OUR TEAM
Nicole Samuelson
Owner/Director
Nicole is a homeschooling mother of two girls ages 17 and a high school graduate, and has worked as a teacher for the last 13 years with preschool to middle school aged children. She received her Montessori credential in 2014 from MTC in Shingle Springs, CA. Nicole has a passion for instilling a love of nature within children, as she aims to help develop stewards for our planet. Nicole implements American Sign Language in the classroom which helps children communicate while inspiring awareness of the beauty of different cultures and abilities. Nicole and her family plan to build a beautiful Montessori community to serve the families of the Rogue Valley.
River Smithhart
River has several years of experience working with children from 12 mos. to 6 years old, and has found a special love for working primarily with toddlers. River loves getting to know each child’s individual personality and creating a space where they feel safe, confident, and excited to learn and explore. Outside of the classroom, she enjoys reading, writing, spending time with friends and family, and finding new creative hobbies. River says "I am looking forward to learning and growing at The Butterfly House, and am ready to share what I bring to the table everyday! "
Pre-Primary Lead Teacher
Maizy Strickland
Assistant Director
Maizy has been a part of the Butterfly House team since July 2022 and completed her Primary Montessori training that same year. She has served as both a Primary and Elementary teacher, Maizy has worked in childcare since 2017, including with the YMCA, where she represented the Rouge Valley YMCA at the YMCA175 Global Conference in London in 2019. She is passionate about helping children discover who they are and their place in the world, while providing a safe and supportive space when things feel overwhelming. Her teaching philosophy is, “I will never give you the answers or do it for you; rather, I will show you how and help guide you to discovering it yourself.” Outside of the classroom, Maizy has studied martial arts since 2018 and loves adventures in the woods and on the river. She brings a bubbly spirit, curiosity, and genuine joy to helping children learn, grow, and discover their own light-bulb moments.
Jennifer Heffinger
After earning a B.A. in English and Writing from UNC Wilmington, Jennifer found her way to Montessori education when she enrolled her son into a Montessori program. Since then, she has worked across several Montessori levels as an Upper Elementary teacher, Lower Elementary assistant and co-teacher, Primary assistant, and Toddler guide. She has also worked as a reading interventionist. Jennifer says "I strive to meet each child where they are, respond with empathy and intention, and guide them thoughtfully toward their next steps. Motherhood, travel, and education continue to shape my journey."
Elementary Lead Teacher
Stephanie Oviedo
Primary Lead Teacher
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Steph is a psychologist, a Montessori guide in training, and a mother. Her way of understanding childhood is deeply shaped by the lived experience of mothering, by the questions, discoveries, and inner transformation that come with accompanying a child through the early years of life. Her background in psychology and Montessori philosophy weaves naturally into daily life, forming a gentle, attentive way of being with children. She deeply values the relationship between family and school, and believes that caring for children is a shared journey, one best walked together, with trust, listening, and mutual care. For her, nurturing children also means honoring the adults who lovingly accompany them each day.
Ivonne Polio
Infant Lead Teacher
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Ivonne has worked in childcare for the last six years. Earning her associate's degree in early childhood education from Rogue Community College and continuing her higher education journey with Southern Oregon University. This will be her first experience working in a Montessori school. Ivonne says, “My favorite part of working with children is building strong relationships through trust and communication.” Ivonne was born in California in the city of angels, and has lived in Oregon since she was five-years old. She has a passion for baking, cooking and crafts. Ivonne is excited to bring her knowledge and skills to our team.
Ariel Burkhardt
Toddler Lead Teacher
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Ariel is from Columbia, Missouri, where she began her Montessori journey 14 years ago. She is excited to bring her passion for creating inclusive, nurturing spaces where little ones can build their confidence and curiosity to Butterfly House. When not in the classroom, Ariel studies Computer Science and enjoys thread arts, crafting, and exploring Ashland’s nature with her fiancé and their cat, Sagan.
Avery Edney
Teacher's Aide
Avery is excited to continue her journey as a Teacher’s Aide. She brings valuable experience from working at summer camps and one year in a licensed child care center, where she helped create fun and engaging activities for kids. An artist and dancer at heart, Avery loves sharing her creativity through fiber arts, crafting, and movement. She hopes to bring that same energy, color, and joy into the classroom—making learning both imaginative and fun!