Staff Biographies

Crystal Mills, Administrator, taught junior high, high school, and community college mathematics for 17 years and then spent 7 years as a Developmental Editor for a mathematics textbook publisher. Since 1988 she has served as the graphics editor for a quarterly publication of a mathematics journal published by the California Mathematics Council. She has also published two books related to origami. Crystal has a B.A. in mathematics and a M.Ed. from the University of Houston. She became interested in Montessori education as a result of her daughter Keri becoming a Montessori teacher.

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 and Kelley Crawford are our two assistants. Feby began working at Pioneer Meadows in 2008. Previously she worked with Ellen and Reed. Kelley has worked with Alexandra at Salmonberry Montessori since 2006. Kelley is also a graduate of Huxley College, Western Washington University.

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.

Kim Hawes is our curriculum adivisor.