ABOUT US
OUR VISION AND MISSION
VISION
Heritage Montessori School views early education as a crucial step in fostering a lifelong pursuit of knowledge. We see children as valuable and competent individuals who have a voice. They are innately curious, imaginative, and eager to build relationships. The teachers role is to be a partner, a careful and thoughtful observer, guiding students toward a greater understanding of self-selected topics. By allowing children to make decisions about their learning, we show them learning means experiencing joy, wonder and frustration. We show them they matter, that they have a place in this world. We show them that if they persevere they will succeed. They will do amazing things if we give them the freedom to be themselves.
MISSION
At Heritage Montessori School our mission is to empower children to confidently embark on an endless quest for knowledge. Our individually tailored, research-based curriculum cultivates intellectual, social, emotional and creative growth. Throughout the process of guided inquiry, children authentically develop a vast array of academic, problem solving, and social skills. We strive to establish a strong foundation upon which children can build lifelong success.
REGGIO EMILIA PHILOSOPHY
“Learning and teaching should not stand on opposite banks and just watch the river flow by; instead, they should embark together on a journey down the water. Through an active, reciprocal exchange, teaching can
strengthen learning how to learn.”
–Loris Malaguzzi
The foundation of the Reggio Emilia philosophy is the belief that children are intrinsically capable individuals who are self-motivated to guide and construct their own learning.
THE HUNDRED LANGUAGES OF CHILDREN
The most central guiding principle of the Reggio philosophy is the belief that children have at least a hundred ways to express their thinking, discover, and learn. They use these languages: drawing, painting, modeling, imaginative play, sculpting, music, dance, to creatively demonstrate their understanding. These languages, or ways of learning, emphasize hands-on discovery and allow children to use all their senses to make meaning about their world.
THE THIRD TEACHER
Organized and visually stimulating indoor and outdoor environments are crucial aspects of inspiring children to explore and create. A Reggio inspired classroom is filled with natural light and purposeful materials that are ever-evolving. It fosters collaboration, communication and creativity.
COMMUNICATION & COLLABORATION
The Reggio approach places a strong emphasis on collaboration. Through a respectful exchange of thoughts, observations, questions, and ideas children, teachers and parents all contribute to the learning process. Children are encouraged to use language to explore, investigate and reflect on their experiences. These daily interactions allow them to develop an understanding of themselves and their world.
DOCUMENTATION
To track learning progressions, children’s thoughts, questions and projects are carefully documented through transcripts, photos, and videos. All forms of documentation are used to communicate with parents and display the child’s inquiry process in each subject area.
TEACHER: RESEARCHER & GUIDE
The Reggio Approach is child-led. The role of the teacher is to observe children, listen to their questions and stories, identify their interests and then provide opportunities to explore these interests in more depth. Projects are ever-evolving and lead to new investigations.
MONTESSORI METHOD
"Education should no longer be mostly imparting of knowledge, but must take a new path, seeking the release of human potential."
–Maria Montessori
Dr. Montessori, Italy’s first female physician in the early 1900’s, dedicated her life to the scientific study of children, observing how they develop and learn. She discovered that young children have the unique ability to absorb knowledge from their surroundings, which she called the absorbent mind. They are sensorial explorers, tirelessly interacting with the environment via their senses, teaching themselves rather than being passively “taught” by the teacher. In order to be happy, the children should be allowed to explore and discover.
Our classrooms cultivate an environment where the children are free to exercise their natural drive to work and learn. The child’s inherent love for learning is encouraged by giving them opportunities to engage in spontaneous and meaningful hands-on activities under the guidance of a trained teacher. Through their work the children develop concentration, coordination and discipline. In an atmosphere of peace, calm, order and respect, the children progress at their own pace according to their own abilities during these crucial early years of development.
At Heritage Montessori School, children of mixed age (3-6 years old) work together in the same classroom for a period of three years to encourage individual, social and academic development. This mixed age setting allows younger children to learn from their older peers while simultaneously allowing the older students the opportunity to reinforce their knowledge by sharing it with others.
Heritage Montessori School is a place where children discover the joys of learning, develop social and intellectual discipline and lay the foundation for a happy, harmonious and productive life. Each child’s unique personality is encouraged. Each child is respected and appreciated as an important member of our community.
OUR TEACHERS
ALISON VERMILYEA
Director - Lead Guide
Heritage Montessori School is the culmination of a dream I have been fostering since I first began working with children early in my academic career.
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With a BA in Psychology and Social Behavior (University of CA, Irvine) and a MA in Curriculum and Instruction (ASU), I have been working with children in many different settings for over 24 years.
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The depth and breadth of my background teaching and working with diverse student populations has allowed me to gain a well-rounded perspective. My experiences have ranged from teaching in a rural setting in New Hampshire, working with underprivileged children in central Phoenix, aiding preschool children with Autism at the Pyramid Autism Center in California, to researching ADHD in California as an undergrad and Australia as a Fulbright Fellow.
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It is my belief that the more you know about a student, the better equipped you are to meet their individual needs. I work to integrate the interests, diverse cultures and backgrounds of my students into to the curriculum. Implementing a student-centered, play-based approach, communicating high expectations, and offering many opportunities for choice and cooperative learning ensures the curriculum is accessible to all children. My passion is to light a fire in children, showing them there is wonder all around just waiting to be discovered.
BRI BOWLUS
Lead Teacher
My name is Bri Bowlus and I am a lead teacher at Heritage Montessori.
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I have been in early childhood education for 6 years with children ranging from 2 to 6 years old. I have a bachelors from NAU in elementary education with additional certification in early childhood. The world of early learners is my jam- there’s no where else I’d rather be. I believe school for all ages is meant to be magical, playful, and at least a little bit messy!
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When I’m not thinking of ways to incorporate sticks and river rocks into our lessons, I am home with my son Dean, my husband, our two mischievous cats and a very snacky rabbit.
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SINDHU MUTHUKUMAR
Games Expert - Guide
Hello! My name is Ms.Sindhu and I have been teaching at Heritage Montessori School since 2021.
I have my Bachelors degree in Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering and started my career as a Software Developer in India.
After I moved to USA with my family in 2012 , I determined it was time to move on. My patience, communication skills, and ability to reach others made me feel that education would be the perfect fit. I did my CDA to reinforce my commitment to early childhood education.
I was able to see the depth of importance behind every choice I make as an educator. The environment I teach in, the learning materials I offer, the words and tone I use, the relationships I build with the families, and the questions I ask all have a significant role in shaping children's young minds.
One of the most crucial parts of a quality early childhood education program is the environment and materials used. I am very proud to be working at Heritage Montessori School which provides such an environment that makes me happy and content to come and work everyday.
One of my main goals is to maintain a strong, loving classroom community. In my classroom, everyone is a teacher. I can learn just as much from the children as they can from me. When the children have discoveries to share with me, I listen enthusiastically and help them share their newfound knowledge with their peers.
When not teaching, I enjoy experimenting in the kitchen, hiking, or traveling and creating lasting memories with my amazing family.
AMANDA GARRISON
Resident Artist - Guide
Hello! My name is Ms. Amanda and I’ve been with Heritage Montessori since May of 2023. I received my Bachelor’s degree in Missouri and have lived in Europe as a student and Au Pair on and off for 10 years. I love learning new things, especially if it pertains to culture and languages.
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My life’s work is devoted to early childhood education and all things art.
I found my voice in therapeutic art and express the inexpressible in my drawings and paintings. An outdoor girl at heart, I uniquely capture outdoor scenes and designs using materials found in nature. I plan to get my certification in expressive art therapy someday.
I was born and raised in the Midwest, and I’m married to a wonderful human, Christopher. Together we share an entertaining and sweet cat, Neo.​
JACKLYN CARLSON
Music Coordinator - Guide
Hi! My name is Ms. Jacklyn. I earned my Bachelor of Science in Tourism from Colegio San Agustin in Bacolod, Philippines. I spent 10 years working in Abu Dhabi, UAE, before moving to the United States.
I began working at Heritage Montessori School in September 2019. I’m passionate about education and personal growth, where I developed a comprehensive skill set essential for a thriving educational environment. During my time at Heritage Montessori, I gained valuable skills in behavioral management, active listening, patience, time management, safety procedures, and first aid. These skills have enabled me to create a safe and supportive atmosphere for students, fostering their growth and development.
In my free time, I enjoy playing tennis and singing, activities that help me maintain a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle.
PAIGE SMITH
Kindergarten "Magic" Facilitator - Lead Guide
Hello, I am Miss. Smith! This is my second year here at HMS and my seventh year of experience working with children in many different settings. I have a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with an emphasis on early childhood development from NAU. I am also a certified child-led practitioner and conversant in American Sign Language.
I feel my life's passion is to work with children. I value creating an environment that is a safe, loving community where everyone can make decisions, mistakes, play, and accept each other. I view all children to be very smart and we as educators should allow them to explore without barriers. I value creativity, imagination, experiential learning, and curiosity in children's everyday learning and play. I am an advocate for children's play because it is so important for their physical, social, emotional, and cognitive development.
In my spare time, I enjoy camping, driving my vintage VW bus, crafting / art / creating, gardening and spending time with family. I am so very excited for this wonderful year full of learning, laughter, and most of all fun ahead of us and I am very excited to meet you!
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