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

lady with long wavy hair and hoodie smiling

 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 10 years leading Journey Montessori School and over 20 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.

 Eugene Calligeros – Elementary & Middle School Guide

Eugene brings a rich background in wilderness education and leadership to our Journey Montessori team. With multiple seasons guiding remote canoe expeditions in the wilds of northern Canada, Eugene has led youth ages 10–18 on multi-week adventures where teamwork, resilience, and outdoor skills take center stage. From planning backcountry routes and orchestrating floatplane resupplies to teaching fire-building, orienteering, and survival techniques, Eugene has nurtured both confidence and community in some of the most beautiful and challenging environments on the continent.

Currently completing his degree at St. John’s College in Santa Fe, Eugene is deeply rooted in liberal arts and the great books tradition, which complements his thoughtful and reflective approach to working with children. Certified in Wilderness First Response, CPR, and Water Safety, he combines a calm, capable presence with a genuine enthusiasm for helping students grow through meaningful outdoor experiences.

Eugene is excited to continue his work with students in the outdoors and looks forward to becoming part of Journey’s special and close-knit community.

Anastasia Malouf – Administrative Assistant 

A fresh and enthused graduate, Anastasia earned her AMI Montessori 3-6 Diploma in May of 2024 from the Montessori Institute of North Texas with 127 hours of Practice Teaching and 90 hours of observation. She received her Bachelor’s in Religious Studies with a minor in History from the University of Oklahoma in 2017.
 
She has a plethora of experience in various fields including non-profit, the arts, climate activism, service, and care industry. Her curiosity and passion for Montessori, child development, and ecology led her to Journey. She believes that Journey offers children a unique opportunity to construct themselves in a safe and challenging environment-both inside and outside the classroom.
 
“There’s something magical about our kinship to nature.”

Anastasia is excited to be part of the Journey community. She enjoys playing guitar, knitting, plant-identification, hiking, and volunteering in her free time.

Juan Carlos Cucalón

Spanish Teacher & After Care Guide

Juan Carlos joined Journey Montessori School in 2025 as our Spanish Teacher and After Care Guide. He brings creativity, compassion, and a genuine love for helping children learn through meaningful, hands-on experiences. With a background in mentoring and training teams, Juan Carlos is skilled at creating a calm and supportive environment where students can explore language through conversation, play, and cultural connection.

He enjoys working with children because of their natural curiosity and the joy they bring to learning each day. For Juan Carlos, teaching Spanish is not only about language—it’s about helping children grow in confidence, communication, and appreciation for the world around them.

Originally from New York, Juan Carlos holds a BBA from Baruch College and spent several years with Warehouse 21 and then Herbs Etc. in Santa Fe. Outside of school, he volunteers at local community outreach events, offering Spanish-language support to families.

When not in the classroom, Juan Carlos enjoys spending time outdoors, connecting with people, and serving as a positive role model for children in all areas of life.

Elena Gaponenko Jones

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 gentle and 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.

Juba Blajic

Elementary Guide

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.

Victoria Romejko

COMING SOON

(COMING SOON)