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Sydnie Baker

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

Sydnie grew up in both Nashville, Tennessee, and Oakland, Kentucky. A graduate of culinary school from UVU and former pastry chef, she continues to share her expertise through her work with a small catering company. Since bringing her son to Foothill Montessori of Salt Lake, Sydnie has been drawn to the welcoming environment and dedicated staff, inspiring her to jump in as a substitute and now toddler support guide. An interesting fact about her is she loves to travel and has been to the Bahamas, India, London, and Fiji.

Noah Gessel

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

In the spring of 2024, Noah graduated from the University of Utah with a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Studies. In the past, their experience with children has involved teaching swimming, gymnastics, and nannying. Being in a school environment has been a dream of theirs. Noah hopes to support the school and staff in any way and provide a unique learning experience. A little known fact about Noah is that their father is in the military and so got moved around the country a lot as a child.

Mary Sam Barth

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Staff Bios.

Mary was an FMSL student 2005-2013! Growing on the method she applied it to many parts of her life, especially professionally. She has worked at a variety of places, such as YMCA Counselor, & Stagehand. Mary is excited to return to her roots and help kids find their spark as her teachers did for her! She now attends USU, set on a Music Production degree, Belmont (Nashville, TN), to help others grow their spark. Mary’s a graduate from SLSPA, 2022. Mary was SBO Pres, on hope squad & more!

Meg Mathews

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

Meg was raised in Utah County. She completed two years at Brigham Young University before joining Foothill Montessori of Salt Lake in January 2023. Meg is excited to be working on her Early Childhood Certification through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies and expects to receive her certificate in the summer of 2025.

At home, Meg enjoys spending her time with her husband and their young daughter. When she finds the time, she loves to create by illustrating or carving custom linocut prints.

Elise Winther

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

Elise was born and raised in Salt Lake City, Utah, where she found her passion for dance music and self-expression from a young age naturally and continued in two decades of professional dance training into her adulthood.

Elise explored many different career opportunities, from motherhood to business management to human resources, and serendipitously she found her way into teaching a few years ago.
Elise is now in her third year at Foothill Montessori of Salt Lake and has enjoyed so much of guiding young curious minds.

In her free time, Elise enjoys collecting new hobbies. She loves finding new activities that inspire movement, music, creativity, and nature. Elise enjoys roller skating, rock climbing, dancing, life music, hiking, kayaking, and just enjoying life. She is an avid reader and writer who has been working on her first young adult novel this year.

Elise is excited to continue to play, learn, and grow with the students of FMSL.

Karey Smith

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

Karey Smith was born in Lehi and is the oldest of five girls. She was an “Army Brat” and traveled all over until her family settled in New Jersey. She lived in England for a while and then returned to the U.S. to complete her Montessori Infant and Toddler training in Princeton, New Jersey. She then moved to Utah for her Early Childhood Education Montessori training. She has been working in Montessori since the age of 16! She loves to read, listen to music, watch movies, cross-stitch, and spend time with her family. Little known fact about Karey: her sisters are all named with K’s: Krissy, Krisha, Kendra, and Kimberly. Her mom’s name is Karen. Her dad’s name: Bob!! She has been a certified Montessori Guide in Early Childhood for over 27 years and has been at Foothill Montessori since 1997.

Kendalyn Mathews

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

Ms. Kendalyn was born and raised in Utah, surrounded by the Montessori philosophy from an early age. Having grown up with this unique approach to education, she developed a deep appreciation for its emphasis on independence, curiosity, and hands-on learning. The Montessori method has always inspired her and continues to shape her educational journey and approach in the classroom. Currently, she is interning and working towards receiving her Montessori credentials through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS), further deepening her expertise and commitment to the Montessori way.

Catherine Mathews

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

Catherine Mathews was born in and has spent most of her life in Utah. She was introduced to Montessori philosophy when her children were young and fell in love with its beautiful education for life. Cathie has been involved in Montessori environments since 2002. She received her Early Childhood Certification through the Institute of Guided Studies and joined the FMSL staff in 2017. Cathie has taught in Early Childhood and Early Elementary Montessori environments and has enjoyed both. In June of 2023, Catherine began her Montessori Leadership certification and was named the Head of School. She has felt just as much love and passion in supporting adults as she has always experienced with children. In July of 2024 Catherine & her husband Brian, along with Doug & Teresa Reed, purchased FMSL. They are so happy to watch as FMSL becomes a vibrant school once again. Cathie’s greatest love is her family. Together, she and her husband, Brian, are the parents of 2 girls and 4 boys, plus one bonus daughter. She feels the best gig in her life is that of being a grandparent!

Brooklyn Roush

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

Brooklyn was born and raised in Utah. She is a Montessori enthusiast who believes that the best classrooms are the ones where curiosity rules, peace thrives, and concentration is protected. After graduating from a Montessori-inspired charter high school, Brooklyn developed a deep appreciation for Montessori from a family member and fell in love with the method. In 2021, she dove headfirst into a training course with the Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS) and is currently completing her certification to be a Montessori Infant and Toddler Guide, ready to help the littlest learners become big thinkers. When Brooklyn isn’t in the classroom, she’s likely reading a book, enjoying a lake day, winning at Mario Kart, or spending time with family and friends. Brooklyn is always looking to expand her knowledge and go on adventures — both in life and in learning.

Bonnie Bracken

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

Bonnie Bracken is a lifelong resident of Salt Lake City, Utah. With over three decades of experience in the Montessori community, she began her journey as an Extended Day guide while pursuing her university degree. This early exposure ignited her passion for children and the Montessori Method. Bonnie has taught in both Early Childhood and Upper Elementary classrooms, but she finds the Lower Elementary age group particularly rewarding.

Through her dedication to Montessori education, Bonnie has completed coursework at the Montessori World Education Institute, the Utah Montessori Teachers Education Program, and most recently, the Institute for Montessori Innovation at Westminster College. In addition to her classroom teaching role, she has also served as a teacher intern grader and tester.

When she’s not immersed in the world of Montessori, Bonnie enjoys indulging in movie nights (for the popcorn), exploring the Oregon coast, spending quality time with family, and embarking on fishing and camping adventures with her husband, Jason, and their beloved dog, Archer.