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.

Two children drawing and working together

Our Teacher Leaders

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.

Our Staff

AJ Wilson (she/her)

Full-Day Lead Teacher

Hi, my name is AJ and I am an assistant teacher here at Hawthorn Montessori. I have been assisting in a Montessori school for the past 4 years now. I first started my Montessori journey in Charleston SC working under my step-mother and after teaching in SC for a year I moved to Asheville. I was fortunate enough to find an assistant teaching position under another incredible lead who helped me grow my passion and understanding of Montessori. I am now currently in training to become Montessori certified and can’t wait to become a lead myself! In my free time I enjoy hiking, cooking, and seeing live music.

Cari Millan (she/her)

Afternoon Classroom Assistant /After-School Lead

Hi my name is Cari. I am one of the After Care teachers here at Hawthorn Montessori. My passion is working with children. I started working with children back in my high school years and later took early childhood development at Quinsigamond Community College in Worcester, MA. I was born in Ponce, Puerto Rico, and moved to Massachusetts at a young age. I have two beautiful daughters who are my pride and joy. I moved to North Carolina 6 years ago, and have been loving the mountains ever since. During my free time, I enjoy cooking, traveling, and the outdoors.

Suzanna Baum (she/her)

Half-Day Lead Teacher

I began my Montessori journey when my daughter attended as a child 20 years ago. I remember being so impressed with the lessons she was learning at the age of 3. That’s why when I had the opportunity to work at Asheville Montessori School many years later, I was intrigued and excited. I was an assistant for 4 years before I decided to do my training and become a lead. No career has brought me more joy than this one. My deep understanding of the Montessori philosophy has provided me with a great sense of purpose. I truly believe it is the most gentle way of any classroom setting, and provides children with a holistic foundation and love for lifelong learning.

I am an artist, a musician, a scientist, and an early childhood educator. I love the outdoors. I am naturally drawn to children for their curiosity and social/emotional development. I have a knack for seeing the potential in individuals, and helping bring that forward in unique, creative ways. I am honored to be guiding every group of children each year to be independent, confident and kind.

Our Board

Katie Anderson

Katie is the current head of school and co-founding teacher-leader of Hawthorn Montessori.

Bianca Gragg

Bianca is a Xicana LCSWA, parent of a child at Hawthorn since 2022, founder of Semillas Counseling and a Hawthorn board member since 2022.

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.