Nature Based Montessori
Now accepting applications for 2024-2025!
Schedule a tour today, click here: Sign Up
Leah Adair: Director(she/her)
Leah fell in love with the Montessori philosophy after student teaching. She observed in a Saint Paul Public Schools Montessori classroom and instantly felt at home. She was so impressed by the joy children found in learning. She loved seeing students of all cultural backgrounds connect with the materials and engage in lessons. Leah has taught in Saint Paul Public Schools for 15 years. She has a Master’s in teaching K-8 from the University of St. Thomas and her Montessori certification is from Midwest Montessori Teacher Training Center in Evanston, IL. Leah’s husband is a woodworker which has been so helpful in designing some of our Montessori furniture. Leah loves travel, spending time with family and friends, art, exploring the Twin Cities restaurant scene, and seeing the world through her two son’s eyes.
Staff
Grace Larson (she/her): Toddler lead guide (Otter room)
Grace is a Licensed Nurse with over 10 years of childcare experience. After working as a nurse through the pandemic she decided to go back to her roots and nurture little minds.
Grace has had a love for the Montessori philosophy since observing childhood development in high school. For over 10 years she’s worked with children ages 12 months to 6 years in a multitude of classroom settings and capacities. Before she returned to school for nursing in 2017, she was a director of a childcare center based in Fargo, ND.
Grace’s passion is caring for others. She is also a Birth doula, mother, wife and self proclaimed plant queen. When she’s not busy with life’s demands you will probably find her outside diggin in the dirt, hiking, or spending time on the water.
Bios for 2024-2025 guides will be updated soon.
Otter room: toddlers
Loon room: Children’s House
Turtle room: Children’s House
Nicole Lundy- Loon room guide (Children’s House: 33 mo-6 years)
Wendy Latjes-Loon room assistant (Children’s House: 33 mo-6 years)
Kelli Skinner- Loon room assistant (Children’s House: 33 mo-6 years)
Jen Bell- Turtle room guide (Children’s House :33 mo-6 years)
Katie Lane- Turtle room assistant (Children’s House :33 mo-6 years)
Name coming soon- Turtle room guide (Children’s House: 33 mo-6 years)
Name coming soon- Otter room guide (Toddlers : 12-33 mo)
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The early developmental years are important. Learn more about Little Garden Montessori to make sure it's a good fit for your child.
Now accepting applications for the '23-'24 and '24-'25 school years. Secure your child's spot at our nature-based Montessori school.
Curiosity is something we value. If you're wondering about something, check out our FAQs or contact us directly and we will answer your questions.
“The Child is both a hope and a promise for mankind.” - Dr. Maria Montessori
The Montessori method believes “play is the work of the child.” Children are so capable and filled with wonder and an authentic desire to learn.
Dr. Maria Montessori was an inspiring and innovative woman who saw children as their full selves – capable of independence. She developed an education method built upon ways that children learn naturally and at their own pace. Montessori materials provide a hands-on approach to learning with beautiful, natural materials focused on language, mathematics, culture, practical life, and the senses.
Little Garden Montessori values the whole child’s development: physical, social, emotional, and cognitive. Our mission is to provide children a quality, nature-based Montessori education in a loving and nurturing environment. We believe play and learning go hand in hand.
"Play is the work of the Child" - Dr. Maria Montessori
As your child grows, there are so many ways to foster learning. Pointing out beginning letter sounds at the store or park, counting with everyday objects at home, and simply reading together are some wonderful ways to partner together in learning. Asking your child open ended, thought-provoking questions is a wonderful way to facilitate meaningful connections to the everyday world.
