Staff
AdministrationThe Maslow Academy of Applied Learning (MAAL) is an independent community school directed by a talented team of administrators who are passionate about learning.
Maslow Academy is an early childhood center providing education and loving care for children from six weeks of age through nine years of age . Additionally, we provide quality afterschool programming and summer camp for children ages 5 years to 12 years.
The administration team is actively creating an environment in which all children are encouraged to reach their peak potential through high-quality facilities and masterful teachers.
The administrators are actively providing the Montrose community with a choice in education where children can progress at their individual developmental levels.
Administrators
Mrs. Chrissy Simmons
Executive Director
Mrs. Chrissy Simmons is the Executive Director of Maslow Academy of Applied Learning and Bright Beginnings at Colorado Outdoors.
I was born in Montrose and lived here most of my childhood, moving away to Durango for my teenage years. I feel very privileged to have grown up in Colorado and on the Western Slope. There is nothing like the beautiful mountains and clean air to help a child grow up strong! That is why, after living for many years away, I have brought my son and husband back to live in my hometown. I am very glad to live here again and to share this amazing place with my family.
More About Mrs. Chrissy Simmons
I have a degree in Hospitality Administration from Metropolitan State College of Denver. My first career was managing restaurants and corporate training. I’ve lived in Tucson, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Denver, transferring around with a company I worked for since college.
After my son was born, I realized that I wanted a more rewarding career; one that I’d dreamed about since I was a little girl. In 2001, I went back to college where I received my Master’s degree in Elementary Education from University of Phoenix. Most recently, I received my Colorado Principal License from Adams State University and completed the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program at the University of Colorado Denver.
I began my career by teaching kindergarten. I taught kindergarten in Tucson, Arizona for six years. During the summer, I taught first and second grade summer school for English language learners. After I moved back to Montrose, I taught fifth grade in the Montrose school district for 2 years.
In 2011, I became a part of the Bright Beginnings and Maslow Academy family, teaching multi-age kindergarten through second grade.
In 2011, I became a part of the Bright Beginnings and Maslow Academy family, teaching multi-age kindergarten through second grade.
In my spare time, I can usually be found with my wonderful family, riding bikes, enjoying sporting events, or cooking together. My son is amazing and I especially like to watch him play sports. He currently attends the United States Merchant Marine Academy, plays college football, and aspires to be a pilot in the Navy or Marines.
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Mrs. Chrissy Simmons
Executive Director
About Mrs. Chrissy Simmons
Mrs. Chrissy Simmons is the Executive Director of Maslow Academy of Applied Learning and Bright Beginnings at Colorado Outdoors.
I was born in Montrose and lived here most of my childhood, moving away to Durango for my teenage years. I feel very privileged to have grown up in Colorado and on the Western Slope. There is nothing like the beautiful mountains and clean air to help a child grow up strong! That is why, after living for many years away, I have brought my son and husband back to live in my hometown. I am very glad to live here again and to share this amazing place with my family.
I have a degree in Hospitality Administration from Metropolitan State College of Denver. My first career was managing restaurants and corporate training. I’ve lived in Tucson, Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Denver, transferring around with a company I worked for since college.
After my son was born, I realized that I wanted a more rewarding career; one that I’d dreamed about since I was a little girl. In 2001, I went back to college where I received my Master’s degree in Elementary Education from University of Phoenix. Most recently, I received my Colorado Principal License from Adams State University and completed the Buell Early Childhood Leadership Program at the University of Colorado Denver.
I began my career by teaching kindergarten. I taught kindergarten in Tucson, Arizona for six years. During the summer, I taught first and second grade summer school for English language learners. After I moved back to Montrose, I taught fifth grade in the Montrose school district for 2 years.
In 2011, I became a part of the Bright Beginnings and Maslow Academy family, teaching multi-age kindergarten through second grade.
In 2011, I became a part of the Bright Beginnings and Maslow Academy family, teaching multi-age kindergarten through second grade.
In my spare time, I can usually be found with my wonderful family, riding bikes, enjoying sporting events, or cooking together. My son is amazing and I especially like to watch him play sports. He currently attends the United States Merchant Marine Academy, plays college football, and aspires to be a pilot in the Navy or Marines.
Please feel free to contact me at [email protected].
Mrs. Leann Distel
Director of Maslow Academy
About Ms. Leann Distel
My name is Leann Distel and I am the Director at Maslow Academy. I have worked in the preschool setting since 2006. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, my Montessori Early Childhood Diploma, and my Large Center Director’s License. My passion in life is to give each child the foundation they need to be successful in whatever they choose to do. I love watching children grow and learn. My husband and I have lived in Montrose, CO for most of our lives. Together we have two girls. We enjoy camping, watching movies, and cooking together. I am very excited to meet each of you!
Mrs. Leann Distel
Director of Maslow Academy
About Ms. Leann Distel
My name is Leann Distel and I am the Director at Maslow Academy. I have worked in the preschool setting since 2006. I have my Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education, my Montessori Early Childhood Diploma, and my Large Center Director’s License. My passion in life is to give each child the foundation they need to be successful in whatever they choose to do. I love watching children grow and learn. My husband and I have lived in Montrose, CO for most of our lives. Together we have two girls. We enjoy camping, watching movies, and cooking together. I am very excited to meet each of you!
Infant and Toddler
Teachers
Ms. Morgan
Ms. Banny
Ms. Myrya
Ms. Gabriela
Ms. Alejandra
Ms. Karina
Ms. Caralea
Ms. Fatima
Ms. Alaina
Preschool & Kindergarten
Teachers
Ms. Mariah
Ms. Shayli
Ms. Julia
Ms. Jedira
Ms. Mackaylia
Multi-Age Elementary
Teachers
Ms. Shelby Efurd
Ms. Tanya Hawk
Ms. Stephanie Brink
Nutritional
Staff
Ms. Taylor Munroe
Kitchen Manager
About Ms. Taylor Munroe
Hello! My name is Ms. Taylor and I am the kitchen manager at Bright Beginnings and Maslow Academy. I was born in Montrose and have lived here my whole life.
I have always held an interest in nutrition and food, and have finally found a place where I can put my passion for children and healthy eating together. I am married to a wonderful husband and together we have a beautiful daughter, Jazmyne.
When I am not working, I spend my time with family and friends. I am a driven, hard-working person and I take pride in my role at Bright Beginnings and Maslow Academy. I love being a part of this amazing school and making a difference in children’s lives.
I am assisted by Ms. Kim.
Ms. Tiffany Walker Serr
Kitchen Staff
About Ms. Tiffany Walker Serr
Greetings! My name is Miss Tiffany. I have two spectacular children, an 10-year-old boy, and a 4-year-old girl. I am originally from both South Dakota and Utah but moved to Montrose about 6 years ago. The community here is amazing and the scenery even better!
Working with children has been a huge part of my life ever since I was old enough to start babysitting. Being the oldest of 6 girls gave me plenty of childcare experience before I even knew that is what I wanted to pursue.
After high school my life consisted of working with events, food, and kiddos! Since having my own children, I have decided to further my credentials in childcare.
I am very family oriented, and my children and I spend a lot of time out and about enjoying nature and the community. I am beyond excited to float and work in the kitchen here at Bright Beginnings/Maslow Academy this year and cannot wait to see what wonderful new adventures the future holds!