Lynn discovered her love for working with children in high school while employed by St. Vincent De Paul providing summer activities for low-income children and directing the evening childcare program at First Place Family Center. She moved into a nanny position for a family of seven, and then found Montessori by accepting a position in the aftercare program here at Far Horizons in 2009. She fell instantly in love with the Montessori teaching method because of the way it provides an opportunity for every child to discover their interests and learn life skills. Maria Montessori sought to develop the spirit of the child, to meet the needs of the heart, and Lynn hopes to spend her career focusing on the goal of enriching the students in her life by honoring Maria’s commitment to following the child. Lynn earned her Associate Early Childhood Credential through the American Montessori Society’s Main Street Montessori Association Teacher Education Program in 2014. Lynn has worked in infant/toddler, preschool, kindergarten, and upper elementary classrooms and primary elementary summer camps and has directed various programs over many years. She is excited for the opportunity to support Far Horizons staff and families. She hopes to focus on building community and enriching the program for the students in as many ways as possible.
Staff
Dedicated to authentic Montessori education, the faculty and staff at Far Horizons Montessori are energetic, optimistic, talented, and want to make a difference. We strongly believe that great teachers are our best asset.
Lynn Peacock
Director
Kelli Sanchez
Lower Elementary Lead Teacher
Kelli was born and raised here in Eugene. She graduated from South Eugene High School. She received her Montessori training from the North American Montessori Center in 2008. She has been working at Far Horizons since 2014. She truly enjoys teaching the children and watching them grow into the person they will become. Kelli began her Montessori career in 1995 and has made it her passion ever since.
Aurora Mauri
Upper Elementary Teacher
Aurora started working in Montessori schools in the fall of 2008 and quickly fell in love with the order and freedom of the class. She enrolled in Main Street Montessori Association Teacher Training Program here in Eugene to get her Primary Montessori training Credential, which is AMS Accredited all the while going to community college. At Lane Community College she obtained an Associates of Arts Oregon Transfer Degree in the Spring of 2008 and then transferred to Pacific University where she continued to take courses geared to becoming a Elementary public school teacher. In May of 2012 she got her Bachelors Degree in Teaching and then decided to follow her love for the Montessori teaching philosophy and opened her own In-home toddler and preschool program here in south Eugene. She was recognized by The Oregon Center for Career Development as a Step 10 and awarded a certificate for the Commitment to Professional Code of Ethics for working in child care facilities for 5-10 years. Aurora loves to nurture children's natural curiosity of the natural world around them and enjoys being out in the field with students helping them to connect to nature, creating future Stewart of the earth.
Erin Guthrie
Primary 1 Lead Teacher
Erin Guthrie is a passionate teacher who believes that each child should be given an environment in which they can thrive socially, emotionally, and academically. She incorporates her passion for nature in to all that she does in the classroom and hopes that this will inspire many sustainable little citizens for our ever changing world.
Erin received her Montessori training from The American Montessori Society in 2007 and she has been teaching ever since, with a few breaks to grow her lovely family.
Jennifer Frenzer
Primary 1 Lead Teacher and French Teacher
Jen joined us in December of 2020 after working in childcare at EcoKids Village and subbing in the Kindergarten at The Village School. Jen raised her two children, Ben and Olivia, in Eugene and they also attended Far Horizons Montessori School. Jen has a varied background to draw from. She graduated with degrees in economics and law. She moved from the MidWest to the PNW to work for the Makah Nation at Neah Bay, Washington in 1993 where she raised funds for economic development projects. She moved to Eugene in 1997, managed nonprofits, and became an active community organizer. She has been a mediator and professional group facilitator for 15 years. For the past 15 years she has also been an Exhibit Interpreter for school groups at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at the UO.
Ellen Posner
Primary 2 Lead Teacher
Ellen grew up attending Montessori schools from her toddler years through 6th grade. She loves working with children in an environment that is designed to meet their individual developmental needs. In her work, Ellen strives to nurture each child’s growing mind, heart, body, and spirit. Ellen completed her Montessori training for ages 3 – 6 at Montessori Northwest in Portland, which is affiliated with the Association Montessori Internationale. She has a M.Ed in Montessori Education through Loyola University Maryland. Ellen is excited to be a member of the Far Horizons community and bring her love for nature and singing into the classroom.
Joseph Sanchez
Primary 2 Teacher
Joseph has lived in South Eugene since 2007. He graduated from South Eugene High School. While attending he studied Child Development and worked in the schools child care program “Kids Down South”. After school he worked at the YMCA as an assistant pre-school teacher and summer camp member. Joseph is looking to further his Montessori education while working at Far Horizons.
Lisa Cairo
Primary 2 Assistant Teacher
Lisa has been teaching Montessori for over 30 years. She has a deep love of children, and has had the pleasure of working with hundreds of families. Since she joined Far Horizons in 1986, she met her husband at the school. Her children have gone through the Primary and Elementary classes, as well as her grandchildren. Lisa received her certification in Montessori Education for children ages birth-6 from the St. Nicholas Centre of Montessori Education, which is based in London, England. Her vision for the classroom is to create a warm and loving home away from home that helps develop the child's full potential.
Nicholas Coffey
After School Teacher
Substitute Teachers/Assistants
Experience
Education
N/A
We are actively looking for people who would like to join our substitute list! We require enrollment in the Central Background Registry, First Aid/CPR with infant/child, Food Handlers card, and two short online ELD trainings. Experience is not required but is a plus. We often hire permanent employees from our substitute list, and offer them competitive pay, health insurance, Simple IRA matching and much more. Contact us to inquire!
Lower Elementary Assistant Teacher
Experience
Education
N/A
A Montessori Teacher Assistant works closely with a lead Montessori teacher to support the implementation of a child-centered curriculum in a classroom setting, assisting with lesson preparation, actively monitoring student progress, providing individual support to children, and maintaining a nurturing environment that aligns with Montessori principles.
This position is for Lower Elementary (K-3rd grade) Classroom Assistant Teacher. The classroom hours are 8:30-3 with some Before and After School Childcare days. The pay is $16-$18 to start based on experience, with PTO accrual and Simple IRA matching benefits after 3 months.
Key Responsibilities:
- Classroom Preparation:
- Assist in setting up the classroom learning environment with Montessori materials, ensuring proper presentation and accessibility.
- Prepare materials for individual and small group lessons as directed by the lead teacher.
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the classroom materials and learning centers.
- Student Support:
- Observe children closely to identify individual needs and learning styles.
- Provide individual or small group support to students during independent work time, offering guidance and redirection as needed.
- Assist with the presentation of Montessori lessons, ensuring children understand the concept and can practice independently.
- Facilitate transitions between activities smoothly.
- Observation and Documentation:
- Observe and record student progress through anecdotal notes and observations, documenting key developmental milestones and areas of growth.
- Share observations with the lead teacher to inform lesson planning and individual student support strategies.
- Communication and Collaboration:
- Maintain open communication with the lead teacher, sharing any concerns or observations about children's development.
- Collaborate with other staff members to ensure a cohesive classroom environment.
- Communicate with parents and guardians regarding their child's progress as appropriate.
- Safety and Supervision:
- Actively supervise children during playtime, transitions, and outdoor activities, ensuring their safety and well-being.
- Implement classroom safety procedures and follow emergency protocols.
Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Understanding of Montessori Philosophy: Familiarity with Montessori principles, methods, and materials, or willingness to learn.
- Child Development Knowledge: Basic understanding of child development stages and appropriate learning activities for the age group, or willingness to learn.
- Observation Skills: Ability to observe children closely and accurately document their progress.
- Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills to interact with children, parents, and colleagues.
- Positive Attitude: Enthusiasm for working with children and supporting their learning journey.
- Enrollment in the Criminal Background Registry through the Department of Early Learning and Care
- Current First Aid/CPR with infant/child and Food Handlers Card
- Some DELC online trainings plus 15 hours continuing education yearly
My daughter is thriving at school and what comforts her the most is knowing the teachers love her.
Tara — Far Horizons Parent