Executive Director and Owner

Ms. Lauren serves as the Director and Owner of Tempe Montessori School, continuing a family legacy that spans generations. A true Montessori "lifer," Lauren grew up immersed in the Montessori environment and developed a deep appreciation for its philosophy and approach to education from an early age. Through her own experiences in various learning settings, she discovered that the Montessori method provides children with the strongest foundation for lifelong learning, independence, and self-confidence.

Lauren's journey at Tempe Montessori School has included many roles over the years, including Assistant, Nido Lead Guide, Associate Director, and now Director. In 2023, she proudly purchased the school from her grandmother, Irma, who founded the school in 1978 after a distinguished career in public education. Originally known as The Letson Education Center, the school has remained committed to nurturing children's natural curiosity and love of learning for nearly five decades.

Ms. Lauren earned her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Arizona State University in 2009 and has continued to expand her Montessori expertise through extensive training and professional development. Her credentials include an Assistants to Infancy Diploma from the Montessori Institute of San Diego (2011), an AMI Children's House Diploma from the Southwest Institute of Montessori Studies (2018), AMI Montessori 6–12 Orientation (2023), and AMI Montessori School Leadership certification (2026).

Ms. Lauren is passionate about helping each child develop confidence in their abilities, knowledge, and sense of self. Her favorite moments in education are witnessing the spark of understanding when a new skill, lesson, or idea suddenly clicks for a child, those discoveries that inspire a lifelong love of learning.

As Director, Ms. Lauren is dedicated to preserving the school's rich Montessori tradition while ensuring that every child is supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential.

Ms. Lauren has been serving our community since 2008.