GOVERNANCE
Shining Mountains Montessori School is registered as a nonprofit organization in the state of Colorado. We are operated by a Board of Directors and an Executive Director. The Board of Directors is ultimately responsible for financial, legal, and strategic planning and policy issues for SMMS. The Board sets policy to be implemented by the administration and staff. Furthermore, the Board ensures the integrity of Montessori philosophy within the school. The Board currently consists of four members.
The Board holds regular meetings approximately ten times yearly, typically on the second Monday of the month. Minutes are on file and available to parent community members upon request.
Visit cccf.fcsuite.com to gift a tax-deductible donation for student scholarships, school programming, future expansions, and coordinated Montessori teacher training. Our community of present/prospective learners and leaders would be very grateful.
Meet the Team
-
![]()
Lisa Lamb
Founder/Director & Mentor Guide
Welcome! I am incredibly honored to be a Visionary for Shining Mountains Montessori School, hoping to provide a child-sized sanctuary for purposeful, joyful work and collaboration.
My native home is Bauernheim, Germany, where my fondest childhood memories are rooted. I have lived and loved in multiple cities while receiving a Bachelor's in German Language and Literature in 2007. The peaceful and respectful approach, methodology, and science of Dr. Maria Montessori found me during college. I assisted in Infant, Toddler, and Children's House environments stateside and overseas. My partner Kirt brought me to Colorado, as did the AMS Early Childhood Montessori Credential through the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies.
I served as a Children's House Guide at Chaffee County Montessori School, then Salida Montessori Charter School for seven years, now living in BV for 13 years. I hope to complete my AMI Assistants to Infancy Training concurrent with a Master’s in Education from Loyola University by December 2025.
-
![]()
Katie Tilt
Executive Director
Greetings! My name is Katie, and I have over 20 years of experience teaching preschool and early grades in both Montessori and traditional settings. My international experience includes teaching kindergarten in England for a year as part of the Fulbright Teacher Exchange Program, as well as completing my student teaching experience in Christchurch, New Zealand.
My mother is a Montessori teacher, and even as an infant, I accompanied her to school. My roots in Montessori education grew from these exceptional early childhood experiences! I attended Montessori toddler and preschool programs in Cincinnati, Ohio, before moving to Marietta, Georgia, and attending Cobb County Public Schools. I received my Bachelor's degree in Education from Berry College in Rome, Georgia. I also hold a Master of Education degree in Early Childhood Education from Kennesaw State University and a Montessori Teaching Certification from the Pan American Montessori Society.
My family and I have lived in Salida for five years and I was a lead Children’s House guide at Salida Montessori Charter School for 2 years. I look forward to serving as the Executive Director of SMMS remotely and in person!
-
![]()
Emily Petty
Lead Guide
Hello everyone, my name is Emily, and I’m a mom to a four-year-old boy. I grew up in the mountains and have visited BV since childhood. I am so glad to be part of this community in my adulthood and enjoy all our valley has to offer.
My MACTE-accredited Children's House Montessori Teacher Certification through the Prepared Montessorian is almost to completion, and I also serve in the capacity of an Assistant Director. My favorite color is a pink and purple combo, what I see in our beautiful sunsets over the peaks. My favorite activity is going on a walk with my son and catching up with all the smiling faces in town along the way. My favorite song to sing with my son is “Zoom Zoom Zoom; We’re Going to the Moon.”
-
![]()
Coleen Hampf
Assistant Guide
Greetings! I have spent my whole life doing what I loved, from working 30+ years as a Human Resource Manager to raising my two daughters in their formative years in a Montessori school and at a nearby barn where they competed in English riding. Yes, my sweet girls were raised in a barn :). I have moved to Buena Vista to pursue a spiritual life of peace and contentment. I now find myself in a blossoming Montessori environment where I will continue to learn from little spirits who are wise beyond their years.
-
![]()
Kirsten Gaumond
Assistant Guide
Hello families! I was born in Colorado Springs and was raised in Fort Collins, then in Boulder. From 3-6 years old, I attended Children’s House Montessori in Fort Collins. In April 2018, I earned my Bachelor of Exercise Science and Sports Administration Degree through Fort Lewis College in Durango, Colorado. While earning my Bachelor’s degree, I worked as a Youth Ski and Snowboard Instructor, Supervisor, and Program Director. I also worked as a Program Coordinator for mountain biking clinics and outdoor youth camps.
I student-taught in Buena Vista and earned my K-12 Teaching License in May 2021. My MACTE-accredited Children's House Montessori Teacher Certification through the Prepared Montessorian is near completion, and I also serve in the capacity as an Assistant Director.
I am very excited to share my passion for Montessori education at SMMS! I love to explore our Valley with my two long-haired dachshunds, my partner Bobby, and his dog Tommy.
-
![]()
Erin Melrose
Administrative Support
Hello! I was born and raised in New York and moved to Colorado in 2001 after receiving a BA in English and Nutritional Sciences from the University of Vermont. My passion for health and helping others has led me to wear many hats and gain experience in Health Coaching, Management, Marketing and Professional Writing. I feel honored to be a part of SMMS where I can contribute to the success of our children and the future of our beautiful mountain community. My role at SMMS is multi-faceted as an Assistant Guide inside the classroom and Administrative Support working behind the scenes to help school operations.
Inspired by my own daughter’s success as an SMMS student and the recent birth of my son, I pursued and completed the Infant Toddler Montessori Diploma Program through the North American Montessori Center. Focused specifically on the developmental needs of the youngest Montessori children, this professional training prepared me with the knowledge and resources to joyfully guide and care for Infants and Toddlers in the Montessori environment. I am hopeful and enthusiastic about the expansion of Montessori programming within our community. The best way to grasp the essence of Montessori is to come see for yourself: schedule an observation to witness the magic of SMMS!
“The Child is Both a Hope and a Promise For Mankind.” - Dr. Maria Montessori
-
![]()
Hamilton
School Counselor, CHS (Children’s House Snuggler)
Hello humans! I grew up in the Ark River Valley and was adopted from Ark Valley Humane Society. My names thus far are Hamilton, Hams, Hambone, Lil’ Guy, GP, and Dude. My human mom, Ms. Lisa, told me that I’d get to travel between home and Montessori school. I learn lots at SMMS, and I love my little human friends. They tell me stories, read me books, and know I get happy-squeaky when they gift me carrots and cilantro from their refrigerator. My life is amazing!
