Bastrop Montessori Team
Cheryl Kruckenberg, Founder, Head of School
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My lifelong passion has been working with children. I am constantly inspired by their curiosity, tenacity, eagerness to learn and their fun loving spirit, and am humbled by their trust, kindness and courage. In pursuit of my passion for supporting young people I have worked at over a dozen holistic and non-traditional schools as an assistant, classroom teacher, administrator, director, consultant or board member. The opportunity to create a Montessori School in my own hometown is one that I am very excited about!
I was first introduced to the Montessori Method in 1988, when I was searching for the perfect school for my little girl, and I instantly knew that here was the model that most closely matched my own beliefs; that learning is the innate desire of all children and that in a thoughtfully designed environment and in an atmosphere of respect, they will do what comes naturally to them – inquire, practice, learn and take care of each other! My first inspiration grew into a lasting appreciation of the power and beauty of Dr. Maria Montessori’s work. I have incorporated some of the fundamental aspects of the Montessori Method into my work with children ever since, whether as a teacher, administrator or school director.
In the past 15 years I have been the Director of Austin EcoSchool/Austin Village Academy and have been developing an educational program called Game of Village, which I’ve run both in the homeschool community and in private schools.
Aside from my work with children I enjoy non-traditional building, gardening, puttering around outside, yoga, arts and crafts and spending time with my family and friends!
Chelsea Martin, Director
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Hi y’all, I was born and raised in Austin Tx! I moved to Bastrop with my family of six almost three years ago. We are happy to call Bastrop home.
I started to explore the Montessori method when I was pregnant with our second and was offered a job at a Montessori school is Austin, FELL IN LOVE with the method, the campus - everything! I admire how independent children can be. I find it very rewarding to see a toddler solve their own problems with just a little help and encouragement! Plus the hugs are always great! I enjoy house plants, hiking, swimming, movies, podcast, spicy foods, sleeping in, interior decorating, photography.
Emily Bolt, Administration support
I taught Art and was the Director of Social and Emotional learning at, Paragon Prep, private prek-8th school in Austin for 14 years. Now, I am grateful to be able to bring my years of experience in education and administration to Bastrop Montessori. My daughter, now 4, has attended since 18 months - she has learned and grown in so many ways. The Montessori method has also informed me, not only as a teacher, but as a parent. I strongly believe a Montessori education will help create self-motivated, creative thinking, and community minded life-long learners.
Lexi Adams, Administration support/ School Floater
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I grew up in Kyle, TX and have been montessori educated from primary level up until high school. I've worked at the Wimberley Montessori School from 2021 up until its closure in May of 2024. I assisted in the lower elementary class for most of my time there while also floating among the whole school, working in upper and lower elementary, primary, and toddler classrooms. I enjoy when a child really understands something that they've been working on or gets excited about a particular work, and feel privileged to be a part of that process.
Kate Huges, Lead Guide, Ages 3yrs-6yrs
I am currently a lead teacher in the 3-6 classroom. I have worked in a classroom Montessori environment for the last 4 years in varying positions and varying age ranges. I began my Montessori journey as a private nanny and fell in love with the Montessori Philosophy and knew that I wanted to pursue it further. My love for children has always been a driving force and I've had much of my job experience shaped by working with children. I have two girls (4 and 1) and we spend much of our down time with them, we love to be outdoors finding new places to explore. Personally when given time alone I like to curl up with a book.
Abigail Schneiders, Support Guide, Ages 3yrs-6yrs
I have been a teachers assistant in a Montessori setting for 3 years now. I am currently enrolled in a university working towards my bachelors in Early Childhood Education. Due to my own mom being a teacher, the classroom is where I grew up and where I thrive. I look forward to meeting everyone and learning how I can make a difference in each of your lives!
Laura Metzger, Lead Guide, Ages 6yrs-9yrs
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I grew up in Austin and our family relocated to Bastrop County 8 years ago.
I've been married to my best friend for 30 years, and am a mom to four children, one dog and four cats. I've spent the last 20+ years providing private childcare services as a nanny and in home day care provider, while also homeschooling my own children in grades K-12. Additionally, I taught K-12 classes at our local homeschool co-op.
I'm so happy to be a part of Bastrop Montessori. It is a joy welcoming and walking with our students through each day while watching them grow. I am grateful that I get to spend my days practicing and fostering thoughtfulness and kindness among our youngest community members. In my spare time, I love hiking with my family on our local trails, swimming in cold water rivers and springs, camping, watching movies with my kids, reading, hanging out in book stores and eating good food.
Stephanie Taylor, Lead Support, Ages 18 months - 3 years
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I have 12 years of early childcare experience and I am excited to help nurture the young minds of our poppies class. I have spent some time as a director working with the BISD after school program, but I have found a great passion with the toddler age group. I enjoy assisting them reach all the important milestones in such an important time in their lives. I can’t wait to watch the toddlers in my care grow mentally and emotionally this year!
Taylor Pico, Support Guide, Ages 18 months - 3 years
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Along with to working with children for four years and earning my degree in early childhood education in 2023, I have been teaching the Montessori
method for three years and am now working toward my certification.
My motivation comes from working to establish a stimulating and captivating
learning environment that gives children a sense of security and safety while
also giving them the tools they need to become lifelong learners.
In free time, I like to spend time with my three dogs and my
husband. I enjoy taking walks in peaceful places.
Odalis Gaytan-Flores, Lead Support Guide, Ages 18 Months - 3 years
Along with to working with children for four years and earning my degree in early childhood education in 2023, I have been teaching the Montessori method for three years and am now working toward my certification. My motivation comes from working to establish a stimulating and captivating
learning environment that gives children a sense of security and safety while also giving them the tools they need to become lifelong learners. In free time, I like to spend time with my three dogs and my
husband. I enjoy taking walks in peaceful places.
Ariel Thompson, Support Guide, Ages 18 Months- 3 years
I am from La Grange , Tx, born and raised. I have been working with children and in daycares since I graduated high school in 2021. My whole career while working in daycares consisted of me working with toddlers ages 1-4. I have been both a lead teacher and assistant teacher, so I have learned the roles of both and also progressed a lot. I am currently a student at Sam Houston State University with a major in criminal justice and a minor in childhood development. I am a mother to a toddler , so being able to watch her grow and develop at home, then to come to work and witness other children do the same makes me smile. I have a soft spot for children; I treat every child in class as my own, so it is a privilege to be able to have a job that allows me to be a part of their process in progression.
Desiree Benchoff, Support Guide, 18M-3Y
Desiree is a nurturing educator and proud mother with over five years of experience homeschooling children through personalized, hands-on learning. She believes deeply in the magic of childhood and creates joyful, curiosity-driven environments where little ones feel free to explore, express themselves, and grow at their own pace. With a background in individualized instruction across a wide range of subjects, she brings creativity, patience, and heart to every lesson. Whether leading an educational game, planning a nature-inspired activity, or offering gentle guidance, Des is committed to supporting the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. She is currently pursuing her certification in Child Development and is thrilled to be part of a Montessori community that honors each child’s unique journey.