Athena Montessori Academy

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Kim Payne

     Greetings, and welcome to the world of Primary 1.  I am excited about my sixth year with Athena Montessori!  This is going to be a new and fabulous experience, as Gabe and I have welcomed a third member to our team--Ms. Holly!  We are a strong unit of guides, we have a warm and nurturing room, our fellow staff is amazing, and we are honored that you have placed your trust in us for the academic, social, and spiritual growth that your children will receive at Athena.

     I cannot believe that it has been six years since Lisl brought me to a dilapidated former daycare campus and said, “Well, what do you think?”  Even then we saw the potential for the magical place that Athena has become, and I am proud and excited to be a part of this school that continues to build and grow.  

     Now a bit about my background:  I am now in my 16th year (WHAT?) of teaching Montessori.  A graduate of Texas A&M with a BA in English, I initially tried my hand teaching Language Arts to 5th graders in the public school system.  Although I loved the children, the parameters required to be “successful” as a middle school teacher went against the grain for what I felt the kiddos really needed.  After observing my then toddler-aged daughter in her Montessori environment, I knew that I wanted to delve into the study of this amazing philosophy and curriculum.  I received my AMS certification through the Houston Montessori Center at the Baylor University Campus, and 16 years later, I am still counting my blessings that I found my calling.

     Over the years, I have taught, directed, mentored and trained teachers and parents, and even opened a school in College Station (it is still up and running).  I made the choice to move to Austin for the educational opportunities it afforded my children.  Thankfully, Lisl and I serendipitously found each other, and she gave me the opportunity to concentrate on my true passion—the guiding of young children.

     My children, Davis (17) and Nathan (15), along with my pets Jack, Mathilda, and Hershey--oh, and Shady, Nate’s eight year old tarantula--all work and play in beautiful Driftwood, Texas.  When I’m not supporting my kiddos’ sports and activities, I enjoy meditation, world travel, cycling, reading, floating along the Blanco, and hanging out with my pals.

     Thank you for the opportunity to help guide your angels.  They inevitably give me many more lessons than I could ever teach!  ☺

Warmly,  Kim