Fostering a life long love of learning is our aim at SSM. The Montessori philosophy is a beautiful method of instilling this in children. Our school strives to surround our students with consistent, well-educated, positive role models, who are fun loving and passionate educators. It is an exceptional place to be a part of.

Lead Teacher - Alison Graham

Hello! My name is Alison Graham and I was born and grew up in Indiana. I graduated from Indiana University in 1999 with a bachelor’s of science in kinesiology, but my passion has always been with children. I moved to Boulder in 2000 and to Steamboat two years later. I am a certified (AMS) American Montessori Society teacher for 2 ½ -6 year olds. I also received my Director’s Qualification this summer. I am very excited to be in the classroom again this year! This is my fifth year at SSM and my third year as the Lead Teacher. I love living in the Yampa Valley because of the beauty, the people and the great sense of community that is here. I am so excited to be in this Montessori community; I look forward to a successful year and many more ahead!

Assistant Teacher - Jessica Koenig

Hello everyone! My name is Jessica Koenig and I have been living in and enjoying all Steamboat Springs has to offer since November 2007. I was raised in Saratoga Springs, New York and graduated from the University at Albany in 2007 with a degree in English and History. A job as a kids ski instructor and the promise of piles of snow is what initially brought me to Steamboat and I stayed because I fell in love with the community, the surrounding wilderness areas and the outdoor lifestyle! My roll as an Assistant Teacher at SSM is helping me explore future career options as an educator and since I began working at SSM in September, I have become very interested in the Montessori philosophy. I feel so fortunate to be working with such knowledgeable women and a wonderful group of children. Whether it is on the snow or in the classroom, spending time with children is one of my favorite things to do and I am thrilled to be part of this Montessori community. I hope to bring everything I learn this school year to my future endeavors as an educator.

Assistant Teacher - Sharon Ort

It is great to be back in preschool! My name is Sharon Ort and although I originally hail from sweet Maryland, I made the journey to the West in 1998 and have made my home in Oregon, Wyoming and now Colorado. My degrees are in International Relations, Business, and Teaching, and I am a certified American Montessori Internationale (AMI) teacher for 3-6 year olds. Since 1996 I have been in the field of Education. All my teaching experiences have been in multi-age classroom and I have worked with children from birth to 6th grade. My husband, Bob, is also a teacher. We have two daughters who are 6 & 9 years old, and together we enjoy biking, skiing, swimming, yoga, gardening, and lots of reading.