Our Team
Caroline Wagner
Director & Lead Toddler Teacher
Caroline has 12 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
Farm & Garden Enrichment Specialist
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.
Jed Burchett
Interim Primary Teacher
Jed has taught in a Montessori setting for over 15 years. He earned a BA in Art History from Sonoma State in 2002, Montessori Primary teaching certification in 2008, and AMI-NAMTA Orientation to Adolescent Studies in 2013. He is co-director of the Maria Montessori Teacher Training Center, and is an experienced teacher trainer. Before finding Montessori, Jed worked at a group home for deaf children with behavioral and developmental challenges. Jed enjoys cooking, gardening, raising animals, ancient history, and singing. He lives in Sebastopol with his husband Bernie, his dog Tiamat, and his cats Hotep and Eris.
Katie Brown
Assistant 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.
Sharen Schrock
Primary Teacher
Sharen has been working with young children for over 25 years. Her previous work experience includes: teaching for the 4C’s of Sonoma County, directing children's programs at Petaluma Valley Athletic Club, and teaching at Red Barn Montessori and Gan Israel Preschool. Sharen received her Associate Teacher Certification in Early Childhood Education at Santa Rosa Junior College, and has received additional training with the Early Learning Institute. Sharen is a third generation Petaluman. She has been married to her husband, Tim, for 32 years. Their two daughters, now in college, attended a Montessori school for their early education. When not working, Sharen enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, and taking her two dogs (Cashew and Fred) to the beach. Sharen stays involved within the Sonoma County community by volunteering for creek cleanups with Friends of the Petaluma River. Photo coming soon!
