Faculty & Staff

Amy Klinger-Eshelby

Elementary Director

I received my BA in Cultural Anthropology from Portland State University, my AMI Montessori Elementary Diploma from WMI (MD), and my Masters in Education from Loyola College, Maryland.

My first job in Montessori was in 1998, as a Lower Elementary classroom assistant. This experience blew me away: the freedom, autonomy, and respect shown to children was like nothing I had observed. Soon followed my training and since then I have worked in both private and charter Montessori schools, in leadership, and at a Montessori teacher training center. Not only do I love the work with the children, but I really appreciate my role in working with the parents/caregivers and families as well.

From a very young age I have been drawn to working with children. At age 9 I became a mother's helper to a neighbor with a new baby - helping her around the home and with the infant. In University I took many education courses, but found the lack of consistency confusing. But when I stepped into a lower elementary Montessori classroom and observed for a morning, I knew I found the type of education my soul had been yearning for. The wonderment, joy of discovery, and playfulness in children has always drawn me to working with them!

I grew up off-grid in rural, central Oregon, then the Willamette Valley, and Portland for 30 years. The last 3 years were an adventure to Catskill, NY, to work at a land-based, permaculture-focused Montessori school. But the west coast (the best coast) called me home!

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, hiking with my wife and our dog Bella, yoga, travel, sewing/crafting, hot springs soaking, spending time in nature, board and card games, thrifting, and reading. I am excited to be in the Seattle area to follow and support Womens' Sports!