Montessori School at Lone Tree Staff
Head of School
Marilyn Papke
Director & Head of School
My name is Marilyn Papke. I am the new Head of School for Montessori School of Lonetree. I have spent my entire career working with and for children. I have held every role in the preschool arena including Director, Training Director, Regional Director over multiple centers and schools. I have had the opportunity to work in every facet of the business on the Operational side and supported over 2000 locations. The past ten years I have managing operations for a charter school network in Arizona. Leading operations for 30 K-12 schools encompassing campus safety, enrollment, compliance, technology, school office management, school nurses, after-school programs and development and opening of the first preschool for the organization.
I am just shy of being a native of Colorado. I am a Colorado State University graduate with a degree in Early Childhood. I have traveled the United states working with children and there is no place I would rather call home than Colorado. I am looking forward to working with the families, staff, and children of Montessori School of Lonetree.
MSLT Support Team
Cheryl Sanchez - Business Office Manager
Cheryl's Bio
My name is Cheryl and I am delighted to have been given this opportunity to join the Montessori School of Lone Tree team in my new role as the Assistant Business Manager. My
background is in management, serving as Health Manager with Head Start and Colorado Preschool programs, as well as, director of the Chamber of Commerce in Fort Morgan, CO and director of The Early Childhood Council of Morgan County. Being a mom and grandma, I have
spent lots of time reading to my kids, playing with my kids and just hanging out enjoying each other’s company, building memories.
A Missouri native, I moved to Colorado in 1982, so I consider Colorado home. I recently moved to Castle Rock ready to start this new chapter in my life, looking forward to whatever doors
might be opened to me; the first being MSLT! My passion is reading and home decorating. I enjoy spending as much time as I can with family and friends.
Gregory Shain Chef
Gregory's Bio
My name is Gregory Shain, and I am the Chef at Montessori School at Lonetree. I have been working in the food industry since 1981. I have a long history of working in the food cooking industry. Some of my favorite places I have had the opportunity to use my skills are The Bison Ranch at the Great Sand Dunes, The Fishing Lodge in Alaska, and in early childhood programs.
I studied European cuisine under a Swiss German chef at Chez Walters Restaurant here in Denver as part of my apprenticeship in the American Culinary Federation. I also have studied at the Emily Griffiths Opportunity School focusing on food production and management. My interests include hiking, road trips exploring Colorado and areas around the United States. I am happy to join the Montessori School at Lonetree.
Marci Pilon Director of Operations
Marci's Bio
My name is Marci Pilon, and I am the Operations Director for the Montessori School at Lone Tree. I spent the last 10 years working as the Executive Assistant in the Child Youth Family Division of Human Services in Larimer County. With a Master’s Degree in Music Therapy from Colorado State University, I have also worked with children with special needs, at-risk youth, developmentally challenged adults, and residents in long term care facilities. I am a professional violinist with the Fort Collins Symphony and enjoy spending time with my husband John, two daughters, traveling, skiing, cycling, and making jewelry. I am excited to be in this position, with my passion for children and dedication to carry on the legacy of my mother-in-law, Jean Pilon who founded MSLT.
Faculty
Andi
Directress
Andi's Bio
I’m Andi the NW Directress, I have worked at MSLT since 2018. I’ve been fortunate to work at MSLT in many capacities the full day program, assistant, and now as a lead. I have been in the NW classroom since 2019 and have been the lead in NW since the start of the 2021 school year. I received my training through NAMC. I love collaborating with your families and children everyday. I am passionate about the Montessori philosophy and my ultimate dream is to use the materials that Maria Montessori created to support and provide a memory loss therapy for people suffering from Alzheimer’s or Dementia. The last few years I’ve been fortunate to be the Kindergarten teacher with Miss Lisa and have enjoyed being a part of that important year of the Montessori journey.
A little about me, I am a native New Mexican and moved here with my now husband Nate in 2017. My hobbies include going to farmer’s markets, traveling, reading, and cooking.
I cannot wait to be a part of your child’s education!
Dawn
Directress
Dawn's Bio
Hi! My name is Dawn Finnegan and I have worked for MSLT since June 2013. My first experience with Montessori was when I came and observed Lori K. in her classroom. I was hooked! I fell in love with Montessori and I wanted to be part of it. Taking a leap of faith, I quit my full time job to work part time at MSLT in the summer program, with no guarantee of a job after the summer. At the end of summer I was put on the sub list and for 6 months I subbed in various capacities (classroom, office, full day, and the kitchen). In January, I was offered a full time assistant position. I have always felt and known that MSLT was where I was meant to be. It just took a leap of faith! I am now the Directress of the Southeast Classroom and have my Associate Early Childhood Credential.
When I am not at MSLT I am spending time with my hubby, Scott. We love going to Rockies games, supporting our nephew at his lacrosse games, spending time with our niece, reading, going to movies, traveling and spending time with friends and family. We are so lucky to have all of our family in Colorado!
I feel so blessed to be at MSLT and surrounded by all these wonderful co-workers and children. I’m excited to see what the future holds.
Cathy
Directress
Cathy's Bio
Hello! My name is Cathy Grodahl and I am originally from England. In my previous career, I worked in the world of advertising in London for 20 years. I met my American husband, Andy, in England. We have a daughter, who
will be a sophomore this coming year.
My first experience with the Montessori Method was when my daughter attended a wonderful Montessori school. I was so taken with this way of teaching, I knew that was where my future lay! I started as a volunteer at her school and decided to get certified. I gained my International Diploma in Montessori Pedagogy at Montessori Casa in Denver in 2013. I have been teaching at MSLT running the NE Classrom since 2020.
Apart from spending time with my family - including Coco the dog and Ron the cat, my interests are traveling, cooking, painting and gardening. I particularly like doing arts and crafts with children.
Peggy
Teaching Assistant
Peggy's Bio
Before moving to Highlands Ranch, I spent thirteen years in Dallas, TX and Colorado Springs, CO as a PK teacher. I began my career at Montessori at Lone Tree in the summer of 1995 as the full day coordinator. After twenty plus years in the full day, I moved to be a morning assistant in the NW classroom. MSLT is such a beautiful, loving, nurturing school and I am blessed to be working with your children. I have an Early Learning Teacher Credential.
My husband Lew and myself have been married for over fifty years. We have three wonderful children & three grandchildren whom all attended MSLT.
My favorite things are being with my family, gospel music and shopping.
Debbie
Full Day Coordinator
Debbie's Bio
Before moving to Highlands Ranch, I spent thirteen years in Dallas, TX and Colorado Springs, CO as a PK teacher. I began my career at Montessori at Lone Tree in the summer of 1995 as the full day coordinator. After twenty plus years in the full day, I moved to be a morning assistant in the NW classroom. MSLT is such a beautiful, loving, nurturing school and I am blessed to be working with your children. I have an Early Learning Teacher Credential.
My husband Lew and myself have been married for over fifty years. We have three wonderful children & three grandchildren whom all attended MSLT.
My favorite things are being with my family, gospel music and shopping.
Lisa
Teaching Assistant
Lisa's Bio
Hi Ya’ll! I’m Lisa Place and I relocated to Colorado from Georgia in 2013. I first became acquainted with Montessori in high school as a tutor for children with dyslexia. My two children attended a Montessori school in Macon, Georgia at which time I was an active parent and substitute teacher. I then completed the Montessori Foundations (Assistant) training through Montessori Educational Programs International (MEPI) and have taught at the primary level since 1997. In addition, I graduated from Florida State University with a BS degree in Criminology and have worked with several child abuse prevention and advocacy programs. My husband, Robert and I have been married since 1988. Our daughter is a surgical resident in Salt Lake City and our son is an engineer in St. Louis, Missouri. I truly believe their success is rooted in a love for learning which was fostered by their Montessori education.
Being outdoors is a passion and I can usually be found hiking or snowshoeing on the weekends. I also enjoy reading and traveling/exploring Colorado.
I have been with MSLT since 2017 and I am thrilled to be an Assistant in the SE Classroom. Guiding, loving and supporting your children fills me with much joy.
Melanie
Teaching Assistant
Melanie's Bio
Kainoa
Teaching Assistant
Kainoa's Bio
Aloha kākou, hello everyone! My name is Kainoa Garcia. I was born and raised in the
beautiful state of Hawai’i.
I joined Montessori School at Lone Tree in February 2024 as a teacher’s assistant and
a member of the full day team. Since then, I have had the opportunity to work alongside
our talented directresses and all our amazing students.
Prior to coming to Montessori School at Lone Tree, I spent over 10 years providing one
on one assistance to families and their children, including aiding with early childhood
development. The opportunity to be engaged in children’s social, emotional, and
academic growth from infancy to adolescence has truly been one of the most rewarding
experiences.
I aspire to advance my development in the Montessori community and increase my
contribution to the school and the education of all our wonderful children.
When not in school, my husband and I, along with our 6-year-old Chocolate Lab, love
hiking, camping, paddle boarding, and all things outdoorsy. We are also Lone Tree
residents and enjoy being involved and take pride in our community.
I am looking forward to building meaningful connections and lasting memories with all of
the students and families in our MSLT ohana.
Natalie
Teaching Assistant
Natalie's Bio
Hello. I have been a part of a Montessori community for almost a decade as both a lead
teacher as an assistant in both Southern California and Colorado. I received my certificate in Early Childhood Montessori in 1997 through the National Center for
Montessori Education. I received my bachelor’s in English and Creative Writing from the
University of Missouri-Columbia in 1994. I love being a part of the lives of children and in educating both children and their parents. I believe the Montessori environment is a special and rewarding place and encourages all of us to be part of a peaceful and tight-knit community. Thank you for the opportunity to guide your children as we bring out the best in them and all the rich Montessori environment has to offer.
Leighann
Teaching Assistant
Leighann's Bio
Kate
Teaching Assistant
Kate's Bio
Hi, my name is Kate. I’m a native of Colorado and I love traveling, being out in nature, and spending time with my friends and family-which includes my three cats. I really enjoy working with children and making a positive impact!
Rian
Full Day Assistant
Rian's Bio
Hi there! My name is Rian and I love working with the young ones! I strive every day to be a good male role model for the kids outside of their home-life :). I grew up the oldest of three brothers and was always helping my mom when she worked in childcare. Outside of work I enjoy building model kits and skating, along with spending time with friends as often as I can.
Ayden
Full Day Assistant
Ayden's Bio
Hi! I’m Ayden. I’m a Senior at Cherry Creek High School. I’ve been working at MSLT for 1.5 years. I love working with kids, especially at MSLT, and I hope to study child development and become a teacher. I started babysitting when I was 10 years old, and before that, I did something I called “Mom’s Helper”, where I would help parents with their kids while they worked. In my free time, I love to do photography, read, and spend time with my family and friends.
Ashton
Full Day Assistant
Ashton's Bio
Hi, my name is Ashton McCune and I’m one of the full-day helpers this year at MSLT! I’m a senior at Rock Canyon High School, but I attended MSLT when I was younger. I love playing and watching lacrosse, reading, and listening to music. I’m super excited to work with you and your kiddos this school year!