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. 

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.*

Jessi, born in Oregon, moved to Silver City in kindergarten and has called it home, off and on, for the past 30 years. Jessi spent much of her childhood traveling around the country with her family. It was the early years of traveling that inspired her to continue exploring the different cultures and landscapes of the world, which led her to live in Switzerland and France as a nanny and gardener. Jessi moved back to Silver City 12 years ago and started her career at Syzygy Tile, a handmade ceramic tile factory in historic downtown Silver City. Over the years Jessi worked in the glazing department, as the kiln operator, shipping manager, and production manager. This experience ignited an interest in business operations that led to pursuing an MBA at WNMU.  Jessi has a deep appreciation for the outdoors, good books, good food, and good company. Jessi is grateful to feel so welcomed by the GMS community and looks forward to continuing to support the school on its journey of growth, improvement, and success.  

Joanie Morency relocated from the East coast to Silver City in 2017 and began working at GMS shortly after. Joanie and her husband love raising their 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.