A woman leading a baking activity at a table surrounded by young children in a classroom or daycare setting.

● Faculty & Staff

Meet the Team

The Heart Behind Mount Haggin Montessori Learning Center

Our team is more than educators- we’re guides, nurturers, observers, and partners in your child’s unfolding journey. Each member of our staff brings warmth, intention, and a deep respect for the individuality of every child.

We believe childhood should should play, explore and be full of wonder, especially outside. And that belief shapes everything we do.

● Faculty & Staff

Meet the Instructors

A woman with brown hair smiling while carrying a young child in a green backpack carrier on a trail in a wooded area.

Cierra Cook

Co-owner/Teacher

Mom to four, with an early childhood education focus from Carroll and Western and many years of working closely with children of all ages. She grew up in Boston but has been in Montana for the past 12 years. Her coffee order is a French vanilla latte, hot or iced, depending on the season. She loves camping, swimming, riding, trips, and hallmark movies!

Woman taking a selfie outdoors in winter with two children in a stroller behind her, snow-covered trees in the background, during daytime.

Katie Bjornen

Co-owner/Teacher

Mom of three with her masters in biology and a background in outdoor education. She has her certificate in Montessori 3-6 years. Her coffee order is a 4 shot americano with cream or cold brew with cream, she can’t drink cold coffee if its under 60 degrees though. Katie loves skiing, hiking, exploring, and painting!

A woman with two children standing in a rocky outdoor landscape with grass and mountains in the background, dressed warmly for a cold day with cloudy skies.

Olivia Noyd

Lead Teacher

Mom of two. She has been teaching in daycares/preschool for 3yrs and has a special interest in working with children with behavioral challenges and special needs. Her coffee order right now is an oatmilk white chocolate coconut latte with white coffee, but this changes by the month... She loves spending time with family, Razr rides, & snowmobiling!

Becci Callison

Assistant

OUR MISSION

To honor the whole child- mind, body, and spirit, through a peaceful Montessori inspired environment enriched by nature.

We are committed to:

  • Meeting children exactly where they are

  • Guiding with respect & gentle leadership

  • Encouraging independence & confidence

  • Creating beautiful, intentional spaces

  • Integrating daily nature exploration

  • Offering individual 1:1 learning

  • Building safe, inclusive community

  • Supporting parents as partners

We help children grow into capable, curious, kind human beings who feel deeply connected to themselves, to others, and to the natural world.