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 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 4-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.
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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. Lexi
Assistant Director/Guide
​I'm Lexi! I'm a mom of four, and I've had the privilege of working with children and families for the past 15 years. I recently moved to Vernal from Salt Lake City, and I'm happy to call Vernal home. I enjoy being outdoors, cooking, gardening, spending time with my kids, and making memories together. Working with children has always been something I truly love. There is something so special about watching children learn, grow, discover who they are, and become more confident in themselves.
Favorite Montessori quote: "The goal of early childhood education should be to activate the child's own natural desire to learn."
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Mrs. Luz
Children's House Guide/ Spanish Guide
Hi, I have been working as a preschool teacher for over 20 + years. I really enjoy working with kids. I love when they come to me and hug me, they bring so much joy to the class, and I also teach Spanish, and they love to know the Montessori Preschool and me. I never worked in the Montessori curriculum, and I have loved seeing how the kids are so independent. I really love working for Stepping Stone. Thank you for allowing me to teach is a very good experience to Montessori program
Ms. Anabela
Children's House Guide
Hello! I'm Bela. Kids have always been a joy to me. Yes, they can be a struggle, but I always find my time with them entirely worth it. Before working at Sepping stones, I was called as a primary teacher in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I taught kids who were 4-5 years old. I also had an opportunity to be a peer tutor in a special-ed class in high school. I have loved both experiences. I'm grateful now that I get to teach children here at steppingstones Montessori School and give them an opportunity to grow their skills and learning abilities.
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
Ms. Elissa
2-3 year old Guide
Hi, I am Elissa! I have been working in childcare for the past 3 years here in the Vernal area! I just graduated this past spring and can not wait to see where life takes me!
“These very children reveal to us the most vital need of their development, saying: 'Help me to do it alone!”
-Maria Montessori
Ms. McKenzie
2-3 Year Old/ Children's House Guide
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“The child give us a beautiful lesson-that in order to form and maintain intelligence, we must use our hands.” -Maria Montessori
Ms. Akara
Toddler Guide
Hi, I'm Akara. I have always found the best joy in life to be with children. It's brought me such joy to watch and help children learn in this big world. Being able to teach and watch them learn from new things is the best feeling.
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"Children have an absorbent mind. They absorb knowledge from the environment without fatigue."
-Maria Montessori
Mrs. Summer
Nido Guide
Hi everyone, my name is Summer!! I am a teacher in the infant and toddler classroom and have a passion for creating a calm, nurturing environment where little ones feel safe, loved, and encouraged to learn through exploration. I love supporting each child's natural curiosity and celebrating the unique way they grow and discover the world. When I'm not at school, I'm a mom of five who enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time outdoors with my family. I'm excited to be part of your child's learning journey!
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"The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind."
-Maria Montessori
Mrs. Gracy
Nido/ Toddler Guide
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"The child is both a hope and a promise for mankind."
-Maria Montessori