About Our School
We offer an educational experience for children and a supportive community for families following the principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. Intentionally small, our micro-community provides a nurturing experience for children as they transition into the world of learning. Our school is designed for children as if school were their home to foster their independence and their innate desire to learn. Classrooms feature bright peaceful environments and inspiring natural materials that follow traditional Montessori methods. Children are able to follow their interests with teachers as their guides. They learn core subjects, develop mindfulness and compassion, and establish the skills they need as a foundation for a life of discovery.
Our Teacher Leaders & Team
Katie Anderson (she/her)
Founder/Administrator
I started my Montessori journey 12 years ago as an assistant in an AMS accredited classroom. I began my AMS Montessori training after 2 years of assisting. I completed AMS Montessori training in Early Childhood Education in 2015 at the Center for Montessori Teacher Education - North Carolina. I became the lead teacher in the same classroom that began my journey; cultivating community amongst the children and their families and honing my craft as an educator of young children. In 2019, I co-founded Hawthorn Montessori. As a Montessori educator, I believe it is my responsibility to show children safety, joy, peace, justice and self-advocacy, so that when they go out into the world beyond our classroom they recognize and gravitate towards those values.
Lasting change and peace start with our children. I hope to build a community of children and their families that expresses the importance of human liberation.
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Dianna Whitney
Assistant Teacher/Administrative Assistant
I found my love of Montessori through my love of farming flowers! My first taste of the Montessori philosophy was during my time working on a family farm in Sandy Mush, NC. After observing the farmers' children using methods of conflict resolution that I had never witnessed children using, I was compelled to find out more! Maria Montessori’s teachings have resonated with me ever since. I have been working in Montessori preschools since 2016 and it has brought enormous amounts of joy and constant learning into my life. One of my very favorite things about this work is having the opportunity to be a safe and respectful ally for the children we teach. I am honored to be able to actively take part in their early learnings of peace and consent as well as being able to participate in making their first experiences in their learning journeys positive and empowering.
Our Board
Katie Anderson
Katie is the current head of school and co-founding teacher-leader of Hawthorn Montessori.
Chad Storck
Chad's daughter attended Hawthorn for three academic years beginning in 2020. Upon her graduation, Chad wanted to continue supporting the Hawthorn school community and is doing so through his role on the Board.
Stephanie Powell
Stephanie (she/her/hers) is a current Hawthorn Montessori parent. She has nearly 19 years of non-profit leadership experience at the local, regional, and national level. Stephanie is Board Source Certified Board Consultant and is the Director of Finance and Operations for the Dogwood Alliance. As a parent, she loves the independence, self-awareness, and confidence that Montessori education fosters in children.
Jeana Olszewski
Jeana Olszewski is founding Teacher-Leader of Azalea Montessori School in Norwood, Ohio, which opened as a primary school in 2019. She has led the growth of Azalea to include a lower and upper elementary. She serves as a part-time Operations Guide for the Wildflower Foundation and supports the growth of new Wildflower Schools across the country. She also serves on the board of Good Shepherd Montessori in Cincinnati as well as Hollyhock Montessori opening in Arkansas.