Ameeta’s Class Biographies and Work Schedules

 

Ameeta Saxena                                                           

Hours 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM

Ameeta is originally from India. She received her Bachelor of Arts Degree in History from the University of Bombay. Ameeta also studied English literature, French literature, and software programming. Ameeta received her AMI primary diploma at the AMI Montessori training center in Bombay, India. Ameeta came to the United States in 2003, and now enjoys permanent resident status. She taught at Montessori Country Day in Plainsboro, New Jersey for two years before moving to California. Ameeta enjoys reading and listening to old Indian (Hindi) movie songs.

Why Montessori? “I came across the recommendation of the Montessori Method in an essay on education by the novelist-philosopher Any Rand. As soon as I could get a hold of a book by Dr. Montessori I read it and found that her method was very interesting. I particularly like the method for its benevolent approach of leaving the child free to choose and learn at his own pace, according to his own interests. It was amazing to see that in spite of the freedom there was discipline and not chaos in a Montessori environment. I also very much love the order and structure of the materials which helps the child learn in an orderly manner rather than in disconnected bits and pieces.”

 

Shannon Breshears

Hours 6:45 AM to 3:15 PM

            A native of Shasta County, Shannon is currently a student at Shasta College majoring in Early Childhood Education. Shannon previously taught at the Shasta College ECE preschool, and was a preschool teacher at Happy Valley. Shannon also worked at School Tools for many years. As a high school student, Shannon worked in a reading program for at-risk children. Shannon enjoys writing poetry and is also interested in Astronomy and Science. She loves the outdoors and camping on the coast.

            Why Montessori? “Montessori maintains a calmer atmosphere for the children to learn in comparison to conventional preschools. The children are treated as individuals. I like the way practical skills are integrated in the learning process. Lessons are presented on a one-to-one basis with the child as needed. The children learn lessons step-by-step.”

 

Caity Axelrod-McLeod

Hours 11:30 AM to 5:30 PM

          Caity has a Bachelor’s Degree from Wheelock College in Boston, which included studies in Early Childhood Education.  Caity moved to Redding from the east coast to be closer to her grandmother. Caity's intersts include music, reading, the outdoors, cooking, and her puppy.

          Why Montessori? "Well, I was a Montessori child and it was such a great experience for me. I really believe in this method and know how it feels to be the child experiencing it."