Our Staff
Kerry Merkel
Kerry graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology in 2001. After graduation, Kerry discovered the Montessori Method of teaching and subsequently completed the extensive Montessori certification program. Kerry quickly moved into a lead teaching position a Montessori school in Louisville, but couldn’t stop dreaming of one day opening a school that was built just for kids and staffed with the best teaching team. This dream became reality in 2007 with the opening of Blue Mountain Montessori together with her sister Kelly. Outside the classroom Kerry enjoys family time with her husband (Tim) and her three children (Darby, Hewitt, Pierce).
Kelly Merkel
Kelly graduated from the University of Colorado at Boulder with a bachelor’s degree in History, then went on to receive her Montessori Certification. Kelly brings the globe to life with her passion for geography and history. Kelly and sister Kerry have an unspoken synergy which enables them to execute the demands of the classroom with grace and energy. When not teaching, Kelly, husband Ben, and dog Lola, can be found enjoying the mountains and time with friends and family.
Lauren Davis
Lauren graduated from the University of Northern Colorado with a BA in Fine Art and Art History. She witnessed the magic of the Montessori method firsthand when her youngest son was attending Blue Mountain, and knew she was ready to make a change. She gave up graphic design to become lead teacher qualified at the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies. Lauren enjoys each area of the classroom, but is passionate about bringing famous artists and art to life for the children, and incorporating their work into the annual school art show. Outside of the classroom, Lauren loves to spend time with her husband, Rob, two sons, Noah and Caleb, and rescue dog, Ruby. She enjoys being in the mountains, hiking, running, reading, and any kind of arts and crafts.
Erin Neary
Erin graduated from the University of Wyoming with a Concurrent Bachelors of Science in Geography and Environment & Natural Resources in 2012. From being a snowboard instructor in Colorado to teaching outdoor based science in Montana and Colorado, Erin has had a lot of experiences that led her to discover the Montessori Method; a happy union of her passions. Erin attended the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies to get her certifications. Outside of the classroom, Erin is an avid snowboarder & loves to mountain bike, paddle board and go on fun outdoor adventures with her husband, Tim and their silly rescue dog, Hatchet.
Kalley Wheat
Kalley was born and raised in Idaho and first moved to Colorado in 2002 where she met her future husband Tanner. They spent time enjoying their youth traveling and living in different places. Once they married and started a family they returned to Colorado to raise their children Body and Brinley. Both of Kalley’s children attended Blue Mountain and that is when Kalley’s dream of wanting to become a part of this Montessori world blossomed. Kalley will be attending the North American Montessori Center to obtain her credential. Kalley enjoys spending all of the time she can with her family and their dog Mush, camping, skiing, taking long walks, and just having fun!
