Our Team

Sloane completed a 7-week, in-person Montessori training program in Denver in the summer of 2025 and is accredited through the American Montessori Society (AMS), an internationally recognized gold standard in Montessori education. Sloane graduated from Michigan State University in 2021 with a major in Elementary Education with a minor in TESOL (Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages). During that time, she spent two years working in a variety of classrooms at a local childcare center, including the infant class, toddlers, preschool, as well as school-age. Soon after she graduated, she moved to Breckenridge because she landed a job at Breckenridge Montessori! She started in June of 2021 and has been here ever since. Outside of teaching, Sloane loves to mountain bike, hike, and camp with her dog, Mazzy. Sloane sings in a band that plays shows locally and she loves having the kids come see them play so feel free to ask about shows coming up.

Assistant Teacher

Originally from Florida, Bella moved to Summit County in 2022 for the mountains and outdoor lifestyle, and quickly fell in love with the community. Bella's experience working with children includes many years of nannying, tutoring, substitute teaching, and working as a camp counselor. Recently, Bella has been working at Summit Orthopedics, using her degree in Healthcare Administration from Sante Fe College, but the Montessori classroom is calling her! Bella attended a Montessori school as a child and is eager to get back into the Montessori classroom as a guide and to learn from our teachers. Bella currently lives in Frisco with her fiancé, and their Border Collie. Outside of work, Bella enjoys skiing, reading, crafting, hiking, snowmobiling, dirt biking, camping, live music, and spending as much time in nature as possible.

An important update on our leadership

June 22, 2026

The Board of Directors of Breckenridge Montessori is pleased to announce the appointment of Jennifer "Jen" Burks as the school's next Executive Director.

Jen brings nearly two decades of experience in early childhood education, including leadership roles as Executive Director of two nonprofit childcares. Jen's background aligns closely with Breckenridge Montessori's mission of fostering each child's potential through Montessori education enriched by nature, play, and community.

This announcement also marks an important transition for the school as we celebrate the remarkable leadership of Executive Director Beth Craig. Beth has served Breckenridge Montessori for 16 years, guiding generations of children, families, and educators while helping establish the school's reputation for excellence in early childhood education. Her dedication, compassion, and unwavering commitment to the Montessori philosophy have left a lasting impact on our community.

"After a thoughtful and comprehensive search process, the Board is thrilled to welcome Jen as our next Executive Director," said Kathryn Califf, Board President. "Jen brings a wealth of leadership experience, a deep understanding of early childhood education, and a genuine passion for building strong school communities. We are confident she will honor the foundation Beth has built while helping lead Breckenridge Montessori into its next chapter."

Jen expressed enthusiasm about joining the school.

"I am honored to join the Breckenridge Montessori community," said Burks. "I admire the Montessori philosophy and its commitment to respecting each child as independent, capable, and naturally curious learners. I look forward to partnering with families, staff, and the Board to build upon the school's strong foundation and help shape an exciting future together."

Jen will begin her role on July 8th, working alongside Beth to ensure a smooth and thoughtful transition.

As Breckenridge Montessori prepares for important opportunities ahead, including long-term facility planning and continued program growth, the Board is confident Jen's leadership will help advance the school's mission while preserving the values and culture that make it such a special place for children and families.

Please join us in celebrating Beth's extraordinary legacy and welcoming Jen to the Breckenridge Montessori community!

Sincerely, 

Breckenridge Montessori Board of Directors

April 2026:

The Breckenridge Montessori Board of Directors announces that Executive Director Beth Craig will step down from her role at the conclusion of the 2026–2027 school year, marking nearly 16 years of dedicated leadership and service to the school and the Summit County community.

Breckenridge Montessori will continue to operate without interruption, and there will be no changes to our Montessori program or the 2026–2027 school year. Our teachers and Board remain steadfast in their commitment to delivering an authentic Montessori education.

Beth Craig has played a transformative role in shaping Breckenridge Montessori into the thriving educational community it is today. Under her leadership, the school has remained grounded in the core principles of Montessori education—fostering independence, concentration, intrinsic motivation, and a strong sense of responsibility within each child. Her work has ensured that classrooms reflect the Montessori vision: environments where children engage in purposeful work, develop confidence through self-directed learning, and practice grace and courtesy as members of a respectful community.

Throughout her tenure, Beth has directly and indirectly impacted more than 250 children, guiding their development not only academically but also through essential Montessori lessons in social-emotional growth, environmental stewardship, and self-discipline. These foundational experiences extend well beyond the classroom and continue to shape the lives of students and families throughout the community.

Her leadership has also strengthened meaningful connections across Summit County, building a supportive network of families and community partners who share a commitment to high-quality early childhood education.

Beth earned her American Montessori Society Early Childhood Credential in 2011 and a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Colorado Denver in 2017. Her dedication to professional growth reflects her enduring commitment to Montessori excellence.

While stepping away from her role, Beth plans to remain an active member of the community and a champion of the school she helped build. Her legacy is deeply embedded in the culture, values, and daily practice of Breckenridge Montessori.

The school community will have opportunities throughout the coming year to recognize and celebrate Beth’s many contributions and lasting impact.

The Board of Directors will begin a public search for the school’s next Executive Director to ensure a thoughtful and inclusive transition. We are committed to identifying a leader who will build upon the strong foundation Beth has established and guide the school into its next chapter and concurrent building transition.

Sincerely,

Breckenridge Montessori Board of Directors