The Montessori School of Silicon Valley has opened the Cantera Location in Georgetown, TX. We are proud to bring our Montessori programs to new families. This new location offers an exclusively authentic Montessori education to children ages 0-6 years old. Nestled in an idyllic location, we look forward to helping children here thrive in their full potential.
Head of School
Ms. Milinh has joined Montessori School of Silicon Valley as the Head of School at two of our Bay Area locations! After nearly 10 years with MSOSV, she took the lead in opening our first Texas location, Cantera Montessori in Georgetown, where she has served as Head of School since 2021.
Ms. Milinh’s passion for working with children began at a young age, leading her to a career devoted to putting children first. She started her journey in 2003, serving children from infancy to Kindergarten, including those with a range of developmental abilities. Her diverse experience spans teaching in childcare centers to serving as an ABA therapist in clinical settings. Her credentials include a Master’s degree in Montessori Education, a Bachelor’s degree in Speech Therapy, and an American Montessori Society (AMS) credential in Primary Education.
As a Head of School and a mother of a child who attended Montessori, Ms. Milinh deeply believes in the Montessori philosophy. She sees the Montessori Method as more than just a way to learn academics; it’s about nurturing the whole child and helping them develop the independence and confidence they need to thrive in life. One of her favorite parts of teaching is actually observation. She loves those special “Ah-Ha!” moments when children figure out solutions to challenges that are meaningful to them—whether it’s learning how to clean up a spill or solving a tricky multiplication problem.
Ms. Milinh’s passion for Montessori comes from her commitment to this philosophy and the joy she finds as a mother, reinforcing her belief that Montessori education truly prepares children for life. In her free time, you might find her exploring farmers’ markets, enjoying live concerts or musicals, stargazing, running, or belting out some car karaoke with her son on weekend drives.
Assistant Head of School
Ms. Harley has been teaching for three years and recently achieved an exciting academic milestone, earning her bachelor’s degree in Psychology with a minor in applied behavior analysis in the fall of 2023. A year after graduation, in August 2024, we welcomed her to the Cantera Montessori team. Her passion for Montessori education stems from its emphasis on encouraging individual development and fostering personal growth through each child’s natural interests and exploration in a nurturing environment.
As the Assistant Head of School, Ms. Harley loves being involved in all aspects of the school, from behind-the-scenes planning to participating in the daily activities that shape the community. For her, the most rewarding part of her role is experiencing each child’s natural desire to learn and witnessing their creativity as they master new skills and explore the world around them. These moments of discovery and growth serve as a constant source of inspiration and motivation.
In her free time, Ms. Harley enjoys indulging her creative side by reading, creating art, and attending concerts with her family. She brings her creativity and love of learning into her work every day, helping to create an environment where children can thrive and grow at their own pace. Ms. Harley is excited to continue supporting the community and fostering an atmosphere where every child can reach their fullest potential.
Lead Nido Guide
Oak Community
Ms. Sofie joined Cantera Montessori in 2022 as an assistant and we are excited to now have her as Lead Guide of our Oak community. She began her journey with Montessori education two years ago and is currently working towards her AMS (American Montessori Society) Certification. Her passion for Montessori began long before she entered the classroom, as she herself was a Montessori child. The inspiring Guides she had during her early years played a pivotal role in shaping her development and fostering her parents’ understanding of the Montessori philosophy. Now, she is honored to share this same enriching experience with the children of Cantera and their families.
Ms. Sofie’s favorite aspect of teaching is having the privilege of guiding children as they navigate their introduction to the world. She treasures witnessing their accomplishments and innate abilities, especially during those magical “Ah-Ha!” moments when they light up with pride after mastering a new skill or concept.
Before her teaching career, Ms. Sofie pursued architecture. Although she changed her path to teaching, her architectural background remains valuable in thoughtfully designing learning environments that foster curiosity and growth. She considers the transition to education one of the most fulfilling decisions she has made.
In her spare time, Ms. Sofie enjoys painting, kayaking, pilates, and indulging in self-care. She loves spending time with her husband and their beloved cat, Louie. On cozy nights, you might find her wearing her Hogwarts robe while watching Harry Potter movies. An avid DIY enthusiast, she takes joy in crafting and creating innovative ideas for events.
Ms. Sofie’s passion for Montessori stems from her personal experience as a child in a Montessori school, but it is her love for seeing children thrive that continues to inspire her daily. She is committed to helping each child grow into their fullest potential, fostering independence, confidence, and a lifelong love of learning.
Lead Nido Guide
Juniper Community
Ms. Rocio has been teaching for over eight years and counting and we were thrilled when she joined our Cantera Montessori team in 2024. Her passion for education is driven by the transformative power of the Montessori philosophy, which fosters confidence, independence, and curiosity in young minds.
She finds immense joy in witnessing students master skills with minimal guidance, sparking their journey of self-discovery. For Ms. Rocio, the process of nurturing a child’s growth and potential is both inspiring and rewarding.
Outside the classroom, Ms. Rocio cherishes family time, especially exploring the great outdoors and indulging in her unique hobby of collecting rocks with her children—proudly embracing her title as a “rock enthusiast!”
Ms. Rocio is excited to inspire and guide the next generation of curious learners, helping them thrive and discover their limitless potential.
Lead Pre Primary Guide
Elm Community
Ms. Jenn joined Cantera Montessori in 2022 as an assistant and is excited to now be Lead Guide of our Elm community. Her passion for early childhood education has led her to pursue infant and toddler training, which she proudly describes as one of her “obsessions.” She loves teaching children and learning from them, finding immense joy in understanding each child’s unique needs and witnessing their pride as they grasp and master new materials.
Her favorite moments as a teacher are those “light bulb” moments, where children’s faces light up with understanding and confidence. Helping them succeed is what drives her love for Montessori education every day.
In her free time, Ms. Jenn enjoys crafting for her class, going to watch movies, having date nights with her husband, and spending time with her family. She loves listening to her daughters share stories about their jobs and playfully teasing her son about his choice of hairstyle. At home, humor is a family tradition, and joking with one another is a constant source of joy.
A few fun quirks about Ms. Jenn include her love for cake, even though she doesn’t eat bread or muffins. She has a habit of obsessing over a certain food and eating it daily—until she eventually gets sick of it. Always punctual, she insists on being early to places or risks freaking out. She’s also a self-proclaimed multitask-challenged individual who cannot focus on two things at once. And while she claims to be shy, she’s quick to admit that she can easily talk someone’s ear off!
Ms. Jenn has a deep love for the TV show One Tree Hill and enjoys quoting movies and shows to anyone who will listen. She’s determined, resourceful, and always finds a way to accomplish her goals. Her children share her unique personality traits, which makes for a lively and vibrant household.
Ms. Jenn brings her dedication, humor, and creativity into her classroom every day. She’s passionate about helping children grow and loves every opportunity to teach, learn, and create lasting memories.
Lead Primary Guide
Hawthorne Community
Ms. Michele is in her fifth year of teaching and has been immersed in Montessori education since she was 18 years old. Starting her career as a floater and assistant guide, she eventually took on the role of Lead Guide in 2021 when she joined us here at Cantera Montessori. Montessori has been her first and only job, and over the years, it has become a deep passion and integral part of her life.
While enrolled in a MACTE program through Guidepost for some time, Ms. Michele gained valuable teachings and principles that she continues to turn to when needed. Her dedication to the Montessori method is unwavering, as she has fallen in love with its philosophy. When she first started, she was amazed by how capable and independent young children could be. Over time, her commitment has only grown stronger, as she works to help children achieve their independence and become confident, capable members of society. Her ultimate goal is to help each child reach their fullest potential, fostering confidence and self-assurance within them.
Her favorite part of teaching is witnessing the remarkable transformations her students undergo. She cherishes watching children grow from being shy and unsure when they first arrive to becoming confident, self-assured individuals who are comfortable asking for help and even stepping up as classroom leaders to assist others. It’s this blossoming of individuality and capability that brings her the greatest joy in her work.
In her spare time, Ms. Michele loves shopping for new plants and caring for her growing collection. She’s also passionate about redecorating and constantly redesigns spaces in her home to keep things fresh and inspiring. Family time is incredibly important to her, and she spends much of it with her beloved nephew, Noah. In fact, if you see her out and about, chances are you’ll find Noah by her side!
A fun and quirky aspect of Ms. Michele is her love for experimenting with her hair. Whether she’s sporting pink, half-and-half styles, or fun combinations like pink and orange or pink and purple, her hair is always a reflection of her vibrant personality.
Ms. Michele is passionate about the Montessori method and the transformative impact it has on young learners. With her dedication, creativity, and nurturing spirit, she brings excitement and inspiration to her classroom every day.
Lead Primary Guide
Buckeye Community
Ms. Martha has been working in education for just over a year and a half and joined Cantera Montessori in 2023, starting as a substitute teacher for 9 months before transitioning to an assistant teacher role for another 9 months. She recently stepped into the role of Lead Guide of our Buckeye community, where she continues to nurture and inspire children every day.
Her Montessori journey is deeply rooted in her experience as a Montessori parent since 2010. Witnessing firsthand the transformative power of Montessori’s child-centered approach to learning, Ms. Martha became inspired to guide children in meaningful, purposeful, and joyful work. She has been actively involved with the Montessori Model United Nations (MMUN) for the past eight years, attending the annual New York conferences since 2017. Having completed the MMUN Bureau Leadership course, she is now a registered Bureau Member of the MMUN, bringing valuable leadership and advocacy skills to her classroom.
For Ms. Martha, being a Montessori teacher is a truly rewarding experience. She finds joy in learning and growing alongside the children she guides, celebrating every milestone and discovery with them. She believes that the Montessori journey is as enriching for the teacher as it is for the child.
In her free time, Ms. Martha loves going on road trips with her family, training in martial arts, and going on runs to stay active. She also has a well-known sweet tooth—her friends know her for ordering dessert as an entrée, followed by another dessert for dessert!
Ms. Martha is passionate about creating a nurturing and engaging environment for her students, and she is excited to continue being a part of their unique Montessori journeys.
Nestled in a private cul-de-sac just off Texas State Highway 29, finding the Cantera location can be a little challenging the first time you visit. Here are some instructions to help make it easier:
Our address:
4400 West State Highway 29 (WSH-29)
Georgetown, TX 78628
Approaching from the direction of I-35
Including Georgetown, Seranda, Jarrell, New Corn Hill, Walburg, Weir, Jonah, Hutto, Round Rock, Brushy Creek, Florence
Driving on the west bound lane towards Liberty Hill, Cantera Montessori is located in the Cantera Office Park approximately 4 miles from the WSH-29 / I-35 interchange.
The entrance to the Cantera Office Park is across the highway from the beautiful Crescent Bluff housing development which you cant miss given the HUGE sign at their entrance.
As you drive west on WSH-29, watch for the Estancia Way intersection which is just under a half mile from the entrance to the Cantera Office Park. As you see the Crescent Bluff sign approach on the left, you will want to get in the right lane, slow down and look for the signs to the entrance to the Cantera Office Park on your right. Turn right onto Cantera and you will find the school at the far end of the cul-de-sac. You cant miss us as we are currently the only building in the cul-de-sac.
Approaching from the direction of the 183 Toll Road and Ronald Reagan Blvd
Including Liberty Hill, Leander, Cedar Park, Brushy Creek, Andice, Mahomet
Driving in the east bound lane towards Georgetown Cantera Montessori is located in the Cantera Office Park approximately 7 miles from the WSH-29 / 183 interchange and approximately 4 miles from the WSH-29 intersection with Ronald Reagan Blvd.
Driving east on WSH-29 you will pass several housing developments including the gorgeous Cimarron Hills development on your left. 1-2 miles from there you will approach a traffic light at the Cedar Hollow intersection at which point you will begin to slow down and move into the turning lane in anticipation of making a left hand turn.
Look for the signs to the entrance to the Cantera Office Park and turn left into Cantera and you will find the school at the opposite end of the cul-de-sac. You can’t miss us as we are currently the only building in the cul-de-sac.
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