The Team
Who We Are
Andrew Elder
Business Administrator and Co-Founder
Andrew is the business administrator for Stepping stones. He runs our payroll, writes for grants, and does bookkeeping. He has a Master's Degree in Business Administration and a Bachelor's Degree in Political Science.
Mrs. Kourtney
Owner/Founder & Director/Guide
I started this school to help bring Montessori into the Uintah Basin, I fell in love with the program and wanted to share it with others in the community!
Mrs. Kourtney is a dedicated childcare professional with a wealth of experience working with children aged 2 1/2 to 12. Originally from Houston, Texas, she began her education at Utah Valley University before moving to Tridell with her family in October 2022. With eight years of experience in preschool and before and after-school programs, Kourtney holds a CDA, is pursuing her Early Childhood and Elementary Education Degree, and has obtained her Montessori Certificate. She is currently enrolled in courses at Utah State and is committed to completing her Degree. She aspires to earn a Bachelor's in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education with a minor in Special Needs.
Outside of her professional endeavors, Kourtney is a devoted wife and mother to a 3-year-old girl and a one-year-old boy. She is enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with you and your child, fostering an environment where everyone can learn and grow together.
Favorite Montessori Quote: "The greatest sign of success for a teacher is to be able to say, 'the children are now working as if I did not exist.'"
Mrs. Jayci
Assistant Director/Guide
Jayci and her family moved to Utah from Houston, Texas, two years ago. She has two boys, ages 3 & 5, and a loving husband. She enjoys spending time outside with her kids, riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers, and loves being in the water. Jayci has been working with and around young children ages 0-5 since I was in high school.
Favorite Montessori quote: "The greatest gifts we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence."
Miss. Savannah
Children's House Guide
Hi everyone! My name is Savannah! I have always loved the idea of helping little kids grow and improve, and the goal to make them the best versions of themselves. I really like this Montessori approach because it gives these kids the mindset of knowing that they can achieve anything when it comes to rejoicing in their growth and success!
““Those whom nature has fitted to care for children see a change in them every day, almost every hour. They see these small changes as admirable. This is an art which cannot be acquired without effort. To encourage is to rejoice, so that the child sees that you are rejoicing. ”
Maria Montessori
Mrs. Autumn
Children's House Guide
Autumn is a mom of three, a Wyoming girl at heart, and someone who believes childhood should be full of curiosity, movement, and magic. She loves the Montessori approach—especially the freedom, the hands-on learning, and the “follow the child” spirit. Autumn brings a calm, encouraging presence to the classroom and is excited to help little learners explore, create, and grow in their own unique ways! So excited to be apart of this growing team 🌱
“The greatest gift we can give our children are the roots of responsibility and the wings of independence.”
Mrs. Rachael
2-3 year old Guide
Hi, I’m Rachael! I love the Montessori approach & the way it encourages children to learn through exploration, independence, and natural curiosity. Every day feels meaningful when you get to watch children explore the world around them in their own unique way, especially when they’re given the space, patience, & encouragement to move at their own pace. Seeing a little one light up when they master a new skill—whether it’s pouring, sorting, creating, or discovering something new—never gets old. I love creating calm, supportive spaces where little ones can grow and feel proud of every step they take.
“The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child’s natural desire to learn.” ~Maria Montessori
Mrs. Madison
2-3 Year Old Guide
Hi everyone! My name is Madison! I’m a wife and auntie.
I like the Montessori approach because it emphasizes hands-on learning and independence. Kids get to explore what interests them, and I love how it builds confidence. I’m a big believer in creating a nurturing, peaceful environment for children. I love working with kids because they remind me every day how joyful, curious, and capable young minds are.
“The child give us a beautiful lesson-that in order to form and maintain intelligence, we must use our hands.” -Maria Montessori
Mrs. Patricia
2-3 year old Guide
My name is Patricia. I was born and raised in Madrid, Spain. I studied Psychology and then I moved to the United States. Now I have a little family of three and we love travel and discover new places!
Miss. Rose
Toddler Guide
I love helping children learn and grow, the delicate minds of a young child learning everything for the first time is the most beautiful part of childcare. My favorite Maria Montessori quote is “The first duty of the educator, whether he is involved with the newborn infant or the older child, is to recognize the human personality of the young being and respect it.”
-Maria Montessori
Ms. Aspen
Toddler Guide
My name is Aspen! I just graduated high school and I've always had a huge love for teaching, especially early childhood. Being able to watch a young mind take hold of a concept new to them and fly with it is my #1 motivation in any form of education. Montessori values align perfectly with my teaching style, as I prefer to allow your child to learn to understand the world in their own ways. I'm so stoked to be a part of your child's classroom!
"Imagination does not become great until human beings, given the courage and strength, use it to create." - Dr. Maria Montessori
Ms. Brailee
Toddler Guide
Hi everyone my name is Brailee!! I love working with little kids and seeing just how much they pick up on and I like the Montessori approach because it encourages children to use their mind without even knowing it. Teaches them to be independent and and learn about what interests them and helps them.
“It is interesting to notice that where life is simple and natural and where the children participate in the adult’s life, they are calm and happy.”-marina montessori