Meet our Faculty and Staff
The role of the Montessori guide
is to help match each child with the work appropriate for them, adjusting as needed for every individual as they master concepts and look for challenges. The Montessori guide is a role model, an educational resource, an observer and environmental engineer. Hilltop guides are truly caretakers of the educational and emotional growth of their students, while bringing their own individual flavor to their classic Montessori classrooms. As an accredited, authentic Montessori program, all of our lead guides meet the high standards of AMS Montessori certification, which is internationally recognized.
“The training of the teacher is something far more than learning ideas. It includes the training of character. It is a preparation of the spirit.”
Hilltop Guides' Average Years of Teaching Experience
Hilltop Average Guide-Student Ratio
Hilltop Guides' Retention Rate over 5 Years
Hilltop Faculty Average Age
Faculty Average Years at Hilltop
Faculty with an Advanced Degree Beyond College
Faculty with Orton-Gillingham Associate Level Certification
Classroom Leads with their AMS Certification
Toddler Program (ages 18 mos – 3 yrs)
Primary Program (ages 3 - 6)
Lower Elementary Program (ages 6 - 9)
Dama Nichols Thornton
dama@hilltopmontessori.com

Stephanie Kirkpatrick
stephanie@hilltopmontessori.com

Upper Elementary Program (ages 9 - 12)
Middle School Program (grades 7 - 8)
Specials
Cristina Requena
cristina@hilltopmontessori.com

Kitchen
Administration
April Stehr
april@hilltopmontessori.com




























