Staff Biographies
Kimberly Connor, Director, taught 10th grade Language Arts and 12th grade Public Speaking for five years at Mount Si High School in Snoqualmie, WA. Prior to that, she worked for nearly 10 years in marketing and graphic design for engineering, architectural, and consulting firms in both Seattle, WA and Anchorage, AK. She holds a BA in English from Providence College in RI, a Masters in English from the University of Alaska Anchorage, as well as a Masters in Teaching from Seattle University. She is passionate about the Montessori method, and looks forward to working with the Board, staff, families, and students of Pioneer Meadows to continue to foster the excellence that a Montessori education can bring.
Ellen Lebitz, Education Director and Children’s House teacher, holds both primary (ages 2–6+ years) and elementary (ages 6–12 years) diplomas from the Association Montessori Internationale (AMI). She has worked professionally with children in a variety of settings for over 15 years and has been active in Montessori education since 1992. In 1994, with a group of dedicated parents, Ellen helped found Heartland Community Montessori School in River Falls, Wisconsin. She held a position there as elementary teacher and Education Director until 1999. In 2004 she founded PVMS, with her husband Reed Braden, and has served as its Children’s House teacher. Ellen has extensive experience working with children with cognitive, physical and learning differences. She has attended workshops, conferences and courses related to working with children with learning differences in a Montessori setting. In addition to her Montessori experiences, Ellen has a B.A. in Fine Art and an M.A. in Studio Art and has been teaching art classes to children and adults since 1991.
Reed Braden holds an elementary (ages 6–12 years) diploma from AMI and a M.Ed. in Montessori Elementary Education. He has worked with children and adolescents in a number of settings, including as an elementary teacher, environmental educator, and art instructor. From 2004 until 2006 he was the director of a Montessori adolescent program in Surrey, British Columbia. Reed has taught in the elementary program and summer camp since 2006. In addition to his work with children, Reed has a B.A. in Art. Reed is in charge of our grounds and animals and will be working towards creating our outdoor environment. He will be working with the children to develop our gardens as well as exploring nature around our site. He will also work with the elementary class when Ellen is performing her duties as Education Director.
Keri Bauckman, one of our Children’s House teachers, holds a primary Montessori diploma from AMS and a Bachelors of Liberal Studies degree from St’ Mary’s College. She taught in Children’s Houses in Concord, CA for five years and also in Cambridge, MA. Keri is a versatile and talented artist who brings her passion and skill set to the Children’s House program and the full-day Montessori Program.
Alexandra Sands attended an AMI Montessori school in Bellingham as a child. The positive experience inspired her to become a Children’s House Montessori teacher. She received a primary diploma from Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) in 1996. From 1996–2000 she taught at The Montessori School of Casper in Casper, WY. In 2006 she founded Salmonberry Montessori School in Bellingham and ran a successful, busy school until 2009. She has attended numerous Montessori conferences, most recently those related to children with special needs. One of Alexandra's favorite aspects of teaching is relating stories from her world travels. Alexandra also holds a B.A. in Literature from Whitman College.
Lisa Melia holds a primary (2-6 years) diploma from AMI and a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Huxley College, Western Washington University. Her formal teaching experience includes environmental education to elementary students and ESL to various age groups in Spain. She has also worked as a Case manager for Big Brothers/Big Sisters. Lisa lived and worked in Uganda, Africa for three years, collaborating with community members, park staff and teachers to achieve sustainable use of resources and improve daily living conditions.
Feby Alva is our Children's House aide. Feby began working at Pioneer Meadows in 2008. Previously she worked with Ellen and Reed.
Rena Churchill works in the office as our office assistant. She also helps in the classroom when necessary. She has worked with children with developmental disabilities and is a parent of a former student.
Melanie Helt is our curriculum adivisor.