Kelsey
Hi! Let me introduce myself!
My name is Kelsey and I built this school for young children. I wanted to create a place for children to have a special place to learn and grow while feeling respected and loved.
My husband and I moved to Austin in May of 2010 and by that July I was working in a preschool program at a Montessori School. I've been working alongside young children ever since.
In 2012 I began my official certification in infant/toddler Montessori and became a lead toddler guide. I dove head first into the toddler world and loved every single second of that journey.
In summer of 2015 we welcomed our first child, Gwendolyn. I will say, having a child(ren) gave me more education and experience than any formal training I've completed. I fully respect each and every individual parent and their personal journey.
In March 2020 I took "a break" when we welcomed our second child, Lydia, to our family. I didn't return to a classroom until August 2021 where my daughter and I joined The Montessori Tree. During this time with toddlers, within a home based/outdoor based program, I quickly realized the importance of the outdoors when it comes to young children's education.
Although my educational views have shifted toward a more outdoor/play based learning style, my training and more than a decade as a Montessori guide will never allow Montessori education to stray far from the spaces I create for children and how I spend my time with them. Respecting the child and where they are in life is so very important. My goal is to give children a safe, peaceful, loving space where a love of learning can be formed by expressing themselves through play while also providing them with a space to become more in tune with nature.
Sidney
Hi! My name is Sidney!
I started working in a Montessori setting in 2015. I spent that first year bouncing around age groups, but fell in love with the toddler environment and worked closely with Kelsey. That's where my passion for early childhood development truly blossomed. Watching these tiny people be so capable of these every days tasks blew my mind. I'll never forget watching an 18 month old wash their own plate, and clean up their lunch area for the first time!
As much as I loved the Montessori philosophy, I found the schedule and lack of quality outdoor education to be a little stifling for young children in our world today.
When covid hit, I found myself ready to step away, and it was the push I needed. I nannied for a family, and we spent as much time outside as possible. I then took 2 years off to be at home with my daughter, Marceline. During this time Kelsey and I continued to bounce ideas around about what a natural preschool program should feel like, and what would feel good/right for us as educators.
The stars aligned and brought Kelsey and I back together as teachers with the same goals, working in this perfectly curated classroom and outside space! It has been a breath of fresh air, getting to watch the children have every need met as they need it. Seeing them THRIVE in the environment, engaging in crafts, growing their relationships, and making a MESS!
I now have 2 children and feel so fortunate that they get to attend Redbud. I also feel so fortunate to watch every child at Redbud grow, learn, play, and get muddy.