
Our Team
The greatest sign of success for a teacher...is to be able to say,
"The children are now working as if I did not exist."
-Maria Montessori

Carrie Tippet
Executive Director - Outgoing
I moved from Maine to Colorado in 2009 and have lived in Carbondale for the past 13 years. I’ve worked in Early Childhood all my adult career and have been with Mt Sopris Montessori since 2021. I’ve grown to love and understand the Montessori Philosophy during my time at MSMS and appreciate what it does for children of all ages. Letting children discover their capabilities on their own has been an amazing journey to watch and be a part of. When I am not at school you can find me outside on the river or walking through town with my husband, son and two dogs.
Board of Directors note: Carrie has served MSMS for over five years and will be missed!

Becky Denning
West Toddler Lead Teacher
My love for early childhood education (especially toddlers) started when I got a nanny position in Aspen for 2-year-old twins in 1997. Colorado was a big change from North Dakota where I grew up and my love of the mountains and this valley has only grown stronger. I have a son who is in college at the University of New Hampshire and a daughter who will be a senior at Roaring Fork High School. When I’m not at school, I love to thrift shop, hike, camp, and take long walks with my 11 yr old dog Myles.

Kaleigh Wisroth
West Toddler Assistant Teacher
I was born and raised in Carbondale. I went K-12 in the Roaring Fork school district. I went to college in Denver and come back to work in many different kitchens and restaurants in the valley. I chose to leave my food and beverage background and come work at MSMS. I have enjoyed every day teaching and have learned so much from the kids and about myself. In my free time you can find me outside! In the summer I’m usually rafting on the Roaring Fork, or mountain biking or somewhere lost in the mountains. In the winter you’ll find me every weekend on the ski slopes.

Jenny Kuhn
East Toddler Lead Teacher
I have worked at MSMS since 2010. I graduated from Colorado State University with a Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition and Dietetics. In 2013, I earned my Early Childhood Teaching License from Colorado Mountain College and in 2014, I graduated from Montessori Education Center of the Rockies and earned an Infant and Toddler Credential from the American Montessori Society. In my spare time, I enjoy traveling with my family and researching my genealogy.

Daisy Contreras
East Preschool Lead Teacher
BIO Coming Soon!

Bianca Avila
East Preschool Assistant Teacher
BIO Coming Soon!

Jenny Bassett
West Preschool Lead Teacher
BIO Coming Soon!

Ana Contreras
West Preschool Assistant Teacher
BIO Coming Soon!
Additional Support
Sofia Pena
Float Teacher
BIO Coming Soon!
Norma Sanchez
Float Teacher
BIO Coming Soon!
Jodi Huffman Burgart, M.Ed, BCBA
Interim Director
Jodi is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst with a Master's degree in Early Childhood Special Education and over twenty years of experience working with young children, families, and schools. She has been a classroom teacher, a team leader, and a parent advocate, and currently runs a private practice supporting parents and children across our community. She is looking forward to supporting our school through this transition, and is here for our teaching team and for all of you.