Testimonials

Our family feels so lucky to have had Ms. Karie as the Montessori guide for both of our children, from age 3 through their kindergarten years. She truly embodies what a Montessori educator should be. She created a calm, and nurturing environment.

What really stands out about Ms. Karie is how intentional she is with each child. She sets gentle, developmentally appropriate boundaries while helping kids build independence, confidence, and emotional awareness during such important years.

She has an incredible ability to truly see each child for who they are. She understood our children’s personalities and supported them in ways that helped them thrive not just academically, but socially and emotionally as well. The foundation she helped build will stay with them for years to come.

And beyond being an amazing teacher, Ms. Karie is just a genuinely good human being. Her kindness, patience, and care for children and families come through in everything she does.

We are so grateful for the role she’s played in our children’s lives and would wholeheartedly recommend her and Little Scout Montessori to any family looking for a warm, child-centered learning environment

With Appreciation,

Jessica Stephens, EdD

There are so many amazing things we could say about Miss Karie. She was our daughter and son‘s preschool teacher for several years and intentionally got to know them so well. She had a special connection with each of her students and their families. There was always a feeling of warmth and community in her room. While keeping the kids’ best interests in mind, she knew very well how to challenge them and allow them to grow as individuals at their young ages. Our children were both so well prepared for kindergarten, which has so much to do with the education they received from Miss Karie. She has a special gift, and it belongs in the classroom!

The Kalasinsky Family

Miss Karie is an exceptional Montessori teacher who creates a classroom rich with thoughtfully curated materials that spark curiosity and invite hands-on discovery. We especially appreciated how her environment evolved to meet students’ needs and reflect the changing seasons.

Her calm, welcoming presence allows her to meet each child where they are, gently guiding them toward growth and success.

My daughter began her Primary years as a quiet, reserved learner, but her confidence blossomed during her time in Miss Karie’s classroom. She grew not only academically, but also socially and emotionally in ways that continue to shape her today.

Even 11 years later, my daughter still speaks fondly of her experience in Miss Karie’s class. We are deeply grateful for her guidance and the lasting impact she made during those formative years. Her lessons truly last a lifetime.

The Keller Family

Karie is a warm and patient teacher, and she really takes the time to understand each child for who they are. I’ve loved seeing how she encourages independence and builds confidence in a way that feels natural and supportive. She creates a calm, welcoming environment where children can learn and grow at their own pace. Any family would be so lucky to have her as their child’s teacher. We will forever treasure the time our children (& ourselves) got to spend with Karie.

The Wasilewski Family

Having had my son in Ms. Karie’s classroom, I can confidently say she is one of those rare educators who truly embodies what Montessori is all about. Her patience, kindness, and ability to meet each child exactly where they are, is something special to witness. She creates an environment where children feel safe, capable, and genuinely excited to learn.

What stands out most is how deeply Ms. Karie cares: not just about academics, but about each child as a whole person. She fosters independence, confidence, and curiosity in a way that feels natural and encouraging.

Any child would be incredibly lucky to learn and grow in a program led by Ms. Karie.

The Kern Family

My daughter had the privilege of having Karie as a teacher during the uncertain times of a global pandemic. Karie showed up for Vivienne and the rest of her class with such seamless energy and excitement. She was a calm and steady presence when the rest of the world felt turned upside down. I loved receiving updates and pictures that Karie provided of classroom activities and curriculum. I always felt at ease knowing I could come to Karie with any questions, and knew Vivienne felt loved and cared for her under her guidance.

- Dr. Jessica Oehme

Ms. Karie taught both of my children for 2-3 years each and they both said she was their favorite teacher! Karie combines the warmth, compassion and empathy with the guidance, consistency and predictably that children need to thrive in the classroom. She has provided a foundation for which my children have learned to love the process of learning and exploring. She has cultivated their curiosity and nurtured their growth. I cannot think of a better teacher and role model than Ms. Karie. I am thankful my children were well cared for in her classroom and, even several years later, my children still call her their favorite teacher!

-Debra

Ms. Karie has a rare gift for creating not only a nurturing learning environment but also a true sense of community. My daughter thrived in her classroom, and many of the friendships formed there remain strong 14 years later, despite the children attending different schools. That lasting connection speaks volumes about the culture Ms. Karie creates. We have remained in touch with her over the years and couldn’t recommend her more highly.

The Murphy Family

During my son's kindergarten year, I watched Ms.Karie create an environment where he felt safe to explore, ask questions, and grow at his own pace. She has a gift for meeting each child exactly where they are and nurturing their natural curiosity.

Any family lucky enough to be part of the school she is building will be in exceptional hands. Her dedication to this work is evident in everything she does, and I have no doubt her school will be a place where children thrive and families feel truly supported. We are so grateful for the impact she had on our son, and we wholeheartedly recommend her to any parent looking for an exceptional Montessori education.

-Alison Pidgeon, Lancaster, PA