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Author: Alejandro Malespin

Avolea Archuleta

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Staff Bios, Toddler Staff.

Avolea was born and raised in Ogden, Utah. Her first introduction to Montessori was as a student in lower elementary. There her love for this new way of learning bloomed. After graduating from AMES, Avolea was an Assistant Toddler Teacher at Elizabeth Academy for two years. These experiences only grew her admiration for the Montessori method. Before this, Avolea worked with children of all age groups as a daycare teacher, an English intern for a secondary school, and a nanny. She is excited to broaden her knowledge of Montessori through the guidance of Foothill Montessori and build happy memories in the classroom. Outside of work, Avolea spends her time volunteering, reading at the Salt Lake library, or in the mountains exploring. Avolea is constantly trying to expand her horizons and learn more in every aspect of life.

Karen Rodriguez

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Early Childhood Staff, Staff Bios.

Karen Rodriguez is originally from Mexico City and arrived in Utah as a baby. She enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, camping, and snowboarding. In 2019, Karen took a child development class at the Granite Institution, where she earned her child development certificate. From 2022 to 2024, Karen worked as a Spanish guide at Serendipity Bilingual School, where she fell in love with the Montessori teaching method. Now at FMSL, Karen loves working with the children and enjoys being a positive impact in their learning environment. She believes in creating a fun, nurturing space that respects the individual needs of each student.

Madeleine White

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Early Childhood Staff, Staff Bios.

Madeleine grew up in Centerville, Utah, where her nurturing spirit and passion for helping others took root early on. Her fascination with child development has been a constant throughout her life, and she’s always sought to deepen her understanding of how children grow and learn.

Over the years, Madeleine has had the rewarding experience of caring for her nieces and nephews, an experience that has enriched her understanding of children’s unique needs. Additionally, her time as a substitute teacher in many schools throughout the Salt Lake Valley has given her the opportunity to work with children of all ages, allowing her to adapt to different learning styles and environments.

Madeleine is excited to bring her passion and experience to Foothill Montessori, where she can continue to grow in her passion for guiding children on their unique learning journeys.

In her free time, Madeleine enjoys quality time with family and friends, reading, and spending time outdoors.

Olivia Miller

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Staff Bios, Support Staff.

Olivia is originally from Northern Virginia. She recently moved to Utah after wanting a change of scenery from the East Coast. She is the outlier in her family and has always had a passion for travelling and living a holistic lifestyle. She has worked as a substitute at various locations and is intrigued by Montessori teachings. In her free time, she is starting a coaching business and thrives with an active lifestyle. She enjoys eating healthy, listening to podcasts, working out at the gym, and going on hikes.

Katie Sellers

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Specialty Staff, Staff Bios.

Katie Sellers is thrilled to return to Foothill Montessori of Salt Lake as the Music Specialist. With over 15 years of experience as a Montessori Early Childhood guide and a lifelong background in vocal performance, guitar, and songwriting, she brings both teaching and musical expertise to her work. Trained in First Steps in Music, Katie creates joyful, research-based lessons that nurture each child’s love of music.

Katie grew up in the rolling hills of Northern California’s wine country, but now calls Utah home, where she lives with her husband, their two children—both students at FMSL—and their dog, Arlo. When she’s not humming a tune or strumming her guitar, Katie loves exploring nature, tackling remodeling projects with her husband, and tending to her ever-growing collection of plant babies.

Whitney Ofa

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Staff Bios, Toddler Staff.

Whitney Ofa graduated from Southern Virginia University with a degree in Family and Human Development. During her time at SVU, she was actively involved in student government, serving as Vice President of Campus Relations, and competed as a student-athlete on the cross country and track teams. Her college experience strengthened her passion for leadership, community, and supporting the growth and development of others, especially young children.

Whitney has always loved working with toddlers. She’s drawn to their curiosity, big feelings, and the joyful way they experience the world. With experience in early childhood settings and a deep appreciation for child development, she is excited to bring her warmth, structure, and enthusiasm to the Foothill Montessori community. She is passionate about nurturing the whole child and feels grateful to be part of a team that shares those values.

Nayumi Fuller

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Staff Bios, Toddler Staff.

Nayumi Fuller is deeply passionate about child development. She fell in love with the Montessori method during her schooling at the University of Utah.

She received her bachelor’s degree in Family, Community, and Human Development with a Child Life emphasis in July 2020. She completed her Infant & Toddler Montessori MACTE certificate through Rings of Knowledge in August 2025. 

Nayumi worked as a toddler guide for two years at Dancing Moose Montessori School. She loves the respect, love, and care shown and given in a Montessori environment to toddlers. She sees how important it is for every child to experience Montessori learning. 

Nayumi is a mom to her toddler boy. She loves to spend time outdoors with her son, sing karaoke, and read books.

Grace Wilson

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Infant Staff, Staff Bios.

With a lifelong adoration for education and childcare, Grace is passionate about supporting the growth and development of our youngest learners. She is ecstatic to be a part of our team and looks forward to furthering her Montessori education with us. Previously she has worked as a private nanny and tutor, enjoying years of experience with children. As part of the infant team, her goal is to create a nurturing and peaceful environment that honors each child’s natural curiosity. Outside the classroom, Grace enjoys spending time outdoors, exploring her love for botany, creating floral arrangements, and exploring all forms of arts and crafts. 

Sabine Bell

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Admin Staff, Staff Bios.

Sabine was born in Utah and has spent much of her life here. While she is well traveled, she always feels a pull to family and her roots. She loves performing and anything to do with music. She has been around the Montessori environment most of her life, and it has always held her fascination. While she has never felt called to be in a classroom, she loves the children and the way that the Montessori program allows them to grow into their own skin and feel comfortable and confident in themselves.

Allison Morris

Written by Alejandro Malespin on . Posted in Early Childhood Staff, Staff Bios.

Allison Morris was born and raised in Bountiful, Utah. She was introduced to the Montessori philosophy when her mother started teaching in Early Childhood when Allison was about 10 years old. Allison brings a deep passion for Early Childhood education and a strong belief in the Montessori philosophy to her classroom every day. She has intermittently participated in Montessori environments since the 1990s. With 8 years of experience working in the classroom with young children, she is dedicated to nurturing independence, curiosity, and a love of learning in each child.

She received her Early Childhood certification through the Institute of Guided Studies. She thoughtfully prepares the environment to encourage hands-on exploration, practical life skills, and peaceful social development.

In addition to her work in the classroom, Mrs. Allison enjoys camping with her family as much as possible. She loves to make many different projects, including sewing or crocheting. Last but not least, she loves to cook and bake a wide variety of things for her family.

Allison is committed to fostering a warm, respectful, and inclusive community where each child is seen, heard, and supported in their unique journey.