Our Team
Dedicated, Qualified, & Certified
Ms. Sarah
Director/Lead Teacher
Sarah Aitken is dedicated to providing the best possible early school experience for your child. Drawing from nearly 15 years of experience in early childhood education and inspiration from best practices around the world, Highland Hills is a dream actualized- each day she feels grateful to be a part of such a special, nurturing environment for children to thrive and lead such a wonderful team. Sarah holds a M.Ed. from Loyola University in addition to a BA in English and Elementary Education. She also obtained her Association Montessori Internationale (AMI) diploma at the primary (age 2.5-6) level from Washington Montessori Institute.
Previously, Sarah was the founder and head of school of a Montessori school in Maryland, taught abroad, consulted and served as a curriculum director for several international schools (including China, Uganda, Portugal, and Indonesia). Additionally, she helped students succeed in a variety of public and private US schools and preschools with experience lead teaching ranging from children ages 2 to 11- specializing in PK/Kindergarten. Prior to teaching, Sarah also enjoyed working as an aupair in England and while studying at the University of Sydney.
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When Sarah is not teaching, you will find her on hikes and runs with her Irish Doodle dogs, exploring different handwork and art (needle felting, painting, knitting...), reading, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Ms. Sally
Assistant Teacher
Sally joins Highland Hills as an Assistant Teacher, bringing with her whole-hearted enthusiasm, professionalism, and strong dedication to supporting children’s growth and learning. She has a natural gift for storytelling, singing, and building meaningful connections with children in the Montessori classroom.
Her professional background includes serving as a Pre-Kindergarten Assistant Teacher at a farm school, as well as leading children’s theater and drama programs in our local community. In addition to her classroom experience, Sally has taken many early childhood development courses in her college studies as she works towards her elementary teaching degree. She lived in Oxfordshire, United Kingdom, for nearly three years and has traveled extensively across the United States, Europe, Africa, and Central America, experiences that have broadened her perspective. Sally’s compassionate nature, combined with her love for the arts and the outdoors, enriches the learning environment at Highland Hills every day and makes her a valued member of our teaching team.​
During her free time, Sally enjoy reading, spending time with my family, hiking with her dogs, and drawing.
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Ms. Marlene
Assistant Teacher
Marlene brings her creativity, gentleness, and patience to the Highland Hills team, where she works closely with children to nurture both their academic and social growth in small groups and outside. The children especially enjoy learning Spanish songs, poems, and stories with her. Having immigrated from Panama at a young age, Marlene shares her love of language and traditions in ways that broaden the children’s appreciation of the world around them.
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Marlene’s career began in banking after courses towards her bachelor's degree but her path to education was shaped by her experiences supporting her own daughter’s learning during the pandemic. This journey inspired her to become one of the founding teachers of a local Christian homeschool co-op, where she discovered her gift for teaching. Today, Marlene’s positivity, warmth, and attention to detail enrich the Montessori classroom and make her a valued member of the Highland Hills community.
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During her spare time, Marlene enjoys family time with her husband, daughter, and two dogs, traveling and visiting extended family.
Marigold
School Dog
Marigold is a friendly, 20 ib. Mini Irish Doodle. She is two-years-old and has completed basic training to become a certified therapy dog with K-9 Caring Angels. Marigold joins the children at different points throughout the day and enjoys being an active member of the school team.
