Tricia grew up with “no special luxuries. “I was expected to work hard, go to school, and pay my way.” She is grateful for this, however, and claims it is her work ethic that has “made the difference” for her.

As for Springstone, it did not open originally as a Montessori school. Initially it was a conventional preschool, but after doing some research and visiting a few Montessori schools, Tricia made the change from traditional to Montessori. “Montessori classrooms I researched were so well organized,” says Tricia. “The children were so engaged in their work, they didn’t even notice I was observing. Some children were working with a moveable alphabet, some were carefully pouring water into little cups, one girl was putting together a map of Africa, and one little boy was washing a window. It was magical. I was sold.” Tricia felt that in such an engaging and respectful community, her children could be offered more than standard learning. In July 2004, Springstone began the conversion to a Montessori school. Tricia completed her Montessori certification in the spring of 2005.

Happily married to partner Dean Abbott for 15 years, Tricia is also mother to two boys, Dylan and Mitchell, 10 and 7, respectfully. She will be adopting a baby girl from China next summer. “We believe strongly in adoption,” she says, “It’s not for everyone, but I think it’s a way to give back.” Pointing to her heart she adds, “I feel it in here.”

She considers her marriage and her family to be her greatest accomplishment. When asked what her goals are for the future, Tricia draws a blank. “I am living my goals,” she says. “I am living a good life. I am living the life I want to live.” Tricia values her family, teaching her children a work ethic, her sense of community, nurturing her marriage, and giving back to the society.

Tricia owns the real estate that houses two Springstone Montessori schools in Albuquerque. One is located at 4598 Paradise Blvd NW and the other is at 7940 Carmel Ave. NE. Each school is licensed for up to 180 children and operates with a waiting list.

Upon entering the Springstone Montessori School in Albuquerque Paradise Hills, it is surprisingly peaceful. The atmosphere is warm and inviting, and smiles blanket the faces of both children and teachers.

The school operates under the Montessori method, which was created by Maria Montessori under the core belief of respect: respect to one another and to the environment. Children learn with a hands-on approach so they are not expected to learn abstract concepts without first absorbing it concretely. The Montessori method is introduced during the preschool years, also termed the “absorbent mind” period, when children are exploring the world through their senses. “Children at this age love learning; they are very curious beings,” Tricia says. “We want children to experience the joy of learning,”

In the classroom, one can see pictures of the children’s families on the walls, a circle time rug in the shape of a world map, and children on individual cotton rugs, who are actively engaged in their school projects. Everything along the walls and on shelves is at children’s eye level. “We purposefully prepare our classrooms to reduce over-stimulation,” explains Tricia.

The rooms are set up with individual activities where the children are free to explore and work individually or in small groups. This encourages concentration and independence, according to Tricia. The children can choose what they want to work on, and teachers act more as “facilitators” than “instructors,” Tricia says. Included in the different areas of the classroom is “practical life,” where children learn useful life skills and utilize their fine motor skills. Children learn to sift flour and transfer liquid from one dish to another, as well as other life skills. Montessori believes in children working with real objects and using real utensils, even cleaning up after themselves. “By using real objects, the work becomes more meaningful to the children,” says Tricia. “It’s more engaging.”

In addition to practical life, Springstone Montessori children are learning language, mathematics, and cultural studies, like history, biology, botany, zoology, art, and music. Geography also seems to be very important to the Springstone curriculum. For example, geography puzzles are provided so children can learn about different states and countries. When discussing countries or cultures, children are also enhancing their language and expanding their vocabulary.

Springstone separates the classrooms by age, with infant to 2 years of age on one side of the hall and 3 years to 6 years on the other. The 3- through 6-years-old of age students are placed in a mixed-age environment. “A mixed-age group helps with children’s learning,” says Tricia. “The younger children learn from watching the older children and the older children model for the younger children, therefore reinforcing/assisting/aiding their learning further.”

As for the school grounds, each Springstone facility is well secured. The 10,000-square-foot property is surrounded by a 6-foot wrought iron fence and the playgrounds are lined with “child friendly” artificial turf. Entrances are code-locked and all classrooms are equipped with an intercom system and surveillance cameras. The classrooms are displayed on monitors in the lobby, where parents can view their children in school without interrupting a class. Outside, all equipment is low to the ground. There are no slides or swings or anything that could prove to be potentially dangerous. Instead, language-based panels are used, such as “post office” and “police station,” to help children learn language skills. The outside playgrounds are lined with bicycle tracks, and in the corner of the playground is a garden where children care for their own plants.

The classrooms have low teacher-student ratios, most often one-to-10 in the age 3 to 6 classrooms and one-to-four in the infant classrooms. “Having a low teacher-to-child ratio is important to me, because research has shown that ratios are a definite indicator of a quality education,” explains Tricia.

Springstone teachers have four in-service training days a year, each scheduled a year in advance. Staff members are trained in Montessori methods, language development, CPR, first aid, child development, and child behavior.

Springstone’s search for teachers is unique. The school looks for teachers who have early childhood experience and Montessori training, but they also must have that “spark”. “We look for teachers who connect with children,” Tricia says. “It is this commitment to children that inspires us to invest in their futures. Springstone pays for one half of their Montessori schooling. Many of our teachers have degrees and are Montessori-certified teachers. All of our 3- to 6-year mixed-age classrooms have a Montessori certified teacher or he or she is in the process of completing their certification.” In addition to outstanding teachers, Tricia hires a Montessori curriculum coordinator, who she says is “key to our program.” The curriculum coordinator assists in classrooms, helps prepare materials, and trains the teachers. “Basically, their job is to make sure the Montessori curriculum is being implemented within the classrooms.”

Each Springstone school has been purposefully designed for working families. Springstone is open 12 months of the year from 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and is only closed on training days (four days out the year) and on major holidays. “It is my belief that full-time working parents deserve a full-time preschool for their children,” says Tricia.

Springstone Montessori School in Paradise Hills is nationally accredited by NECPA and a second location is in the process of receiving accreditation. “We focus on quality service for our children,” says Tricia. “We’re always finding new and innovative ways to provide opportunities for the children we serve. We are always improving the system.”

Alexandra Schwappach is a sophomore at Washington State University in Pullman, Wash. She is double majoring in Journalism and English with a minor in French. She makes her home in Tijeras and spends her summers working at Tinkertown Museum in Sandia Park.