Who We Are

Our highly-qualified educators have over thirty years of collective experience in Montessori curriculum design, development and implementation. Beyond their educational expertise, our teachers find joy in creating a safe, nurturing, and supportive environment for your child to explore, learn and grow.

Jenna Fallaw

Director of School

Jenna brings over two decades of educational experience to her role as the Director of School. She holds an Early Childhood Credential from the Caspari Montessori Institute, and B.A. in Psychology from the University of Rhode Island. She has served as president of both the Montana Montessori Educators’ Association and the Caspari Montessori Institute Alumni Association. Prior to joining Mountain Meadows Montessori, Jenna worked as a teacher for nearly 15 years as well as Director at The Learning Circle Montessori School, one of Bozeman’s oldest Montessori preschools, prior to its closure in 2024. In addition to her expertise in Montessori education, Jenna has experience in science and outdoor and experiential curriculum development and implementation across a variety of settings. She is also a certified Positive Discipline Trainer. Outside of the classroom, Jenna is often out running the trails or traveling with her husband.

Christine Phillips

Lead Teacher

Christine holds an Early Childhood Credential from the American Montessori Society, M.A. in Education from St. Catherine University, and a B.S. in Natural Sciences from the University of Massachusetts. She previously served as Director and Lead Teacher during her time of 16 years at The Learning Circle Montessori School. She has specialized training in the science of reading and is passionate about using her expertise to employ evidence-based approaches in developing pre literacy skills in young children. Her background includes teaching experiential and natural science; teaching English in Chiapas, Mexico; and running cross-cultural trainings for international students. Christine is deeply involved in the professional development of educators. She is an instructor at the Montana Montessori Teacher Education Institute, a project coach for Montessori graduate students at St. Catherine University, and is a certified Positive Discipline trainer. Outside of the classroom, she and her family love to spend time outside, hiking, biking, skiing, and looking for birds and other wildlife.

Ali Noreña

Teacher

Ali earned a B.A. in Elementary Education at the University of Idaho and completed the American Montessori Society’s Introduction to Montessori Classroom Practice Certification in 2022. Ali brings with her years of experience working with children of all ages in a variety of settings, ranging from elementary classroom teaching in Boston, MA, to summer camp leadership in Maine, to nannying with individual families. Ali and her husband enjoy being outdoors, spending time with family, traveling, and enjoying all that beautiful southwest Montana has to offer.

Emily Ward

Teacher

Emily earned a B.A. in Environmental Conservation with a Minor in Outdoor Education at the University of New Hampshire. She brings with her years of experience with children of all ages in a wide variety of settings. This includes starting an outdoor adventure summer camp with her mom at Saxon Hill Preschool in Vermont, teaching at Poker Hill Preschool, ski instructing, swim instructing, coaching track and field, and nannying for families in Montana, Alaska, and Vermont. Emily enjoys exploring the world and inspiring others to follow their dreams.

Robyn Dincau

Financial Manager

Our finances are handled by Robyn, who worked for Learning Circle Montessori for the last ten years. She brings experience with other local Montessori schools as well, as a parent, board member, and bookkeeper. Besides her financial role with the school, Robyn is a substitute teacher who steps in to help out throughout the day or week.