Dianna Redmond, M.Ed. ~ Head of School

Originally from the Sierra Nevada foothills in Northern California, Dianna moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2013. She holds a BA in Anthropology from California State University, Chico and an M.Ed from Loyola University, Maryland. She also earned her Association Montessori International (AMI) primary diploma (ages 3-6) from Washington Montessori Institute. After many years working in Montessori school environments, as both a lead guide for a primary classroom and an assistant for an elementary classroom, Dianna had two children of her own. Her oldest child began attending SunGarden in the Fall of 2021. In the Spring of 2022 Dianna’s second child began attending in the Rose Room when Dianna Joined the teaching staff. Dianna began her tenure as Head of School in July 2023.

Outside of SunGarden, Dianna loves spending time with her husband, Alex, their children, Mia and James, and their three cats, Zoey, Zelda, and Apollo. Dianna enjoys reading books, exploring nature, and baking with her children.

AMI Primary Diploma

Master’s in Education

Kate Wood ~ Rose Room Guide

Kate began her career in early childhood development in 2015 and flourished from the beginning. The people who know her and work with her know her to be a patient and flexible caregiver. 

Kate began working with SunGarden toddlers before our Covid closure. She returned to the community in Early 2023.

Kate lives in Wilsonville with her husband and two children. She enjoys spending as much time as possible with her family and dog.

Lexi Cooper ~ Rose Room Assistant

Lexi was born and raised in Bend, OR. There she first found Montessori and spent three years working with toddlers at a Montessori school. Lexi moved to Portland and joined our toddler team in summer 2022. She has been enjoying all the new and exciting opportunities that have come her way here.

“The children inspire and teach me so many wonderful things each day. My goal is to provide a safe and comfortable space to help them grow and learn as well!”

Natalie Johnson ~ Rose Room Assistant

Natalie joined SunGarden in October of 2023. Her love for working with children stems from her childhood, where she watched her mother teach first grade. The dedication to her mother had for students inspired Natalie to pursue a career in teaching and working with children.

Natalie’s journey began as a gymnastics coach, where she had the opportunity to work with children of all ages, ranging from 1 to 15 years old. This experience further ignited her passion for teaching and working with children. When Natalie joined SunGarden, she knew that it was the perfect place for her to continue her work with children.

“The environment here is nurturing, and the staff is knowledgeable, which has allowed me to grow and develop my skills as an educator.”

In Natalie’s free time, she enjoys outdoor activities such as snowboarding and hiking. She also enjoys spending quality time with her loved ones.

Mariah Stewart ~ Sun Room Guide

Mariah, originally from Austin, Texas, worked in the role of assistant in a primary community for two years before moving to Portland in 2018 to complete her AMI Primary training at Montessori Northwest. Since receiving her diploma, Mariah has led communities of 2.5-6.5 year old children at small nonprofit schools and in a homeschool setting. She joined the SunGarden community in 2021.

Her mission is to facilitate a space where children are empowered to care for themselves and their community, to explore their environment without disruption, and develop the fundamental skills that will carry them throughout their lives.

Mariah loves connecting with children and adults, dancing, reading, and enjoying the outdoors with family and friends.

AMI Primary Diploma

Ann Rockwell ~ Sun Room Assistant

Ann is happy to be back in the Pacific Northwest closer to her family. She found her way to SunGarden Montessori late summer of 2023. In 2019 Ann discovered the Montessori method of learning. She feels lucky to have been a Montessori assistant ever since.

“I am enjoying working at SunGarden with the dedicated, caring, and creative team who help make this school special every day. Each day is an opportunity for me to continue learning alongside the amazing SunGarden team and your children.”

“What We Learn with Pleasure We Never Forget”.

Grace Sayre ~ Outdoor Guide

Grace grew up in the Pacific Northwest and contributes the years spent outdoors as a child to her desire and delight in working outside. She has enjoyed working as a nanny, teacher, and child educator for more than 15 years. “There is so much wisdom and deep joy in the heart of the child and I am continuously inspired by them.” As a Primary trained Montessori teacher, a mother, and a gardener, Grace is excited to bring all of these parts of herself together as she works with children in the Outdoor Environment at SunGarden.

When Grace is not enjoying her time with the children at SunGarden, she is spending time with her two children, LumiBear and Aruna, and her partner Shawn. She enjoys creating through music, dance, camping, hiking, reading and tending to the garden. Grace and her family live in Portland with their two furry companions, Brahmananda and Twinkle.

Grace is excited for the journey ahead, spending her days honoring the Earth and helping children find a deeper connection to the land around them, the cycles of nature and the food that they eat.

AMI Primary Diploma

Janis Wulgart ~ Aftercare Lead

In the Science World, Janis is known as Electra Current. When she retired from teaching in California after 30 years, she immediately realized that she was not done with working for children. She says she has worked with every age and ability of more than a thousand children and is still amazed by their individuality and creativity. She believes in the whole child and loves to guide them through their curiosity and ingenuity by creating exciting curriculum in the form of camps and workshops.