SARA GUSTAFSON - Primary Co-Lead Teacher

After graduating high school in the Chicago suburbs (Lake Bluff, IL) I began working in an infant room at a community center.  I really enjoyed being with the babies and found a love for taking care of young children.  At my request, I moved with this group of children up to the toddler classroom.  This was a turning point for me, as I began to truly understand the importance of continuity and of building strong, secure relationships with children. 

After a few years I felt a calling to move to the Southwest, and in 2001 moved to Santa Fe. I was hired at a Montessori school and immediately felt the philosophy and way of educating children naturally resonated with my own beliefs.  I was eager to learn more about early childhood Development and pursued a degree win early Childhood Education with a focus on the Montessori philosophy.  A few years later, I went on to finish by BA in Elementary Education at CSF, all while working in a Montessori school and another wonderful pre-school, with La Mariposa Montessori on my mind. 

In 2001, I was hired at La Mariposa as an assistant in the Primary classroom. In 2012, I was married and shortly thereafter was blessed with identical twin boys. I was fortunate to have the opportunity to stay home with them for the first 4 years, often visiting La Mariposa, knowing in my heart we would all return someday.  During our time at home I completed my Primary and Lower Elementary Montessori training through NAMC. My husband and I strive to bring Montessori into our home, as it naturally matches our lifestyle and our twins thrive in that environment.  We have a passion for the outdoors and nature, sports and traveling.

This year, I am thrilled to return to La Mariposa full-time. I look forward to guiding the young children through all the amazing stages of their development.