MISS EMILY D.
Executive Director
Emily Dutter is the Executive Director of the Montessori School for Young Children, where she has dedicated 18 years to nurturing and leading the community. Prior to her current role, Emily contributed as a member of the Board of Directors and was a highly involved parent volunteer. All three of her children are proud graduates of MSYC, reflecting her deep-rooted connection to the school.
Emily holds a degree from Nebraska Wesleyan University, where she cultivated her passion for non-profit organizations and leadership. Her commitment to Montessori education is matched by her enthusiasm for family adventures, often embarking on camping and road trips with the family’s two dogs. The stunning mountains of Colorado are her favorite place to visit.
Under Emily’s guidance, MSYC continues to flourish, providing an enriching and supportive environment for young learners. Her leadership is characterized by a blend of experience, community spirit, and a genuine love for the holistic development of children.
MISS ASHLEY
Spanish Directress
Ashley Viteri brings a rich tapestry of experience in education and language interpretation to her role. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Knox College, with a minor in Spanish Translation and Interpretation. Additionally, she is certified in TEFL (Teaching English as a Foreign Language) and has earned a Certificate in Interpreting Spoken Languages in Educational Settings.
Born and raised in Quito, Ecuador, Ashley’s multicultural upbringing—with an American mother and an Ecuadorian father—immersed her in both languages and cultures from an early age. This unique background ignited her passion for learning and teaching languages. After high school, Ashley took a gap year to study Portuguese and teach English in underserved areas of Brazil.
Before joining MSYC, Ashley served as an AmeriCorps City Year member in the Bronx, NY. There, she mentored and interpreted for Spanish-speaking students, facilitated parent communication, and led an after-school literacy program.
In October 2023, Ashley began a new chapter as the Spanish Teacher at The Montessori School for Young Children in Nebraska. She is enthusiastic about introducing students to Spanish through music, movement, and cultural immersion. Despite being new to MSYC, she feels deeply grateful for the opportunity to embrace the Montessori method and be part of a community that empowers students to take control of their education.
Ashley emphasizes creativity, motivation, and cultural sensitivity in her teaching. She believes that every student’s background enriches the learning environment and tailors her methods to support individual growth.
Outside of work, Ashley enjoys exploring new cultures, swimming, and community service. She is also passionate about continuous learning and is currently taking a course to become a certified medical interpreter.
Miss Ashley is excited to be part of our community and looks forward to supporting our students and their families.
MISS BETH
A.M. Toddler Directress | East Campus
and P.M. Preschool Assistant Teacher | West Campus
Miss Beth Reckamp discovered her path to Montessori teaching through her love of art and psychology. She earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Art from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, with minors in Psychology and Art History. She continued her studies at Naropa University in Colorado, where she obtained a Master of Arts in Clinical Mental Health Counseling with a focus on Transpersonal Art Therapy.
Beth’s counseling internship involved working with young clients using Synergetic Play Therapy and Art Therapy techniques. It was during this time that she developed a passion for child-directed, mindful work. She found joy in watching children problem-solve through play and express their emotions through creative materials and their connection with her. Her experience solidified her belief in the importance of creating a warm, stable environment and maintaining a patient, engaged presence to help children feel safe and encouraged to learn at their own pace.
Beth is committed to nurturing compassionate and respectful relationships with her students, believing that each child has a deep understanding of themselves. Her goal is to foster their independence while helping them build emotional regulation skills.
Outside of the classroom, Beth enjoys playing squash and video games with her partner, as well as reading and creating art with their three cats by her side.
Miss Beth is currently enrolled at the Montessori Teacher Education Institute of Atlanta, where she is pursuing her Infant/Toddler Montessori Certification. Her coursework and hands-on training are further deepening her understanding of Montessori philosophy and best practices for working with our youngest learners.
MISS CHRISTIE
Preschool Directress | East Campus
Miss Christie hails from Lincoln and attended the University of Nebraska, where she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Middle Level Education with endorsements in Mathematics and Spanish. She is a certified Montessori teacher through the American Montessori Society and has experience teaching in the Omaha Public Schools District.
At the Montessori School for Young Children, Miss Christie has served in various capacities, including as a parent, board member, and teacher. She has been a valued member of the MSYC community for over 22 years, bringing a deep sense of commitment and continuity to her work. She is passionate about engaging with children and families, and she thrives on helping children develop their independence, coordination, and confidence within the Montessori environment. Her goal is to inspire a lifelong love of exploration and learning in her students.
For Miss Christie, MSYC has become a second family, and she hopes that others will find the same enriching experience for their own children and families.
MISS KIA
Preschool Directress | West Campus
Kia Hulvershorn is a passionate educator with over 20 years of experience and is proud to have spent 10 of those years as part of the Montessori School for Young Children community. A Lincoln native, Kia holds a teaching degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln and Montessori certification. Her journey as a Montessori educator began at Lincoln Montessori, where she also attended as a child. She remained there as an educator until the school closed following the founders’ retirement. Kia excels in creating thoughtfully prepared environments that inspire independence and nurture a lifelong love of learning.
Her teaching philosophy is deeply grounded in Montessori principles, focusing on child-centered learning and individualized instruction. She is committed to fostering strong relationships with both community and parents, recognizing the vital role these partnerships play in each child’s growth and development.
Outside the classroom, Kia loves spending quality time with her two children, enjoying live music, and staying active with friends. She is eager to collaborate with families to help each child reach their full potential and looks forward to an exciting year ahead!
MISS LISA
Toddler Directress | West Campus
Miss Lisa is entering her fifth year as the Toddler Directress on MSYC’s West campus. Her journey with the Montessori School for Young Children began as a parent, with her son Sam and daughter Eva starting in Miss Suzanne’s class before progressing to Miss Christie’s preschool class. She has now been a member of the MSYC staff for 12 years, having served in a variety of roles including substitute teacher and assistant before becoming a lead teacher. Married to her husband Chad for 17 years, Miss Lisa is proud of her family’s deep connection to the MSYC community.
She holds a BA in English and Philosophy from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After spending several years as a stay-at-home mom, Miss Lisa joined MSYC as a substitute teacher, then worked as an assistant before pursuing certification to become a lead teacher.
Beyond the classroom, Miss Lisa divides her time between her family, faith community, and taekwondo training. She recently earned her 5th-degree black belt and teaches martial arts at Tiger Rock Academy. Passionate about early childhood development, Miss Lisa loves working with toddlers, providing them with the nurturing space they need to become confident, well-rounded individuals.
MISS SARAH
Preschool Directress | East Campus
Miss Sarah Bretta brings five years of early childhood education experience to our Montessori preschool. She is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education at the University of Nebraska–Kearney, where she also received her Montessori certification through the American Montessori Society (AMS).
Sarah’s passion for the Montessori method began when she discovered the profound impact of child-centered learning. She has since devoted her career to nurturing young minds, fostering independence, and instilling a lifelong love of learning in her students.
In her classroom, Sarah emphasizes respect, creativity, independence, and curiosity. She believes every child is unique and tailors her approach to meet the individual needs of each student, creating a warm and inclusive environment where children feel safe to explore and learn at their own pace.
Outside the classroom, Sarah enjoys running, painting, and spending time with her family. She is also an avid reader who enjoys exploring new educational methodologies and practices to bring fresh ideas into her teaching.
Miss Sarah is excited to be a part of our Montessori community and looks forward to guiding your children on their educational journey.
MISS ARA
Toddler Assistant | West Campus
Arastania holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Southeast Community College and is currently pursuing dual majors in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln. She is also working toward two minors in Child, Youth, and Family Studies, and Positive Psychology and Wellbeing.
With nearly seven years of experience in early childhood education across a variety of programs and schools, Arastania brings both passion and perspective to the classroom. She has long been drawn to the Montessori philosophy and uses Maria Montessori’s principles as a guide in shaping her teaching approach.
Arastania is especially inspired by child-led learning and values the opportunity to work in a community that is both supportive and uplifting. Her experience at MSYC has further affirmed her dedication to the Montessori method and her belief in its powerful impact on young learners.
MISS HORAA
Toddler Assistant | West Campus
Miss Horaa brings six years of experience working with young children to her role as a Montessori preschool teacher, including two years supporting children with special needs through Lincoln Public Schools and four years in Montessori classrooms. A calm and organized educator, Horaa is known for her teamwork, creativity, and dedication to creating a welcoming and loving environment for all children and families. Horaa holds a bachelor’s degree in art and human science from Syria and has her Montessori teacher certification. She is also pursuing her second bachelor’s degree in liberal arts from Doane University, reflecting her belief in lifelong learning and growth. In addition to English, Horaa speaks Arabic and enjoys sharing her multicultural background with her students.
Horaa’s passion for early childhood education is matched by her love of hands-on learning. Her hobbies include making candles and soap, working on Cricut machine projects, exploring new arts and crafts, and reading. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys cooking, shopping, and spending time with her family. She also has a special fondness for chocolate, perfumes, and a good cup of coffee.
Horaa has a goal to help every child grow with confidence, curiosity, and kindness.
MISS LILIANA
Preschool Assistant | East Campus
Miss Liliana joined the Montessori School for Young Children with a strong background in early childhood education and a passion for supporting young learners. She holds an Associate of Applied Arts degree in Early Childhood Education from Southeast Community College and brings a wealth of experience from both home-based and school-based settings.
From 2019 to 2022, Miss Liliana operated her own licensed childcare program, where she designed engaging, hands-on learning activities tailored to each child’s developmental needs. Prior to that, she served as a Special Education Paraprofessional at Calvert Elementary School, providing individualized support to students with diverse learning needs. Her professional experience also includes work as a childcare provider and ongoing volunteer service as a catechism teacher at her parish.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, Miss Liliana was born in Mexico and has found that her cultural background allows her to connect meaningfully with families from diverse communities. She is also a proud Parent Ambassador alumni through the Nebraska Early Childhood Collaborative, further deepening her commitment to family engagement and early education.
Liliana is married and has a young daughter who will soon be three years old. As a family, they enjoy visiting the Children’s Zoo, going to the park, and spending time together—especially during football season when they cheer on her husband’s favorite team, the Green Bay Packers. Family is incredibly important to Liliana, and she cherishes time spent with her sisters, nieces, and nephews.
She brings a calm, nurturing presence to the Toddler Program at MSYC and is excited to be part of a community that values each child’s growth in independence, confidence, and curiosity.
MISS MARTA
Toddler Assistant | West Campus
Miss Marta was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, and has always had a passion for working with children. As a mother of six and grandmother to four—three of whom have attended Montessori programs—her connection to early childhood education is both professional and deeply personal.
Before joining the Montessori School for Young Children Toddler Program teaching team, Miss Marta spent several years as a stay-at-home mom. Her love for caregiving led her to open a licensed in-home daycare, allowing her to remain close to her children while also supporting other families. She later spent 10 years working as a Spanish interpreter for Lincoln Public Schools, an experience that strengthened her commitment to fostering communication and connection between families and schools. Miss Marta also worked with the toddler literacy program at Everett Elementary, further solidifying her passion for early learning.
In 2021, Miss Marta joined the MSYC team when the school expanded and opened its second campus. Since then, she has been a dedicated part of the staff, bringing warmth, experience, and a deep appreciation for the Montessori approach.
In her free time, Miss Marta enjoys spending time with her close-knit family, staying active at the gym, going on walks, and traveling—whether it’s with her husband or the whole family. She considers it a true joy and blessing to be part of the learning journeys of so many young children, including her own grandchildren.
MISS McKAYLYN
Staff Support
McKaylyn has had the joy of working at MSYC since 2024 as a Staff Support person in both the Toddler Program and the After Care Program. She is currently a senior at Lincoln Southeast High School and plans to continue her education after graduation. Working with children has always been one of her greatest passions, and she hopes to build a future career that allows her to make a lasting impact in their lives.
Outside of school and work, McKaylyn serves as the co-treasurer of her high school’s Key Club, where she helps manage member dues and participates in decisions about how funds are used to support community projects. She is also actively involved in her youth organization, which has given her valuable opportunities to develop leadership, communication, and teamwork skills. These experiences continue to shape her and strengthen her commitment to working with and supporting young people.
In her free time, McKaylyn enjoys reading, spending time with friends, and traveling. Reading allows her to explore new ideas and expand her imagination, while time with friends helps her relax and build strong connections. She also loves to travel, as it gives her the chance to experience different cultures and grow as a person.
MISS MOLLIE
Preschool Assistant | West Campus
Miss Mollie holds two bachelor’s degrees from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln—one in psychology and one in sociology. Her connection to the Montessori School for Young Children began as a parent, with both of her children graduating from Miss Christie’s class. She later served on the MSYC Board of Directors for over four years, including terms as both President and Vice President.
Following the opening of MSYC’s second campus, Miss Mollie officially joined the staff in 2022. After beginning as a substitute, she stepped into a permanent role assisting in Miss Kia’s classroom. She finds joy in helping cultivate a warm and engaging environment alongside Miss Horaa and Miss Beth, supporting both the learning and the community that make MSYC special.
A self-described outgoing introvert, Miss Mollie loves spending quality time with her husband, kids, two cats, four guinea pigs, and one dog. She’s also an avid crafter and especially enjoys creative projects with her daughter.
MISS NEVAEH
Toddler Assistant
Update coming soon….
MISS ROSALVA
Toddler Assistant | East Campus
Miss Rosalva’s passion for early childhood education began at a young age, helping her mother in her home daycare. Since then, she has continued working in the field, gaining experience at Holy Family Childcare at Cathedral, Everett Family Literacy Childcare, and Lakeview CLC. In 2021, Rosalva joined the Montessori School for Young Children when the school opened its second campus, and she has been a dedicated member of the Toddler Program team since then.
Fluent in Spanish, Miss Rosalva brings warmth, patience, and a deep understanding of early development to Miss Beth’s classroom. Her favorite part of working with toddlers is witnessing their growth—from those first steps into the classroom to their transition into preschool. While it’s always bittersweet to see them move on, she finds joy in being part of such an important chapter in their lives.
Miss Rosalva is also a proud Montessori parent—three of her four children have attended MSYC, and her youngest will join when he’s old enough. She values the strong sense of community at the school and especially enjoys getting to know the families she works with.
When she’s not at MSYC, Miss Rosalva loves exploring new local adventures with her family and cherishes the time they spend together.
MISS RUMI
Preschool Assistant | East Campus
Miss Rumi holds a degree in Early Childhood Education from Tokushima Bunri Junior College in Japan. After graduating, she worked in a Japanese preschool for two years before moving to the United States.
Since then, she has been a valued member of the Montessori School for Young Children team, bringing more than 19 years of experience to her work with young children and their families.
She is passionate about early childhood education and is deeply committed to helping each child thrive. Her calm presence, consistent support, and thoughtful approach help foster a classroom environment where children feel safe, confident, and eager to learn.
Outside of the classroom, she enjoys spending time with her three sons. One of their favorite family activities is running—she often runs with her older sons while her youngest rides alongside on his bike. These shared experiences are a meaningful part of their time together.
Rumi also looks forward to visiting her family in Japan during the summer whenever possible. Staying connected with loved ones and enjoying time together is something she values deeply.
MISS SHARON
Toddler Assistant | East Campus
Miss Sharon has lived in five different states growing up, but Lincoln has been her home for her entire adult life. She graduated from the University of Nebraska with a degree in Elementary Education. During her studies, she became intrigued by the Montessori method of teaching, appreciating the hands-on learning approach and the specially designed materials that make learning engaging and fun.
As a hands-on learner herself, Miss Sharon enjoys being a gentle guide, allowing children to learn at their own pace and explore their interests. She has a particular fondness for Practical Life lessons, reading stories, and singing with the children. At MSYC, she delights in exploring nature with the children in the big backyard.
Miss Sharon began her teaching career at Prairie Hill Learning Center, where she worked for four years before joining MSYC in 1995. Over the years, she has met many wonderful families, children, and staff, forming lifelong friendships that she cherishes.
Miss Sharon and her husband have two grown children who started in the Toddler Program and continued their Montessori education through 5th grade, giving them a great start in life.
In her free time, Miss Sharon enjoys walking, biking, working in her yard, participating in church activities, and spending time with family and friends.
MISS SKYLAR
Preschool Assistant | East Campus
Since graduating from high school, Skylar has devoted her time and energy to the field of early childhood education, driven by a deep passion for fostering curiosity and growth in young learners. From the beginning, she has been especially drawn to child-led learning, valuing the unique ways in which children explore, discover, and develop at their own pace.
In 2024, Skylar joined the MSYC community and quickly fell in love with its distinctive approach. She was captivated by the thoughtful design and purpose of the Montessori materials, as well as the sense of independence and confidence nurtured within these classrooms. Watching children flourish through self-directed learning has been both inspiring and rewarding, reaffirming her commitment to this method.
The 2025-2026 school year marks an exciting milestone for Skylar as she begins her Montessori training through the Montessori Teacher Education Institute of Atlanta. She is eager to deepen her understanding of the Montessori philosophy and refine her skills through hands-on student teaching, guided by the mentorship and expertise of Miss Kia and Miss Mollie.
In the classroom, Skylar approaches each day with curiosity and dedication, constantly seeking new and creative ways to support the intellectual, emotional, and social development of her students. Her goal is always to cultivate a warm, supportive, and child-centered environment where every learner can thrive.
Beyond her work with children, Skylar enjoys thrifting for unique finds, adding special treasures to her growing antique collections. She also cherishes quiet moments at home with her beloved cats, spending quality time with her partner playing video games, attending live music events, and tuning in to NASCAR races on TV.
MR ZACH
Preschool Assistant | East Campus
Update coming soon…
MISS EMILY H.
Administrative Assistant
Miss Emily Hardy joined the Montessori School for Young Children community when her daughter entered the Toddler Program at 18 months old. Initially serving on the school board, she transitioned to the role of administrative assistant in August 2023. Miss Emily’s daughter now enjoys her time in the preschool program.
Emily grew up in Fremont, NE, before moving to Lincoln for college. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. After graduating, Emily began her career as a family, senior, and wedding photographer, and continues to run Emily Hardy Photography. Her administrative skills and passion for the Montessori community now drive her dedication to supporting MSYC on weekdays.
Outside of her roles at MSYC and in photography, Miss Emily cherishes spending special moments with her daughter and exploring all that Lincoln has to offer.