Julia grew up in Boulder and Littleton Colorado! She has been living out of state since she left 12 years ago to pursue her training in Montessori Education. She is very happy to be returning to her hometown with her family this coming year. After she completed training she found a position in Santa Cruz, CA where she met her husband and had their first child, Fletcher. They then moved to Phoenix, AZ shortly after having him in 2018. They have spent the last 5 years in Phoenix and had another son, River in February 2023. Both of her sons will be joining our Montessori community in YCC and Lower Elementary!  

Julia joins MSIMS with over 15 years of experience in Early Childhood, and more than 10 in a Montessori setting. She obtained her AMI credential in both 0-3 years as well as 3-6 years and a Masters in Montessori Education from Loyola University, Maryland. Her undergraduate degree in History was obtained at UC Santa Barbara. Additionally, she completed her CO Group Leader Qualifications in 2008 and has many hours of Professional Development over these past 15 years. 

Julia discovered Montessori’s work through her studies at Front Range Community College while completing her Group Leader Qualifications. Her professor (and now mentor) continued to give her solutions and activities to try that all stemmed back to Dr. Maria Montessori’s pedagogy and theory. Finally, she decided she needed to learn all about Montessori. While doing her training everything just made sense! Language lessons she was always curious about were discovered! Math problems she’d never been able to solve suddenly became clear. For Julia, the training and the theory behind it gave her the answers she’s long been searching for in her own learning as well as in her attempt to “teach” others. She believes passionately in Montessori and its relevance to the natural development of human beings. Her favorite aspect of this work is seeing the child discover for themselves; in learning to put on their shoes to solving equations, to also suddenly finding they can put sounds together and read! It is in this discovery that we truly feel our purpose and see it’s just rewards. 

Julia loves being outside! Going hiking, skiing or riding a horse are some of her favorite ways to spend time outside! She also enjoys discovering new places and traveling with her two sons and husband. Some of her favorite hobbies are cooking, painting and a brand new one: sewing!