Montessori School at Lone Tree Staff 

Head of School

Marilyn Papke

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.

          Business Office Manager

Cheryl Sanchez

Cheryl Sanchez

Business Office Manager

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.

NorthWest Classroom

ANDI

ANDI

Directress/Kindergarten

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!

PEGGY

PEGGY

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 Lonetree 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.

NorthEast Classroom

CATHY

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 odd years.  I met my American husband, Andy, in England, where we were married and had a daughter (now a junior).  In 2005, we relocated to the USA.  This summer, we moved from Lone Tree to the Parker area.  I have been teaching at MSLT since August of 2020.

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.  I have now been teaching for 11 years.

Apart from spending time with my family and rescue dog Coco, my interests are travelling, cooking, painting and gardening.  I particularly like doing arts and crafts with children.

JAMISON

JAMISON

Assistant

Jamison's Bio

SouthEast Classroom

DAWN

DAWN

Directress/Pre-Kindergarten

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.

LISA

LISA

Assistant/Pre-Kindergarten/Kindergarten

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.

LESLIE

Assistant

Leslie's Bio

SouthWest Classroom

HALEY

HALEY

Directress

Haley's Bio

Hi, I’m Haley Henderson. I grew up in a Navy family and spent most of my childhood
near the ocean from California and Hawaii to Virginia. In 2007, my family made the
move to Monument, Colorado, where I attended high school. After high school I
moved to Denver and have lived in and around Denver ever since.

I found Montessori in 2016 when my wise mother suggested I read The Absorbent Mind
by Dr. Maria Montessori. The words instantly spoke to me. What a gift to find an avenue
of education that spoke to both being human and the spirit. A unique philosophy that
works to develop the whole child. By the time I finished the book, I was in. I went on to
complete my American Montessori Society Credential in 2017 at Montessori Education
Center of the Rockies. Before coming to Montessori School at Lone Tree, I spent the past
7 years teaching at Montessori schools in the Denver metro area. I have completed my
90 hr YTT for kids and family yoga. In the classroom I love to follow the child and honor
Maria Montessori’s process of observation, allowing me to see what’s next for each
individual child. Art and creativity are an important factor to my classroom, I love to
encourage exploration of different mediums such as paint, collage, oil pastels, etc.
When it comes to large group activities with the children, I spend most of that time
teaching them yoga, mindfulness, and how to express themselves through singing and
dance!

I have the pleasure of being a mother to one rowdy and joyful 5-year-old boy, Rowan.
In the summer Rowan and I spend our time hiking, swimming, or hitting golf balls. We
love to travel and spend time with family. In my free time, you’ll find me golfing or at the
yoga studio.

KATE

KATE

Assistant

Kate's Bio
My name is Kate and I have lived in Colorado my entire life. I started volunteering at a peer support group in 2020 for teenagers and young people, which started my journey of loving kids.
I absolutely love the outdoors, rock climbing, hiking and working out.
OLIV

OLIV

Assistant

Oliv's Bio

Hello! My name is Oliv. I am a Colorado native, I love skiing, hiking and camping, and being in
nature. I am an artist and I aim to live life creatively and curiously. While earning my bachelor’s
degree from the University of Northern Colorado I gained valuable experience working in early
childhood education. I believe in fostering a nurturing and engaging environment where each
child’s unique curiosity and abilities are celebrated. I strive to create an atmosphere that
promotes independence, exploration, and a love for learning. Through hands-on activities and
personalized attention, I aim to inspire young minds to grow, develop, and thrive in a supportive
community. I’m excited to be a part of your child’s journey towards self-discovery and academic
excellence.

Full Day Staff

DEBBIE

DEBBIE

South Full Day Coordinator

Debbie's Bio
My name is Deborah Cse’cs, and I am a Highlands Ranch resident.  New to Colorado, I am originally from California.  I grew up in a suburb of LA County, and spent my young adult years on the Central Coast (Pismo Beach) where my parents reside.
I was married to my husband Joe 25 years ago, and we share 6 adult children and 12 grandchildren.  My life has been joyful and full, taking care of our home, and children.  In addition to this, I’ve directed a non profit organization which hosted events for our military service men, women, and families.  I was also an owner of a retail fashion boutique in the Temecula Promenade Mall for a number of years.
It was a big step leaving California to come to Colorado, but I’ve fallen in love with this beautiful state over the last 2 years!  We have an amazing group of family and friends here, and I’m very thankful for that!
I’ve come to realize over the last 25 years, it takes a village to raise a tribe!  I feel overwhelmingly blessed to be a part of the Montessori family; They have welcomed me with open arms!  My hope is to serve your children and this community in love, with gratitude, every day I’m given!
I look forward to this coming year.
“Greater love has no one than this, that a person will lay down his life for his friends.”
‭‭John‬ ‭15:13‬ ‭
KILEY

KILEY

Full Day Assistant

Kiley's Bio

Hi!!! I’m Kiley! Before working at Montessori I worked as a nanny and a babysitter and that is how I fell in love with working with kids. I worked at Montessori the summers of 2022 and 2023 and enjoyed it so much that I now work in the full day program. I am a senior in high school and I hope to continue my education in college after I graduate. Outside of school and work I love hanging out with my friends and family and anything to do with the outdoors! 

RIAN

RIAN

NW 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

AYDEN

Full Day Assistant

Ayden's Bio

Hi! I’m Ayden. I attended MSLT for preschool and it made such a huge impact on me that I came back as a teacher. I love spending time with the kids. I like to do photography, hike, and hang out with my friends.