Our Team
Amy Beason
Director
Amy has been an early educator in Sonoma County for over twenty years, teaching in a variety of settings and age groups. She holds an Infant & Toddler Montessori Certification, an Associate Teacher Permit from Santa Rosa Jr. College, as well as an AA in Social and Behavioral Science. Over the years she have learned as much from the children in her classes as they have learned from her. I treasure guiding children as they discover their own strengths and interests. She values each child's unique view on the world and enjoys watching them interact with their environment, develop life skills and cultivate friendships. Amy is interested in music, and plays the bass guitar. She also enjoys reading, photography, and art.
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.
Imogene Patterson
Teacher
Imogene has worked with children ages one through 13. She started working as a camp counselor with elementary students, and made her way to the early childhood classroom setting. Imogene has an Early Childhood Teacher's Permit from College of Marin, and is working towards her B.A. in Early Childhood Education. She enjoys making happy memories that can help boost children’s confidence and happiness. She also loves helping children find joy in their activities. She feels that getting to be involved in the children’s lives is very special. Imogene enjoys crocheting and anything related to the outdoors (hiking especially). She has been singing since childhood and enjoys singing and learning more about music with others.
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
Kaylee's experience with young children has been almost life-long. Her mother has had an in-home childcare program for many years, and Kaylee has helped her with this program. This work inspired her to pursue teaching in an early childhood classroom. Kaylee is currently enrolled in courses to earn her early childhood education teacher permit. She likes working with children because of how rewarded she feels. She loves watching children learn new things and feel confident while doing it. Some of her hobbies include hiking, running, spending time with family and traveling. She also loves anything outdoors!
Vanessa Petersen
Lead Primary Teacher
Vanessa has her AMS Early Childhood Teaching Credential from Montessori of Alameda Teacher Education Program. She is also certified in Teaching English as a Second or Foreign Language, and has a BA in Comparative Literature from UCSF. Before becoming a Montessori teacher, she taught English as a foreign language in Chile for 3 years, nannied for multiple families in San Francisco and Sonoma county for over a decade, and worked with AmeriCorps serving in an after school program. Vanessa attended a Montessori preschool as a child, and her fond memories of that time formed her and led her to become a Montessori teacher. She was influenced by the way the class was a community with each child feeling respected, seen, and valued. As an adult, many of her problem solving skills, her love for learning, and her desire to impact the world in a positive way come from those foundational years in the Montessori program. Her hobbies include gardening, permaculture, art, and reading. She also enjoys being with friends and family while enjoying nature or cooking together in the kitchen.
