Our Team
Amy Beason
Director
Amy has been an early educator in Sonoma County for over twenty years, teaching in a variety of settings and age groups. She holds an Infant & Toddler Montessori Credential (MACTE), an Associate Teacher Permit from Santa Rosa Jr. College, as well as an AA in Social and Behavioral Science. Over the years she has learned as much from the children in her classes as they have learned from her. She treasures guiding children as they discover their own strengths and interests. She values each child's unique view on the world and enjoys watching them interact with their environment, develop life skills and cultivate friendships. Amy is interested in music, and plays the bass guitar. She also enjoys reading, photography, and art.
Cindy Bollens
Teacher Trainer
Cindy has been working in early childhood education since 1980 and received her Montessori credential for Early Childhood (Primary) level in 1986. Cindy is a passionate early childhood educator and celebrates the JOY her students find in their work. She creates a welcoming and secure environment, giving children the confidence to explore, play and learn. Cindy now enjoys supporting and training other early childhood educators and bringing together the community.
Imogene Patterson
Lead Transitional Primary Teacher
Imogene has worked with children ages one through 13. She started working as a camp counselor with elementary students, and made her way to the early childhood classroom setting. Imogene has an Early Childhood Teacher's Permit from College of Marin, and is working towards her B.A. in Early Childhood Education. She enjoys making happy memories that can help boost children’s confidence and happiness. She also loves helping children find joy in their activities. She feels that getting to be involved in the children’s lives is very special. Imogene enjoys crocheting and anything related to the outdoors (hiking especially). She has been singing since childhood and enjoys singing and learning more about music with others.
Karla Pimentel
Lead Infant & Toddler Teacher
Karla worked with children ranging from preschool to middle school grades for over 6 years, and joined Bright Skies in 2024 so she could teach in a Montessori environment. Karla has an A.A. in Early Childhood Education, and is expecting to attain her B.A. in Early Childhood Education and Special Education Credential from Sonoma State University in December 2024. Working with children is her passion, and helping them thrive and reach their goals is the rewarding experience that drives her. Seeing their smiles and socializing with them is the highlight of her day. Some of Karla’s hobbies are painting, hiking, and playing sports (tennis,
mini golf, and basketball are her favorites).
Katie Brown
Transitional Primary Teacher
Katie gained 5 years of teaching experience before transitioning into a Montessori environment at Bright Skies in 2022. She has an AA in Early Childhood Education, and is pursuing a BA in Psychology with an emphasis in Early Childhood Education. She enjoys seeing the smiles on each of her students' faces, grabbing a hug when a student wants to share one, and especially loves it when she sees a student learn something new! She enjoys reading, cooking, spending time with her family and friends, and the outdoors, including gardening, hiking and going to the beach.
Kaylee Hoetger
Infant & Toddler Teacher
Kaylee's experience with young children has been almost life-long. Her mother has had an in-home childcare program for many years, and Kaylee has helped her with this program. This work inspired her to pursue teaching in an early childhood classroom. Kaylee is currently enrolled in courses to earn her early childhood education teacher permit. She likes working with children because of how rewarded she feels. She loves watching children learn new things and feel confident while doing it. Some of her hobbies include hiking, running, spending time with family and traveling. She also loves anything outdoors!
