About

 Founder, owner, and teacher at The Ammonite School.

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 live in Southeast Austin with my two incredible children: Ruby and Quinten, 16, and 14. 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, yoga, fossil hunting, gardening, photography, and spending time with my wonderful family, at our hill country property most weekends.

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.

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 I was a nanny for 10 yrs and have been the Leader of my church’s children’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.