Shady Oaks Montessori

Celia’s Toddler Community

Celia’s Class age 2 years old

Biographies and Work Schedules

Celia Rocha, Montessori Assistants to Infancy Guide 
Hours 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Celia is originally from Mexico and came to the United States 37 years ago. Celia is now a U.S. citizen. She is married, has two grown daughters, and three grandchildren. Celia received her AMI Montessori diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego in 2001. Celia’s Montessori trainer was Dr. Silvano Montanaro from Italy. Dr. Montanaro is world renown for her work with infants and toddlers. Celia also has an AA in Early Childhood education from Shasta College. Celia has been at Montessori Children’s House of Shady Oaks continuously since 1991. Celia is fluent in Spanish and she incorporates it into her classroom. Celia’s hobbies include cooking, gardening, sewing, walking, and music.

Why Montessori? “I was invited by Marion Darancette to teach Spanish and cooking with the children in the class. I really enjoy the interaction between the children and their independence.”

Cindy Dykstra ,  Assistant Teacher
Hours 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM


Margaret’s Primary Class

Margaret’s Class Ages 3 through Kindergarten

Biographies and Work Schedules

Margaret Barlow, Montessori Guide 
Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Margaret comes from an extended family of Montessorians who have filled a variety of roles from student to Head of School over a span of three generations! Her son’s family lives in beautiful San Diego where a second grandson is on the way! Margaret received her AMI Primary training in Santa Monica, California, after three years of undergraduate work in Child Development and Early Childhood Education at the University of Utah and Cal State Northridge.  She has extensive experience in the Primary classrooms, working for many years in Dallas,Texas and Santa Barbara, California. Margaret is an experienced equestrian and has spent the past 5 summers volunteering at several therapeutic riding facilities. She is currently in training to become a therapeutic riding instructor; combining her love for horses and her passion for helping people.

Why Montessori? Being part of a child’s journey to becoming an independent, creative, and joyful learner is such an incredible experience and a validation of Dr. Montessori’s genius that is truly a gift to mankind.

Divya Patel, Assistant Teacher
Hours 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM


Kris’s Primary Class

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Kris’s Class Ages 3 years through Kindergarten

Biographies and Work Schedules

Kris Carbin, Montessori Guide
Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Kris has been married for twenty-five years and is a mother to five boys. Originally from the Bay Area, Kris and her family moved to Redding ten years ago. Kris has worked in numerous early childhood programs including Alice’s Montessori in the Bay Area. Kris trained at the AMS Montessori Teacher Education Center in San Leandro, California. Her hobbies include scrap booking, biking with the boys, and enjoying life in the outdoors.

Why Montessori? “I love the Montessori method! The environment is nurturing to the children’s spirit and mind, and helps them grow in a natural way.”

Ashley Graham, Assistant Teacher
Hours 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM


Jenny’s Primary Class

Jenny’s Class Ages 3 Years through Kindergarten

Biographies and Work Schedules

Jenny Williams, Montessori Primary Guide
Hours: 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM

Jenny is married and the mother of two children, the step-mother of two children, and the grandmother of 4 children. Jenny has been working at Montessori Children’s House since 1993. Prior to Montessori Jenny worked for two years at Prince and Princesses Preschool. Jenny received her AMI Montessori Diploma in 2003 from the St. Louis Montessori Institute. She also has an AA degree in Early Childhood studies from Shasta College. She enjoys spending time with family and attends a lot of family gatherings.

Why Montessori? “When I first started here I found it to be very helpful to me. I wish I had the opportunity all the children are getting; I don’t think it would have been such a struggle for me. Now this is where my heart and soul are. I have been able to grow and blossom over the years as I hope the children do.”

Christina Sanderson, Assistant Teacher
Hours 7:30 AM to 3:30 PM


After School Care

The after school care program is meant to be a relaxing end to your child’s day. There will be opportunities for your child to cook, sing, dance, do art activities, and play with some unique toys that are not available during the school day. The after school care program will also enjoy more outside time on the playground. Hours for the after school care program are from 3 pm to 5:30 pm.

Cindy Farrell, Primary After School Care Teacher
Hours 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM

Cindy is married and has three daughters, three grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Cindy began working at Montessori Children’s House of Shady Oaks in 1996. She has worked as an assistant in both the toddler community and the primary classes. In 2004 she took on the role of school secretary. Cindy has an AA degree in Early Childhood from Shasta College. Cindy has also worked at Heather Ridge Childcare Center and Shasta Head Start. She enjoys watching NASCAR races, and going to the ocean.

Cindy Dykstra, Toddler After School Care Teacher
Hours 3:00 PM to 5:30 PM


Administration

Thomas Kaut, Administrator

Celia Rocha, Director 

Cindy Farrell, Secretary

Thomas Kaut, Administrator
A father of three girls, Tom is first and foremost a Montessori parent. With a background in sales and marketing, he started his career with Montessori Children’s House in 1991 as the Business Manager. Tom took over as the Administrator a year later. Tom studied early childhood education at Shasta College and also participated in a Montessori group study through Montessori World Educational Institute. Tom is active in the community and values the collaboration between the many early childhood organizations he volunteers for in Shasta County.

Why Montessori? “I really like the way Montessori helps to recognize children’s interests and follow those instead of deciding for the children what we want them to do. I believe this is at the heart of allowing their internal motivation to blossom. I also value that there is as much for us to learn as adults as there is for the children!”

Cindy Farrell, Secretary
Hours 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM

Cindy is married and has three daughters, three grandchildren, and five great grandchildren. Cindy began working at Montessori Children’s House of Shady Oaks in 1996. She has worked as an assistant in both the toddler community and the primary classes. In 2004 she took on the role of school secretary. Cindy has an AA degree in Early Childhood from Shasta College. Cindy has also worked at Heather Ridge Childcare Center and Shasta Head Start. She enjoys watching NASCAR races, and going to the ocean.

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