Meet Our Educators

Hello, I’m Carrie Lamb and I am the Executive Director here at Children’s House Montessori. I hold a BS in Elementary Education from Montana State University. I have been in the childcare and education world in Whitefish for the past 20 years as a Nanny, Preschool Teacher, Children's Activities Manager, Paraeducator, Behavior Interventionist, Summer Camp Director, and my favorite Coach. My family and I enjoy year-round recreation, especially playing softball in the summer and skiing in the winter. My favorite children’s book is Go Away, Big Green Monster by Ed Emberley.

Hello, my name is Darcie Blanden and I am the Lead Teacher in the Birch Classroom. 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, skiing, and following my kids to all their activities. My favorite children’s book is The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein.    

Hello, my name is Eve Hunter and I am the Lead Teacher in the Saplings classroom. 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 13th year working at CHMS and my first year returning to a primary classroom working with 3-6 yer olds. I enjoy hiking, camping, knitting and being crafty. My favorite children’s book is Blueberries For Sal by Robert McCloskey.

With over 10 years of experience in early childhood education, I am a dedicated Montessori assistant teacher passionate about nurturing young minds. I believe in the Montessori philosophy of "learning by doing," encouraging hands-on activities that promote problem-solving and critical thinking skills. I have been here at CHMS for three years and have enjoyed every moment. What I love most about CHMS are our wonderful families and dedicated loving staff. When I'm not in the classroom, I enjoy spending time with my family outdoors. My favorite children's book is Miss Rumphius by Barbara Cooney.

Hello! My name is Bailey. I graduated from Lower Columbia College with an Associate’s in Art. Shortly after I moved to Missoula to attend the University of Montana and studied Health and Human Performance. This is my third school year at CHMS and I have learned so much from the amazing staff at CHMS. My free time is spent outdoors biking or snowboarding, fishing and hunting. My favorite childhood book is The Giving Tree.

Hello there.  I’m Sally Kelley.  I’ve had the pleasure of working in the Saplings classroom since March of 2024.  I started my teaching career after receiving my BA in Elementary Education in Northern California.  My husband and I moved to Montana in 2004 to start our family and live our dream in a small town.  Working in my garden, dancing to live music, exploring the mountains with my dog, and playing on our rivers and lakes fill my free time.  My favorite children’s book is Where the Wild Things Are by Maurice Sendak.  My now teenaged daughter was lucky enough to be a student of Ms Eve’s and made her way through kindergarten here at CHMS.  It brings me great joy to come back to this wonderful program as an aide.

Our experienced and dedicated teachers are passionate about the Montessori method and are committed to creating a positive and nurturing learning environment for children. They provide individualized attention to each child and work closely with parents to support their child's development.