Auburn Montessori

08/27/2026

Hey everyone! We are so excited to introduce Cara Bickford as our new co teacher here at Auburn Montessori! Here is her introduction-

Greetings, preschool friends and families! My name is Cara Bickford, and I’m so excited to be joining the team here at Auburn Montessori!
I’ve had many years of experience working with children both in and out of the classroom. I was a lead teacher in Kindergarten and Pre-Kindergarten, and I loved building a classroom community centered on respect for each other and the world around us! I’ve always loved fostering creativity and confidence in my students by involving them in every aspect of our classroom life, from setting up and organizing to guiding daily lessons and independent exploration! Even the simplest moments offer endless opportunities for growth and learning, and natural curiosity provides intrinsic motivation for lifelong learning!
While I’ve cherished my time outside of the classroom, laughing and learning with my three daughters, I always knew that I would find my way back to teaching when the time was right. Having lived in Auburn for sixteen years (though we’re now in nearby Chester), I’ve heard wonderful things about the Auburn Montessori program and its exceptional teachers. With a lifelong passion for animals and a deep love for Mother Nature, I knew right away that this is the place I’m meant to be!
Some of my favorite pastimes include swimming, hiking, paddleboarding, and fishing with my adventure-loving dog, Malcolm. Quieter times are spent enjoying my favorite books outside with my lazy, sun-loving lab, Sunny!
I look forward to being part of this special Montessori family and enjoying all the wonders of exploring this beautiful world together!
With peace and love, Cara

08/18/2026

as we wind up another summer, and look forward to what is going to be my 48th year of teaching, (even though I am no longer administrating) I often get nostalgic in the evenings. Every now and then, and it’s pretty consistent some beautiful young adult from my past stops in to hug me and thank me and laugh and share their lives with me. Thank you Chris Sullivan -you are an amazing young man and you just made my day! 28 years old, therapist, lovely fiancé, it was just so fun💕🥰❤️ i’m very blessed!

08/07/2026

my heart child loved her since she was three so happy she comes back, she’s a wonderful young person, interesting, animated, self-reliant, a true Montessori child if I do say so myself!

08/07/2026

so much fun this summer! We’ve had bubble days, meditated, a car wash station, played in pools painted, hiked, made new friends,  welcomed old friends… Another beautiful summer in the books!

07/08/2026

Agreed! 💕

Via @ Neurochild

07/08/2026

07/08/2026

it’s only Wednesday but messy art week is a success! Tomorrow we will be in the swimming pools and sprinkler all day. We are so happy to meet our new students it looks like we’re on our way to a beautiful fall!

06/25/2026

yes I am retiring this year. But yes I am also staying on in the fall. Because if you had a job like this where you smiled every single morning and your heart was always full, and you got to let go of the annoying stuff that takes up the rest of your time wouldn’t you stay??
Emily has her arms around everything administrative and guess what she’s much better at it than I am! Looking forward to a beautiful end of summer and fall. We still have a spot open if anyone’s interested!

06/24/2026

another great day of a beautiful weather and carnival fun! We set up a photo booth with props and costumes and had so much fun!

05/09/2026

I have always believed in trusting the path that unfolds — and true to that belief, Emily Denn came into my life. From the very beginning, I felt a connection and quietly hoped she would come to love this work, these children, and this community as deeply as I do.
Over the past two and a half years, we have worked side by side — learning from one another, navigating challenges and differences, and building a strong partnership grounded in shared values, mutual respect, and flexibility. We have truly put in the work together, and I could not be more confident in her leadership.
On September 1, I will step down as Executive Director of Auburn Montessori School. Emily will assume this role, alongside a newly forming Board of Directors, helping guide the next chapter of this school that has meant so much to me for so many years.
While I will no longer serve as Head of School, I am grateful and honored to remain part of this community. Under Emily’s leadership, I plan to return in the fall five mornings a week in a supportive role.
Letting go of something that has been such a profound part of my life’s work is not easy. Change rarely is. But when I look at Emily, the strength of this community, and the love that has always lived at the heart of this school, I know this is the right moment — and the right person to carry it forward. Come see us grow!