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Parent Corner

Our Administrative Staff

Our dedicated administrative staff, which includes Montessori-credentialed professionals with extensive
classroom experience ensure seamless school operations. They support teachers, families, and students with expertise and care,
fostering a warm, organized environment where the school community flourishes.

Unsurpassed Support for Families

Our administrative team, is the heartbeat of the school. This dedicated team of Montessorians and support staff ensure a warm, welcoming atmosphere for students and offer peace of mind to parents, support, and guidance for parents. Throughout the day, the administrative staff actively supports children by ensuring classrooms are equipped with high-quality Montessori materials tailored to each developmental stage. They engage with students, offering guidance and encouragement to cultivate a sense of confidence and community. For families, the team is a reliable resource, promptly addressing concerns, facilitating communication, and building strong partnerships to support each child’s growth. Whether it’s supporting parents through the daily ups and downs of parenting or helping students navigate their emotions, their accessibility and warmth create a welcoming environment where families feel valued and heard. The administrative team also plays a vital role in supporting teachers, fostering a stable, low-turnover environment. They provide resources, professional development, and autonomy, empowering educators to focus on delivering authentic Montessori instruction. By maintaining well-organized classrooms and handling logistical tasks, the team allows teachers to dedicate their energy to nurturing students’ intellectual and emotional development. Their hands-on approach ensures smooth daily operations, from scheduling to maintaining a safe, engaging learning space.

Ruth Austin

DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS

Ruth. Austin has called Alden Montessori home since 2009. She holds a Montessori credential for the primary level from Montessori Education Program International. She has extensive experience as a lead teacher as well as a school director. She is the heart and soul of the front office and loves supporting teachers, families and children. She came to Montessori while researching schools for her daughters. When she found Montessori she fell in love with the philosophy and knew that she wanted to dedicate her life to educating children. With years of experience she found that she had a passion for working with the families as well. She loves to spend time and travel with her husband and two beautiful daughters. She also enjoys time spent with close friends and hanging out with her sweet dog, Lucy. Ruth has been teaching for twenty-six years with fifteen years at Alden.

Sarah Swartz

Admissions Coordinator

Sarah Swartz’s journey with Alden began in 2010 when her son was just three years old and enrolled in the Primary Community with Mrs. Austin as his lead teacher. She first joined as a volunteer, helping wherever our new school needed support. Over time, her dedication and involvement grew, ultimately leading to her current role as Admissions Coordinator. Her dedication and insight has proven invaluable to the teachers and families alike. Sarah is deeply passionate about guiding families through the complexities of learning differences. Having personally navigated this path with her son, she understands how overwhelming and uncertain the journey can feel—and she is committed to being a resource for those just starting out. Outside of work, Sarah enjoys the theatre, exploring new destinations with her husband and son, discovering Dallas’s vibrant dining scene, and spending quality time with friends and family. Sarah has been a valued member of the Alden administrative team for nine years.

Kyndal Gude

ASSISTANT TO HEADS OF SCHOOL & AFTER CARE COORDINATOR

Kyndal Gude holds a Montessori credential for the primary level from the Prepared Montessorian Institute and is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood with an emphasis on Mental Health in Children from the Texas Women’s University. Once she was invited to tour a Montessori school and when she walked in and saw how peaceful and beautiful the environment was, she was hooked! She knew then that she wanted Montessori for her children and to be a part of a true Montessori school. She truly enjoys supporting children and parents in their Montessori journey. Kyndal carves out time from her busy schedule to prioritize spending time with her husband and two sweet boys. She loves to read and has a passion for music and singing! Kyndal has been teaching for eleven years with three
years at Alden.

Helena Hakaste

OFFICE ASSISTANT/SUBSTITUTE

Helena Hakaste, originally from Finland, has called Texas home for the past thirty years. She holds a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering and discovered the beauty of the Montessori education upon moving to Texas. She fell in love with Montessori while touring schools for her children. Helena just celebrated her 15th year at Alden Montessori! She has worked in the classrooms as well as administration, supporting each and every staff member in the school as well as families and students. Helena enjoys spending time with her husband and three grown children. She is a devoted grandmother, loves to cook, and travel the world. Helena has been teaching for twenty years with fifteen years at Alden.