Director/ Lead Teacher: Julie Schaser

Hi everyone! My name is Julie, and I am the director of HeartSong. I am certified as a Montessori Teacher from ages 3 to 6 year olds. My experience with youth started as a summer camp counselor and outdoor educator. I spent many years exploring nature with youth and helping them gain an understanding and appreciation for the outdoors. I was an Assistant Director at a camp in the mountains of Colorado for the summers and ran a 3- and 4-year-old ski school program in the winters! I am so happy to have found my calling in providing a Montessori based education for the kiddos in our community.

Lead Teacher: Jasmine Pasion:

I am from Vicenza, Italy. I have always had a big passion for educating the younger generation. I believe that they are the future, and the proper educators will be able to shape them to become successful adults. I started working with the youth in 2021 in a Montessori school in Italy. The Montessori teaching style has always been a big passion of mine as it allows the child to learn information by themselves, by letting them explore their instincts and natural interests!

Staff Aid: Sofia Passion

I was born and raised in Vicenza, Italy. I feel it is important to help kids with not only learning new things, but also identifying their feelings, making friends, and being active. I was a crafty kid and love engaging children, whether it is games, learning activities, or play. This journey is a true privilege and I am excited to contribute to the Montessori philosophy while continuously learning and growing alongside the children I have the pleasure to guide.

Lead Teacher: Patty Rottinghaus

I moved here from Montrose, where I had been the Assistant Director for the Maslow Academy. I have been semi-retired while subbing for HeartSong Montessori and other preschools in the area. I am excited for another year with the children at HeartSong.

Lead Teacher: Stephanie Stelljes

I have been in the Early Childhood field for over 25 years as a classroom teacher, director, trainer, and for 13 years an owner and wearer of many hats of a child care center. I have the privilege of teaching for the Early Childhood Department at CMU for the last decade. I am a Grand Junction, Colorado Native. One of my hopes as an educator is to instill a love of learning in my students, as I share my own passion for learning with them.

Founder: Paige Schlake

Paige's passion for facilitating children’s learning began over twenty years ago as an outdoor educator roaming Midwestern prairies and then coastal Redwood forests. Back from the wilds, she then taught K-8 students in a variety of charter schools, never ceasing her own learning journey as a teacher.  Upon discovering how so many of her core, well-tested principles and approaches were already and elegantly integrated into the Montessori method, her epiphany quickly seeded the vision for HeartSong. A Colorado credentialed Elementary and Special Education teacher, she is also certified as a Montessori Teacher from Infant to Toddler and 3 to 6 year olds.

Staff Aid: Alexa Gray

Hi! My name is Alexa Gray. I worked previously as a special education teacher assistant back in 2022, which inspired my passion for children and teaching! I’m currently attending CMU for my Early Childhood Education Special Education degree. The relationships I grow with my students are the most rewarding part of being an educator. As someone who has ADHD, I also feel I can better relate to my kids with varying abilities. I want my students to feel safe, loved, and heard as their teacher.