Hermosa Montessori's Preschool and Kindergarten Staff
Sally Withers
Sally Withers studied at Washington University as a Spanish major and also in Cuernavaca, Mexico. At the U of A Sally participated in the summer program in Guadalajara, studied Latin American Literature, and La Novela de la Revolucion Mexicana. Sally has been a life long dancer and has been teaching dance for adults and children since 1977 including ballet, dance aerobics, and jazz as well as Tiny Tot Development for children in various local Tucson dance studios. In her free time Sally practices Tai Chi, is a student of African and Afro Cuban dance, and Djembe and Conga drumming. Sally is also a member of the band, Water on the Rocks, and performs in various local venues. Sally enjoys traveling and has visited China, Cuba, India, Mexico, South Africa, Puerto Rico, Singapore, England, and Holland. She enjoys bringing cultural activities to the children she teaches. Sally is the mother of two sons, former Hermosa students, and began her Hermosa involvement first as a parent. She is also the proud grandmother of two children.
Mary Eiland
Mary Eiland received her BA in Psychology and Theatre, and an MA in Education from Evergreen State College in the state of Washington where she was born and raised. She obtained her America Montessori Society Primary Certification in Colorado. When Mary was introduced to Montessori education several years ago, she immediately resonated with its goals and philosophy for the education of the whole child. Prior to joining the Hermosa staff, Mary taught pre-school and kindergarten students in other public Tucson schools. Having trained as a vocalist since she was a teenager, Mary joyfully shares music with her students. In addition, she also has a passion for theater, dance and the visual arts. Mary enjoys spending her free time with close friends, walking in the desert, cooking, and collaborating musically with others.
Rebecca Shearer
Rebecca Shearer was raised and taught by a great Montessori teacher, her mom. She excelled through elementary and high school. Rebecca graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Arizona with a B.A. in Creative Writing and a minor in Spanish. She earned her American Montessori Society Primary Certification from the Houston Montessori Center, completing her B.A. in Early Childhood Education. She has taught and assisted at Hermosa since 2004. Rebecca’s innate understanding of Montessori principles and practices combine with her kind, wise nature to consistently guide her students to balance and excellence.
