Faculty and Staff
Erin Smith, TRAINER IN RESIDENCE and Assistants to Infancy Director of Training
Erin Smith has been working in Montessori environments since 2001, and as a classroom guide for sixteen years. She has worked as an Assistant, Nido guide, Toddler guide, Primary guide, Parent-Infant Class Facilitator and Instructional Coach. Erin is also an AMI Trainer at the Assistants to Infancy level and an A to I Consultant for AMI/USA. She has worked on AMI training courses in the United States, Europe and Asia
Erin’s personal Montessori journey began at The Montessori Institute in Denver when she attended training in 2002-2003, learning from Judi Orion and Cha Cha Vidales. She went on to earn her Masters at Loyola University in Maryland in 2005. Erin completed her Primary training with Annette Haines in 2008. Upon entering AMI’s Training of Trainers program in 2010, Erin returned to TMI to support students and further her own learning, later joining the TMI faculty as a Trainer in 2018.
Erin is honored to be working on behalf of TMI in the role of Executive Director, amongst a team of talented and dedicated Trainers at the A to I, Primary and Elementary levels, as well as the wonderful administrators and staff. TMI is an AMI Training Center with a long legacy and a bright future, and it is a pleasure to serve such a special organization.
email: erin_smith@tmidenver.com
Christie Archuleta,
Operations and Admissions Coordinator
Christie earned her AMS Associate Infant & Toddler Credential in 1997, through Mid-America Montessori Training Institute, and worked in the Montessori field for over 8 years in different roles such as after school coordinator, guide and classroom coach. Prior to joining TMI, Christie found her way back into Montessori and worked at The Montessori Academy of Colorado in the Nido environment for over five years.
In between her early years as a Montessori guide, and her position at MAC, Christie ventured into the corporate world with a large student loan company where she worked as a department trainer. Christie loves to help students connect with The Montessori Institute and enjoys being part of the TMI community.
Katy Mattis, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Katy Mattis has been dedicated to Montessori education since 1998, primarily in public Montessori programs. She has served as an elementary guide, instructional coach, school leader, and principal of Denison Montessori School. In her role as the Director of Tools and Assets at the National Center for Montessori in the Public Sector, she developed educational tools and resources to help public school Montessorians prioritize Montessori pedagogy within district regulations. Katy is a passionate advocate for Montessori education and fosters a supportive community for educators and students.
Katy holds an AMI Diploma for Assistants to Infancy from The Montessori Institute, an Elementary Diploma from the Washington Montessori Institute, a Master of Education from Loyola College, and a degree from Hampshire College. She also holds Colorado state teacher and principal licenses.
Katy is excited to serve as the Executive Director at TMI. She is passionate about advancing Montessori education and fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion for both children and adult learners. Katy is committed to supporting all learners with innovative educational approaches rooted in Montessori philosophy.
Email: katy_mattis@tmidenver.com
Andrea Fleener, Director of Training for Elementary
Andrea Fleener is an AMI Elementary Director of Training. She has experience training a variety of cohorts (traditional undergraduate, degree completion, graduate, non-university affiliated) in a variety of formats and co-authored the current research-backed AMI blended pilot for elementary training and is currently enrolling her 4th cohort for that program. Andrea has over 10 years of teaching experience as an AMI trained lead guide, in 6-9, 6-12 and 9-12 age groupings. She has served on various Montessori task forces, committees, and working groups and continues to do so. She is also a past chair of the AMI-EAA board of directors. Andrea has worked with the staffs of public and private Montessori schools and has lectured on AMI courses around the world.
Beyond the training, Andrea enjoys partnering with learners after course completion through mentorship, collaboration, and coaching. Andrea holds AMI diplomas at both the 6-12 and 3-6 levels, has a B.A. in Germanic Languages and Literatures from the University of Kansas, and a M.Ed in Montessori Education from Loyola University in Maryland. As soon as some time opens, she is eager to sit the 0-3 and 12-18 courses!
Vinkle Thakkar, Assistants to infancy Faculty
Vinkle Thakkar’s Montessori interest was inspired by the confidence and independent thinking she observed in her siblings and cousins who went to a Montessori school. The journey since then has been ongoing and evolving.
Vinkle holds AMI diplomas for the 0-3, 3-6 and 6-12 levels and a Bachelor’s in Arts from the University of Mumbai, India. After 21 years in the classroom and engagement with the children of different age groups, she is now an Instructional Coach at Near North Montessori School in Chicago, IL. She is also an Auxiliary Trainer for the Association Montessori Internationale and the Montessori Institute in Denver, CO.
Judith Orion, Assistants to infancy trainer emeritus
Judi holds the AMI Primary (3-6) diploma and received her Assistants to Infancy (0-3) diploma at the first AMI training for that level, given in Rome. Judi has conducted Primary and Infancy Montessori classes and is a trainer, examiner, and consultant at both levels. Judi has retired from full time training but is an active contributor to The Montessori Institute and Association Montessori International.
Lara Wallace,
Onsite Elementary coordinator
Lara holds an AMI Elementary diploma for 6-12. She has an M.Ed. in Montessori Education from Loyola University in Maryland and a BA in Sociology from the University of Colorado. Lara has worked in Montessori schools for twelve years as an Assistant, a Teacher, and a Mentor. She has worked part time at The Montessori Institute since 2008.