Mission
Journey School is an authentic Montessori experience in which exploration and discovery; critical thinking; respect and responsibility to oneself, to others and to the Earth prepares our students for a life-long educational journey. Our students experience both the prepared classroom and the natural outdoor environment, which allows them to fulfill their unique and adaptable roles as responsible and engaged citizens in the world.
Overview
Journey School offers a challenging and dynamic curriculum based on the philosophy of Dr. Maria Montessori which encourages cooperative learning as well as independent study. In addition to the classroom curriculum, Journey School offers extensive time outdoors experimenting, exploring and examining the world in which we live. Our outdoor component is heavily influenced by the writings of Richard Louv and the Wilderness Awareness School. The arts are delicately woven into both the classroom studies and the outdoor exploration, creating an integrated whole.
Staff
Beth Clayton – Head of School and Elementary Guide
Through years of leadership, observation and study in the US and abroad, Beth firmly believes that an authentic Montessori environment in a natural setting allows children to construct themselves through meaningful work choices and thoughtful challenges. Having a background in Suzuki violin and the fine arts, Beth aims to bring music, movement, art and adventure to all subject areas. After 13 years leading Journey Montessori School and over 25 years in the classroom, Beth continues to be inspired by the children and enjoy our amazing Journey community!
Beth began her Montessori journey in 1994 working with internationally respected Montessori authority and author, Paula Polk Lillard. With Paula Lillard’s support and the guidance of Margaret Elizabeth Stephenson who was trained by Maria Montessori herself (!), Beth designed and implemented the Middle School Adolescent Program for Forest Bluff School, a program that continues today.
Beth graduated from the University of Wisconsin – Eau Claire with a B.S. in Biology and holds a Masters of Education from Loyola University Maryland with an emphasis in Montessori and Experiential Learning. She has an AMI Assistance to Infancy certification (ages 0-3), AMI Elementary Montessori certification (ages 6-12) as well as the AMI Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies (ages 12-18). Beth completed the Wilderness Awareness Art of Mentoring Course in Washington and is recognized as a Master Trainer for Early Childhood through the University of New Mexico.
Beth enjoys backpacking with her husband and two boys, reading, singing, and playing the violin.
Hope Lang – Middle School Guide
Hope was introduced to Montessori when she became an assistant to the primary at Journey Montessori in 2018. As assistant she had the opportunity to observe, first-hand, the incredible process that is the Montessori Method and its marriage to the outdoors at Journey. Hope is working toward completion of the AMI Adolescent Diploma (ages 12-18).
Hope earned two degrees from St. John’s College; the Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and the Master of Arts in Eastern Classics. After graduating with her bachelor’s degree, Hope spent a year as an Americorps Service Member working on issues of social and environmental justice in the state of New Mexico. In that year, she had the opportunity to work with youth on food-systems education. After graduating with her master’s degree, Hope taught at the high school level in subjects of Social Sciences, Language Arts, and Mathematics. Hope loves the pace and dynamic nature of working with adolescents!
Hope is a mother and a lifelong student.
Vanessa Schulz- Primary Lead Guide
Vanessa is a native Santa Fean with four years of experience working in Montessori classrooms. She is currently continuing her professional training through an AMI Montessori certification program. Vanessa brings a calm, nurturing presence to the classroom and is excited to support children as they develop independence, confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Having grown up camping, hiking, and exploring the mountains of Northern New Mexico, Vanessa has a deep appreciation for the natural world and our local landscape. She looks forward to sharing her outdoor knowledge and experiences with the children and staff while helping children build a meaningful connection to the place they call home.
Juba Blajic
Primary Assistant Guide / Spanish & Cooking, too!
Juba joined Journey Montessori School in 2024 and brings over 20 years of experience in education, cooking, and the creative arts. His work has taken him from Waldorf classrooms to forest schools and culinary education programs, where he has guided children through learning that engages both the head and the heart.
Before joining Journey, Juba taught at The Happy Place Forest School in Santa Fe and at the Waldorf School of Atlanta, where he served in roles ranging from assistant and lead teacher to culinary educator. He has also taught with Cooking With Kids in Santa Fe and the Jewish Community Center of the East Bay, where he designed and implemented a wellness-based meals program for children.
Juba holds a B.A. in Religious Studies and World Music from Naropa University, a certificate in Waldorf Early Childhood Education from Sunbridge College, and a certification as a Holistic Chef from Bauman College of Culinary Arts and Nutrition.
He brings warmth, humor, and creativity to his classroom and loves helping children connect to nature, culture, and community through hands-on experiences. Outside of school, Juba enjoys cooking, music, time outdoors, and sharing stories that spark curiosity and joy.
Verónica Jiménez López
Spanish Teacher & Before Care Guide
We are delighted to welcome Verónica Jiménez López to the Journey Montessori community as our Spanish Guide.
With more than 22 years of teaching experience, Verónica has worked with learners of all ages, from preschool children and elementary students to adults. Throughout her career, she has been passionate about creating engaging, joyful learning experiences that help students build confidence and discover the excitement of learning a new language.
Verónica believes that learning a second language is about much more than vocabulary and grammar. It is a way to foster empathy, broaden perspectives, and help children develop meaningful connections with people and cultures around the world. One of her greatest joys is seeing a student’s face light up when a challenging idea finally makes sense.
She is especially drawn to the Montessori philosophy, where children learn through curiosity, independence, and the pure joy of discovery. She loves watching children become deeply engaged in meaningful work and is excited to continue learning more about Montessori education.
Outside the classroom, Verónica enjoys spending time in nature, walking, dancing, reading, and making memories with her grandson. She also hopes to one day learn to play the saxophone.
Verónica brings warmth, creativity, and a genuine love of children to Journey, and we are thrilled to have her as part of our school community.
Elena Gaponenko
Elementary Support Guide
Elena joined Journey Montessori School in 2025 and brings over 10 years of Montessori experience in classrooms across California, Germany, and India. She holds AMI Montessori Diplomas from the Montessori Institute of San Diego and the Academy for Montessori Education in Heidelberg, Germany.
Throughout her career, Elena has guided and supported children at schools including Centennial Montessori School in San Mateo, Hollister Montessori School, and Stars Montessori Academy. Her international background in education and linguistics, combined with her thoughtful approach, make her a wonderful presence in the Elementary environment.
Originally from Ukraine, Elena is excited to be part of the Journey community in a supportive role while her son joins the Primary classroom. She loves gardening, sewing, baking, photography, and exploring the outdoors, and enjoys sharing her creativity and curiosity with the children each day.
COMING SOON
(COMING SOON)