Community
SunGarden is known for it’s quality staff – highly trained, warm, welcoming, positive and compassionate – ready to support the optimal development of each child. All of our guides at SunGarden are AMI-trained. On-going professional development and personal reflection are essential aspects of our community.
Our Educational Staff
The Sun Room:
Jessie Hanna: Guide (Teacher)
Jessie began her career in Montessori at SunGarden as a practice teacher and assistant. She became the guide of the Sun Room in 2006. She brings the gift of connecting individually with each child – seeing and bringing forth the inner beauty in each child – adapting her approach to meet each child’s personality and learning style. She joyfully shares her love of the outdoors, biking and knitting with the children.
BS in Ecology – University of Georgia
AMI Primary Diploma – Montessori Institute Northwest
Master of Education – Loyola University Maryland
Julie Weiss: Assistant
Julie comes to SunGarden having worked for 2 years as an assistant at Village Montessori 
in California and as a Camp Counselor at the Oregon Zoo and Tryon Creek State Park’s Nature Camp. She brings a vibrant enthusiasm and engaging personality to her work with children and her passion for Montessori education. She is eager to share her love of the outdoors and drama.
BA in Drama – San Francisco State University
AMI Primary Diploma – Montessori Institute Northwest
Muriah Gerrard: Assistant
Prior to joining SunGarden in 2008, Muriah spent a year substituting at several local Montessori schools as a guide. As a parent of 2 young boys, she understands the needs and motivations of young children. These experiences combined with her warm, gentle manner and deep commitment to Montessori as an “education for life” allow her to support children’s sense of comfort, confidence and eagerness to learn. Muriah enjoys sharing her love of children’s books, flower arranging and gardening.
Human Studies – Marylhurst University
AMI Primary Diploma – Montessori Institute Northwest
The Garden Room:
Andrea Santini: Guide (Teacher)
Having been an assistant and director of morning care at West Hills Montessori School for two years, Andrea joins SunGarden having appreciated the energy and dedication required to succeed as a lead guide. She has worked in a variety of settings with children of all ages and abilities as a nanny, para-educator and academic advisor to Master’s students pursuing careers in special education. She brings a well-developed understanding of Montessori principles and practices along with a gentle warmth. She is committed to nurturing each child’s desire to learn and enjoys sharing her love for sign language, gardening and playing the guitar.
BS in Communication and Counseling – Northern Illinois University
Sign Language Interpreter Certificate – University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
AMI Primary Diploma – Montessori Institute Northwest
Master of Education – Loyola University Maryland
Jacqueline McCarville: Assistant
Jacqueline has been the lead assistant in the Garden Room since 1998, sharing her gentle, 
wise and loving ways with each child each moment of the day. She is a model of patience and understanding, attentive listening, and mindful responsiveness. A source of much intrigue are Jacqueline’s delightful stories about growing up in England.
Creche & Childcare Course – Sunderland, England
Assistant’s Training Course – Montessori Institute Northwest
Yvette Cushman-Baton: Assistant and Siesta Program Guide
Having worked with children providing physical therapy on horseback and substituting at Greenstone Montessori, Yvette joins SunGarden both as a parent (of Emma and Jackson) and as the 2nd assistant in the Garden Room. Yvette will also be guiding our new Siesta Program. Yvette brings patience, respect and lovely communication skills to this work, and will enjoy sharing the newly enhanced outdoor environment with children.
Biology major – Clackamas Community College
Aftercare:
Denee Longan
Denee has had three years’ experience guiding Montessori children’s house communities in the Portland area, since her Montessori training in 2005. She ran her own Montessori-inspired in-home child care for three years after the birth of her son several years ago. Denee has had over ten years of experience working with children in school and child care settings. In her spare time, she loves to sew, spend time with her family, and tell children true stories about her funny cat named Tom.
BS in Education — Multnomah University
AMI Primary Diploma — Montessori Institute Northwest
Master in Education — Loyola University Maryland
Our Administrative Staff
Ann Messick: Administrator
After working as a guide at West Hills Montessori School and SunGarden for 23 years, Ann moved into the office, providing guidance to the staff, support to parents, and leadership to SunGarden as the administrator. Listening respectfully and sharing the “magic” of Montessori, Ann hopes to continually strengthen the quality of work and reputation of SunGarden.
Art Education – University of Oregon
BS in Psychology – Portland State University
AMI Primary Diploma – Montessori Institute Northwest
Laura Pilkington: Assistant to the Administrator
Laura first learned about the Montessori philosophy in 2002, and was hooked! In addition 
to time spent as a Montessori Primary assistant, she has worked with children in a variety of capacities such as coaching gymnastics, teaching private music lessons, leading parent/infant music groups, and giving childcare. Laura comes to SunGarden after working at the Montessori Institute Northwest, where she provided administrative assistance for three years. She loves to be outdoors, and to spend time with her family and friends.
BA in Sociology/Anthropology – Lewis and Clark College
MA in Music History – University of Oregon
AMI Primary Diploma – Montessori Institute Northwest
Master of Education – Loyola University Maryland
