About Us

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.

Montessori-Inspired Preschool in Custer, South Dakota

At Growing Roots, our dedicated team serves children and families at our Montessori-inspired preschool in Custer, South Dakota. Our staff provides high-quality early childhood education and childcare in the heart of the Black Hills. Outdoor learning is part of our preschool all year, and our teachers guide children as they learn and explore in nature.

Our caring team works hard to give children a safe and supportive preschool experience. Together, our staff has over 20 years of experience in early childhood education.

Our Team

We have one Lead Montessori teacher. We also have Assistant Montessori teachers and seasonal staff who help in the classroom.

All of our teachers have experience working with children outdoors. Several of our staff members are also moms with young children, which brings real-life experience to their work.

At Growing Roots, everyone shares a passion for caring for children, helping them grow, and supporting them as they learn and thrive.

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

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

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

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

Growing Roots is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit Montessori-inspired preschool in Custer, South Dakota. We are dedicated to providing high-quality, student-centered early childhood education for young children in the Black Hills.

Growing Roots began when parents in Custer came together to bring a preschool to their community. Families saw a need for Montessori-inspired education and more outdoor learning opportunities for young children. In response, they worked together to create a local childcare and preschool program that reflects the values of the community.

Our first programs opened in Fall 2023. In Fall 2024, we moved into our current classroom space at the same location, allowing us to better serve children and families in Custer and the surrounding Black Hills area.

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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