Having taught at the lower and upper elementary levels for 25 years, Jim launched SBMS’s Erdkinder (adolescent) program in 1999. He has presented numerous workshops at AMI and AMS Montessori Schools around the country and is currently helping develop the Montessori Administrator’s Association (MAA) in conjunction with AMI-USA. He has also assisted in classes and lectures at UCLA's classes for the Early Childhood Education Director's Certificate program. Along with his wife, Frances, he was one of the founders of the Montessori Children's Home, which they reorganized as SBMS in 1997.
Frances has been directing AMI Montessori classrooms ever since receiving her diploma in 1972. Beginning in San Francisco, then Whittier, continuing in Santa Monica, and, since 1977, here in Santa Barbara, she has worked with children at the Primary, Elementary, and Erdkinder levels. Frances also assisted in conducting classes and lectures at UCLA's classes for ECE certification. She is SBMS’s Elementary Program Director, and is the official on-site administrator. She and Jim have three children--all SBMS alumni, their two daughters are now AMI-trained Montessori teachers at SBMS.
Aran joined the SBMS staff as the school's first alumni student to become an AMI-trained directress. After growing up in the school, and with years of experience as a classroom assistant and afternoon program directress, Aran brings an "I've been there as a child, a parent, and as a teacher" understanding into the classroom environments. Her responsibilities at SBMS include acting as a liaison between the Primary classes, and as the all-important contact person for all Primary and Toddler families. She and her husband have two children currently enrolled at SBMS.
Melissa’s background as an attorney and property manager has proved invaluable during SBMS’s migration throughout Santa Barbara over the past several years. Her daughter has been enrolled at SBMS for several years, and will graduate from the SBMS Erdkinder program in 2007.
Debbie’s background includes more than a decade of office management and administration. Her expertise includes coordinating every aspect of SBMS’s daily activities. Debbie’s daughter is enrolled at SBMS, and her two sons, also Montessori students, are now big guys.
Rosa began her teaching career at SBMS in 2004 while completing her studies with Dr. Silvana Montanaro at the AMI Montessori Institute of San Diego. She has been the Toddler Community’s Head Teacher since 2005. Her daughter is enrolled in SBMS’s elementary program.
Erica began her Montessori career at Montessori of Redlands, and in 2002 happily joined the SBMS staff as the All-Day Montessori teacher. Since 2003 she has been the Head Teacher of SBMS’s Olive Class, which thrives under her direction.
Juniper, a Montessori student, herself, as a child of a Montessori teacher, began her own teaching career as a SBMS specialist teacher. In 2002 she launched the Sycamore Class which has been under her direction ever since. Her youngest daughter is a SBMS elementary student, and her older daughter graduated in 2006 from SBMS’s Erdkinder program.
Seneca, who attended SBMS as a young girl, joined the SBMS staff in 2004 as a classroom assistant and then enrolled in the Montessori Institute of San Diego’s program, directed by Dr. Sylvia Dubovoy. She is currently mentoring with Juniper in the Sycamore Class.
Brian, a Montessori student growing up in Colorado, joined the SBMS staff in 2002 as an elementary assistant after traveling the world as a sea captain. Upon completion of his AMI elementary teacher training be began collaborating with Jane and Craig Angell in the SBMS lower elementary class (6-9 year olds).
Jane has been teaching in Montessori schools in each of the past four decades! Beginning as a high school student in Santa Monica, she was fortunate to work firsthand with the legendary (in Montessori circles) Dr. Claude and Francesca Claremont, was a classroom assistant, and then became a head teacher herself, in 1972, following her training in Italy. She has directed classes in Los Angeles, San Francisco and in San Jose, California. She, along with her husband, Craig, has worked closely with NAMTA and AMI in developing teacher training programs and workshops. Joining the SBMS staff in 1987, Jane and Craig have two sons, both SBMS alumni.
Craig has taught in Montessori schools in Virginia, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Jose, and has been part of the SBMS staff since 1988. His expertise includes, but is not limited to, surfboard design and construction, and any and all matters having to do with linksmanship.
Allwyn, yet another SBMS alum, brings a variety of teaching experiences to her role as SBMS's Erdkinder teacher. A past classroom assistant at the primary and elementary levels, Allwyn also directed SBMS’s All-Day Montessori and taught at the Erdkinder level before beginning her AMI Elementary training with Phyllis Pottish-Lewis in 1999. Allwyn directed SBMS’s Upper Elementary class and then became director of SBMS’s Erdkinder program in 2005.
A native of Costa Rica, Laura has integrated her Spanish-language curriculum into the daily activities of every SBMS classroom.
Lesley, a SBCC ECE program graduate, has assisted at SBMS for several years. Her dedication to, and admiration for the children she works with on a daily basis, is an essential characteristic for all assistants in authentic Montessori classrooms.
Lyzkey, a SBCC ECE program graduate, assisted at the Primary level for several years before becoming the Toddler community’s assistant. Using her native Spanish language she provides a bi-lingual opportunity to the children in her care.
SBMS, alum, Kim has filled several roles at SBMS, including being part of the Erdkinder staff. As a certified Food Service Manager she currently coordinates the Erdkinder’s Kid Kafe program, overseeing all aspects of the kitchen’s operation. Both of her children are enrolled at SBMS.
Kim has worked for years in Montessori classrooms and in 2006 took over direction of SBMS’s All-Day Montessori program. Her daughter is enrolled in the SBMS elementary program.
Armed with her public school teacher credential, Melinda joined the SBMS staff in 2006, and is currently considering whether or not AMI Montessori teacher training is in her immediate future.
UCSB Credential Program graduate, Amanda brings years of family care to SBMS’s classes. Well-traveled, and versed (French), she seeks higher degrees before committing to her career path.