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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.

Avolea Archuleta

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Staff Bios, Toddler Staff.

Avolea was born and raised in Ogden, Utah. Her first introduction to Montessori was as a student in lower elementary. There her love for this new way of learning bloomed. After graduating from AMES, Avolea was an Assistant Toddler Teacher at Elizabeth Academy for two years. These experiences only grew her admiration for the Montessori method. Before this, Avolea worked with children of all age groups as a daycare teacher, an English intern for a secondary school, and a nanny. She is excited to broaden her knowledge of Montessori through the guidance of Foothill Montessori and build happy memories in the classroom. Outside of work, Avolea spends her time volunteering, reading at the Salt Lake library, or in the mountains exploring. Avolea is constantly trying to expand her horizons and learn more in every aspect of life.

Karen Rodriguez

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Early Childhood Staff, Staff Bios.

Karen Rodriguez is originally from Mexico City and arrived in Utah as a baby. She enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and snowboarding. In 2019, Karen took a child development class at the Granite Institution, where she earned her child development certificate. From 2022 to 2024, Karen worked as a Spanish guide at Serendipity Bilingual School, where she fell in love with the Montessori teaching method. Now at FMSL, Karen loves working with the children and enjoys being a positive impact in their learning environment. She believes in creating a fun, nurturing space that respects the individual needs of each student.

Madeleine White

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Early Childhood Staff, Staff Bios.

Madeleine grew up in Centerville, Utah, where her nurturing spirit and passion for helping others took root early on. Her fascination with child development has been a constant throughout her life, and she’s always sought to deepen her understanding of how children grow and learn.

Over the years, Madeleine has had the rewarding experience of caring for her nieces and nephews, an experience that has enriched her understanding of children’s unique needs. Additionally, her time as a substitute teacher in many schools throughout the Salt Lake Valley has given her the opportunity to work with children of all ages, allowing her to adapt to different learning styles and environments.

Madeleine is excited to bring her passion and experience to Foothill Montessori, where she can continue to grow in her passion for guiding children on their unique learning journeys.

In her free time, Madeleine enjoys quality time with family and friends, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Katie Sellers

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Specialty Staff, Staff Bios.

Katie Sellers is thrilled to return to Foothill Montessori of Salt Lake as the Music Specialist. With over 15 years of experience as a Montessori Early Childhood guide and a lifelong background in vocal performance, guitar, and songwriting, she brings both teaching and musical expertise to her work. Trained in First Steps in Music, Katie creates joyful, research-based lessons that nurture each child’s love of music.

Katie grew up in the rolling hills of Northern California’s wine country, but now calls Utah home, where she lives with her husband, their two children—both students at FMSL—and their dog, Arlo. When she’s not humming a tune or strumming her guitar, Katie loves exploring nature, tackling remodeling projects with her husband, and tending to her ever-growing collection of plant babies.

Whitney Ofa

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Staff Bios, Toddler Staff.

Whitney Ofa graduated from Southern Virginia University with a degree in Family and Human Development. During her time at SVU, she was actively involved in student government, serving as Vice President of Campus Relations, and competed as a student-athlete on the cross country and track teams. Her college experience strengthened her passion for leadership, community, and supporting the growth and development of others, especially young children.

Whitney has always loved working with toddlers. She’s drawn to their curiosity, big feelings, and the joyful way they experience the world. With experience in early childhood settings and a deep appreciation for child development, she is excited to bring her warmth, structure, and enthusiasm to the Foothill Montessori community. She is passionate about nurturing the whole child and feels grateful to be part of a team that shares those values.

Nayumi Fuller

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Staff Bios, Toddler Staff.

Nayumi Fuller is deeply passionate about child development. She fell in love with the Montessori method during her schooling at the University of Utah.

She received her bachelor’s degree in Family, Community, and Human Development with a Child Life emphasis in July 2020. She completed her Infant & Toddler Montessori MACTE certificate through Rings of Knowledge in August 2025. 

Nayumi worked as a toddler guide for two years at Dancing Moose Montessori School. She loves the respect, love, and care shown and given in a Montessori environment to toddlers. She sees how important it is for every child to experience Montessori learning. 

Nayumi is a mom to her toddler boy. She loves to spend time outdoors with her son, sing karaoke, and read books.