We are excited to celebrate Kara Kizer and her continued growth within the Charleston Montessori community. Kara joined our team in the spring of 2024 as a Toddler Assistant and has quickly become an important and valued member of our community.
Kara brings a strong foundation in early childhood education through her experience with West Virginia Infant/Toddler (WVIT). Her understanding of child development, responsive caregiving, and the unique needs of young children has been a wonderful asset to our Toddler Community.
During her time in the Toddler classroom, Kara supported the creation of a calm, nurturing, and engaging prepared environment where children felt safe, respected, and encouraged to develop independence. She worked alongside the Toddler Guide to support children through daily routines, practical life activities, social development, and exploration of the Montessori environment. Kara’s patience, warmth, and ability to connect with children helped our youngest learners feel secure as they began their Montessori journey.
As part of her continued professional growth, Kara completed Primary Assistant training through the Center for Guided Montessori Studies (CGMS), expanding her understanding of Montessori philosophy, the prepared environment, observation, and how to support children as they develop independence and confidence.
This year, Kara steps into a new role as Support Associate at Charleston Montessori. In this role, Kara will be a familiar and welcoming presence throughout our community. You will often find her greeting families at the door, supporting individual students when they need additional guidance or encouragement, and assisting classroom communities wherever support is needed. Kara will work one-on-one with students when needed and will reinforce classroom instruction and the child’s identified learning needs.
Kara is also a proud mother of three children: Ryker, Rowen, and Nolan. Her experience as a parent, combined with her professional background in early childhood education, gives her a unique perspective on the importance of nurturing each child as an individual and building strong partnerships with families.
We are grateful for Kara’s continued dedication to Charleston Montessori and the many ways she supports our students, families, and staff. Her commitment to professional growth, her calm and caring nature, and her willingness to serve wherever needed make her an invaluable part of our community.