My name is Michelle O’Donoghue Heine and I’m the executive director of Montessori Children’s House of Denver. I have been employed with MCHD for almost 6 years and my journey began as the lead teacher of the main level classroom at our Mayfair campus. I spent two wonderful years teaching and then was invited to become the director of our Central Park campus and spent two years in that role. The following year I became the executive director.

I was born and raised in California and moved to Colorado when I was 24. I was a manager for a company called Crate and Barrel and relocated from California to help open the first store in Colorado located in the Park Meadows Mall. The store proved very successful and I was asked to relocate to Chicago temporarily to learn the furniture business and then return to Colorado to open the furniture store which I did. It was amazing experience with a beautiful company and after 10 years I thought it was time to pursue my love of teaching with children.

I left my career to pursue a new dream as a Montessori teacher. I was an assistant teacher for a year and just knew it was my calling so I decided to take my Montessori training. During that time I also became a mother to my daughter Isobel who is now 14 and my son Reed who is 11.

I was a Montessori intern after my training, a lead teacher for 2-3 year olds, a primary teacher for 2 ½ to 6 year olds and an assistant director. I had a strong desire to return the classroom and decided to have a different experience and that is what brought me to Montessori Children’s House of Denver. My career in education now includes my associates credential in Montessori for primary, an associates in early childhood education, Love and Logic Classroom Instructor training and I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s in early childhood education with an emphasis in special education at UNC.

My career in education now includes my associates credential in Montessori for primary, an associates in early childhood education, Love and Logic Classroom Instructor training and I’m currently pursuing my bachelor’s in early childhood education with an emphasis in special education at UNC.

On a more personal note I have a wonderful family which includes my husband, daughter, son and our two dogs. I enjoy art, reading, yoga, pursuing my education and spending time with my family and friends.