building life-skills. She is excited to be a part of an education program that shares these values. 

Lead Toddler Teacher

Sara grew up in a small town in northern Minnesota. After graduating high school she moved to Montana to attend the University of Montana, and when the opportunity to attend a short term school in Hawaii came up she snatched it up. After completing this program, she returned to Missoula and rediscovered her passion for working with kids. After spending three years as a full time nanny she embarked on her next adventure as a preschool teacher at Missoula Community School.

In Sara’s spare time she enjoys being outdoors, painting, reading mystery novels, and spending time with her family and friends. Sara is excited to teach and grow with every staff member and to watch each child flourish in their own way.

Aftercare Teacher-Hummingbird Teacher

Kathryn grew up in Wisconsin, and after living coast to coast, found a love for the people and the outdoors in the Missoula community. Over the years, she has been involved with various aspects of childcare including nannying, swim lessons, and teaching kiddos in Peru about water systems, while also pursuing a career in actuarial sciences.  Additionally, she has been active as a volunteer and Board member for a local non-profit where she teaches children about arthropods and environmental awareness. She truly enjoys providing care for little ones and fostering their growth, while learning from their curious and insightful minds.

In her free time, you can find Kathryn hiking with her giant goofy dog Jenkins, soaking up the river life, and exploring the mountains.  She likes to attempt going off recipe to create new baked items and dishes, head downtown for events or just relax in a friend’s backyard for a bonfire (not fire season!) and music.

Substitute Teacher

Lesa started at MCS in 2006 as a part-time kindergarten teacher. Through the years, she has taught all early-childhood ages.

Lesa has a background in the fine arts, which came in handy creating rockets and castles with refrigerators boxes for the kids.

After retiring as a full-time teacher, Lesa returned as a substitute teacher in 2021.

Outside of school, Lesa trains in Aikido, which keeps her limber and feeling young. She also sews for her two grandkids, gardens and hikes.

Administrative Coordinator/Education Consultant

Erin grew up in small-town Montana and has over a decade of experience teaching Kindergarten and First Grade with MCPS. She loves helping students and educators thrive, bringing play, creativity, and curiosity into everything she does. Her master’s thesis focused on play-based learning in early primary classrooms, a philosophy she still draws on every day.

Erin has also enjoyed supporting other educators by leading MTSS teams, mentoring new teachers, and facilitating professional development on early literacy, positive behavior supports, and effective teaching strategies. She loves collaborating with colleagues and families to create programs where everyone can succeed.

Outside of work, Erin enjoys reading, dancing, hiking, paddling, and spending time with her dog, Magnolia. She believes play is important for everyone—not just children!

Lead Aftercare Teacher, Assistant Teacher

The Community School is excited to announce the addition of Taunia Bell. She will be the assistant teacher in the Otter Room and the Lead Aftercare Teacher. Taunia has a B.A. from the University Of Montana (GO GRIZ!!), and a M.A. In Elem Ed/Literacy Instruction. She taught first grade for 17 years in public school, worked as an adult mental health case manager, and in community parent education.

When she’s not teaching, she is watching her sons’ sporting events, playing in the mountains with her dog (Rhoan) and her partner (David) or doing diamond art. She’s excited to be part of such an amazing school community.

Lead Teacher

Brooke graduated in May with a Master’s of Education focusing specifically on early childhood education. She has three years classroom experience and is SO excited to combine her education with her experience in the Otter classroom. Brooke utilizes Conscious Discipline, a social-emotional learning framework, project-based learning, and early literacy as guiding principles in her classroom.

When not at work, you can find Brooke cuddled up with her cat Bijou, spending time with her girlfriends, or watching a movie with her partner.

Assistant Teacher

The Missoula Community School is excited to welcome its new assistant teacher, Aliyah Kipp! She holds an A.A in General Studies and a B.A. in Psychology from the University of Montana. She is in her first year of graduate school in the clinical mental health counseling program. She has a passion for working with early childhood and facilitating positive experiences and strengthening the children’s multicultural worldview. When she's not at school, she enjoys her time spent with her partner, Tommy, and their rescue dog, Red. She loves to bead, create art, and spend time in nature. She is so excited for a new school year spent with the kiddos!

Lead Teacher

The Missoula Community School is excited to welcome its new Pre-K teacher, a passionate educator entering her 2nd year in the field! She continues her education in early childhood with a background in special education. She supports play-based learning and is passionate about highlighting each child’s special skills while incorporating the community and nature in the classroom. Her dedication to early learners and building strong foundations is a perfect fit for MCS. When she's not at school, she enjoys practicing yoga, hiking, felt crafts, reading, and playing card games with her family.

Assistant Teacher

Kiera O’Boyle is a passionate early childhood teacher entering her 3rd year in the field! She holds a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Human and Family Development. She works well with social-emotional regulation and helping children express and understand their emotions, and fostering conscious discipline. She wants to support a safe place and belonging for each child in her care. When she's not at school, she enjoys time with her loving fiancé, Luke, hiking in the wilderness, or snuggling her orange kitty Benson.

Hummingbird and Aftercare Teacher

Meghan is very excited to be back at MCS, as she worked here in the 2023-2024 school year. Originally from Toledo, OH, Meghan moved onto an off-grid ranch in the mountains outside of Frenchtown and lived there for the first 4 years of her time here in Montana. It was a huge adjustment going from city life to completely rural, and mild winters to intense cold, but she wouldn’t have it any other way! 

Meghan currently lives with her fiancé in Missoula, and they are expecting their first child in February. In her free time, you can catch Meghan playing video games, reading, and getting as many cuddles in as she can with her cats. 

She is looking forward to getting to know the MCS learners more and is thankful for the feeling of community MCS has!