HIGHLAWN - Key Persons
Mrs. Morrison brings a wealth of experience to Highlawn. After graduating from Shawnee Mission East High School, she attended the University of Kansas where she graduated with a Bachelor in Education degree with a focus on history and language arts followed by a Masters Degree in Curriculum and Instruction. Mrs. Morrison taught an elementary classroom for ten years in the Blue Valley School District. While teaching she served on the district's technology, curriculum, and assessment committees. During this time her own three boys became students at Highlawn and she served in several volunteer roles including Board President. She began working for Renaissance Learning, an education software company, where for ten years she provided staff development seminars and consulted in schools across the country in the areas of math, reading, and standards based assessment. Mrs. Morrison joined the Highlawn team in the fall of 2006 as the Director of Highlawn.
Job Titles:
- Upper Elementary Classroom Lead Teacher
Job Titles:
- Assistant to the Director
Mrs. Kokjer joined the Highlawn staff in 2007 as a Children's House assistant. Over the years, Lora has worked through out the school as needed in various positions and joined the office staff in 2017. In this position, she is involved in the day-to-day school activities and communications.
Job Titles:
- Lower Elementary Classroom Assistant
Job Titles:
- Upper Elementary Classroom Lead Teacher
Job Titles:
- Upper Elementary Classroom Assistant
Job Titles:
- Lower Elementary Classroom Lead Teacher
Ms. Wright began her teaching career in 1990 as a first grade teacher in a newly created computer magnet school where children enhanced their studies with the latest technological advances. After completing her Masters Degree in Education, Ms. Wright continued her studies at the Center for Contemporary Montessori. The center is part of the College of St. Catherine, Minneapolis, MN where she earned her AMS Montessori Elementary credentials for both 6-9 and 9-12 year olds. She taught lower elementary students at Holliday Montessori for six years and joined Highlawn Montessori School in 2003. Ms. Wright believes, as did Maria Montessori, that the world beyond the classroom is a key factor in teaching the elementary age child.
Mrs. McEachen has been working with kids for many years. A graduate of Highlawn herself, she ran her own day care before starting as a teacher assistant at Highlawn. She worked as a teacher assistant for nine years before starting her own classroom. Mrs. McEachen completed her AMI Montessori training at the Montessori Training Center of St. Louis. Mrs. McEachen is also our Before School Care teacher daily. "I have been surrounded by the Montessori way since childhood. I attended Highlawn as a child with my two brothers and my son Kai graduated kindergarten from Highlawn. I can honestly say that Highlawn is truly a family affair!" Ricki McEachen
Job Titles:
- Lower Elementary Classroom Assistant
Mrs. Rubenstein joined Highlawn's staff in 2004 as our office manager. She assists the school director in the office accounting and day-to-day operations of the school. Mrs. Rubenstein also help with the admission process. Several of her grandchildren have attended Highlawn with her youngest currently enrolled in our elementary program.