Faculty & Staff
Patricia Mosso
Executive Director
Patricia has a comprehensive background in Education and Business Operations. She brings over 10 years of experience in early childhood education, starting as a teacher and progressing into leadership positions, where she has been able to make a profound impact. Through her journey in Early Childhood Education, she recognized the crucial need for advocacy for early childhood educators. These dedicated professionals require support and recognition to effectively serve children and families. Her ultimate objective is to provide exceptional care and educational services to children, families, and teachers, focusing on maintaining a high standard of quality.
Witnessing the significant positive influence of Montessori education on young students and alumni, Patricia is incredibly grateful for the opportunity to lead and support her team in transforming MSWP into a highly esteemed Montessori institution in Denver.
A few of Paty’ favorite things: Roses & sunflowers, trail mix and Perrier sparkling water.
Erin Schmitt
Assistant Director
Erin has always had a passion for working with children. She pursued Early Childhood Education from the University of Kansas as her undergrad degree. After graduating, Erin explored many different avenues of working with children. It wasn’t until she became a Montessori assistant that she knew she had found her path. Erin holds AMI certification from birth to age 6 and brings over twenty years of Montessori experience working as a lead guide in primary classrooms in both the private and public sectors. Recently, Erin took time away from the classroom environment to develop and lead Montessori parent-infant classes. She also had the opportunity to open the second toddler classroom here at MSWP. Outside of the classroom, Erin enjoys spending time with her family, playing tennis and practicing yoga. Erin is excited to begin this new chapter and journey in her professional life as the assistant director of MSWP.
A few of Erin’s favorite things: Reading, charcuterie boards and peonies.
Jaelin Harris
Lead Guide, Toddler 1
Jaelin was born and raised in Denver, CO. She began working with middle school students at a nonprofit summer program for five years before turning to early childhood education. After teaching Primary aged students for two years, she became interested in child development in their younger years. Jaelin is excited to learn more about Montessori and how to best support children at the toddler age. Outside of work, Jaelin enjoys painting, gardening, and spending time with her husband and dog, Nomeki.
A few of Jaelin’s favorite things: Daisies & sunflowers, pretty rocks/crystals and cooking.
Rhonee Quinones
Lead Guide, Toddler 2
Rhonee moved to Denver, Colorado in 2017 from Tampa, Florida. She worked with children in a variety of settings like nature centers, summer camps or schools. Rhonee began working specifically in early childhood education in fall of 2018. Since then, she has worked in multiple centers with different education backgrounds from Montessori to Reggio Emilia. Rhonee received a certificate in Montessori education from birth to age 3 through the North American Montessori Center in 2019. She is currently working towards an AMI diploma in Montessori education from birth to age 3 from The Montessori Institute. Rhonee loves being able to see the world through children's eyes every day and loves being able to work with families to create strong bonds.In her spare time, she enjoys cooking, being outdoors and the occasional horror movie. Rhonee is looking forward to being a part of this community and getting to know all of you!
A few of Rhonee’s favorite things: Lattes, sweet tea, chrysanthemums and Thai food.
Maritza Valenzuela
Assistant Guide, Toddler 2
Maritza discovered her passion for working with young children at a young age. She has been working in the field of Early Childhood Education for 13 years and holds a certification as a Lead Early Childhood Educator. Maritza believes it's important to have patience, respect and love while teaching young children. It warms her heart to see children happy, laughing, interacting and becoming independent as they grow and learn. Maritza is a mom of two busy boys. She was born in California, but has lived in Colorado most of her life and feels at home here. Maritza enjoys exploring the outdoors and loves dancing. But overall she loves spending time with her sweet boys. Maritza is excited to be here at MSWP and looks forward to learning more about you and your family!
A few of Maritza’s favorite things: Spicy chips, orchids and shopping.
Tiffani Allen
Lead Guide, Primary 1
Tiffani's passion for early childhood education began in 2004 with a work-study position. It was then she discovered her calling to work with young children. In 2009, she encountered the transformative power of the Montessori philosophy and knew she had found her path. Completing her Primary AMI certification in 2021 through Great Work Inc. further deepened her commitment to this unique approach. As a lifelong learner, Tiffani believes the journey of Montessori education is endless.
Her experience teaching English in Japan for three years ignited her passion for supporting foreign and second language learners, a skillset she readily understands as a language learner herself. Beyond her professional pursuits, Tiffani enjoys traveling, gardening, music, and sharing good food with friends. She has been at MSWP since 2016 and is proud to be part of this vibrant and growing Montessori community!
A few of Tiffani’s favorite things: Fancy crackers, lattes and plants.
Ali Bayer
Assistant Guide, Primary 1
Ali grew up in a small town called Orono, Maine, whereThe Penobscot river is nestled in between the town and the University of Maine. Ali went to the University of Maine at Farmington, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Community Health Education and a minor in a ski industry program. Ali played field hockey and coached at the collegiate level. In 1994, Ali traveled with an international group called Up With People. She traveled around the world performing, staying in host family homes and doing community service projects. In 2009, Ali moved to Denver where she has worked with families as a nanny. In 2020, she took her first job as a toddler assistant in a Montessori program. Ali loves working with children, children make her heart and soul feel alive.
A few of Ali’s favorite things: Salt and vinegar chips, Gerber daisies and the outdoors.
Kristy Hughes
Lead Guide, Primary 2
Kristy has been on the Montessori path her whole life. As a child she attended a Montessori school in Davis, Ca. As a parent, both of her daughters attended public Montessori school in Denver, Co. And finally, as a profession, Kristy once again felt drawn to the Montessori method and has been a part of MSWP for many years. Kristy believes that through Montessori a child can find not only endless joy in learning, but also love of community and independence. In her spare time Kristy enjoys hiking and spending time in nature with her family.
A few of Kristy’s favorite things: Tiger Lillies, lattes and nature treasures.
Julie Byron
Assistant Guide, Primary 2
Julie joined MSWP in 2015 and she enjoys working with children of all ages. Aside from her main role as a Primary 2 assistant, Julie has been fortunate to spend her summers assisting in the Toddler Community at MSWP. Julie was first introduced to the Montessori method of education when her three daughters began attending a local Montessori school. At MSWP, one of Julie’s favorite activities is preparing food with the children. Julie is a Colorado native and loves to spend time with family and friends, traveling and exploring outdoors.
A few of Julie’s favorite things: Chips, all flowers and tennis.
Dana Hamby
Lead Guide, Primary 3
Dana has been a teacher at the Montessori School of Wild Pines for the past decade. She has worked in education for many years, but feels most connected to the Montessori philosophy and its conviction in the incredible and immense capabilities of the child. In the classroom, Dana loves discovering the individuality and potential in each of her students, cultivating a culture of community, fostering joy in learning, and building partnerships with families. She received her Primary Teacher Training from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies and also holds a Master of Arts in Teaching, Early Childhood. Outside of school, Dana enjoys staying active, escaping to the mountains, and spending time with her family.
A few of Dana’s favorite things: Iced coffee, charcuterie boards and yoga.
Rosa Iglesias
Assistant Guide, Primary 3
Rosa is from Madrid, Spain and came to the USA in 1991. Rosa started working at MSWP in 1991 teaching Spanish and has been a classroom assistant for 25 years. She received her BA degree in art history from The University Complutense in Madrid, Spain. Rosa has attended numerous Montessori workshops over the years and loves and understands the philosophy. She is married and has two daughters and two grandchildren. Outside of school, she enjoys traveling (especially visiting her grandchildren in Washington state), hiking, cycling, and being with her family.
Rosa’s favorite things: delicious cheese, crackers and wild flowers.
Beth Mueller
Primary Substitute Guide
Beth has been a certified Montessori Lead Teacher since 1984. She has worked for MSWP off and on since 2001. Beth fell in love with the Montessori philosophy for teaching children in college. She took a few years off teaching to be a private nanny and to care for her mother. After her mom passed, Beth returned to MSWP and currently enjoys working part time. Beth has taught in Michigan, Hawaii, and Colorado during her working lifetime.
A few of Beth’s favorite things: collecting crystals, jigsaw puzzles and nature.
Robin Keach
Specials/Enrichments Guide
Robin is a dedicated early childhood professional with over 10 years of experience. She has a diverse background in positions in infant rooms and as preschool instructor in the Cherry Creek School District, as well as Montessori classrooms. Most recently she was a nanny for two years with a family using the Montessori principles in all areas of development. She values introducing experiences to children with a focus on observation and critical thinking skills. Robin has a lifelong love of learning and considers nature to be an extension of the classroom.
Robin and her family have lived in Denver for 15 years. She has two adult children, her daughter attends college at CU Denver, while her son lives and works in San Antonio. In her free time she enjoys spending time in nature, hiking with friends, and attending music events with her daughter.
A few of Robin’s favorite things: Dark chocolate, crunchy snacks and wild flowers.
Teresa Bastidas
Specials/Enrichments Guide
Tereza Bastidas is an experienced Spanish teacher with a diverse background in Montessori education. She has taught at various Montessori schools, including Garfield Montessori, Denver Montessori, and Montessori School of Denver. Tereza has worked with toddlers, preschoolers, and middle school students, but her true passion lies in teaching Spanish. She has taught Spanish to children ranging from toddler age to middle school at MSD. After moving to Texas to raise her children, Tereza took some time off from teaching. Her dedication as a parent is evident, as two of her children have graduated from college, and her youngest is currently attending Yale, with one year left until graduation. Tereza also has experience as a parent educator, where she assisted parents in developing essential life and parenting skills. She completed an internship (Early childhood education hours) at Washington Montessori in 2003 while her children were enrolled there.
Having recently moved back to Colorado in 2022, Tereza is excited to join the team and continue her passion for teaching Spanish.
A few of Tereza’s favorite things: coffee and chai lattes, roses and painting.