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Author: Joshi Haskell

Kate Grasso

Written by Joshi Haskell on . Posted in Infant Staff, Staff Bios.

Both my education and work backgrounds are pretty eclectic! I studied film photography, cosmetology, business/secretarial and later ayurveda and reiki energy healing. My work background – also diverse, includes restaurant and catering, portrait, lifestyle, editorial and commercial photography. I worked as a chiropractic assistant and office manager in hospitality for a non-profit lighthouse foundation. I currently freelance in online auction estate sales, cataloging and writing descriptions. Since moving to SL, I worked for a greenhouse as an indoor plant technician. I’m very excited to be a part of Foothill Montessori, I have always been curious about the philosophy, and I hope that I will be a positive addition to the team. I feel very good being here already, I’m meeting so many wonderful staff members and everyone has been so welcoming, and having that trial day in Hummingbirds was a great experience! I have 3 grown kids in their mid-20s, one in SL which is why I moved here! I have a dog named Forest and we love to hike together – I also love yoga, gardening, cooking and being a creative artist and taking care of people, I hope to share Reiki with my community as well. Thank you for this wonderful opportunity!

Robi Keifert

Written by Joshi Haskell on . Posted in Staff Bios, Support Staff.

Robi comes to us as an Experienced Facility Technician with a diverse background in property management, oil and gas industries, mining, and commercial diving. He has demonstrated expertise in general maintenance, safety procedures, equipment troubleshooting, and team leadership. Holds certifications in CPR and First Aid, and has experience in welding, heavy equipment operation, and underwater construction.

What he looks forward to in being a part of Foothill Montessori is ensuring the welfare and safety of the children and staff in the school.

Enjoys spending quality time with his wife and children.

Parent of two Montessori students.

Teresa Lewis

Written by Joshi Haskell on . Posted in Elementary Staff, Staff Bios, Support Staff.

Teresa Lewis spent her formative years in Bingham Farms, Michigan, but has called Utah “home” for 40 years. Her Montessori journey began over 30 years ago when her oldest child became a student at their local Montessori school. So impressed with the Montessori model of education: the education of the whole child and the inclusion and honoring of children, no matter their background, that she began the work of becoming a Montessori teacher herself. She has done certification course work from Montessori World Education Institute, Institute for Guided Studies, North American Montessori Center, and has taught at 3 other Montessori schools in the Salt Lake valley. A Montessori education has been a way of life for her own children, and now her grandchildren. She is a passionate advocate for children’s rights and believes that working with children is a sacred honor. She is thrilled to be a part of the Foothill Montessori team and looks forward to helping make a real difference in the lives of our students.

In her spare time, she is a mixed-media artist, a nature lover and explorer, and loves to spend whatever time she can with her children and grandchildren.

Hanna Meleen

Written by Joshi Haskell on . Posted in Staff Bios, Support Staff.

Hanna is a fourth generation teacher and has worked in Montessori schools for three years along with experience in public schools. She enjoys both settings but finds that the Montessori Method of teaching aligns with her educational philosophy. Hanna’s specialty is creating loving and supportive relationships with students and parents. As much as she enjoys the educating aspect of the classroom, she primarily thrives in the interpersonal connections she makes with the students.

Hanna has lived in Utah for all of her life and has spent her adulthood in her favorite place: Salt Lake City. She loves the diversity and different cultures that Salt Lake encompasses.

In her free time she embroiders, makes analog collages, cares for her 50+ plants, and obsesses over her two cats, Bee and Bug. She got married in 2024 to her best friend, Hunter, who she has known since 2011. Hanna enjoys all things cat, plant, or art related and hopes to work as an Art Class Guide in the future.