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Our Team

Our team of dedicated educators at Bright Skies Montessori bring their diverse backgrounds and experiences to the classroom, helping to create an inclusive and loving school community. We are strong believers in nurturing each child’s unique spirit, and work constantly to provide them with the inner confidence and practical tools to build a peaceful, equitable and sustainable future for our world.

Caroline Wagner

Director

Caroline has 13 years of experience as a Montessori teacher. She is credentialed in Early Childhood (Primary) & Elementary I levels and holds a Professional Development Certificate for the Infant-Toddler level. She has a BS in Elementary Education and an Elementary Teaching Credential through the University of Alabama. She has been working with young children since high school, and loves guiding them toward independence and internal gratification. She believes that the experiences children have in peaceful classroom environments will help them become the peacemakers of the future. She enjoys listening to her daughter perform songs, going for hikes with her husband, cooking, and listening to podcasts.

Cindy Bollens

Primary Teacher & Trainer

Cindy has been working in early childhood education since 1980 and received her Montessori credential for Early Childhood (Primary) level in 1986. Cindy is a passionate early childhood educator and celebrates the JOY her students find in their work. She creates a welcoming and secure environment, giving children the confidence to explore, play and learn. Cindy now enjoys supporting and training other early childhood educators and bringing together the community.

Katie Brown

Lead Toddler Teacher

Katie has 5 years of experience teaching, and has recently transitioned into teaching in a Montessori environment at Bright Skies. She has an AA in Early Childhood Education, and is pursuing a BA in Psychology with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. She enjoys seeing the smiles on each of her students' faces, grabbing a hug when a student wants to share one, and especially loves it when she sees a student learn something new! She enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with her family and friends, and the outdoors, including gardening, hiking and going to the beach.

Kaylee Hoetger

Toddler Assistant Teacher

Bio coming soon!

Vanessa Petersen

Lead Primary Teacher

Bio coming soon!