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OUR MISSION
OUR MISSION
At Growing Roots, our mission is to provide quality, student-centered learning opportunities for young learners. We believe in the immense power of early childhood education. We aim to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where young minds can flourish, grow, and develop a lifelong love for learning.
At Growing Roots, our mission is to provide quality, student-centered learning opportunities for young learners. We believe in the immense power of early childhood education. We aim to create a nurturing and stimulating environment where young minds can flourish, grow, and develop a lifelong love for learning.
STAFF
STAFF
Our dedicated team of childcare professionals and support staff provide a high-quality childcare experience supported by a diverse range of qualifications. Our childcare staff brings over two decades of childcare experience and includes one Lead Montessori-trained teacher, several Assistant Montessori-trained teachers as well as seasonal staff. In addition, all are ere experienced in working with children in outdoor settings and several staff members are mothers with young families, bringing valuable real-world experience. Everyone at Growing Roots share a passion for nurturing and supporting children and helping them flourish.
Tanessa
Tanessa
LEAD MONTESSORI TEACHER & GROWING ROOTS DIRECTOR
Miss Tanessa started working in childcare in 2013. Her deep interest in child development led her to training in Early Childhood Montessori Education (AIM) as well as Forest School and Tinkergarten. Her favorite thing about working at Growing Roots is that it is a child-led facility where she can focus on the child and meet them where they are developmentally. This creates a strong bond between the child and guide as children learn to navigate their environment and learn social skills.
Mya
Mya
AFTERNOON LEAD TEACHER / TRAINED MONTESSORI ASSISTANT
Miss Mya has been dedicated to working in childcare since 2019, gaining experience with a wide range of ages, from infants to elementary school children in after-school and summer programs. She finds deep fulfillment in her role as a teacher, cherishing the opportunity to witness children's growth and acquisition of new skills. Further demonstrating her commitment to professional development, Mya is trained as an Assistant Montessori Teacher and is currently expanding her knowledge through additional courses.
Valena
Valena
MORNING ASSISTANT MONTESSORI TEACHER - SCHOOL YEAR
Miss Valena started working at Growing Roots in the fall of 2024, where she enjoys observing children's interactions and curiosity during the school year. Her background includes a Montessori-inspired homeschool education, extensive childhood outdoor experiences, a career as a field biologist, and raising a family. She originally came to the Black Hills to work for the National Park Service and now calls it home with her husband and two kids. Valena is a trained Assistant Montessori Teacher. She loves watching kids discover the natural world.
Shelee
Shelee
OPERATIONS LEAD
Shelee joined Growing Roots in 2024 and is our behind-the-scenes specialist and her attention to detail and organizational skills keep Growing Roots running smoothly. If you have questions or are enrolling your child/ren you will likely be communicating with Shelee. Her love for kids is a lifelong adventure; from art projects and nature walks with her own two kids (now grown), to embracing the wonder of child-led play with her granddaughters. When she's not working, Shelee enjoys hiking, reading, gardening, and training her adorable labrador puppies, Leo and Lucy.
HISTORY
HISTORY
Growing Roots is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to providing quality, student-centered learning opportunities for young learners. Growing Roots began when parents of young children in Custer banded together to bring a preschool to their community, specifically meeting a need for Montessori and outdoor focused childcare. The first Growing Roots programs opened in the Fall of 2023. We moved to the current classroom (at the same location) in the Fall of 2024.
Growing Roots is a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to providing quality, student-centered learning opportunities for young learners. Growing Roots began when parents of young children in Custer banded together to bring a preschool to their community, specifically meeting a need for Montessori and outdoor focused childcare. The first Growing Roots programs opened in the Fall of 2023. We moved to the current classroom (at the same location) in the Fall of 2024.
What our Parents Say:
What our Parents Say:
“My child is emotionally regulated, happy, and thriving like never before. The student-led learning has allowed him to grow in his ability to do daily tasks to build his independence. I feel the staff remain calm, regulated and caring which seems to keep the children balanced throughout their day.”
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