Kim Anderson
Head of School
Victoria Walgren -- Assistant Head of School
Mrs. Walgren graduated from Northern Arizona University in 1998 with a Bachelor’s degree in Communications and Business Administration. She became interested in Montessori education after volunteering in her children’s Primary classrooms. She earned a Primary NAMC Diploma and spent the next fifteen years working in the field of Montessori education and administration. She enjoys hiking, playing tennis, and watching movies.
Tara Mott
Education Director
Melanie Riefkohl
Office Assistant
Tracy Pierson
Office Assistant
Tammy Chavet
Business Manager
Tara Mott -- Education Director & Elementary Guide, AMI Primary & Elementary Certified
Mrs. Mott has worked in the field of education since 1997. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Regular and Special Education from Northern Arizona University. Tara holds both an AMI Primary and Elementary Certification, as well as a master’s degree in Education. Tara joined Montessori in the Park in 2007. In her free time she enjoys hiking, reading, raising chickens and spending time with her family.
Jodi Qualters -- Elementary Guide, NAMC Lower-Elementary Certified
Mrs. Qualters has worked in the field of education since 1991. She earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Regular and Special Education from Duquesne University. Jodi joined Montessori in the Park in 2007 and earned her NAMC Diploma in 2008. She was drawn to the nature of Montessori as it allows children to progress at their own pace in a non-competitive environment.
Kim Doll -- Primary Guide, AMS Primary Certified
Mrs. Doll has worked as a classroom assistant at a local private school for 6 years prior to finding her place at Montessori in the Park in 2009. She earned her AMS Primary Certificate in 2013 and works as a Primary Guide. She finds great joy in her students and their appetite for learning. She enjoys spending time with her son and husband.
Pam Hogan -- Primary Guide, AMI Primary Certified
Mrs. Hogan has worked in the field of education for over 30 years. In 1979, she earned her AMI Primary Certificate and has been a lead guide in both primary and toddler programs. After attempting to retire in 2016, Pam joined Montessori in the Park in the Primary Program. She enjoys reading, working in the yard and watching British mysteries.
Melissa Janton -- Lead Primary Assistant, AMI Primary Assistant Certified
Ms. Melissa lived in Alaska for 11 years prior to moving to Arizona with her family. She has previously worked as a Caregiver for the elderly. She was drawn to Montessori after enrolling her son and earned her AMI Primary Assistant Certificate in 2018. She enjoys bird watching and mermaid memorabilia.
Pre-Primary Guides
Jessica Mott -- Pre-Primary Guide, AMI Assistant to Infancy Certified
Ms. Jessy joined Montessori in the Park as a student in 2007. She graduated High School in 2018 and began assisting in the Elementary Class. Obtained her AMI Assistant to Infancy Certification in August of 2020. She began our Pre-Primary program in the Fall of 2019. She is a very experienced child care giver and has a great passion for working with children.
Kelly Pennington -- Pre-Primary Assistant
Ms. Kelly joined Montessori in the Park during the Fall of 2020. More to come…