Mael grew up in Upstate NY, and even though he’s fallen in love with Vermont, he still yearns for the Catskill Mountains sometimes. They moved to Guilford after graduating from Bennington College with a degree focused on collaborative storytelling, and simply can’t imagine leaving. He spent most of his childhood outside, usually with a book, and strives...Read More

Gregory Breckner works as Hilltop’s Facilities Assistant, helping care for the school’s buildings, grounds, and learning environments. Whether he’s painting, organizing spaces, tackling outdoor projects, or lending a hand wherever it’s needed, Greg enjoys contributing to a campus where children can learn, explore, and thrive. Outside of Hilltop, Gregory is a snowboard instructor and supervisor...Read More

A former Montessori child herself, Rebecca has been guiding children in Montessori Primary classrooms since 2020. She earned her Montessori Credential through the New England Montessori Teacher Education Center in 2024 and is deeply committed to fostering children’s independence, curiosity, and awe through careful observation and developmentally informed practice. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Arts from...Read More

Mel first got involved at Hilltop Montessori School as a volunteer for Mountain Days, enthusiastically supporting students as they learned to ski and snowboard. That connection and involvement quickly grew into something deeper: now, as both a staff member and a Montessori parent to a daughter in the Children’s House, Mel is proud to support...Read More

Marco joined Hilltop in 2015 as an After Care and Children’s House assistant, after seeing what a positive effect Hilltop had on his two children, one a Hilltop graduate and one currently in the Upper Elementary program. He moved to Brattleboro in 2014 from his home country of Ecuador. In Ecuador he taught language through...Read More

From a reading tutor to a ski instructor, Environment Educator at Nature Camps to teaching English as Another Language in Taiwan, Ashlyn has a passion for working with children in any capacity. Ashlyn completed her BS in Environmental Studies at Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond and her MA in Education at Loyola University in Baltimore....Read More

Hilltop has been an integral part of Zoe’s life since birth. From staff kid (daughter to long-time LE teacher Jessica Thomas), to student (class of ’08), to Afternoon/AfterCare Assistant, to Administrative Coordinator, and now Admissions Director, Zoe feels a strong connection to Hilltop, Montessori pedagogy, and all that it entails. She is so grateful to...Read More

  Desi joined Hilltop in 2021 after 14 plus years at Grace Cottage Hospital. A local Vermonter, Desi had lived in various towns throughout the state before settling in Brattleboro, where she is happy to be close to family. Although Desi has deep roots in Southern VT, she loves traveling both internationally and domestically. So...Read More

Cristina grew up in Dummerston and eventually left for college at the University of Vermont, where she got her degree in Animal Science and eventually a Masters in Nutrition. She stayed in the Burlington area for 12 years where she ran her own business as a dog trainer and dog walker. Cristina also volunteered as...Read More

Tamara Mount joined Hilltop as Head of School in the Summer of 2013 excited to combine her management and Montessori experiences. She began in Montessori as a two year old and attended through Lower Elementary at a school where her mother was the Head of School. After transitioning to a traditional school she then went...Read More