Marissa Bradford

Early Childhood Lead Teacher

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.

Monique Rossouw

Early Childhood Teacher

I am a passionate volunteer teacher from South Africa currently pursuing my Montessori certification. I am in Montana with my husband who is working on a ranch. I grew up around horses and love nature, dogs, going on hikes and traveling. I worked at a home schooling and after care centre in my hometown before starting my Montessori journey, I did some practical hours at two different Montessori schools in South Africa before joining my husband in the US and continuing my journey at Elevate.

I find joy in guiding children on their growing journey, and I am dedicated to helping young minds develop and thrive, encouraging them to reach their full potential through nurturing and personalized teaching methods, I aspire to show genuine care for each child and their unique path of growth and discovery.

Leslie Kennedy

Toddler Lead Teacher/School founder

Hello. I am originally from Dallas, TX. I have a Bachelors of Journalism from the University of Missouri. I fell in love with the area, and my husband, while working in Yellowstone National Park.

We are excited to call Livingston home along with our two amazing daughters, 2 dogs and 1 cat. Inspired by my daughter, I began the journey to Montessori and the path of helping our community.

I am an AMS Montessori certified guide for infants and toddlers (0 to 3 years old). I have been working with both age groups for the last eight years and have learned to hold a high standard of care for the children. I love hiking, skiing, kayaking, camping, traveling, sewing and being with friends and family.

Cassie Garcia

Toddler Teacher

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

toddler Teacher

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 Teacher

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.

Nicole Conner

Infant Lead Teacher

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. 

Lisa Villanueva

Infant Teacher

Hello! I am originally from Kansas, but as a part of a military family, I have lived in a number of different states, including Germany, spending the past 19 years in Colorado. I have had a love for children my entire life and had the privilege of being a stay-at-home mom to my 2 amazing children.

Volunteering at their school started my passion for education, which led to me working at an elementary school for 10 years. I enjoy watching children learn and grow and am excited to be part of this team.

I, along with my dog and cat, am looking forward to the adventure of living in Montana and getting the opportunity to explore the area and build relationships with the families of Livingston.

Jess Haas

executive director

Hi! I’m originally from the glaciated prairie of South Dakota and have called Montana home for over a decade. 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. Most recently I served as the Executive Director at Montana Outdoor Science School.

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 and believe that strong, local nonprofit organizations are at the heart of happy, thriving communities. As Executive Director at Elevate Montessori School, I feel honored to support the children, families, and guides who make this community so special.