Cathy has over 35 years of expertise in early childhood education, specializing in Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Outdoor Classroom methodologies. Her educational journey began at Sunrise Montessori School, when her son Jesse was 2. then Cathy founded One World Life Homeschool in 1989 and later joined Montessori Center School, and opened a second home preschool, Loma Feliz, when her daughter was 3, where she instinctively embraced creative, holistic, nature based education methods. Cathy has her BA from UCSB in combined social sciences, Montessori toddler training and over 19 years of Reggio Emilia training, while teaching in 2 quality Reggio philosophy based preschools in Santa Barbara. She is also a certified Outdoor Classroom specialist.

As Head of School, Cathy is responsible for overseeing curriculum development and staff training, ensuring alignment with the school’s ethos. She has initiated numerous community outreach programs that connect students with local environmental projects, enriching their learning experience through real-world applications.

Cathy is the proud mother of two children who both attended Montessori schools and her own home schools. Her eldest, Jesse, is the Director of Land Stewardship at White Buffalo Land Trust, focusing on regenerative agriculture. Her daughter, Makeda, is an Assistant Professor of Organic Chemistry at Columbia University, specializing in complex chemical systems. Cathy’s experiences as a Montessori parent have profoundly shaped her educational philosophy, having seen firsthand the impact of a nurturing education on producing community leaders and innovators.

Cathy is also an enthusiastic gardener and beachgoer. Growing up on a ranch and in Santa Barbara since her early teens,—she has a deep appreciation for nature. This connection not only enriches her personal life but also enhances the preschool’s curriculum, bringing real-world environmental learning into the classroom setting.