Lauren Franchek is originally from Alberta, Canada but affectionately found home in Arizona's Sonoran Desert for over two decades. In the summer of 2023, Lauren decided to embark on a new journey and relocated to Boulder to become part of the beautiful Mountain Shadows community. 

Lauren has had the privilege of serving the Montessori community for over 15 years, growing alongside schools, in various roles. She joins MSIM with experience as an Assistant Teacher, Lead Primary Guide, Primary Level Coordinator, Director of Education and Marketing, and Assistant Head of School for Montessori Schools with students ages six weeks through High School. 

Lauren obtained AMI diplomas from the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies spanning from the Primary Level to Orientation to Assistants to Infancy (ages birth to three) and Elementary (first through sixth grade). Lauren also studied Inclusive Education at the Montessori Institute of San Diego, University of San Diego. In addition, Lauren holds an AMI Administrative Diploma and is currently completing Master Educational Leadership courses at the Whole School Leadership Institute, Loyola University of Maryland. In recent years, Lauren has contributed to the global Montessori initiative offering independent consulting services for AMI administration, marketing, and teacher networks, linking A to I, Primary, and Elementary Guides to schools seeking support. This has enabled her to connect with Montessori practitioners around the world. 

Lauren is deeply committed to the Montessori philosophy, striving to provide an authentic whole-child approach to education and supporting teacher development. Lauren founded and chaired Arizona’s AMI Alumni Association, a non-profit organization, for 10 years. She has volunteered at AMI and NAMTA experiences and refreshes courses. 

In her free time, Lauren can be found enjoying the simple pleasures of life, spending time outdoors, hiking, capturing the beauty of Colorado’s wilderness through her camera lens, and cherishing moments with her sweet Golden Retriever, Niko. She is a bookworm and loves to get lost in a good book or read about child development and organizational psychology. Her greatest passion is discovering our earth, traveling near and far; exploring diverse cultures, art, cuisine, and awe-inspiring landscapes.