Kelly

I was first introduced to Montessori in Southern Utah in 2009 when I enrolled my oldest daughter in a Montessori program. I immediately fell in love—with the classroom environment, with the way the children learned, and with how excited my daughter was to go to school each day. I volunteered as often as I could just to be in the classroom and share that experience with her.

One year later, the director offered me a teaching position, and I couldn’t have been more excited. My youngest daughter joined me that same year, and I spent the next five and a half years soaking up everything I could. I learned every area of the classroom—reading, math, sensorial, and practical life—and eventually became head teacher for my final three years. It was an amazing and formative experience.

Our family moved back to Wisconsin in 2019, and I began working at Mukwonago High School in various roles throughout the building. I currently work in the Counseling Center as the Administrative Assistant. While I enjoy supporting students, I found myself missing the joy of working with younger children. I missed the 3–5-year-olds—their excitement, their curiosity, and the magical “aha!” moments when something finally clicks. I knew I wanted to be in the classroom again.

Then we had our own “aha” moment. That moment became Bear Paw Montessori and Gymnastics.

We began building a business plan, designing the classroom, and planning the gym. When I shared the idea with my former Montessori director, she immediately loved it. And when we told our own children, my son simply said, “It’s about time!” We were all excited to get started. My youngest daughter, who had competed in gymnastics for years, immediately began listing the equipment we would need and the classes we should offer. She is absolutely thrilled to step into the role of head coach. Everything was coming together—better than we could have imagined.

We found a building we loved in Mukwonago. Our family and community rallied behind us with overwhelming support. Piece by piece, it all fell into place.

Our next chapter is just beginning.