The Canopy Crew
Our Team
Founder/Director
Program Coordinator
Co-Lead Teacher
Co-Lead Teacher
Lead Toddler Teacher
Float & Support Teacher
Join the Canopy Collective
Assistant Toddler Teacher/
Roots & Roam Lead
Crystal
Founder, Owner, and Director (she/her)
As the Founder of The Canopy Collective at Treehouse, she leads with the belief that children flourish when they are surrounded by connected adults, meaningful relationships, and thoughtfully prepared environments.
Since joining Treehouse in 2011, Crystal has devoted herself to cultivating a school rooted in Montessori principles while continually evolving to meet the needs of today's children, families, and educators. She is passionate about building a community where everyone feels seen, valued, and inspired to grow. Her vision is to create a place where children develop a lifelong love of learning, teachers feel deeply supported and empowered, and families experience a true sense of belonging.
Crystal holds a Primary Montessori credential, a Colorado Early Childhood Director Qualification, and a degree in Graphic Design, bringing together creativity, leadership, and educational philosophy in everything she does. She also proudly served briefly as Vice President of the Colorado Montessori Association 2024 and sat as an avid board from 2017–2024, advocating for Montessori education across the state.
She believes that education is always evolving, and she is committed to lifelong learning, thoughtful innovation, and preserving the wonder of childhood while preparing children for the future with confidence, compassion, and resilience.
Outside of school, Crystal treasures time with her husband, Jon, and their daughter, Louella. Whether exploring the outdoors, tending a garden, creating something in the kitchen, or gathering with family and friends, they find joy in slowing down, making memories, and embracing everyday adventure.
Jenny
Program Coordinator, (she/her)
As the Program Coordinator and Virtual Executive School Assistant at The Canopy Collective at Treehouse, she supports the daily operations of the school while continuing to nurture the relationships and community she helped build over many years in the classroom.
Jenny joined Treehouse in 2019 and spent five years as a beloved Montessori guide before stepping into school leadership. Today, she partners closely with the administrative team, helping ensure that the heart of our school continues to shine through thoughtful communication, organization, and behind-the-scenes support for our teachers and families.
She holds a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education and a MACTE-accredited Montessori Primary credential. Jenny's calm presence, collaborative spirit, and unwavering commitment to children and community continue to be an invaluable part of The Canopy Collective.
Originally from Arizona, Jenny has called Colorado home for more than a decade. She now lives in Alberta, Canada. Outside of work, she enjoys connecting with nature, riding her bike, listening to live music, traveling, and spending quality time with the people she loves.
One of Jenny's favorite Maria Montessori quotes beautifully reflects her love of nature and childhood: "The land is where our roots are. The children must be taught to feel and live in harmony with the Earth."
Jess
Co-Lead Teacher, (she/ her)
Jess was born and raised in Austin, Texas and moved up to Colorado 10 years ago. She found Treehouse in 2017 when looking for a school to complete her internship for her MACTE Montessori Credential. After teaching at Treehouse for 6 years, she took some time off to stay at home after giving birth to her daughter, Walker June. Jess returned to TMS in January of 2025.
She has enjoyed being back in the classroom and reconnecting with Treehouse families. In her spare time Jess enjoys hiking, paddle boarding, and reading.
Favorite color: Orange
Favorite fruit: Mango
If you were an animal what would you be? Sea Otter
Gabrielle
Co-Lead Teacher, (she/ her)
Gabrielle is returning to the Treehouse community as a Lead Teacher alongside Jess after receiving her Montessori Early Childhood Credential at the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies. This is Gabrielle’s second year living in Colorado after moving here with her fiance, Scott, from California in 2025. After shifting from a teaching career in outdoor, environmental education, she is looking forward to learning and growing as a new, lead Montessori teacher this year. Gabrielle enjoys painting, spending time outside, naturalizing, and creating delicious meals.
Favorite color: Reds to yellows & green
Favorite fruit: Blueberries & apricots
If you were an animal what would you be? Pika
Malik
Float & Support Teacher, (he/ him)
Malik brings a unique, lifelong connection to Montessori education and a wonderful energy to the Canopy community. A Montessori child himself, Malik attended Montessori school from Primary through eighth grade. With a mother who is also a Montessori educator, the philosophy has been woven into his life from an early age.
His Montessori journey has since come full circle, having had the opportunity to work as support staff at Boulder Montessori, the very school he once attended as a child. He also holds a Montessori Assistant Training certification, giving him both the lived experience of being a Montessori student and a growing understanding of the educator’s role within the prepared environment.
Malik is currently continuing his education in Early Childhood Education and is exploring the possibility of pursuing his full Montessori teacher training in the future. He brings an engaging, supportive energy to our space and is excited to continue learning alongside the children, educators, and community at Canopy. We are equally excited for the perspective, enthusiasm, and connection he brings to our team.
Sarah
Lead Toddler Teacher, (she/ her)
Sarah has been working with children in early childhood settings for over four years and is beginning her second year in the Toddler classroom at The Canopy Collective at Treehouse. During her time at Canopy, she has discovered a true passion for the Montessori philosophy and loves witnessing the incredible growth, independence, and confidence children develop within a thoughtfully prepared environment. She continues to deepen her understanding of Montessori and brings that learning into her work each day.
Born and raised in Colorado, Sarah has always felt drawn to working with children and making a meaningful impact through love, patience, encouragement, and connection. She finds so much joy in supporting young children as they discover the world around them while building strong, trusting relationships with both children and their families.
Outside of the classroom, Sarah enjoys reading, watching movies, spending time with family and friends, and exploring all that Colorado has to offer. She is grateful to be part of a community where she can continue growing as an educator while supporting children as they learn, thrive, and become increasingly confident and capable.
Hannah
Assistant Toddler Teacher/ Roots & Roam Lead, (she/ her)
Hannah joins The Canopy Collective at Treehouse with a deep passion for nature/forest-based education and a commitment to supporting the whole child. She is excited to put down roots in Fort Collins and become part of our community. After teaching abroad in Bangkok and working in both adventure-based summer camps and outdoor preschool programs, Hannah brings a wealth of experience, curiosity, and enthusiasm to our team. She is eager to continue growing as an educator through a Montessori lens while helping children develop confidence, connection, and a love for learning.
Outside of school, Hannah enjoys backpacking, playing volleyball, gardening, crafting, and spending time with her husband and friends. She is grateful for the opportunity to learn alongside children and finds joy in the curiosity, wonder, and unique perspectives they bring to each day.