Denée Longan
Lead Teacher, Denée Longan, discovered the Montessori Method after graduating from college. She quickly knew that this was the philosophy that fit with her own ideals and personality. She graduated from Montessori Northwest in 2005 with her Children’s House (ages 3-6) diploma and completed her Masters in Education from Loyola University soon thereafter.
Denée has guided several children’s house and toddler communities in the Portland area, and has more than 18 years of experience. She enjoys the challenge of learning how to meet each child’s unique needs and likes to incorporate different techniques to meet a variety of sensory needs. She views each child as a contributing member of the whole classroom experience and likes to see how they gel to form a cohesive community.
Lead Teacher, Denée Longan, discovered the Montessori Method after graduating from college. She quickly knew that this was the philosophy that fit with her own ideals and personality. She graduated from Montessori Northwest in 2005 with her Children’s House (ages 3-6) diploma and completed her Masters in Education from Loyola University soon thereafter.
Denée has guided several children’s house and toddler communities in the Portland area, and has more than 18 years of experience. She enjoys the challenge of learning how to meet each child’s unique needs and likes to incorporate different techniques to meet a variety of sensory needs. She views each child as a contributing member of the whole classroom experience and likes to see how they gel to form a cohesive community.
Victoria Ensz
Assistant Teacher, Victoria Ensz, was born and raised in Spokane, WA and moved to Portland 16 years ago to finish college at Portland State University where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Social Science and Secondary Education. Victoria's college roommate taught her about Montessori Education and they started working together at SunGarden Montessori in West Linn. This is also where Victoria met Denée for the first time. After working in Montessori for a few years, Victoria took time off to raise her own two children at home before returning to Montessori work for several more years. Victoria is currently a board member of SMMS and a member of Portland Mennonite Church. She is thrilled about working with Denée again and is looking forward to the school year ahead.
Assistant Teacher, Victoria Ensz, was born and raised in Spokane, WA and moved to Portland 16 years ago to finish college at Portland State University where she graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Social Science and Secondary Education. Victoria's college roommate taught her about Montessori Education and they started working together at SunGarden Montessori in West Linn. This is also where Victoria met Denée for the first time. After working in Montessori for a few years, Victoria took time off to raise her own two children at home before returning to Montessori work for several more years. Victoria is currently a board member of SMMS and a member of Portland Mennonite Church. She is thrilled about working with Denée again and is looking forward to the school year ahead.
