Primary Staff
Primary I
Primary II
Primary III
Primary IV
Elizabeth Vickers
I lived, from the age of three, on a bluff overlooking the Blanco River. My playground, my science lab, my obstacle course, my home instilled in me a love of nature, a sense of curiosity, of wonder and of play. I received my education in Wimberley, at Hays High School, and at Southwest Texas State University (B.A., Geography and History), now Texas State University. I first came to know about the methods of Dr. Maria Montessori while attending college. I had a part-time job assisting with a toddler class at Dripping Springs Montessori School and liked this way of teaching immediately. I continued with the job until graduation, marriage, and a move to Clear Lake where I worked at Armand Bayou Montessori School. There, I received my American Montessori Society (AMS) primary certification, in 1993. My husband, Cody, and I moved back to San Marcos where I worked at San Marcos Montessori. During that time, I completed my Association Montessori International (AMI) primary certification in 2000. I next worked in two other Austin Montessori schools and then took time away from teaching. One day I received a call from my friend Jennifer Phillips, a fellow student with whom I had trained. She was letting me know a position was open at Primavera. Would I like to visit the school and be interviewed? I liked the school and accepted a position as a Primary Guide. That was in 2005, and I have never regretted a moment of my association with Primavera.
My experience at Primavera has been fulfilling and rewarding. I am fortunate to be part of a group of well-educated, dedicated, and loving people. The techniques of the Montessori Method resonate with me. I stay true to what Dr. Maria Montessori created; still I am encouraged to add my own creative touches to my approach at Primavera. I give the children an experience that excites and engages them while they gain a sound foundation for their future studies. I embrace the whole child (mind, body, and spirit) and enjoy creating lessons with that in mind. I feel comfortable and confident at Primavera, a place where our community spirit and dedication give us all a sense of purpose and a will to form well the lives of our students.
Cara Arlauskas
My earliest and fondest memories of school took place in a Montessori setting. I was privileged enough to begin my Montessori education at the age of 18 months and continue through the fourth grade. My school nurtured my love for language and awakened my voracious appetite for all things Art. I later received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Photography from the University of Texas at Arlington. While working toward my degree, I was a nanny (turned tutor) for several families in the Dallas/Fort Worth area. I found the work extremely rewarding and it seemed to come to me naturally. I loved building relationships with the children, and did so with ease. After graduating I began doing commercial photo work in Dallas and was pleased with my success, but was burned out by “The Business” aspect. I began to really miss the child/education element of my former life, so I decided to go back to school for my Early Childhood–4th Grade Certification. I learned rather quickly that, even after all these years, a public classroom still was not the right fit for me; I longed to get back to my true roots. By an act of fate, my then-boyfriend’s company moved us from Dallas to Austin and I immediately began looking for Montessori programs, hoping to get my foot in the door. I toured Primavera, posing as a potential parent, and absolutely fell in love! I’ve been a guide here since 2008, and it was definitely meant to be. I started in the Creativity Club after-school program, and I’m now partnered with Elizabeth Vickers in the Primary I classroom.
I’ve seen a lot of personal changes in recent years: moving (a lot!), getting engaged and married, and buying a house, to name a few. But my Primavera family and routine have remained strong and supportive. I love that. I stumbled nervously into this city that I now proudly call home, and the first time I felt really relaxed and comfortable was under the Primavera roof. As soon as I stepped into the building I felt at home. I think each and every one of us brings that comfy feeling directly to each child. Here we all are in a safe, home-like environment where all thoughts and feelings are expressed and discussed. We all work together, we all play together, and we all learn from one another. What I love about Primavera is that it’s about the child, but it’s also about the family…each individual family, and all of us together as one.
Jennifer Giroux
More about Jennifer coming soon!
Jennifer Jane Phillips
Greetings! My name is Jennifer Phillips. I am a life-long learner and student of the gifts of Early Childhood. I was fortunate enough, in my late teens, to find a path into the marvelous world of Montessori Education and have spent my entire adult life in grateful service to hundreds of amazing and brilliant young children, and their families. Life has been extremely good! I have two Montessori Primary credentials, received from the American Montessori Society (AMS) in 1994 and the Association Montessori International (AMI) in 2000. And this year, I celebrate my 22nd year of Montessori Education in Austin! I am a founding member and “proud mama” of Primavera Montessori School, the Primary Program Director, and Lead Montessori Guide in the Primary II classroom.
Beautiful from the beginning, Primavera’s mission has perpetually manifested itself into being, threading together a vital group of Visionaries—educators, parents, and children—committed to a peaceful community experience that strives to champion the exquisite growth of the Whole Child in mind, body, and spirit. It has been pure joy to behold Primavera’s unfolding, and to welcome and collaborate with all those who were drawn to come, to share in our vision, and to bring their passionate and amazing talents with them. As a result, each of us is continually surrounded by wonder, inspiration, and unwavering support. Primavera is an optimal learning environment for us all!
Allie West
Hello, my name is Allie West. This is my third year as a teacher and member of the Primavera Community. I was born and raised in Austin and have resided here most of my life, except when I moved to Boulder, Colorado to study at Naropa University, and for a short time in Pahoa, Hawaii, where I became certified in herbal medicine. Both experiences were extremely enriching, mind-expanding, and life-altering. While at Naropa, I got my degree in Religious Studies, and a double minor in Psychology (with a focus on health and healing) and Early Childhood Education. While studying ECE at Naropa, I was introduced to the philosophies of Montessori and Waldorf education. It was here that I learned for the first time the beauty and benefits of Montessori Education.
I began my work with children when I was 18 years old, as a substitute teacher at various schools around Austin, and then in Boulder I worked as a nanny for two wonderful families. I have always had a calling to be with and work with children, and have always followed this calling. After moving back to Austin, I dabbled in other various jobs, such as food service, and a few nanny jobs. It wasn’t until I came to Primavera that I finally felt truly at home in my working environment. A good friend of mine was already teaching here, and she suggested I called Primavera about being a substitute. So I did, and after subbing only twice, I was offered a full-time position as a Creativity Club Guide, and Support Guide to the Primary II classroom. It was meant to be!! After a year in this position, Jennifer Phillips of Primary II asked me if I would be her Assistant Guide/partner, and without hesitation I said YES! A million times YES! I continue every day to be inspired by this woman’s passion and creativity. In the last year in a half, my love for Primavera has deepened, my calling to be a teacher has been more defined, and my connection and passion to the children I work with has continued to fulfill my purpose in life. I plan to go for my Montessori teacher training in the next year.
What I really admire and respect about Primavera is our TRUE dedication to creating a peaceful community, and therefore a more peaceful world. In a time on our planet which is filled with so much strife, I can think of no other work more important and meaningful than teaching and guiding our children to be compassionate, peaceful, kind, creative, loving, and confident beings, and I can think of no better place to create this reality than at Primavera Montessori School. After all, Maria Montessori herself said, “Within the child lies the fate of the future.” I am blessed each day to hear children’s laughter and witness their joyful, simple, and spontaneous natures. I am honored to be able to inspire and help children grow into their full potential as human beings, and to be surrounded by men and women who are dedicated to a common and worthy goal such as ours…to continue to carry on the legacy of Montessori’s dream of peaceful education and a peaceful world!
Christine Benham
I moved to Austin from my hometown of Phoenix, Arizona in 2011. I graduated from Arizona State University with B.S. in Family and Human Development, a B.A. in English (Creative Writing), a Dance minor, and a Writing Certificate—which included an internship with Montessori Life magazine.
Before coming to Austin, I was a after-school teacher at a Montessori school in Phoenix for three years, but my Montessori background started long before that. I was a Montessori student from ages 3 to 6. After volunteering in my classroom, my mom fell in love with the Montessori method and became a Montessori teacher. While I was growing up, I often volunteered in her classroom. She has been such a help and inspiration to me as I have rediscovered the Montessori world these past few years. In the summer of 2011, after a busy month of finals, graduating, getting engaged, and meeting the wonderful teachers at Primavera, I began my early childhood Montessori training at Houston Montessori Center. My training has been such an amazing and rewarding experience. I have found such beauty in the Montessori materials and philosophy. I am amazed at the unlimited potential within each child and the ability we have to discover the world through their eyes. The emphasis on movement, respect, and peace in the Montessori method made me fall in love with it all over again.
I joined the Primary II class as an assistant guide and intern in 2011, and also serve as a Creativity Club Guide. I am passionate about literature, travel, the arts, and science, and I love to bring as much of those areas as possible into the classroom. I am looking forward to this year, and I’m excited to be part of the Primavera community.
Rachel Tovar
My name is Rachel Tovar, and I was born and raised in Austin, Texas. I come from a large family, and I love spending time with them. I am married to the most phenomenal man on earth, Jorge. Together we have two beautiful children—Timothy is 14, and Bethanee is 12. These three people have created my life’s greatest journey; they are my biggest fans and my greatest teachers.
I am a Primary Guide at Primavera, and I have been here since 2002. I came on board the second year Primavera was open. I had previously worked at another Montessori school, where I met a lifelong friend and my ultimate Montessori mentor. Then I discovered the amazing staff at Primavera—each one with unique talents and a heart for children. I have been teaching for 11 years now. I received my Montessori certification from the North American Montessori Center. I have had the privilege of having great mentors here at Primavera, and I‘ve loved discovering myself. I truly believe I have found what I am meant to do in life.
Being at Primavera, I am free to explore with children, and to try new things. I’m challenged every day to think outside of the box. I love to create and personalize work for children. Every day is different. Every day is a fresh start to open ourselves up to love, to trust, and most importantly, to learn.
Marianne McHale
My name is Marianne Marin. As a child I lived in the Philippines, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia, and Spain. I returned to the United States to get a B.A. in History from Connecticut College. After 10 years in Palo Alto/San Francisco, my family and I moved to Austin. I have been affiliated with Primavera since 2002. I started as a board member, and the following year I became a Guide with John Martin. With John as my mentor, I gained an appreciation for teaching with physical materials, especially building blocks. I also worked with Deborah Way-Salinas before Rachel and I started Primary III in 2005.
I remember the first day I set foot onto the Manchaca campus. All I saw were children running with unbridled glee. They were so happy and free. It reminded me of growing up on a sugar mill where I delighted in running everywhere with true freedom. Previously, I had been working at a Montessori school that had not been blessed with a large outdoor space, and thus was a lot more restrictive. Primavera is such a beautiful atmosphere to grow and learn in. As the years have gone by, I have fallen more and more in love with Primavera and its families.
Paula Sanchez
My name is Paula Sanchez and I am the support Guide for Primary III. I started working at Primavera as a substitute in April 2010. I began my current role the next school year, and I’ve been enjoying every day of it since then. I’m learning new ways to communicate with the children by using specific language and also problem-solving. I’ve realized throughout the years the importance of a teacher and how each person can make a difference in a child’s life.
What I love about Primavera is the culture it has established. The way each relationship is built as a staff member, a parent, and a student, you can see that everyone deeply cares about each other. What impressed me the first time I subbed was how the students were capable of doing things by themselves at three or four years old. I also was inspired by the many different ways to teach them. I love getting to know each student and his or her family, and I’m glad to be a part of Primavera.
Lisa Miele
Growing up in a close-knit Italian family helped me to develop a love of tradition and culture. When I was 5, my younger brother, Rocco, was born, and from this experience, I learned how to care for a small child with my family’s guidance and love. I attribute my love for children and all life to the beautiful connections that I share with my family and friends.
In college, I worked as a nanny until I gained my BS in Geography and Environmental Studies from Texas State University in San Marcos. My teaching journey began at Nature’s Way Preschool in Austin after college. The following year, I decided to travel around the U.S. and overseas to explore other cultures. Along the way, I began a fair-trade import business with a close friend to help support this desire to “see the world.” I explored and worked with people in Guatemala, Mexico, Thailand, and India, Canada, and the U.S.
Upon my return to Austin, I acquired a job at Austin Montessori School as an Assistant Teacher in the Primary classroom. I began to realize that teaching was my calling and that Montessori education had a strong place in my heart. After gaining a RMT license in Austin, I decided to take another trip to Bengal, India to fulfill a dream of working with children of a completely different culture. I was so inspired by this experience that I returned to Austin to focus on my Montessori teacher training. I worked at CCOA Montessori School for two years, and began my AMI Primary Montessori teacher training in Dallas in the summer of ’08 at The Montessori Institute of North Texas.
For the past three years, I worked as an Assistant Teacher at Parkside Community School while studying Montessori education. I gained my AMI certification in July of 2010 and have spent the last year completing a Masters Degree in Montessori Integrated Learning with The Institute for Educational Studies and Endicott College. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time in nature with my family and friends. Over the years, nature has become my teacher, friend, and inspiration for my work with children.
The spiritual focus and immense love I have gained through my work as an aspiring teacher is invaluable, and I am happy to share it each and every day with the children, their families, and my co-workers. Caring for children and helping them to reach their full potential is my goal, and as I work on this dream, I also help myself to be the best that I can be. My heart soars as I begin my work with the Primavera Montessori community. The excitement inside of me grows as I work to create a naturally prepared environment for the children that weaves the indoor and outdoor worlds with grace and beauty. I feel like I have landed in a place where I can truly make a difference and serve children and their families with my complete confidence, care, and love.
Christal Muller
My name is Christal Muller, and I am the Primary 4 assistant guide. I have been with Primavera for two years. In 2008, I received my degree in Psychology from Texas State University. I always knew I wanted to work with children, and in 2009 I got my elementary and special education teaching certifications. I have been working in education ever since.
I first heard of Primavera through a friend of mine that used to work here. With my passion for educating minds of the future, I just had to see Primavera for myself. I fell in love with Primavera and started substitute teaching. A few months later, I was hired to be here full time. The peaceful community of inspirational teachers and loving families is why I hold Primavera so closely to my heart.
Lexi Diamond
More about Lexi coming soon!
