Upper School

Our Upper School faculty is committed to providing each student with an individualized Montessori education.

  • Jacqueline Maxwell

    Jacqueline is an experienced educator who brings extensive expertise in project based learning, restorative and transformative justice processes, mindfulness and social emotional learning, and anti-bias and anti-racist practices. Outside of the classroom, Jacqueline enjoys spending time with her family and friends and immersing herself in nature — whether hiking in the woods, swimming in the…

  • Evan Jacob

    Evan has been teaching art at Riverbend since 2017. With a background in many different art media including BFAs in metalwork and ceramics, and a professional art career in functional pottery and painting, students get to learn from a professional who has a depth of experience and a love of material that leads to a…

  • David Wilkins

    Dave is a dedicated Montessori educator who has been part of the Riverbend community as an Upper Elementary teacher since 2001. He brings a deep passion for the Montessori philosophy, which emphasizes empathy, social justice, and the joy of lifelong learning. Dave holds a Montessori Credential for ages 6-12 and is a Montessori Model United…

  • Holly McKersie

    Holly has been teaching in a variety of settings for 8 years. Before coming to Riverbend, she was an elementary STEAM teacher/teaching assistant at the Elizabeth Ann Clune Montessori School of Ithaca. She has also spent time working in school gardens with Boston Public Schools students, in a yoga studio with middle and high schoolers, out…

  • Brinta Horan

    Brinta is a teacher in Upper Elementary at Riverbend. She has a BA in Literature from the University of Dallas, and she’s been teaching in Montessori schools at different levels for four years. She loves the Montessori method for its capacity to meet each child as a unique and capable individual worthy of respect and…

  • Alexander Klinoff

    As an educator and coach, Alexander has had the opportunity to support and impact students’ development in dynamic ways. His strong work ethic, combined with high energy and enthusiasm, has consistently resonated with his students, fostering a positive environment for growth. The experiences that have shaped his career in education are grounded in core family…

  • Kacie Winsor Carlson

    Kacie brings a dynamic and diverse background to Riverbend, joining after her time at Wellan Montessori, where she supported both Primary and Upper Elementary students in the classroom and led a play-based after-school program for children ages 9–14. Before transitioning into education, Kacie held a wide range of roles across sectors, including as a director at…