Administration

Heidi joined GMS in the fall of 2010 when she enrolled her children Molly and Thomas in the elementary and primary classes. In true Montessori fashion, Heidi came to us with a variety of skills - fashion design and promotions, outdoor education and facilitation, wilderness medicine, catering, managing commercial kitchens, and event coordination and promotions, just to name a few. Heidi was the Director of Student Nutrition and Wellness and brought a high level of professionalism and organization to the GMS food program. Heidi also took the lead at GMS with health and safety protocols. During the first year of the pandemic, Heidi helped develop the outdoor program that allowed GMS to continue to provide in person learning and essential child care. In July 2021 Heidi stepped into her new role as Head of School and cares deeply about providing and upholding the highest level of Montessori education. 

Joanie Drake relocated from the East coast to Silver City in 2017 and began working at GMS shortly after. Joanie loves raising her two children in this beautiful corner of the southwest. Joanie is trained as an AMI (Association Montessori Internationale) primary guide and holds a Master’s degree in Early Childhood Education with Montessori concentration. Joanie brings a passion for education and a love for this community to her work at the school.  

Kaelin is a Silver City native, raising her four daughters in the forest and wilderness she grew up exploring. She has a passion for early childhood and has been involved in many schools in the greater community. She has had three of her own children attend GMS and is excited to be a part of this amazing school community, not just as a parent, but also in her new role in the office as of fall semester 2025.

Lauren, originally from Maine, discovered her love for the Southwest during a climbing trip in the Organ Mountains. Her career path has allowed her the opportunity to work all over the country facilitating wilderness trips, educating adjudicated youth, supporting young adults with mental illness, as well as leading school program enhancement and expansion. Lauren appreciates Montessori's emphasis on intrinsic, hands-on learning. She currently serves the community as a member of the local search & rescue team and on Aldo Leopold Charter School's Governing Council. In Lauren's "down time", she loves to run, paddle, cave, climb and generally be out in the New Mexico sun! Lauren thanks you for allowing her to be a part of your child’s journey.

*Lauren will be on maternity leave for the majority of the 2025-2026 school year.*