I grew up Portland, Oregon and went on to pursue college in Seattle, Washington. I graduated from Seattle University in 2000 earning a B.S. degree in Ecological Studies with a Sociology Minor.
My Montessori adventure began in 2005 when I was hired as an Upper Elementary teacher at a small private Montessori school. In 2007 I completed my Lower Elementary training through North American Montessori School. I continued to pursue my Montessori training with the Institute for Guided Studies and finished my training for both lower elementary and upper elementary in the winter of 2011-2012. I have received my Utah Level 1 and 2 ages K-8 teaching license. This past December I earned my masters degree at St. Catherines University in Education and Montessori. I have been with Maria Montessori Academy since the conversation began about opening a public Montessori Charter.
The fall of the winter Olympics held in Salt Lake City my Utah journey began. We, my husband and I knew this was the place for us. We moved to Utah to ski for 1 year and now it is 11 years later. Utah fulfills our outdoor recreation. My interests with my family include: running, hiking, camping, skiing, snowboarding, gardening, fishing, traveling and art. I have two children of which are also in Montessori- Leyla is 8 and Anden is 4.
Working with children for over 18 years, beginning to volunteer coaching, refereeing and hiking with children since high school. I have always had a love for education and believe that the classroom is my sanctuary. Montessori is a part of my lifestyle; it is not only applied in the classroom, but in my daily life. I am very excited to work at Maria Montessori Academy and know that the Montessori philosophy is an inviting and astounding education tool to watch blossom within a child. All children need to have an opportunity for the love of learning.
Currently serving my second, three year commitment on the board for Montessori Education Programs International. Our school works closely with MEPI, attending conferences and professional development to currently serve Montessori teachers to be authentic and to engage with other Montessori professionals.
My family and I enjoy outdoor music, art, camping, hiking, gardening, road tripping and LAUGHING!
Ms. Nicoletta
