Our Teachers

Merrill Preece

I opened Cedar House Montessori in 2020 after working in classrooms for a decade. I wanted the opportunity to create a space for children that felt like a home away from home.

Through my approach to Montessori, I strive to help children process their emotions and social interactions, to empower them by encouraging their independence, and to connect them with the amazing natural world that they are so innately drawn to.  

As a naturalist, I also bring substantial knowledge of local plants and animals to the classroom and encourage children to use their senses, explore, and connect with the natural world in everyday life.

Director and Lead Teacher

Juli Garzon

I believe there is nothing more important than positively affecting the lives of children in their early years. I know that the example set by our own behavior as parents and teachers has a powerful effect. At the same time, I know that our children can influence us for the better, and I value this interchange. 

I met Merrill in 2014 while we were both pursuing our Early Childhood Education certification at the Montessori Institute for Teacher Education at Spring Valley. After an internship at Issaquah Montessori School, I spent five years as the Art and Science teacher at Minor Avenue Children’s House.

Teacher

Jon Preece

Music Teacher

I am a classically trained pianist who has been teaching music to the greater Seattle area for over a decade. Learning music improves memory, concentration, multi sensory skills, motor control, verbal reasoning, literacy, and executive function. However, music does far more than just feed the brain, it feeds the heart and soul and enriches us as individuals. I believe music to be an essential part of being human and my mission is to endow as many people as I can with such a resource, starting with my local community. To learn more about me, visit my website at: www.cedarhousemusicstudio.com