Mrs. Johnson is a vibrant presence in the preschool and kindergarten classrooms at MCS, where she combines her two greatest passions: children and nature. Seeing young learners connect with the natural world brings her endless joy, and she finds purpose in their bright energy and curiosity.

Mrs. Johnson’s Montessori journey began before she was even born—her mother wrote her thesis on Maria Montessori while pregnant with her! Growing up in Germany, Mrs. Johnson studied the Montessori method in college, implemented it in public schools, and even taught about it at the university level. She moved to the U.S. in 1995, joined MCS in 1996, and has been a valued member of the community ever since, earning her Montessori degree in 2004.

With a Master’s degree in Education and a Montessori certification, Mrs. Johnson’s expertise shines in the classroom. She is also passionate about teaching in nature and on science-related topics, where she truly feels she can inspire children to understand and cherish the world around them. Her favorite part of Montessori is fostering independence, a lifelong love for learning, and an interest in animal and natural science.

Outside of school, Mrs. Johnson is always outdoors. She loves being by the water with her family, whether it’s boating, kayaking, surfing, or swimming. Hiking, biking, and skiing help her find peace and balance in nature, which she says is essential to her life. And here’s a fun fact: a camel once kissed her hand!

Mrs. Johnson draws daily inspiration from her students’ smiles and the joy she sees in their faces, reminding her that she’s in the right place. She plans to stay at MCS as long as possible, continuing to foster a love for learning in her students. As for future adventures, she dreams of kayaking all five Great Lakes, hiking the rim of Mount St. Helens, and exploring Peru and the Sea of Cortez.

With mottos like “Teamwork makes the dream work” and “There’s no such thing as bad weather—only bad clothes!” Mrs. Johnson is a living example of positivity, resilience, and joy. She strives to support her students’ independence, academic growth, and appreciation for nature, teaching them that every day is full of beauty.