Teachers and Staff
The guiding light for Renaissance Montessori Academy, for the teachers, and for the children who attend this Montessori school is the passion and dedication of Chhaya Vora. The principles of Montessori education were first instilled in Chhaya as a preschooler in a Montessori classroom in Gujrat, India. She attained her undergraduate Sociology degree at Gujrat University, India, immediately fulfilled the requirements for her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) teacher's certification, and then moved to this country.
Chhaya went on to receive her Masters Degree in Elementary Education at the University of Colorado. In addition, she has completed over sixty-five additional graduate hours including the area of reading and writing strategies in Early Childhood Education. For the past twenty-eight years Chhaya has served in both teaching and administrative roles in the field of education, continually cultivating a passion for the theory and practice of Montessori teaching. Chhaya holds Colorado teaching licensure that qualifies her to teach K - 6.
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Gayla Enzi
A lead teacher since 1999, has been with Renaissance Montessori Academy (formerly RCDC) since 1996. In 1998 she received extensive Montessori training at MECR, Boulder, Colorado, and certification from the American Montessori Society (AMS). Continuing her education at the University of Colorado and the Colorado School of Mines, she has accumulated 24 hours in early childhood education. Prior to working with the children at RMA, she worked with preschool and kindergarten children in the Special Education Department of North Kitsap School District in Washington State.
Denise Coulter
A
ssistant Director and studio teacher has AMS certification through MECR in Boulder, Colorado, A teacher with a bachelor's degree in history and teaching experience at the secondary level, she explores experiences with the children through the creative languages of clay, paint, paper, music and dramatic storytelling. It is in the area of the studio that the influences of the philosophy from Reggio Emilia, Italy step in to support the Montessori classrooms. She begins the day in studio with foundational lessons in Spanish before the children move into their other activities. One morning a week, each child has the opportunity to work a studio class blended from the Montessori classrooms.
Serena Gilliam
The Kindergarten teacher at RMA is Serena Gilliam. She received her B.A. in Art History from the University of Virginia and her Colorado teaching license from Metropolitan State College of Denver. She taught in a private Denver school for 5 years, in the Denver public school system for 3 years, and then joined RMA's staff in August, 2008.
"I have been very fortunate to have been able to indulge in one of my passions - travel. I have lived overseas for 2 years in London, England and Geneva, Switzerland. Languages are my other great interest, and I speak French, Italian, Portuguese, and bad Spanish. I am enjoying the enthusiasm, curiosity, and sense of humor of my kindergarten charges."
Nikki Metcalf
Nikki is the newest member of the RMA staff. Her calm demeanor, experience and imagination encourages and reinforces the growing skills of the children with whom she is working. "I may be new to RMA, but I have been in Montessori education for over eighteen years now. During that time, working with all ages from toddlers to Upper Elementary, I discovered that my home is in the 3-6 year old classroom. I believe that the Montessori Method of teaching provides us with the greatest opportunity to build a lifelong love of learning. I have seen this with my own two sons.
"I received my training in 2001 from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies. I am excited to be part of the RMA family."
Lisa Finch
Lisa Finch started her career at RMA by having her children attend our school in 1998 and volunteering in the classrooms. In 2000, she made official and became an assistant teacher and helped out with administration. Lisa has a Bachelor’s Degree in Administrative Management. Lisa went back to school for Nutrition and is now a Certified Nutritionist. Lisa has worked with Ms. Gayla for 10 years. Her two children are doing extremely well in the public school system.
Jenny Armesy
Jenny Armesy is a teaching assistant who joined our team in August, 2008. She has eight years in the Montessori tradition and embraces the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori. She adds to our school which believes that within each child is the center of unlimited potential.
Amy Maupin
Amy Maupin is another staff member who was a parent who fell in love with the Montessori approach to education and children and joined our staff. Now she is usually the first face you see at the Front Desk and the first voice you hear on the phone. Amy has been with RMA since 2005. Amy carried ten years of experience in the Corporate World and an undergraduate degree in Religion - Christian Ministries over into the educational field. Her son, Cody, has graduated to the public school system. Amy is still helping RMA lay a great educational foundation for young children.
