Graham Kennedy

Early Childhood Guide/Co-Director
 

Hello! My passion for exploration and the outdoors led me to this beautiful state of Montana. I worked as a tour guide in Yellowstone National Park and it made a lasting impression on me. My experiences in Yellowstone helped me discover my passion and desire for continuous learning and education to the masses. While in Yellowstone I met my beautiful wife, Leslie, who has taught me so much about compassion, discovery, and determination.

I have been working with children for over 6 years and recently acquired my Montessori certification thru American Montessori Society. I have two beautiful daughters, and strive to be the best I can in order to be a role model for these future leaders of the world. Everyday I look forward to guiding children, but I am also excited to support the families of Livingston, MT. Our community is a special place and if we give children a strong foundation I know that they will be equipped with the tools to succeed in life. 

Jenn Boccadori

Toddler Lead guide

Hi!  I began my Montessori journey at Elevate in September of 2020. I spent two years in The Nest as an infant guide and became the lead toddler guide in October of 2022.  I received my Infant/Toddler Montessori teaching certification through the Authentic Institute of Montessori in Bozeman in June of 2023.  I love preparing our environment and watching the children's personalities and interests bloom.  Getting messy with art supplies alongside the toddlers is one of my favorite activities.  

I am originally from Scranton, Pennsylvania, but have been lucky enough to call Montana home since 2014.  I have a degree in Professional Writing and Public Relations from Kutztown University.  I live with my two children, one dog, and two cats.  

In my spare time you can find me writing poetry, painting, doing yoga, taking my dog on adventures, playing on the river, getting lost in nature, or hanging out with my kids.  

Nicolle Stuart

administrative

Hello! Originally I'm from Arlee Montana, raised on a beautiful little ranch nestled in a mountain valley. I studied criminal justice and psychology at Washington State, and my love for Montana brought me back to Missoula.

Met my wonderful soul mate out on the rodeo trail and never looked back. A great job opportunity brought my Eastern Montana husband, two young boys, and I to Livingston. While looking for the right choice for our boys education I found a new career path in Montessori teachings.

I enjoy all my extra time with my busy little boys and spunky pets. Art, crafts, outdoor adventures, horses & little farm projects keep us very productive.

I feel so fortunate to have found a great education for my young boys as well as a rewarding new career path. I look forward to continuing my Montessori education & helping to raise the youth in our community.

Sarah O’Leary

early childhood Teacher-Leader

I am a MT native and keep finding myself brought back to my home state after a 4 1/2 yr stay in beautiful Alaska. I moved back home in July of 2018 and took a job at the daycare in Yellowstone National Park, what a gift it was to be working with children in such a beautiful place in this world! I thoroughly enjoyed my time with the children there and you could often find us out exploring the beauty that surrounded our little school.

Life took me back to AK in March 2021 for a 6 month gig with close friends and when that came to an end I knew I needed to be close to Gardiner, the little town that stole my heart a few years before, so Livingston just made sense. I was captivated by the vision of Leslie and Graham’s school and knew right away that guiding children at their school is where I needed to be.

I feel so blessed to be part of their team. I am excited to learn right along side your children, to stand back and observe what they have to offer the world. After 10 yrs of working in traditional childcare, I knew I needed a change, I am excited to embrace and learn the Montessori method. Thanks for sharing your children with the Elevate family.

Marissa Bradford

Early Childhood Teacher-Leader

Hi there, my name is Marissa Bradford. I’m from Mexico City and I have been living in the United States for 23 years. I’ve lived in several states throughout the country since I first came here.

My love and passion for Montessori education started back in 2015 here in Livingston when I worked at Montessori Island School. Then I taught at Mountainside Montessori and Bloom Montessori School, both in Helena.

I’m a certified Montessori primary guide through the North American Montessori Center. 

I’m excited to come back to Livingston and to be part of the Elevate School community and to share my culture with all the little friends at Elevate.

In my free time I love to spend time with my kids, listen to music, go to concerts, explore new places and cook delicious Mexican food with my husband.

Crae O’Connor

Teacher-Leader

Hello all! I am so excited to be assisting at Elevate and enrolling my son. No matter how much I travel, it’s always Montana I want to come home to and enjoy. Having grown up in Livingston I understand our community and values. My husband and I are delighted to raise our family in Montana’s natural beauty!

With a background in Anthropology and Elementary Education from MSU I have many tools to apply to Elevate’s exceptional learning atmosphere. My educational philosophy is a holistic one that works to honor each individual.

When not at Elevate I can be found hiking, reading history books, hot springs hunting, trying to learn Gaelic and spending time with family and friends!

Thank you for giving me the honor of nurturing the next generation!

Cassie Garcia

Toddler Teacher-Leader

Hello! I am a born and raised Colorado native. I have a passion for traveling and friends which is what brought me to Livingston originally. I have fallen in love with the community, but especially the scenery. I love being outdoors hiking, skiing, camping, fishing, and the occasional kayak ride.

I knew that I wanted to work with children in the future, however I wasn’t sure where to start. So when I got the call from Leslie and Graham about my job I knew I couldn’t say no. Montessori is new to me, but I learn more and more everyday not from just my colleagues but most importantly the children! They inspire me to think differently and really take a step back and just observe things. I’m so grateful to have this opportunity and work with all these amazing children.

Lori Kitts

Teacher-Leader

Hello! I am a native to Montana born and raised in this beautiful state! I am very excited to be joining the Elevate team. Before coming here I was a preschool teacher for 5 years at Headstart.

I have worked with children my entire adult life, from being a Nanny for 12 years to three girls to having my own day care for about 5 years. Working with children has always been my passion!!

I am married and have 2 teenage boys who are very busy with skiing, skateboarding, and biking! Both of my boys attended Montessori as toddlers and preschoolers.  We have a dog and two lovely guinea pigs! I enjoy being outside, camping, hiking, bike riding, and just enjoying our beautiful state. 

I am excited to learn and observe the Montessori way of teaching and to grow as an educator.  The early years of childhood  are so important for children. This is a new experience and journey for me.  I enjoy watching the children learn, explore and experience the world around them!  I am so grateful to be a part of the Elevate team  and can't wait to see where it takes me!!

Kayla McCoy

Infant Teacher-Leader

Coming Soon! 

Nicole Conner

Teacher-Leader

Hi! I’m so excited to be apart of the Elevate family and to have my son enrolled in the program. I am originally from Hood River Oregon and moved to Livingston in the winter of 2021.

In the past I worked as a veterinary technician, but when my son was born in 2023, I had to make a career change and wanted to work in childcare. I’ve always used Montessori ideals of independence and play when with my nieces and knew I wanted to raise my child in a Montessori home. In my free time, I like to cook, bake, read, and spend time outdoors. 

Kyah Majszak

Teacher-Leader

Hello! I’m originally from Traverse City Michigan but moved to Bozeman Montana when I was 6 years old so I’ve spent the majority of my life in the beautiful views of Montana. My boyfriend and I moved over to Livingston in summer of 2023 and I’ve loved every second of it. The community is amazing and nothing beats the scenery. I love getting outside to go slack lining, riding my one wheel, going on hikes, and spending quality time with my family and loved ones!

I am thrilled to be working at Elevate! I’ve been working in Montessori for a little over a year and a half now, and when I was younger I always knew I wanted to work with kids after babysitting and nannying.  When I found Montessori I truly fell in love with it! I hope to get my Montessori certification eventually. Being able to provide an environment that respects the child and allows them to unlock their abilities when given the patience and support they deserve is beyond fascinating to me. It’s an honor to be learning and growing with your children!

Ellen Ingwerson

Teacher-Leader

I grew up outside Boston and moved to Montana in 2021 to be closer to wide open spaces to paint, new perspectives to hear, and more opportunities to grow!

I have always been involved in teaching and creative learning whether it be as a mountaineering and raft guide, a high-school swim coach, or as a former Gallatin Valley Visiting Art Teacher. In every chapter of my life, I seek ways of helping my community and challenging myself [and others around me] to creatively and collaboratively come up with solutions where help is needed.

I began working at Elevate Montessori in January of 2024 and have been loving every second. It is a blessing to work with young hearts and minds that push the bounds of creativity every day.