Hermosa Montessori School

Michael received a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the University of Texas, a Master of Arts from the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, a Doctorate of Musical Arts from the University of Arizona, and AMS Elementary certification. Before joining our Hermosa family, Michael worked in higher education, specifically in music education. Michael has been a musician all his life and enjoys learning about music from other cultures, particularly music from Africa and the Middle East. He is an accomplished and gifted guitarist. When Michael decided to teach Montessori students it was largely because of the Montessori commitment to peace education that drew him. Michael's interest in ecology, sustainable resources, and peaceful coexistence with the planet fit beautifully with Maria Montessori's vision of thoughtful and intentional students making choices for our world. Michael is also an avid reader; he enjoys everything from novels to historic fiction and is a gardener.

Diane Brandon

Diane has a Bachelor of Science degree with a specialty in early childhood education (preschool-kindergarten) and a Master of Arts in rehabilitation counseling. Prior to Hermosa, Diane worked for a year as a kindergarten teacher in Wisconsin and then at the UA in the Department of Rehabilitation providing independent living skills education to high school to adult students for ten years. Diane then committed herself to her life as an at-home mom. Her daughter, Jennifer, began attending Hermosa when she was only three (and at about the same time Diane began her ten year stint as a substitute teacher in our classrooms!). Jennifer left Hermosa after completing eighth grade and attended Salpointe. In 2004, Jennifer graduated from Salpointe with honors and began a program at Occidental College in California. Following her desire to be closer to home, Jennifer is now attending ASU. Diane has worked with Jeff in lower elementary for seven years and is having a great time. In addition to loving her life as a wife, mom, and teacher, Diane also loves movies, golf, and chocolate!

Don VanKarsen

Don has a Bachelor of Science degree in Family Studies and Relations from the University of Arizona and AMS Montessori elementary certification.. Before joining the elementary teaching staff at Hermosa, Don was the late care teacher for six years. Don loves to read and will attest to reading whatever he picks up, but is a particular fan of historical and science fiction subject matter. He also enjoys doing home improvement projects, surfing the net, and caring for his animals: 2 two cats and six reptiles!