Our Staff
Administration
Head of School – Tamela Irons
Tamela Irons has been involved in education for the last 20 years. She received a B.S. with Honors in Elementary Education and a Minor in Spanish. She holds a Teacher Certification in Education K-8 with and Spanish K-12. Tamela received her Montessori Elementary 1 training at the Education Center of the Rockies and has experience teaching at the primary, lower and upper elementary levels. She has worked as a teacher trainer and has been a Field Consultant mentoring new teachers. Tamela was awarded one of the top 20 under 40 awards spotlighting Montana’s top young business professionals. She also was awarded “Excellence in Education” as one of the most influential teachers through the Bozeman Schools Foundation.
In addition to Tamela’s extensive teaching background, she loves to travel and has lived and taught in six continents. Tamela and her husband love living in Montana with their daughter who attends BSS.
Business Manager – Cressie Ivers
Cressie has lived in Bozeman since 2003 and graduated from Montana State University in 2007 with a B.S. in Business / Marketing. Prior to joining BSS, she was the Finance Officer at Bozeman High School. Cressie has two young boys who are the center of her universe and are at the beginning of their own Montessori education in a local primary program. When not at work Cressie enjoys gardening, camping, biking, and exploring Montana as a family. She also loves a good cup of tea, plants, audiobooks, and bird watching.
Administrative Assistant – Trish Johnson
Photo and bio coming soon!
Upper Elementary
Lead Teacher – Alison Tierney
Alison has been teaching in Montessori schools since 1998 and has worked with children from birth through age twelve. She has a B.A. in Religion from the University of Puget Sound and an M.Ed. in Montessori Integrative Education from Endicott College. Alison received her AMS Early Childhood Montessori Certification from the Montana Montessori Teacher Training Institute and her Elementary Certification from Age of Montessori. She recently completed an Upper Elementary summer residency with the Montessori Elementary Teacher Training Collaborative in Lexington, MA.
Alison has four children and one grandchild, and all of her children have attended Montessori schools. She is a plant enthusiast, singer, swimmer, and reader. She loves science fiction, Renaissance and Baroque music, mythology, being in lakes, rivers, and forests, and working with the wonderful team of teachers, families, and children at BSS.
Assistant Teacher – Dani Stern
Photo and bio coming soon!
Lower Elementary
Lead Teacher – Mikal Begnoche
Mikal earned her Bachelor’s of Science in Elementary Education from Montana State University in 2002 and holds a K-8 Montana Teaching License. She has over 12 years of experience teaching in Montessori schools at the primary and elementary levels, ten of which were at Middle Creek, Montessori in Bozeman. She is an avid outdoors woman and is especially passionate about teaching zoology, botany, and reading. During her free time, Mikal enjoys spending time with her husband, Armand, daughter, Violet (9), and son, Hans (5) who attend BSS. She also enjoys reading and playing in the woods. Mikal is a lifelong learner and finds everyday excitement in her role as a mother, wife, citizen, and teacher.
Assistant Teacher – Elizabeth Eilen
Originally from Eau Claire, Wisconsin, I moved to Bozeman in 2017, to pursue a degree in Elementary Education from MSU. Throughout my life, I have developed a strong affinity for working with children. My experience spans seven years working at summer camps in Wisconsin and Montana, and four years in the Bozeman and Livingston schools working as a paraprofessional, outdoor education teacher, and most recently a math teacher.
In the classroom, I fuse my passion for the outdoors and art into engaging lessons, fostering exploration and learning. Beyond school, I love to cycle, rollerblade, cook, and I am actively involved in Eagle Mount’s adaptive ski program.
Early Childhood
Lead Teacher – Robyn West
Robyn has a passion for working with young children as they begin their educational journey. In 2014 she came to Bozeman Summit School and feel in love with the Montessori Method of teaching. She has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Urban Early Childhood Education and Early Childhood Montessori Certification. Robyn has experience working with children with special needs and has been a lead preschool teacher for the past seven years.
In addition to education she has a degree in Apparel Design and Manufacturing and enjoys designing, sewing and all things fiber arts. She also enjoys cross-country skiing, exploring new places, riding trials bikes and camping. She has an adorable dog, Otis, who joins her in the classroom. They enjoy going on hikes, swimming in ponds and running through fields together.
Assistant Teacher – Emily Tesmer
Photo and bio coming soon!
Assistant Teacher – Gabby Jahner
Gabby is currently in the process of pursuing a B.S. degree in psychology from Montana State University. She is excited to explore and expand her knowledge in the early education field, and be able to cultivate relationships with the children along the way. Gabby attended Bozeman Summit school as a child. She grew up in, and is fascinated by the Montessori method of teaching, and all there is to learn throughout it. She is thrilled to be back at the school helping children inherit the same amazing experience she received.
Gabby is a native to Bozeman and is passionate about all the things life has to offer. She enjoys being outside, and spending time with her friends and family. She is constantly learning and taking in as much as possible, experiencing the many adventures that come along her path.
Assistant Teacher – Paige Morecraft
Photo and bio coming soon!