Kate Brereton guides the Elephant Cottage at the Children's House and is assisted by Allison Russell.

Kate found Montessori when exploring alternatives to traditional teaching and searching for her life’s work. She had spent many years assisting and teaching in day-care and home settings with infants and preschoolers, as well as counseling teens. After discovering Montessori, she worked at Providence Montessori School to explore the method, and then took her training at the Montessori Institute Northwest. Kate also holds a Master’s degree in education from Loyola University, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Portland State University.

Kate opened the Elephant Cottage in 2004 and brings her great love of the children and the work of Montessori to the classroom. She finds that Montessori education honors the child’s spirit in ways that she had always looked for through valuing individual interests, freedom of choice, respect, and kindness. Kate is inspired by the children to embrace a lifelong love of learning and experience the world in joy and peace.

Originally from upstate New York, Kate and her husband, Jason, have been Oregonians since 1996. They spend time together hiking, camping, white-water rafting, and strolling with their beloved beagle. Kate also enjoys Pilates, painting, and reading.