Faculty & Staff
The faculty and staff of Montessori Country school are a passionate group of educators who are devoted to creating and sustaining an environment of respect and joyful learning for children and families.
Administrative Staff
Jaclyn Chao
Head of School
Jaclyn was born and raised in the San Francisco Bay Area. After earning a BA in History from University of California at Berkeley, she embarked on a fellowship teaching in Oakland public schools. For six years, Jaclyn taught high school and elementary students with special needs. First as a parent, Jaclyn discovered and fell in love with Montessori education. As an educator, professional curiosity led to work as an Education Specialist at a Montessori school in Oakland. During interim summers, Jaclyn pursued AMI Elementary training with Montessori Northwest.
In 2016, Jaclyn, her husband and two daughters moved to Bainbridge, returning to her husband’s native home. She was thrilled to join MCS in 2016 as both a parent and an Upper Elementary guide. Over the next decade, she enjoyed bringing in new ideas for Outdoor Education, Service Learning Projects, and Montessori Model United Nations. Her children have since graduated from MCS, but witnessing their growth from the Huckleberry through Madrona years, along with her years in the classroom, only confirmed the deep and lasting impacts of Montessori education on a love of learning and desire to positively impact the world. In 2026, Jaclyn moved into administration to serve the MCS community more broadly.
Jaclyn and her family have thrived in the natural beauty and warm community of the island. She enjoys spending time with family and friends, running, hiking, camping, climbing, reading, cooking, and learning how to tend a yard.
Elizabeth Houghtaling
Assistant Head of School
Elizabeth, a Colorado native, spent much of her childhood nurturing a love for the outdoors. After graduating with a BA focused on multi-cultural anthropology and gender identity, she went on to begin her career working in early childhood education in Ethiopia as a volunteer teacher. After her return to the United States, she was introduced to the Montessori philosophy as an assistant in a Montessori classroom. She immediately fell in love with the Montessori method and quickly realized her life’s calling. She returned to school to obtain her International Montessori Certification for the Primary level. She went on to teach at a public charter school in Denver and later, internationally, at a school in Albania.
Elizabeth completed her second Montessori certification for Infants and Toddlers at the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies in Boulder, Colorado. She later returned to MECR in a different capacity as one of their teacher trainers. Elizabeth is deeply passionate about working with families with infants and children of toddler age. In 2016, Elizabeth was asked to be a part of the American Montessori Society’s inaugural cohort for the Emerging Leadership Program.
Elizabeth loves living on Bainbridge Island and being part of the Montessori Country School as both a staff member and a parent. She is excited to raise her children in the same place where her husband grew up. She spends her free time taking walks, reading, traveling, and struggling to learn how to both knit and play ukulele.
Karla Piecuch
Business Manager
Karla first became acquainted with the work of Maria Montessori while studying Philosophy and Comparative Religion at the University of California at Santa Cruz, where she graduated with Honors. Karla came to MCS in 1987 to work as a classroom assistant; she loved how the philosophy of Montessori translated into the actual classroom experience and received her Montessori certification shortly thereafter. After serving as a classroom teacher, she became the Associate Director in 1991. Before coming to MCS, Karla worked as the Executive Director of the American Cetacean Society in San Pedro, CA.
Karla’s time outside of school is spent hiking, climbing, indulging her passion for books and music, trekking in the Himalaya, and doing volunteer work for street dogs in India and Nepal.
Elaine Salot
Office Manager
Elaine and her husband moved to Bainbridge Island in 2000. She holds a BS in Computer Science from the University of California, Irvine. Elaine worked as a Technical Writer in several high tech companies until her daughter was born. Her daughter started at Montessori Country School as a toddler and finished as a 5th grader. Being a parent volunteer in the classroom and school office allowed Elaine to discover how much she enjoys being at school and watching her daughter and other students blossom into confident and compassionate people. Elaine joined the elementary staff in 2011, and she has enjoyed getting to know all the students, siblings, parents, and grandparents when they come through the office. Elaine loves to sew, read, bake, and spend time with her family and friends.
Dorothy Mak Thompson
Communications & Development Manager
Dorothy is delighted to be a part of Montessori Country School both as an alum parent and member of the staff. She loves getting to know MCS families, and to share the stories of our school with the community. She is excited to help create wonderful events that support our school and bring families together.
Prior to life on Bainbridge Island with her family, Dorothy lived in New York City for over a decade. She embarked on a career in marketing, public relations and events, leading print and digital efforts in the magazine publishing and hospitality industries. Dorothy graduated from Emory University with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Art History.
A few of her favorite things are children’s picture books, bubble tea, calligraphy, and time with her family.
Teaching Faculty & Staff
Isobel Coney
Art Specialist
Isobel Coney is a teaching artist, living and working on Bainbridge Island since 2001. A former parent of Country School students, she was educated and taught in public school in the United Kingdom before moving to Bainbridge Island. She graduated from the Scottish College of Textiles and has a postgraduate diploma in Textiles from Manchester Metropolitan University. She also has a Postgraduate Certificate in Art Education from Goldsmiths College, London.
Isobel has worked in the textile industry, and as public-school teacher in London, including work in the studio of fashion designer Zandra Rhodes. One of her most important goals as an art teacher is to give all students opportunities to make art in their own unique ways, learning new skills and techniques through their work. She encourages each student to respond to their own creative instincts and become more confident sharing their ideas and creations.
Isobel has taught all age groups, in many different settings, schools, and public events during her twenty years in the Pacific Northwest. She progresses her own textiles and ceramics work and has exhibited in local galleries.
Cheryl Dauber
Primary Guide
Cheryl earned her BA in Developmental Psychology from Humboldt State University in Arcata, California. She was introduced to Montessori education in 1997 when she began her work as an Assistant at Montessori Country School. She earned her AMS Primary Teaching Certification through the Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest. Cheryl took a sabbatical from MCS when her daughter was born; she taught part time for a local preschool. During this time she earned a Master’s in Teaching and K-8 Teaching Certificate. Cheryl went on to teach third grade at a Montessori inspired elementary program in Kitsap County. Her passion for teaching is motivated by the excitement children have about learning. She believes it is an honor to witness the moment at which a child makes a new discovery and finds a new level of independence.
Cheryl grew up in Santa Cruz and Paso Robles, California. Outside of teaching, Cheryl enjoys knitting, reading, hiking and camping, traveling, and swimming in Puget Sound with her family. Her daughter is a 2007 graduate of Montessori Country School.
Cley Everett
Primary Assistant
Born in Seattle but raised in Mississippi, Cley has always considered themselves a Washingtonian. They first moved back to Seattle in 2014 where they earned a BS in Marine & Conservation Biology and Chemistry at Seattle University.
From watching infants as an adolescent in their church’s nursery to instructing TaeKwonDo and self-defense classes, Cley has always had a passion for and connection with children. Throughout college, Cley worked as a substitute for Associated Recreation Council at before-, after-, and pre-school programs across Seattle. They also served as a Teaching Assistant for general biology and ecology courses at Seattle University. Cley has provided private childcare to various families on Bainbridge Island for several years. In recent years, they also served as the Maple class assistant and have substituted in the primary classrooms.
Aside from childcare, Cley has worked with clams and salmon at the Suquamish Tribe, helped coral restoration efforts in the Florida Keys, and raised oysters, sea cucumbers and abalone with Puget Sound Restoration Fund and the Seattle Aquarium. Cley is excited to combine their passion for marine science with their passion for empowering younger generations.
Theresa Heiden
Infant & Toddler Guide
Born and raised in Seattle, Theresa attended Lewis and Clark College, where she discovered her passion for early education and developmental research. After college, she was introduced to and inspired by the Montessori philosophy when she worked part-time as an assistant in a Montessori toddler classroom in Portland. She also worked as a research assistant in child development labs at Oregon Health & Science University, Stanford, and the University of Washington, where she ultimately earned a Master’s in Developmental Psychology. With Montessori still on her mind, Theresa completed her infant and toddler AMS certification through the Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest while she taught in a toddler class and led parent-infant classes.
She and her husband moved to Bainbridge right before their daughter was born in 2017, and joined the parent-infant class within their first year here. They now have three children attending MCS. As a family, they enjoy exploring local beaches, forests, and playgrounds with friends. When Theresa is able to escape for some free time, she likes to hike and play pickleball, or curl up with a good book.
Theresa is grateful to be a part of the MCS community, first as a parent and volunteer, and now as a teacher. She has a special place in her heart for infants and toddlers; for their purposeful work, contagious joy, and drive to become their own person.
Jack Kallicragas
Upper Elementary Guide
Born in Canada and raised all across the United States, Jack is an eager newcomer to the beautiful Northwest. He obtained his German degree from Philadelphia’s Temple University with a focus on Physics and Philosophy. After discovering Montessori and falling in love with the pedagogy, he quickly obtained both E1 and E2 AMS certifications. For the past five years, he has led a E1 classroom in Michigan while also coordinating various programs for all elementary ages: Shakespeare, Electronics/Computers, Storytelling, Games and Theory, Agricultural-Science, Physical Education, and Summer/After School.
Jack has found joy in sharing his various talents and interest with children and adults alike. Inspiring a love of mathematics and music became a key feature of his teaching style. He loves bringing his synthesizers, samplers, and more into the classroom; exploring the ways sound and audio can be altered and understood through hands-on demonstrations. Jack loves witnessing those moments of discovery, even more so when the students begin to share those exciting revelations with each other.
Hollind Kevo
Reading & Language Specialist
A Seattle native, Hollind graduated from Gonzaga University with a BA in Elementary Education and an endorsement in Special Education. She has focused her 25 year career on teaching and educational support. This includes serving as an Assistant Director at a K-5 school in the early 90s, where her responsibilities included hiring and training teachers, managing school admissions, and curriculum design. Hollind has developed a deep respect for Montessori education during her time as an assistant in the Lower Elementary classroom. She especially appreciates how the Montessori classroom is thoughtful and beautiful, yet simple in its design. She values the way in which the classroom fosters curiosity and success among the students. Hollind lives on Bainbridge Island with her husband and daughter (a former MCS student), where she enjoys reading, gardening, cooking with friends, and traveling with her family.
Caitlin Campbell-Martin
Infant & Toddler Assistant
Mary McCormic-McInnis
Primary Guide
Mary McCormic-McInnis came to MCS in January of 2022 and returns for her practicum year as she works towards her Early Childhood Montessori certification through MEIPN. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the Evergreen State College, where she studied printmaking and French. She began her professional career out of college teaching at a collaborative arts preschool in Olympia, followed by 10 years working as a professional baker.
Mary spent years volunteering at Odyssey Multiage program, where she came to appreciate the wonders and great joy that children find through learning together. Her professional career also included working with teens and adults with disabilities through Visualize Kitsap and as Life Enrichment Director of Madrona House, studying and training on best care practices for caring for people with dementia. Before MCS she taught for several years at Scrappy Art Lab. When not at MCS, she plays guitar and sings in the local trio, Songbird.
Mary has lived most of her life on Bainbridge, where she still resides with her husband and teenage sons. In her free time she loves hanging out with her family, and any dogs she can find and swimming in the Salish Sea.
Katie Nicholas
Music Specialist
Cydnie Reynolds Baron
Primary Guide
Cydnie has been teaching since 2019 and joined MCS in 2023 in the Spruce classroom. She received her BA in Early Childhood Education with a certificate of teaching for grades 1-3 in 2022 and recently completed her Montessori certification.
Adriana Sanchez
Lower Elementary Assistant
Adriana is thrilled to continue her journey at Montessori Country School. First as a parent, and now as a member of the faculty. Both of her sons attended MCS, and the school’s child-centered philosophy and nurturing environment inspired her long before she joined the faculty.
Adriana holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with a minor in Project Management, as well as an Associate’s degree in Education. Over the past four years, she has enjoyed teaching and supporting students in local private schools while also volunteering in public elementary schools. She is excited to begin this new chapter in Lower Elementary, where she looks forward to supporting students as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
She loves watching children become confident, capable learners as they develop independence, kindness, and a genuine curiosity about the world around them.
Outside of the classroom, Adriana enjoys catching up on her book club reads, gardening, cooking, and staying active. She especially loves making memories with her family.
Katie Trembley
Elementary Guide
A native to Kitsap County, Katie has worked in the field of education in and around Washington for 15 years. She earned a B.A. in English Literature from Washington State University and a M.S. in Elementary Education from McDaniel College in Maryland, where she specialized in supporting literacy.
Katie first learned about Dr. Montessori while studying nontraditional educational approaches during her graduate coursework. She was immediately drawn to the peaceful classrooms and child-centered approach to Montessori education, and believes in the power of guiding children to become lifelong learners. As the lead guide in the Maple classroom, Katie is looking forward to a year filled with storytelling, nature studies, and student-lead exploration.
Katie holds a teaching certificate for Washington and will graduate with her AMS Lower Elementary Certification from Montessori Education Institute of the Pacific Northwest in May 2026. When not in the classroom, Katie enjoys reading, hiking, gardening and exploring the outdoors with her husband and son.
Kate Usellis
Primary Assistant
Kate has a BA in English Literature/History /Art History from Trinity College in Washington DC and a Master’s degree in Elementary Education/Art Education from Columbia University in New York City. She has worked with children from two and a half to ten years old as a classroom teacher, Art teacher and as a school administrator. Kate is excited to join colleagues and children in this authentic Montessori learning environment. She looks forward to expanding her knowledge and understanding of how children best learn and is eager to participate in purposeful, enriching and joyful learning experiences with the young children in her care.
Outside of school, Kate cherishes time with family and friends, pursues artistic endeavors, reads novels and history, enjoys walks in nature and listens to music. She strives to appreciate each day as it comes and to contribute to making the world a kind and humane place for life.
Jadyn Velazquez
Upper Elementary Assistant
Jadyn was born in San Francisco, only to move to Hawaii six months later. She proceeded to move every 2-5 years across the Northwest, ending up in England for the 80’s and 90’s. Jadyn fell in love with the theatre after seeing a production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream from the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon. Once in college, she pursued acting, only to find her true love was creating the set once she took scenic painting. Determined to obtain skills, she got a degree in industrial welding; this opened a whole new passion with all things metal. With a desire to have her own shop, Jadyn found blacksmithing and began teaching herself how to shape metal with heat. After ten years of doing commissioned art and working as a pastry chef, she decided to return to her original desire to work on sets. Jadyn returned to the University of Montana after receiving the graduate teaching assistantship in set design and obtained her master's; she proceeded to be a freelance Set Designer for several years.
With all the theatres shut down in 2020, she decided to pursue her master’s in education because she had loved substitute teaching in past years. As a tactile learner, she was determined to bring all her skills to the classroom to create meaningful lessons through hands-on learning. Prior to joining MCS, Jadyn taught a 3rd/4th-grade class at a project-based school, creating a curriculum that integrates art into history and science. She finds teaching to be rewarding as she sees her students grow and find their own passions in this amazing world. She loves the wonder that children are endlessly capable of bringing to the classroom. She brings her many forms of art to ignite the passions of her students and help them find their own form of expression.
