Our Staff
Our Montessori and Support Guides are the designers of the environment, resources, role models, record-keepers and meticulous observers of each child's behavior and growth
Mikali Rinehart
Site Director
I have worked in childcare since I was 20. I enjoyed it so much I never stopped! I began working at NWM last July when I heard they were opening an infant program. I have enjoyed learning the ways of Montessori so far. Children bring a joy to our lives that cannot be replaced by anything, and I am thrilled to be around them most of my day.
“Children learn more from what you are than what you teach.”- W.E.B. Dubois
Patricia Hoskins
Director of Education (Infant & Toddler)
I have over 30 years of dedicated experience as a Montessori practitioner, I received my training in Assistance to Infancy in Denver,which led me to obtain a master's degree in early childhood education from Loyola. I am at Natures Way Montessori because I find there is a genuine love and profound respect held for each child in our care. We approach every child with utmost reverence, honoring their individual growth and facilitating their unique learning journey. At Natures Way Montessori, we understand that every child is a cherished individual, deserving of an environment that nurtures their innate potential. I am very happy to be here!
I am a proud mother to four exceptional adult children and a delighted grandmother to six beloved grandchildren.! I am a proud mother to four exceptional adult children and a delighted grandmother to six beloved grandchildren.
"The hands are the instruments of man's intelligence." -The Absorbent Mind
Helen Evett
Lead Teacher (Eucalyptus)
I have been working in the early childhood education field for over 21 years. I enjoy working at NWM because I do not feel like an employee, but a part of the family. I always feel respected and valued.
“It is not what you do for your children, but what you have taught them to do for themselves that will make them successful human beings.”- Ann Landers
Madelaine Bohlken
Teacher Assistant (Eucalyptus)
After taking an AMI Montessori Assistant course, I was instantly hooked by the philosophy. The pedagogy was deeply inspiring and when I had the opportunity to observe the principles in practice at NWM, I knew it would be an honor to join this amazing team. I am so excited to learn more working alongside our experienced lead teachers.
"We see the figure of the child who stands before us with his arms held open, beckoning humanity to follow." - Dr. Maria Montessori
Jenny Solana
Teacher Assistant (Eucalyptus)
My name is Ms. Jen (Jenny). I have been in early childhood education for 6 years and continue loving it! Being a part of NWM has been a great experience and an eye opener for me, by being able to expand my knowledge of meeting a child's needs to see and help them grow on their own.
“The education of even a small child, therefore, does not aim at preparing him for school, but for life.” - Maria Montessori
Brenda Talavera
Lead Teacher (Willow)
My name is Brenda Talavera. I have worked with children for 15 years. I began working at NWM in 2017 and fell in love with the Montessori Method. Giving every child a chance to reach their full potential is the best work anyone can do.
“It's’ hard to feel like much is wrong in the world when you’re looking into the eyes of a happy baby.”- Lisa Wingate
Ana De La Cruz
Teacher Assistant (Willow)
My name is Ana De La Cruz, I’ve worked with children from all ages for a decade now. I have recently become a mother and I am excited to bring my baby to NWM. I love working at NWM because I see how excited the children are to learn and accomplish new things!
“If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow.” -Alfie Kohn
Edna Pineda
Teacher Aid (Willow)
My name is Edna Mejía, in the past I’ve worked and volunteered with children in various age groups. I believe that Montessori has a great environment that allows for both; staff and children to grow. My experience at NWM so far has been great, and I’m excited for what’s to come in the future.
“If children feel safe, they can take risks, ask questions, make mistakes, learn to trust, share their feelings, and grow.” ~ Alfie Kohn
Jessica Delgado
Lead Teacher (Magnolia)
My name is Jessica Delgado, I have worked with children for about 5 and a half years. I love my work at NWM because I really love the community. I love to see how involved parents and staff are with each other. Whenever anyone is in need, this little community really comes together and goes above and beyond for each other.
“At every step the child should be allowed to meet the real experience in life; the thorns should never be plucked from his roses.”- Ellen Key
Ana Ceja
Teacher Assistant (Juniper)
My name is Ana Ceja, I have had the privilege to work with children and their families for 12 years. Being a mother myself, I always hoped to have the opportunity to bring my daughter into NWM. I am thankful that she is here alongside me. I chose to work at NWM because I have the opportunity to work with children who are actually excited to learn and so that I can learn more about the Montessori method.
“It shouldn’t matter how slowly a child learns as long as we are encouraging them not to stop. -Robert John Meehan
Michelle Anderson
Lead Teacher (Maple)
My name is Michelle Caddell and I have been working with children since 2010. I work at NWM because I wanted to explore and expand my knowledge of different fundamental values and views on child development.
“What is essential is to realize that children learn independently, not in bunches; that they learn out of interest and curiosity, not to please or appease the adults in power; and that they ought to be in control of their own learning, deciding for themselves what they want to learn and how they want to learn it.”- John Holt