Our Story & Our Team
A family-founded school dedicated to authentic Montessori education since 2002.
Our History
The Montessori Center is a family-founded and operated school. Nancy Elkins opened our first classroom on Awbrey Butte for her own grandchildren in the fall of 2003. Her passion and dedication to the Montessori method was infectious, and her school grew from a tiny classroom of 6 children into 4 full classes and 2 locations within 5 years.
Her two daughters joined her early on and helped run the school until her passing in 2022. They have been proudly implementing her vision ever since.
Meet Our Dedicated Team
Our administration and staff are highly trained, talented, and love working with children. We believe that great teachers are our best asset.
Northwest Crossing Location
Mrs. Davio
Head Directress
Daughter of founder Nancy Elkins, Mrs. Davio joined the school in 2006. With an MS in Mathematics, she transitioned from a university lecturer to a passionate Montessori guide and now leads the school, carrying on her mother's vision.
Mrs. Hayashi
Lead Primary Directress
With a master’s in education, Mrs. Hayashi has been at our center for seven years. She integrates her passion for botany, art, and environmental science into her classroom, creating a rich learning environment.
Mrs. Gallivan
Primary Directress
Mrs. Gallivan holds a master’s in education from UC Irvine. After teaching second grade, she moved to Bend to raise her family and joined our team in 2022, now teaching part-time.
Miss Crocker
Primary Classroom Assistant
Born and raised in Bend, Campbell Crocker started with us as a high school senior. With over 4 years of experience, she enjoys the outdoors and loves working alongside her mom and sister at the school.
Miss Nopp
Primary Classroom Assistant
A third-generation Bend-ite and UO graduate with a BS in Business Administration, Ms. Nopp has a passion for working with children, coaching youth soccer, and various outdoor hobbies.
Mrs. Huit
Primary Assistant
Mrs. Huit has 17 years of experience in Montessori environments, 16 of which have been at our center. Both of her children are alumni of our school. She looks forward to being an extension of your family.
Awbrey Butte Location
Mrs. Crocker
Lead Primary Directress
A Bend resident for over 30 years, Mrs. Crocker has been a directress at our school for 11 years. She is grateful for all the wonderful children and families who have become part of her Montessori family.
Mrs. Dean
Lead Primary Directress
With 17 years in Montessori and as a parent of three alumni, Mrs. Dean has a deep passion for helping children succeed. She is an avid traveler and loves exploring the world with her husband.
Miss Crocker
Primary Assistant
A Bend native, Payton Crocker's experience began in her mother's at-home daycare. She finds it incredibly rewarding to know the families and watch the children thrive in the classroom.
Miss Vogel
Primary Assistant
A 2024 high school graduate with a passion for working with children. Miss Vogel enjoys art and music, and is excited to further her experience and education in the field here.
Miss Potter
Primary Assistant
As a child, Miss Potter attended Montessori and has fond memories. She is certified in toddler education and is currently working on her primary certification while sharing her love for art and nature.
Mrs. Macias
Primary Assistant
With a B.S in Psychology and experience as a behavior technician, Mrs. Macias is passionate about helping preschool-age children learn and thrive based on their individual needs.
Join Our Community
The best way to understand our school's unique atmosphere is to experience it firsthand. We invite you to schedule a tour to meet our team and see our classrooms.
Schedule a Private Tour