Kerry Mehling is from Utah and moved to California 26 years ago. She has a BFA in dance performance, an MFA in choreography, and her AMS Early Childhood Credential. She had been teaching dance to all age groups for 20+ years and found herself humbled and inspired by young children daily. She began her Montessori journey after learning of Maria Montessor’s Philosophy while discussing the state of  american education with a Montessorian. Finding a teaching method that catered to each child’s way of learning, which started with teaching independence, was just what Ms. Mehling was looking for. She  retired from dance and began her studies in the Montessori Method in 2015. Ms. Mehling now shares all the passion she once threw into her performance career with her Montessori students. She feels the  breakneck speed at which children develop and learn when actively participating in their education is an exciting process to engage in and observe. Ms. Mehling feels fortunate to have found her way to The Montessori Method. She sees it as a crucial key in unlocking endless possibilities for these children who are learning to be contributing members of their local society and our greater world society; they are our future leaders. How they are led now is of the greatest importance. Ms. Mehling is so excited to have joined GLM in the summer of 2023! It is exciting to be in a community of well-established  Montessorians! When not being inspired by children, she enjoys dancing, hiking, and biking through Northern California’s beauty. She is also an animal advocate that focuses on rescuing cats.

Vincent LaRocca grew up in California between Los Angeles and Riverside. He moved to the Bay Area after graduating from high school. Vincent attended Merritt college in the Fall of 2018, where he took his courses in early childhood development and earned his Assistant Teacher certificate. His observations in early childhood education environments taught him that children are inherent learners, as they naturally explore their surroundings. Subsequently, he became enamored with the very curious nature and love that children have for learning. It was then he decided to begin his journey in the Montessori practice of child development. Vincent joined GLM in July, 2018. He is inspired by children’s potential and wants to be a model support for them on their journey of life. Vincent enjoys listening to music, stand up comedy, hiking and exploring the Bay Area, and finding new spots to eat delicious food.