Meet Our Educators

Amanda Fleming - Director

Hello, my name is Amanda Fleming I have been on campus as a teacher since 2008 and took over as director in 2018. I hold a degree in Early Childhood Education, as well as being Montessori Certified through American Montessori Society. In addition to teaching at CHMS, I spent seven years teaching at FVCC. I am an avid outdoor enthusiast. I enjoy hiking, fishing, and camping with my husband and our three teenage sons.

Lindsey MacFarlane - Administrative Assistant

My name is Lindsey MacFarlane . I have a BA in Environmental Studies and Visual Design. My son started attending CHMS in 2005 and I have been working here since 2006. I love the wonderful world of nature and photography.

Darcie Blanden - Lead Teacher Aspen Class

Hello, my name is Darcie Blanden. I hold a Bachelors of Science degree in Health and Human Development as well as being Montessori Certified through the American Montessori Society. I am an outdoor enthusiast and I enjoy hiking and skiing, as well as following my kids to all their activities.

Sue Hays - Lead Teacher Birch Class

My name is Sue Hays. I hold an AA from FVCC and a BA from UM in Elementary Education K-8, with an endorsement in reading K-12 with training in Reading Recovery. I also have my Montessori Teaching Certificate for ages 3-6. I am a parent of two sons, and have a grandson. My extracurricular activities include gardening, cooking, literature, art, walking and learning new things.

Eve Hunter- Lead Teacher Saplings Class

Hello, my name is Eve Hunter. I have a BA in Art from Linfield College, and a MA in Education-Montessori from Montessori Northwest and Loyola University. I have been working with children since 2001 as a nanny, a Head Start teacher, and a Montessori teacher. This is my 9th year working at CHMS in the Saplings program. I enjoy hiking, camping, and being crafty.

Heather Bailey- Assistant Aspen Class

My name is Heather Bailey. I have 3.5 years experience as an Assistant in the Early Learners classroom, and this will be my second year as a Primary classroom assistant. I am a Crossfit Level 2 coach, with 4 years experience as a Crossfit Kid’s coach and 2 years leading a Crossfit Kid’s program. I spend time working out, exploring the outdoors, and either being with friends or napping.

Zhoe Weldele- Assistant Birch Class

My name is Zhoe Weldele. I graduated Whitefish High School in 2017. I have been at Children’s House Montessori School since early 2016. I enjoy hiking and creating pencil portrait art. My favorite children’s book is The Whale and the Snail by Julia Donaldson.

Payton McMillian- Saplings Assistant

Hello, my name is Payton McMillian . I graduated from Whitefish High School in 2018 and started working here at CHMS immediately after. I have gained childcare experiences through nannying for several families in the local community. Hanging out with friends and hiking are the things I like to do most.

Desiree Cogdill- Saplings Assistant

Hello, my name is Desiree Cogdill. I have a BS in Social Work and started at CHMS in 2018. I have worked as a Child Development Evaluation Coordinator. I enjoy camping, boating, skiing and art.

Susan Bernt - Saplings Assistant

Hello there, my name is Susan Bernt. This is my second time working here at CHMS. I have my certification from the American Montessori Society, and enjoy working with toddlers. My hobbies include hiking, floating the rivers, camping, and tending to the garden and chickens at my home.

Amber Bowes - Afterschool Assistant

My name is Amber Bowes. I have a Child Development Associates Certificate, and I am excited to be a part of this school. I recently moved here from Pennsylvania, and I am having fun getting to know this area. In my spare time I enjoy playing guitar and spending time with most any kind of animals!

Let's learn!