This Birchtree post is a very special one for me as both of my children spent their preschool days at this montessori and there really ARE no words that can properly describe the magic that takes place within the walls of this building. So tickled to share their story on The Birchtree Project. The reason for the magic is impeccably evident by their words.

“I believe it truly does take a village to raise a child, and my village is SO beautiful. Daily, I witness the selfless nurturing of children in a way I hope every child could experience. These ladies give of themselves so completely moment after moment, and I am privileged to spend time working with and learning from them. I never cease to be amazed by their strength and knowledge. We work together as co-workers, but somewhere along the way, our work relationships have transformed into some of my most precious friendships. We have laughed and cried together, celebrated and mourned. There is something special that happens when women gather. The power that is created when a group of women work together for the greater good is unstoppable, and our team is proof of that.  Our individual abilities complement one another, creating potential unlike any other I have witnessed. We come together to teach children, to help them learn about the world we live in, and we learn about ourselves in the process. I am SO humbled to be a part of this group of women, so grateful for our daily interactions. This has been a season of my life that has changed me for the better in more ways than I can name, and I am honored by the ability to call these incredible women my friends. Knowing that the foundation of our bonds is strong, I look forward to seeing where the future takes us, and I find comfort in the knowledge that wherever we go, we will always have the unconditional support of one another. Thanks, ladies of Mountainside, for the extraordinary gift of your friendship. I love you all.”
~~Erin

“Imagine if you walked into work each day knowing that you’d have unconditional support and encouragement. That you would grow professionally each day by observing your peers. That your work environment honored collaboration, honesty, and integrity. That everyone shared the same goal of nurturing the growth and individuality of each child.

This is my reality.

Some of us refer to Mountainside Montessori as Shangri-la – not because it’s a perfect place, but because of the richness of its cohesive environment and the relationships that it honors. I work alongside a phenomenally talented group of educators who inspire me, challenge me, and embrace me. I’m grateful each day that I walk through the doors of Mountainside and see these women’s faces, knowing that we are all striving together as educators. But these are also the faces of my dear, dear friends. It’s Shangri-la.”
~~Kristin

“I joined Mountainside Montessori in the fall of 2013, just a few months after Erin had begun her new roll as directress and owner. I can’t adequately describe how meaningful that year was, but as life would have it, I moved elsewhere to complete requirements for graduate school. This past spring Erin let me know that her dream of expanding the school was coming to fruition. I was humbled by her wish to have me lead the new infant/toddler program.

I couldn’t be more grateful to be back in this environment, with this unbelievable group of women, spending our days with some truly wonderful little beings! I’m often brought to tears by these ladies – both from their genuine love and support, and from the heartfelt laughter we inspire in one another. I am continually in awe of the passion with which these women live their lives, the compassion they share in abundance, and the unique ways they make this school such a special place for these children to grow. These ladies are fiery, funny, intelligent, warm, gentle, talented individuals. Without them, Mountainside wouldn’t be the same. I’m energized by our connection and by their commitment to creating a space where each child is honored, encouraged, and appreciated.

It’s overwhelming to see how the children flourish emotionally and intellectually when they are treated with the utmost respect and their curiosity is encouraged daily! I’ve learned so much from these kiddos and their families and never forget how fortunate I am to be a part of this.”
~~Laura

“Four years ago, these inspiring women at Mountainside began as my son’s teachers and they have now become my colleagues and friends. Their commitment to honoring the beauty and individuality of each child has inspired and molded me as both a mother and educator. I know the meaning of love from the greetings they give in the mornings and the good-bye hugs or high fives that each child receives at the end of the day. I’ve learned about passion by observing lessons that ignite the children’s imagination. I’ve also witnessed the beauty that is created when a community commits to a common goal. To these women, thank you for your love and dedication to children and their educational journeys.”
~~Joslyn

“As a Montessori pre-school teacher for over ten years, I reflect on the sweet and tender-tinies and the gift I’ve been given to be apart of these most important years.  Together we’ve learned, explored, helped, shared, cried and oh did we laugh, laugh, laugh!! I now am 2 weeks from delivering my first, my own tender tiny and will leave this school, this place of happiness and joy. So as I say goodbye, it is also to my dear friends and colleagues that I will deeply miss for together we also learned, explored, helped, shared, cried and Heaven knows we laughed, laughed and laughed with one another!

Our great teacher, Maria Montessori said~ “Joy, feeling ones own value, being appreciated and loved by others, feeling useful and capable of production are all factors of enormous value for the human soul.”  So I thank these women, these lifelong friends who have uplifted me to feel valued, appreciated, loved, useful and oh so capable to nurture, love and teach children.”
~~Harmony