MISS EMILY D.
Executive Director
Emily Dutter is the Executive Director of the Montessori School for Young Children, where she has dedicated 17 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
Toddler Directress | East 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 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 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 LISA
Toddler Directress | West Campus
Miss Lisa is entering her fourth 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. 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 KIA
Preschool Directress | West Campus
Kia Hulvershorn is a passionate educator with 25 years of experience and is proud to be part of the Montessori School for Young Children community. As a Lincoln native, she holds a teaching degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Montessori certification. 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 NICOLE
Preschool Directress | East Campus
Nicole Lopez (neé Hannan) is a dedicated educator with a rich background in natural sciences and Montessori teaching. She graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Bachelor’s of Science in Natural Resources and a minor in Philosophy. Her passion for the natural world, especially birds, led her to study avian behavior in graduate school. However, after the birth of her first child, Nicole found her true calling in teaching young children.
Inspired by Maria Montessori’s writings, Nicole realized that her intuitive approach to child guidance aligned perfectly with the Montessori Method. This revelation set her on a new path, and in 2014, she earned her American Montessori Society (AMS) Early Childhood certification from the Mid-America Montessori Teacher Training Institute in Omaha, Nebraska. Simultaneously, she completed a Master’s of Education in Elementary Education with a focus on Progressive Education from Plymouth State University.
Nicole’s practical training year at Prairie Hill Learning Center, under the mentorship of Justin Fearing, solidified her commitment to the Montessori Method. She then worked in both the Primary and Young Children’s communities at Prairie Hill for over three years, where she developed her skills as a patient and peaceful guide. Nicole later led her own primary classroom at Patience Montessori in Boulder, Colorado, before returning to Nebraska to be closer to her family.
Since May 2023, Nicole has been thriving as a preschool directress at MSYC. She treasures the opportunity to collaborate with the wonderful staff, children, and families at MSYC, and is passionate about guiding young children. Her aim is to be a caring and respectful guide who supports children in discovering the world around them, laying a foundation for academic success and a lifelong love of learning. She strives to inspire her students to cultivate peace through care and respect for themselves, others, and the environment.
Nicole is committed to continuous learning and improvement, always seeking to enhance her teaching practices. In her free time, she enjoys staying active outdoors with her husband and their four children, engaging in activities such as sports, biking, hiking, camping, and appreciating nature.
MISS SARAH
Preschool Assistant | East Campus
Miss Sarah Hollis brings four 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 and working towards 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 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 MOLLIE
Preschool Assistant | West Campus
update soon…..
MISS RUMI
Preschool Assistant | East Campus
update soon…..
MISS ROSALVA
Toddler Assistant | East Campus
update soon…..
MISS HORAA
Toddler Assistant | West Campus
update soon…..
MISS MARTA
Toddler Assistant | West Campus
update 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.