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. This summer I returned to Boulder and completed the summer session of my Montessori training for the Children's House, the 3-6 year old environment. I am continuing with my practicum and at the end of this school year I will be eligible for my AMS certification. I am very excited to apply my new education to the children in the classroom this year! This is my fourth year at SSM and my second 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!

Full Time Assistant Teacher - Amy Green

I am Amy Green and I am excited to be returning as SSM’s Full-Time Assistant teacher! I was born in Boulder, CO and grew up in the surrounding suburbs. Shortly after beginning college at Fort Lewis in Durango, Colorado, I was bitten by the travel bug and found myself at the University of Hawaii. Since an exchange program only lasts so long I was forced to return to the mainland where I completed my B.A. in Elementary Education at CU-Boulder. After graduation I took on the position of membership coordinator at the Association for Experiential Education. While I loved my job and being so close to my family I also felt the need to fulfill my dream of living and teaching in the mountains. So here I am in Steamboat and I couldn’t be happier- I look forward to working with and getting to know all of you as well as the many adventures in the year to come!

Part Time 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 5 & 8 years old, and together we enjoy biking, skiing, swimming, yoga, gardening, and lots of reading.

Executive Director - Leneh Wingard

I am delighted to be beginning my second year as Steamboat Springs Montessori’s Executive Director—my dream job! I moved to Steamboat four years ago from Oregon, where I was the Director of Pine Grove Head Start, a multi-classroom preschool. Additionally, I was the owner/director of an adventure summer camp for 4-11 year olds. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Education and Marine Science from The Evergreen State College, and a Master’s Degree in Education from Lesley University. My husband, Nelson, and I welcomed our first child, Lily Kay Wingard, last February. I am looking forward to another exciting year at SSM!