Meet Our Staff
Brighton Montessori School, 203 S. 3rd Ave, Brighton, CO 80601, 303-659-0515
The Brighton Montessori School is proud of its outstanding team of
educators and is excited to introduce them to you.
Teofy Hammen
Assistant Montessori Teacher
Hi!

My name is Teofy Hammen.  I started working
with children eight years ago.  I got my early
childhood certification from Front Range
Community College.  I have lived in Fort
Lupton for the past six years with my husband
of nine years.  I have two children.  My oldest
son is an eight year old boy named Luke.  He
had a three year Montessori education here at
BMS.  My second child is a two year old girl
name Trisha.

Teaching Spanish is fun for me, since I speak
three languages.  I am honored to teach your
children here at  BMS.  I am looking forward to
this school year and all the wonderful
experiences we will share.

Sincerely,
Ms. Teofy
Erin Young
Lead Montessori Directress
Hello,

My name is Erin Young and I am thrilled to be
a part of Brighton Montessori.  I adore the
unique and cozy feel of the school and the
families are so warm and welcoming.

I have been working with children since
1994.  I fell in love with the Montessori
Method in 1997.  I received my Montessori
certification in 2001 from Montessori
Education Center of the Rockies, A.M.S..  I
find Montessori to be a beautiful, adaptable,
and all encompassing philosophy.  I believe
the theory focuses on the unique needs of
each child, building self confidence and
fostering the growth of the human spirit.  I am
so grateful to be a part of this special time in
a child's life.

I enjoy my career, cuddling with my son and
daughter, watching movies, listening to all
kinds of music, and just trying to enjoy life as
much as I can.  Again, I'm excited to be a part
of this school and I look forward to working
with your children.

See you in school!
Your Montessori Preschool Teacher,
Erin Young
I am the BMS Executive Director. Committed
to learning and discovering, I hold a BA in
history, a Master’s degree in leadership, and
a Doctorate from George Fox University in
leadership development and emerging
culture studies. I enjoy reading in a variety of
subject areas.

I have a passion for teaching, having trained
and directed leaders in various industries. I
have successfully trained emerging leaders
on three continents and mentored new
leaders in various cross-cultural contexts. I
have worked with learners of every age-
group, from pre-school through adult.
For more than 30 years, I have guided
organizational transformation while leading
both for-profit and not-for-profit groups,
developing and implementing strategic and
tactical plans for new and emerging
opportunities.

I am also passionate about success.
Growing from my experiences in directing
individuals, couples and organizations
toward their life-passions and goals, I know
the work and patience necessary for
achieving a meaningful life.
I bring an enthusiasm, excellence and
confidence to my work combined with a
servant-attitude and ethical grounding that
will contribute to your overall experience and
success. I am here to help you, guide you,
challenge you and support you in this unique
journey.

“Dr. Craig,” this is what the children will call
me, lives in the Commerce City area with the
“wife of his youth” (we really did meet in high
school!). I enjoy time with my two children
(both married) and four grandsons, one who
graduated from BMS and a second currently
attending our fine school.


Craig W. Henningfield
My name is Denise Swartz and I am proud to
be the new Director  here at Brighton
Montessori School.  I absolutely love the
quaint atmosphere and family environment
that the school offers.  

I graduated in 1996 from Iowa State
University with a degree in Early Childhood
Education.  My husband and
I moved from Des Moines, Iowa to Colorado
in 1999 and absolutely fell in love with all that
the Denver area offers.  I have spend the last
15 years as an Early Childhood Education
Teacher in both the preschool and public
school settings, as well as a Site
Coordinator  for an academic after school
program.  I really enjoy working with parents
and their children, as I feel one of the most
important Areas of a child’s development
happens in the preschool years.  

When I am not working I enjoy family time
with my husband and two children.  I love
reading, enjoying the outdoors, going to
sporting Events, and listening to music.

I look forward to meeting you and your
children and discussing what Brighton
Montessori can do for your family!

Denise Swartz, Director
Dr. Craig W. Henningfield
Executive Director
Denise Swartz
Director