Mariah Hurley

3-6-Year-Old Co-Lead Guide

(She/Her)

I found Montessori in my early twenties while twiddling my thumbs; waiting for someone to tell me what I was good at and direct me toward my life’s purpose. While I waited, I noticed that many of my similar-aged friends were self-directed in their discovery. Even if they hadn’t found their “purpose,” they were trying things that they knew they liked, applying to prestigious programs, researching grants, and confidently moving far from home to follow their dreams. There was a common thread among this group: they had all gone to Montessori school from toddler through adolescence. Once I came to this realization, I decided I wanted to be part of the work that gave young people the qualities I valued in my friends. I applied to work at their school and haven't looked back! I worked as an assistant in a children’s house community in Austin, Texas for two years before moving to Portland, Oregon to pursue my own Montessori teaching certificate. After graduating from Montessori Northwest in 2019, I led communities in small, nonprofit, and in-home settings. I was drawn to Catskill Montessori School for the commitment to social justice, the love and respect shown to the land, and the shared reverence for the young child’s work.

In the classroom, I strive to cultivate an environment where children are empowered to care for themselves and their community. I enjoy the privilege of partnering with families and colleagues to support them at such a special time in their lives. 

Being from Texas, I have an affinity for tacos, live music, and swimming holes. My favorite activities are planning vacations and menus, tooling around in the garden, reading, singing, and spending time outside with family and friends. My husband and I just moved to Catskill from Oregon and are excited to build a life here anew.