About
Susanne Crawford
Founder, Owner, Lead Upper Elementary/Mentoring Lower Elementary Teacher
The school opened in 2020 and has been my dream many years in the making. I am delighted to teach in a unique Montessori-influenced program that provides individualized education for each unique student, honoring all learning styles.
I have been a Montessori teacher for the past 25 years. I studied Organizational Leadership at St. Edward’s University, and worked as a Field Consultant for two AMS Montessori teacher training centers.
I was born and raised in the Seattle area and relocated to Austin in 2010. While growing up, some of my favorite pastimes were drawing, sculpting, painting, and playing the violin. As a young adult I became a world traveler and visited over 30 foreign countries. The life experiences I gained while abroad have had an enormous impact on me and helped to prepare me for my life’s calling: working with children.
Upon returning to the Seattle area, I started working as a teacher at a traditional preschool. After about a year, I was exposed to Montessori while observing various schools, and I was drawn to learn more about the incredible work I witnessed. In 2000, I began my journey in the Montessori classroom. The Montessori teaching methods, philosophies, and peaceful environment proved to be exactly what I was looking for as an educator.
In 2001-2002, I completed my AMS training and internship. After lead teaching for four years I was promoted to the school’s program supervisor, which included teaching as well as overseeing our culinary and creative arts programs. My last two years in Seattle were spent as the Executive Director of the same Montessori school where I had previously been so fortunate to teach. From 2011-2020 I taught at Athena Montessori Academy here in Austin and will be forever grateful for everything I learned as a part of their extraordinary community. I am currently revisiting my montessori roots while working on my upper elementary (9-12)
Montessori credential.
I live in Southeast Austin with my two incredible children: Ruby and Quinten, a senior and sophomore in high school. They both continued Montessori education through grade school. They have been my greatest life teachers and inspire me every day. In my spare time I enjoy working on my many art projects (acrylic paintings at the moment), reading, music (especially Quinten’s), fossil hunting, gardening, photography, and spending time with my wonderful family.
Every day I am amazed by the immense potential each child I encounter displays. It is my goal to promote a spirit of kindness as well as a sense of wonder and love of learning to last a lifetime with every child I work with. I feel very fortunate for the chance to be a part of great discovery in a place where the world is truly filled with awe and amazement.
About
Ella Matson
Junior Lower Elementary Teacher
I’m so happy to be part of The Ammonite School family! Ever since I was little, I’ve known I wanted to be a teacher — I was the kid who turned the living room into a classroom and made worksheets for my stuffed animals. That love for teaching has only grown stronger through years of babysitting, afterschool programs, summer camps, and eventually stepping into the classroom as both an assistant and lead teacher.
My background is in Reggio-inspired education, which has so much in common with Montessori — creativity, curiosity, hands-on exploration, and letting kids take the lead in their own learning journey. While Montessori is a newer path for me, it instantly felt like the right one. I’m especially drawn to the peaceful rhythm of the classroom, the independence it fosters, the nature aspect, and the deep respect it shows for each child’s unique spark.
I’m a big believer in creating a space where children feel seen, heard, and free to be themselves. I bring creativity, joy, and a big heart to everything I do. I’ll also be starting my studies in Elementary Education at ACC this fall — one step closer to my dream of someday opening my own Montessori school.
Outside the classroom, I love all things creative — especially arts and crafts — and you can often find me reading a good book, writing and exploring the outdoors. Nature is one of my favorite places to recharge and feel inspired.
I feel so lucky to be here and can’t wait to grow, learn, and laugh alongside this amazing team and the wonderful children and families that make this community so special.
About
Jacob Ortiz
Outdoor Classroom Leader/Assistant Teacher
I feel so lucky to be here and can’t wait to grow, learn, and laugh alongside this amazing team and the wonderful children and families that make this community so special.
I’m super excited about being a part of The Ammonite School team. I just moved to Austin, from Houston in the Summer of 2025 and am happy to be in my first classroom teaching role. I’ve been a youth soccer coach for 2 years now. Working with children has always been something I’ve had a passion for. I graduated from Austin College in May of 2024 (Go Roos!) I’m a huge soccer fan, I love making music, and doing anything artistic or creative. I promise to give my absolute best to help your kiddos learn, grow, and enjoy school every day.
About -
Josie Umana
Substitute Teacher
Hello! My name is Josie.
I am so excited to be a part of this lovely and very close community. I’m looking forward to getting to know all of you and your loving children.
Prior to teaching at Ammonite for two years, I was a nanny for 10 yrs and have been the Leader of my church’s child ren’s ministry for the past 12 years. Childcare and teaching have always been a passion of mine.
I was born and raised in Austin and love being outdoors. I enjoy fishing, swimming and reading. I love to spend time with my family and pets.
Being a part of children’s lives fills my heart with love and the thought of making an impact on their lives makes me so honored.