Tess Karlan (She/Her)

My name is Tess Karlan and this will be the start of my 10th year as a teacher in a Montessori classroom and my 4th year as a Lead Guide in the Thunderbird classroom at Athena. What I value most about being a Montessori Guide is providing a quality one-on-one learning experience for each child and nurturing each child’s natural drive to discover and achieve.

 

My Montessori journey starts here in Austin, Texas, growing up with a mother as a Montessori teacher and attending The Montessori Center during my toddler and primary years. I later returned to this same school to work as an Assistant and quickly discovered my passion for working with children and was reminded of my love for the Montessori learning environment. After a year as an Assistant at the Montessori Center, I began my path towards certification as Lead Guide in Montessori Early Childhood Education.  

 

My years of Montessori training and beginning years as a Lead Guide were spent in the beautiful town of Bozeman, Montana. After soaking up all Montana had to offer, I felt Austin calling my name and was ready to return back home. Upon returning, I found the amazing community at Athena and knew it was where I wanted to land. I’ve loved each year I’ve shared here and look forward to many more ahead of me.

 

Since starting Athena, my husband Shaun has joined the community as Facilities Manager and my daughter Josie attends the Movers and Shakers program. When we aren’t at school, we love being outside as much as possible and spending time with our dog Molly. 

 

Warmly,

Tess