Marissa Bradford

Early Childhood Lead guide

Hi there, my name is Marissa Bradford. I’m from Mexico City and I have been living in the United States for 25 years. I’ve lived in several states throughout the country since I first came here.

My love and passion for Montessori education started back in 2015 here in Livingston when I worked at Montessori Island School. Then I taught at Mountainside Montessori and Bloom Montessori School, both in Helena.

I’m a certified Montessori primary guide through the North American Montessori Center. 

I’m excited to come back to Livingston and to be part of the Elevate School community and to share my culture with all the little friends at Elevate.

In my free time I love to spend time with my kids, listen to music, go to concerts, explore new places and cook delicious Mexican food with my husband.

Hannah VanMeel

Early Childhood Lead guide

Hi all! I was born and raised in the beautiful state of Montana. In 2016 I  moved to Bozeman to continue working on my education degree at Montana State, which I obtained in 2020. I have worked in childcare since 2010, but moving to Bozeman gave me my first real taste of the Montessori principle and environment. I immediately fell in love and have since spent my time working in the Montessori classroom. Last year (2024) I took the plunge and decide to work on getting my Montessori certification which will be completed spring of 2026.

I am passionate about my work with children and strive to provide the best care I possibly can. I believe it is vital to make strong connections with the children and their families to help bridge the gap between school and home, fostering the children’s sense of belonging and encouraging of love for learning. I especially love my work with children because I get the pleasure of watching them experiment, learn, and grow in all developmental avenues.  

In my free time, I enjoy spending time outdoors, usually gardening or going for walks. I also enjoy camping, reading, hiking, and playing at the water. The colder seasons are not my favorite, so I tend to spend less time outdoors and more time doing various indoor activities.  

I am beyond grateful to be a part of the Elevate team and an excited to get to know all of the Elevate families!

Cassie Garcia

Early Childhood guide

Hello! I am a born and raised Colorado native. I have a passion for traveling and friends which is what brought me to Livingston originally. I have fallen in love with the community, but especially the scenery. I love being outdoors hiking, skiing, camping, fishing, and the occasional kayak ride.

I knew that I wanted to work with children in the future, however I wasn’t sure where to start. So when I got the call from Leslie and Graham about my job I knew I couldn’t say no. Montessori is new to me, but I learn more and more everyday not from just my colleagues but most importantly the children! They inspire me to think differently and really take a step back and just observe things. I’m so grateful to have this opportunity and work with all these amazing children.

Cameshia Mitchell

Lead toddler guide

Hello! I am a Montana Native and Alaskan raised. I reside in Livingston with my 2 dogs. I enjoy paddle boarding, snowshoeing, art, and hiking.

I worked as a Certified Nurses Aid before I began working in childcare. My first experience with Montessori began at Front Street School, in 2021, where I became captivated with Montessori's methods. I soon began teaching at Montessori Island as an Infant and Toddler teacher for 3 years. My passion for art and child development has lead me to finishing my Bachelor of Arts in Child Development. Of course, while continuing my Montessori education! 

I am so grateful to widen my experience, expand my knowledge, and help guide the friends at Elevate! 

Ellen Ingwerson

Infant & Toddler guide

I grew up outside Boston and moved to Montana in 2021 to be closer to wide open spaces to paint, new perspectives to hear, and more opportunities to grow!

I have always been involved in teaching and creative learning whether it be as a mountaineering and raft guide, a high-school swim coach, or as a former Gallatin Valley Visiting Art Teacher. In every chapter of my life, I seek ways of helping my community and challenging myself [and others around me] to creatively and collaboratively come up with solutions where help is needed.

I began working at Elevate Montessori in January of 2024 and have been loving every second. It is a blessing to work with young hearts and minds that push the bounds of creativity every day.

Teilor Holt

Toddler guide

Hello! I moved from Las Vegas to Montana to start this next chapter with my fiancé, who was born and raised here. I’m excited to embrace the slower pace, beautiful scenery, and close-knit community that Montana has to offer.

I bring six years of experience as a private nanny and one year as an Assistant Guide in a Montessori classroom. During that time, I fell in love with the Montessori philosophy and the way it encourages independence, confidence, and a genuine love of learning. I am passionate about creating a calm, nurturing environment where children feel safe, supported, and excited to explore the world around them. I also believe that building strong relationships with families is an important part of helping every child thrive.

Outside of the classroom, I enjoy reading, cooking, spending time outdoors, and making memories with my family and friends. I’m so grateful to be part of the Elevate community and can’t wait to get to know all of our wonderful families!

Rachel Brooks

Toddler guide

Hi! I moved from Michigan to Montana following my passion for glassblowing.  

In Michigan I worked as a math and science tutor at a Mathnasium for over a decade after finding that high school classrooms were not for me. I worked with students from 3 into their 20s. I enjoyed tutoring because the individual conversations offered space for the child to show what things were important to them and what parts they understood. I am grateful to have witnessed so many children change and grow throughout the years they were in tutoring.

I am excited to be working in the pedagogy of Montessori. I am very excited to be working with toddlers because with this age group it is almost impossible to forget that "Play is the work of the child."

Nicole Conner

Infant Lead guide

Hi! I’m so excited to be apart of the Elevate family and to have my son enrolled in the program. I am originally from Hood River Oregon and moved to Livingston in the winter of 2021.

In the past I worked as a veterinary technician, but when my son was born in 2023, I had to make a career change and wanted to work in childcare. I’ve always used Montessori ideals of independence and play when with my nieces and knew I wanted to raise my child in a Montessori home. In my free time, I like to cook, bake, read, and spend time outdoors. 

Wendy Davis

Infant guide

Greetings! My husband and I are ranchers and raise red angus cattle and registered quarter horses in the Paradise Valley. I have 3 grown children, 9 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren.

I have worked in a Montessori setting previously and I love children! Their curiosity and views intrigue me. I find that the same patience, kindness, and intuition I use when working with children reflects how I care for our ranch. I am so excited to be part of the Elevate family.

Gregory Lesky

Infant Guide

Gregory comes to Elevate after an extensive professional career with many avenues. Born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio, he moved to Big Sky, Montana in June 2007 and never looked back. Relying on culinary skills honed professionally since age 15, he pursued the dreams that brought him out west by setting up a lunch option for a rafting company in exchange for training to be a whitewater guide. Continuing on this path, he learned how to build a home from start to finish with an established company in Big Sky. Since then he has tried other careers but is very excited about the Montessori path and having the privilege of being a part of these young people’s lives during some of their most important developmental periods. You might see Gregory, Heidi, and Maisy on the river, on a bike ride, at the ski hill or out at a farmers market. They also enjoy camping and traveling.

Fallan Milne

School chef

Hi! I'm the chef here at our school and I love cooking everything from scratch and creating my own menus to bring a little variety, and love to the table each day. For me, cooking is more than just preparing food, it's about putting care into what I make and helping provide our children with nourishing meals as they learn, grow, and explore.

When I'm not in the kitchen, you'll most likely find me enjoying the outdoors with my husband and child. We're an outdoors-loving family who enjoys riding horses, hunting, hiking, and fishing.

I believe that a little homemade goodness and a whole lot of love can make a difference, and I'm happy to bring that spirit into the kitchen each day!

Jess Haas

executive director

Hi! I’m originally from the glaciated prairie of South Dakota and have called Montana home for over 14 years. I started my teaching journey in the wilds of Idaho teaching at an outdoor science school, from there taught in a 2nd and 3rd grade classroom, and then returned to outdoor science teaching in various settings. I believe the outdoors are our best classroom.

I now live in Emigrant with my partner, our curious and joyful daughter, two dogs, two cats, and two sassy chickens. We spend as much time outside as possible, tracking moon cycles, celebrating the wheel of the year, and soaking up Montana’s changing seasons.

Becoming a mom has helped me understand how deeply childcare needs affect families and the broader community. I’m inspired to meet those needs here in Park County. As Executive Director at Elevate Montessori School, I feel honored to support the children, families, and guides who make this community so special.