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About Our School
The Montessori Method emerges from the belief that children are naturally good, peaceful, and curious and that in the context of a supportive environment, all children engage instinctively in the work of self-construction.
With appropriate freedoms and the right support, children follow their interests to create rich learning experiences, form peaceful communities, and support and learn from one another. We are dedicated to the preparation of environments and of ourselves to support the development of children.
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We serve children ages 6-12 years in two learning communities, one for 6-9 years (Poplar) and one for 9-12 years (Ginkgo). Our Poplar classroom is capped at 26; our Ginkgo at 28.
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Our balanced schedule offers meaningful learning all four seasons of the year. Fall, Winter and Spring seasons fulfill state requirements for Ohio. Our summer season feels more like camp. By working with our students all year we ensure progress year around without traditional summer back sliding. ​
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Our Teacher Leaders
Josh Shanklin
Teacher - Leader
Elementary (ages 9-12)
Josh is a veteran Montessori elementary teacher who has worked in both public and private Montessori schools. He has also worked for 8 years helping others become Montessori teachers at Xavier University and most recently with the American Montessori Society. Josh and his wife have three daughters, all of whom have grown up, “Montessori.” One of Josh’s first jobs was as a summer camp counselor. Throughout his teaching career he has often wondered how to have school feel more like summer camp. He enjoys pursuing his love of nature and Montessori together.
Jason Waters
Teacher - Leader
Elementary (ages 9-12)
Jason Waters has been a Montessori educator for many years. He began his calling at Xavier Montessori where he also earned his certification in Elementary I and II. Jason was born and raised in Cincinnati and is now raising his two sons here as well. He enjoys hiking with his family and friends all around Ohio and beyond, collecting and reading books, and good coffee. He is most excited to match his love of nature and all things outdoors with his passion for teaching. Jason wonders, “what does Montessori look like when it lives outdoors?” He is looking forward to finding out.
Our Staff
Michelle Geter
Teacher
Elementary (ages 6-9)
Michelle has been a Montessori educator for many years. Her career has consisted of working with multiple levels of Montessori, but most of her career has focused in the 6-9 environment. She has a Bachelor's Degree in Montessori Education from Xavier University. Michelle enjoys reading, swimming, and spending time with her family. Her son will be a future Trout Lily student! She is thrilled to be part of the Trout Lily community and to combine her love of nature with Montessori education.
Claire Swick
Counselor / Interventions
Curriculum Development
Maker’s Club Director
Claire Swick is celebrating a decade of being a Montessori educator as she joins us at Trout Lily. She is trained as an Upper and Lower Elementary guide, but has spent most of her career with children ages 6-9. Claire has her Masters in Montessori Education from Xavier University and she taught as an adjunct professor in their program this past year. She loves the outdoors and dedicates a week every summer to hiking a section of the Appalachian Trail. You will also find her kayaking, climbing and trail running on the weekends. Claire’s passion for the outdoors and vocation as a Montessori educator has led her to our learning community.
Ananda Nash-Viles
Teacher
Elementary (ages 6-9)
Ananda Nash Viles has been teaching young children for over twenty-five years and holds a bachelor's degree in Early Childhood Education, (PreK-3rd grade) from Ohio University. Her deep connection with the natural world has influenced her teaching career as an outdoor educator and classroom teacher. After discovering this learning community for her daughter 7 Willow, serving as a double term maternity leave substitute, and falling in love with Montessori Education, Ananda has joined the teaching team full time and dedicated herself to furthering her education in nature based Montessori training. Exploring the wonders of the natural world is one of her greatest joys and she is excited to bring her passion and her experience to the children.
Erin Lockridge
Neighborhood Stewardship
Erin has nurtured a love for the outdoors since she was a child and now finds great joy sharing this love with others. She has taught nature education for many years, ever since she earned a Naturalist Certification at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. When she moved to Cincinnati, in 2011, she started Norwood Grows, which was a series of programs that taught garden, culinary, art, and nature-based skills to the children and teens of Norwood. She and her husband, Robert, also ran Moriah Pie for 8 years, a pay-as-you-can pizza restaurant that used only the food they grew in gardens around the neighborhood. In 2020, they closed Moriah Pie and later reopened For the Life of the World Cafe, which now serves breakfast right across the street from Trout Lily. They love taking the gifts of our neighborhood (plants, animals, food) and offering it to friends and neighbors in a way that connects them to this place and to each other.
Erin believes that children come to know themselves when they learn to know, love, and tend their own neighborhood - the chickens across the street, the tomato plants in the garden, the hawks at the park, the worms on the sidewalk.