Meet the Team
At Big Sky Montessori, all of our staff members are certified in CPR, pediatric first aid, and adhere to all licensing guidelines set forth by the state of Montana. We prioritize the safety and well-being of the children in our care, ensuring that our team is equipped to handle emergencies effectively. Additionally, every staff member is trained in the Positive Discipline method, promoting a nurturing and respectful environment that encourages growth and development for every child.
Owner and Director
Andrea Johnson
Meet Andrea, the owner and Lead Teacher of our school. Born in Mexico City and raised in Sonora, Andrea moved to Montana in 2010 and loves traveling back home to visit her large family.
Soon after moving to Kalispell, Andrea began teaching Spanish and enrolled her daughter in the area's leading Montessori program. Her passion for education deepened as she discovered the Montessori method through her own children. Witnessing the positive impact it had on their lives, she became a dedicated advocate for the approach and decided to pursue full-time teaching. Andrea earned her "American Montessori Society: Early Childhood Credential" through the Montana Montessori Teacher Education Institute.
With over a decade of classroom experience, Andrea has served as a Spanish teacher, assistant, and lead teacher.
Outside of Big Sky, Andrea is embracing this busy stage of parenting her preteen kids, Sofia (13) and Alex (11). Her days are filled with driving them to various activities, while weekends are dedicated to travel soccer. She truly treasures every stage of motherhood, as each phase of her kids’ lives brings new joys and deeper connections that she wouldn't trade for anything.
Lead Teacher
Isabel Mason
Isabel grew up in the beautiful Flathead Valley, where she developed a strong connection to nature and her community. With seven years of early childhood experience, Isabel is deeply passionate about guiding young learners and embracing the Montessori philosophy. She is set to graduate in June with an American Montessori Society Teaching Certificate and a MACTE certification, reflecting her dedication to excellence in education.
Outside of the classroom, Isabel enjoys spending her time hiking, skiing, rafting, and traveling, always seeking new adventures and ways to connect with the world around her.
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Lead Teacher
Heidi England
Born and raised in Whitefish, Montana, Heidi lives with her husband Mike and enjoys spending time with their growing family, including children and grandchildren. She loves skiing and cherishing quality moments with her grandkids.
Heidi began her journey in early childhood education over a decade ago, first working as a chef preparing delicious meals for students before transitioning into the classroom. Known as our multitasker and a loving "grandma" to all the kids, Heidi holds a Montessori Assistant Certification through the American Montessori Society and the Montana Montessori Teaching Education Institute.
Recently, Heidi launched her own dog grooming business after completing grooming training at JKL International Institute for Grooming in 2024!
Emotional Support
Luna
Meet Luna, our spotted-tailed leopard gecko, who officially joined Big Sky Montessori in 2024—quite the leap from her quiet life before! Luna made her grand entrance to the school with a few things in mind: spreading joy and teaching the kids about patience. Though she’s been a little shy at first, Luna quickly became the most popular "teacher" on staff, offering her expert advice on how to lounge, bask, eat worms and crickets and not get caught up in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
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When she’s not taking a nap in her cozy hideout, Luna loves to provide a calming presence and be the ultimate role model for mindfulness.