Administration

Natasha Soderberg ~ Head of School

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B.A., Environmental Science University of Cape Town, South Africa
Postgraduate Certificate of Education, University of Cape Town, South Africa
AMI Administrator Certificate, Whole School Leadership

I came to Butler Montessori first as a parent and felt that I had found a home for my children. Then I found ways for myself to be useful that grew into more purposeful work that matched my experience and passions. I love to come to work each day where enough stays the same that I can find ways to improve, but no day is duplicated and every day is stimulating.

Scott Chidakel ~ CFO

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CPA
B.S., University of Maryland

I have worked with non-profits and schools my entire career and found my home here at Butler Montessori in 2010. I love being part of a team where every teacher and staff member is mission-driven and highly dedicated to our students and families. When not at school, I enjoy being outside on my bicycle or doing any indoor or outdoor activity with my wife and 2 teenage boys!

Meira Cohen ~ Student Support Specialist

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I'm excited to join Butler Montessori as the Student Support Specialist for the 2024-25 school year. From the moment I stepped on campus, I could tell the Butler community was a special one, and I am thrilled to be joining the team. 

I recently relocated to Baltimore with my husband and four-year-old son from Long Island, New York and we are having fun exploring parks and playgrounds near us. I enjoy reading, gardening, painting, and growing my ever-expanding collections of Lego sets and children’s books.

Alex Goffin ~  Admissions Director

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I am a former parent of 2 boys who went to Butler from Lower Elementary through 8th grade (2010–2019).

Hobbies: I find joy in backpacking, sailing, skiing, and simply chilling.

Amy D'Elia ~ Administrative Coordinator

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B.A., Monmouth University, New Jersey

I have been with Butler Montessori since 2004. I like to exercise (yoga, walking, and rowing), cooking, and spending time with my family.

Amy Hughes ~ Director of Operations & LE Art Specialist

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I joined Butler Montessori in 2018 to support the Extended Day program and was invited to join Heather Pelkey as Co-Camp Director before becoming the Camp Director in 2020. I love everything about the outdoors and having the opportunity to help children find joy in exploring nature. In my free time, I am an artist. I work in mixed media of collage, photo, and paint. I also spend a lot of time pursuing new hobbies and exploring new places with my husband Chuck.

Kelly Truong ~ Lower School Director of Education

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B.A., University of North Carolina at Charlotte
AMI Elementary Diploma, Washington Montessori Institute
AMI Assistants to Infancy Diploma, Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies
AMI Primary Diploma, Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies
M.Ed., Loyola University, Maryland

I joined Butler Montessori as an Elementary Guide in 2014. I love traveling, learning about different cultures, and trying new foods. When I am not working, I enjoy collecting hobbies. A few I've collected include rock climbing, crocheting, and playing the ukulele.

Nido & Young Children's Community (YCC)

Heather Pelkey ~ Nido Guide

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AMI Assistants to Infancy Diploma, Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies
Certified Nursing Assistant for School Health, Certified Medical Technician

I joined the Butler community in 2011, and have worn many hats on staff since then. My 3 children Colin (2016), Meghan (2020), and Caitlyn (current student) have all attended Butler.

I love spending time with my family, crafting, sewing, handwork of all kinds, reading, floating down a river, live music (any and all of it), and listening to all things True Crime!

Amanda Schaaf ~ Nido Assistant

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I joined Butler Montessori in 2022. Treating all humans with kindness, respect, and understanding is something I value, and I saw these values in Butler’s culture.  I’m proud to be both a parent and staff member, and to call Butler my home away from home. In my free time I enjoy spending time with my family, board games, and spending time in nature.

Zahra Javaheri ~ Young Children's Community (YCC) Guide

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B.A., University of Science and Culture, Tehran, Iran
AMI Assistants to Infancy Diploma

I joined Butler Montessori in 2019. I love watching documentaries, listening to music, and doing activities with my daughter.

Sidanny Adamson ~ YCC Assistant

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At Butler Montessori School, we foster an inclusive community that genuinely cares for each member. The well-organized atmosphere is a delight to observe, and the professionalism of the staff is admirable. Witnessing the independence of the YCC children is consistently awe-inspiring. I am grateful to be part of such a commendable community.

Primary

Kelly Beall ~ Primary Guide

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B.A., Salisbury University, Maryland
AMI Montessori Primary Diploma
M.Ed., Loyola University, Maryland

I joined Butler in 2017 and began as a guide after I completed my Primary Montessori training in 2019. In my spare time, I like to take walks with my family on our favorite trail, play outside with my two boys, and sit by the campfire with my husband.

Meagan Garrison ~ Primary Guide

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B.S., Towson University, Maryland
AMI Montessori Primary Diploma
M.Ed., Loyola University, Maryland

I joined Butler Montessori as a Guide in 2020, however, I was a student here as well (many years ago!). Butler feels like my second home and I feel honored to be a part of this unique and special team on this gorgeous campus. Outside of my passion for Montessori, some of my other interests include singing and playing folk music, all things outdoors, my dog Woody, and airplanes.

Yijun Zheng ~ Primary Guide

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M. A., Binghamton University (SUNY), New York 

M.Ed., Loyola University, Maryland
AMI Montessori Primary Diploma

I joined Butler as a Primary Guide in June 2021. I love arts and crafts like watercolor painting, crochet, and embroidery. In my spare time, I go out with my family and enjoy nature!

Maria Kamezawa ~ Primary Assistant

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Shaye Merriam ~ Primary Assistant

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Sureeporn Sudjada ~ Primary Assistant

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I grew up in the northern part of Thailand and while attending school there I enjoyed exploring nature and still have many fond memories about it.  My school was surrounded by the mountains and all the rich nature that comes with it like forests, caves, and many different types of animals. 

Now having my own children, it was important to pass down these childhood experiences to them. I love that at Butler the children spend a lot of time outdoors while learning. As an assistant, I am excited to share this love of nature with the many children I work with.

Elementary

Rainy Blomgren ~ Lower Elementary Guide

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B.A., Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida
AMI Montessori Elementary Diploma
M.Ed., Loyola University, Maryland

I joined Butler Montessori as a Lower Elementary Guide in 2016 after spending two years teaching English as a foreign language in Guatemala. I love swimming and reading, spending time out in nature, and learning to crochet.

Anastasia Jantz Sincevich ~ Lower Elementary Guide

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B.F.A., Savannah College of Art & Design, Georgia
M. Ed in Elementary Education, University of Hartford, Hartford CT
AMI Montessori Elementary Diploma

I have been a part of the Butler community since 2017. I am a passionate Montessorian, artist, and birdwatcher. I love to play the ukulele and sing with the children. I love the incredibly supportive community, the amazing campus, and being with the children.

Grace Rind ~ Upper Elementary Guide

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B.S. Loyola University Maryland; English Literature and Global Studies: Conflict Resolution
AMI Montessori Elementary Diploma
M.Ed., Loyola University Maryland

I have been a part of the Butler community since the summer of 2022. I’m grateful to be able to work with such a terrific team on such a beautiful campus. I’m inspired and motivated each day by the kindness, inquisitiveness, and joyfulness of the children (and adults!) in our community. 

Erin Bajada ~ Upper Elementary Guide

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B.A., SUNY, Fredonia, NY

AMI Montessori Elementary Diploma

I joined Butler Montessori as an Associate Guide and parent in 2023. I am currently finishing my M.ED., at Shepard University, WV, as well as doing my AMI Elementary training. Before starting my Montessori journey I was an organic farmer and artist. I love gardening, painting, hiking, traveling, and learning new things.

Shailaja Maru ~ Upper Elementary Guide

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B.S., Michigan State University
MPH, University of Michigan
AMI Montessori Primary & Elementary Diploma
M.Ed., Loyola University, Maryland

I have been a parent at Butler Montessori since 2014 when my daughter joined the YCC.  In my spare time, I enjoy dancing, hiking, and journaling.

Brenda Lacayo ~ Upper Elementary Assistant

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I joined Butler Montessori in August 2022 as an Upper Elementary Assistant.  I worked in Montessori for four years in Charlotte, North Carolina before moving back to my home state of Maryland.  In my free time, I enjoy the outdoors and creating art such as paintings, ceramics, and photography.

Adrienne Smith ~ Lower Elementary Assistant

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Certificate: Montessori Orientation, Montessori Training Center

I joined Butler Montessori in 2019 and received the Montessori Orientation Certificate from the Montessori Training Center in 2020. In the summer of 2024, I completed my Associate Degree from Frederick Community College. I hope to complete a training program to teach reading in 2025. When I am not at school I enjoy spending time outdoors, knitting, and playing guitar and singing with my rock band.

Christy Mullins ~ Lower Elementary Assistant

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I joined Butler Montessori in 2020. I enjoy movies, music, anything outside, working out, and spending time with my kids.

Intermediate / Fairhaven

Emma Rodwin ~ Upper School Director of Education

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B.A., Dickinson College, Pennsylvania
AMI Montessori Adolescent Diploma
AMI Montessori Elementary Diploma
M.Ed., Loyola University, Maryland

I began my Butler journey in the Equestrian and Camp Programs as a young adult. I joined the Butler Montessori faculty in 2014 in the Intermediate Program. I am passionate about Montessori education, especially creating a Montessori High School! When I'm not at school, I enjoy riding my horse, reading, and knitting.

Bertha Castillo ~ Intermediate & Fairhaven Spanish Guide

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B.A., Metropolitana University, Puerto Rico
M.Ed., Metropolitana University, Puerto Rico
AMI Montessori Adolescent Diploma
Certification in Bilingual Teaching, Cervantes Institute, Canada

I joined Butler Montessori in 2009. I love teaching, being in nature, and spending time with my grandchildren. In my free time, I enjoy reading, listening to music, and doing crafts.

"Education cannot be effective unless it helps a child to open himself to life." Dr. Montessori, The Absorbent Mind.

Lisa Daly ~ Intermediate & Fairhaven Math Guide, IT Specialist

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B.A., Virginia Tech, Virginia
M.A., Hood College, Maryland
AMI Montessori Adolescent Diploma

I joined Butler Montessori as a part-time math guide in the adolescent program in 2004. I have worn many hats over the years and can't imagine working anywhere else. My daughter was a student at Butler for 12 years. I love all things beach and warm, reading, ballet, and pilates.

Sam Jones ~ Intermediate Guide

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B.A., University of Maryland College Park
AMI Montessori Adolescent Diploma

I first joined Butler as a camp counselor in 2018 and then became a Lower Elementary Assistant in 2021. 

I discovered that I enjoyed working with the older students, so I completed my AMI Montessori Certificate of Adolescent Studies and now enjoy being a member of the Intermediate team.

Jackie Wantz ~ Intermediate Guide

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B.A., Shepard University, West Virginia
AMI Montessori Adolescent Diploma

I joined Butler Montessori in February of 2022. I have my BA in History with a minor in Education from Shepherd University. I really enjoy working with young people and I am very excited to be a part of the Intermediate team.

In my spare time, I enjoy baking, swimming, and listening to podcasts.

Jennie Garraffa ~ Upper School Administrative Coordinator and Classroom Support

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B.S. from University of Florida
B.A. from International Academy of Art and Design

I am the former Equestrian Director at Butler Montessori and a parent of a Butler alumni. My son attended Butler from Primary through the Intermediate program, and Butler has been an amazing and supportive part of our lives for the last 12 years. I am excited to join the administration staff as the Upper School Administration Coordinator.

Specialists & Resource Guides

Jennie Huntoon ~ Upper School Music Specialist

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B.A. Hood College, Maryland
M.A. Eastern Illinois University, Illinois

I joined the Butler intermediate team in 2023. I am passionate about music education and strive to create a welcoming environment where all students feel supported in their musical pursuits and curiosities!

When I'm not at school or in band rehearsal, you might find me working on my high fantasy D&D campaign, or in servitude to my four parrots: Dragon the Conure, Maverick the Senegal, and Tinybird and Ittybit the cockatiels. I enjoy reading, video games, crafting, and traveling the world.

Claire Jones ~ upper School Performing Arts Specialist

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I came to know of Butler when Natasha approached me about joining the team at my dance studio in Poolesville. I have been teaching dance and other forms of the performing arts to students aged 3–18 for 15+ years, and am always in awe of how the arts influence children and enhance their view of the world. I am excited to work in an environment that values the life skills that are inherent in learning and practicing the arts, while also placing value in communal education and providing individual student autonomy. It is an honor to work with this incredibly talented and supportive team of staff members, and I can't wait to see how Montessori learning facilitates a well-rounded and contributing member of society. 

Steve Mejia-Menendez ~ Montessori Resource Guide & Elementary Spanish Specialist

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Lorena Emilia Molina Cecchetti ~ Montessori Resource Guide

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B.A., Wellesley College, Massachusetts
AMI Montessori Primary Diploma
AMS Elementary I Certification
AMS Elementary II Certification
M.Ed., Loyola University, Maryland

My experience has allowed me to appreciate the beauty of the Montessori world, so when Butler Montessori School called, I was thrilled to join an institutional legacy that is passionate about child-centered learning and holistic development. I am a proud library mouse, who enjoys museum hopping, and going to the beach.

Eriq Powers ~ Outdoor Specialist

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I began working at Butler in 1998 as a ropes course facilitator on the challenge course and joined the Butler team In 2001 as an outdoor activities guide. I love teaching, running my outdoor adventure company, and making things with my hands.

Katie Rattigan ~ UE /Int Art Specialist

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B.A., Hood College

I joined Butler as the Lower Elementary Art Teacher in the winter of 2019. Now I teach Upper Elementary and Intermediate Art as well as Creative Expressions.

On days when I'm not at Butler, you can find me making pots for Wild Thing Pottery or making up characters with Oh Crit! The D&D Improv Show.

Rhonda Sabater ~ Montessori Resource Guide & Elementary Music Specialist

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AMI Auxiliary Trainer

I joined the Butler staff in 2015 as a Primary guide and then left to do my AMI Training of Trainers so that I could train others to be Montessori guides. While I was away, I still kept in contact, doing part-time consulting as needed.  I returned in 2022 to set up the NIDO program and then was the YCC Guide for the 23-24 school year. 

I am a parent of five, my youngest is a senior in high school. I love reading, cooking, singing, and talking to folks about Montessori as an aid to life.

Don Vogel ~Environmental Education Specialist

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I’m joining my son at Butler, hoping to contribute to the community that has provided so much to him. I love exploring the natural world on foot, bike, and boat and the inner world through books. 

Extended Care & Classroom Support

Ariana Adamson ~ Classroom Support & Extended Day

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I joined Butler Montessori in 2021 as a Butler Camp counselor and started working during the school year in the fall of 2022. I grew up locally, in Germantown, MD, and am currently attending Montgomery College. In my free time, I enjoy writing novels, singing, and hiking.

Ruth Andino ~ Classroom Support & Extended Day

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I joined Butler for camp one summer and fell in love with how the children have tons of space to roam free and explore. From there, I learned about Montessori and its traditions and wanted to be a part of this amazing staff and school. I'm so grateful to join this wonderful community. 

Jessica Benavides ~ Nido – Primary Classroom Support

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I have been a summer camp counselor at Butler Camp since 2017 and started full-time at Butler Montessori in the fall of 2022. In my free time, I like to go paddle boarding, read, walk on the trails near my house, help on the farm, try new foods, and spend time with family.

Lizette Calaro ~ Classroom Support & Extended Day

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With over ten years of classroom experience in Montessori, I am thrilled to be a part of the Butler community and continue to nurture young minds in an authentic Montessori setting.

During my free time, I enjoy using my power tools, being outside, and spending time with my husband and children.

Jagruti Dave ~ Elementary Classroom Support

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I have been working at Butler Montessori since 2000 when my youngest child started in Primary, joining his older sister who was in Elementary. Being around the children and watching them grow and mature has been a delight. Each day at school is an adventure with a mix of indoor and outdoor activities. On the personal side, I greatly enjoy cooking and taking long walks with my dog.

Sarah Derby ~ Classroom Support & Extended Day

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B.A., Brigham Young University, Idaho

In university I studied child development, so it was my goal to work in an environment that embraced and nurtured children’s natural development. Happily I’ve found Butler Montessori. When not teaching and learning from children, I enjoy reading, sitting in nature, and almost every activity if it’s with my family.

Gezel McMillan ~ Classroom Support & Extended Day 

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A.A., Montgomery College, Maryland

I joined Butler in the summer of 2023. I love the Montessori Method of teaching which is why I joined the school. I enjoy being outside and going for walks on the beach and spending time with my family. I'm excited to be a part of the school and to continue to grow and learn.

Laura Normoyle ~ Extended Day Support & School Photographer

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I joined Butler Montessori in 2004 as a Primary Assistant and have stayed ever since. I now have 4 children, 3 of whom are graduates of, or currently in Butler. I enjoy traveling with my family and hiking with our dog.

Abby Patterson ~ Classroom Support & Extended Day

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I joined Butler Montessori in January 2023. I find working with children very rewarding. It's wonderful to watch them grow into their interests. I, myself, have many interests, including studying marine biology, kayaking, hiking, cooking, and painting.

Colin Pelkey ~ Classroom Support & Extended Day

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I graduated from Butler Montessori in 2016 and started working at Butler Camp that summer. I have worked as a Facilities Assistant and Extended Day staff since 2021. I like being at Butler Montessori because of the friendly community. When not at school I enjoy playing sports and video games.

Akoma Sabater ~ Classroom Support & Extended Day

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I graduated from Butler Montessori in 2020 and am currently finishing my senior year at Springbrook High School. I worked as a camp counselor at Butler Camp this past Summer and had a great experience! I really love how caring and connected the Butler community is and treasure all of the relationships I’ve made. In my free time I like to read, play piano, create art, and listen to music.

Laura Steinberg ~ Classroom Support & Extended Day

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Hannah Tolker ~ Nido – YCC Classroom Support

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I joined Butler in 2021, but before coming here I worked for almost 10 years as an Instructional Assistant to students with developmental disabilities. I very much have a passion to see education and growth from students of all walks of life!

In my spare time, I enjoy the outdoors, cooking foods from other countries, embroidery, and spending time with pets: my cat Lugosi and my tarantula Betty.

Admin Support

Sam Sincevich ~ Director of Facilities

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I joined Butler Montessori in the Fall of 2021. I am excited to be working here and tackling the many tasks required to keep the classrooms and school running efficiently and effectively.

In my free time, I am out on the trails with my dog or playing board games with friends.

Amanda Garrison ~ Facilities Assistant

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 I joined the Butler Montessori team in 2024 and was a student here from 1998-2006. My time here was one of the most enriching aspects of my childhood and I am so grateful to be an active part of this community again.  In my free time, I enjoy cooking, hiking, kayaking, and tending to my beehives.

Jessica Warburton ~ Delegating Nurse

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B.A., Connecticut College
B.S.N., University of Maryland

I have been part of the Butler Montessori Family since 2015 as a parent and became the Supervisory Nurse in 2018. Before working at Butler, I worked as an emergency department nurse, in both adult and pediatric departments. Currently, in addition to working at Butler, I am also working as a labor and delivery nurse. When I am not working, I enjoy spending time with my family, horseback riding on our beautiful campus, and reading.

Aubrey Bursch ~ Director of Marketing & Development

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I feel blessed to be able to combine my passion for marketing and development with my love of Butler Montessori. This school is unique, from the Intermediate student-run farm to the caring administration - it's a fantastic community housed on a beautiful nature-filled campus. I've worked with independent schools for more than 20 years and Butler is still one of my favorites.

In my spare time, when I'm not strategizing about fundraising and marketing, you'll find me sipping green smoothies on my deck, hiking trails, and playing soccer with my children.

Miki Boulin ~ Community Outreach Coordinator

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Digital Media Design certificate, FCC, MD 

I was originally at Butler from 1987–2000 as the Equestrian Director and the mother of two Butler alumni. I returned to Butler in 2014 as the Communication Coordinator.

I love teaching riding, SCUBA diving, spending time with my family (I am now the grandmother of 3!), and learning new things!

Camp & Equestrian

Connor Haughey ~ Camp Director

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I have recently moved to the Maryland area, coming from the Gulf Coast of Florida. I began working with youth camps 11 years ago at the YMCA as a counselor. I then went on to become the program director, and eventually, I oversaw all recreational programs for our organization. I have coached soccer, basketball, and football for over a decade now and love mentoring new kids.

In my spare time, I am playing/watching sports, listening to music, reading, or trying to learn a new skill. I am very excited to join the Butler community.

Emily Lahaie ~ Equestrian Director

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B.A., International Studies, University of San Francisco
M.A., International Development, Gallaudet University

I joined Butler Montessori in 2019 as staff in the Equestrian Program. While my degrees are not related to my current career path, I believe that I ended up where I am meant to be! I enjoy spending time with my husband, dogs, and my pony Zulu!

To learn more about Emily and the rest of the Equestrian staff visit www.butlerequestrian.org

Paige Dunn ~ Equestrian Instructor

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Learn more about Paige and the Butler Equestrian Program @ www.ButlerEquestrian.org