Admin & Management:
Genevieve
Founder & Owner
Genevieve has been an early childhood educator for over 25 years. Her first Nanny job sparked a love of teaching that led her to open and run a preschool through ASUM-University of Montana Childcare in 1997 while attending University. She majored in Environmental Journalism and received her CDA credentials as well as her Preschool Teaching certification.
Genevieve was the Assistant Site Director and Lead Preschool Teacher for two early childhood education programs operating through the Seattle Public School system where she developed a groundbreaking pre-k curriculum. She moved back to Montana and opened Advantage Academic Academy Preschool in 2002 where she cared for and taught infants through preschoolers as well as providing before & after school care and summer camps for school-age children up to 6th grade.
Genevieve then accepted a position as the Executive Director of the non-profit Sustainable Business Council where she advanced the vision of helping Missoula become a prosperous, collaborative community that fulfills the promise of the triple bottom line: a healthy society, economy, and environment by promoting a vibrant local economy built on sustainable practices. Genevieve was among the first fellowship cohort with the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies, a two-year program designed for leaders who are advancing the development of healthy, equitable local economies. Local Economy Fellows are selected based on their vision, their leadership, and their role as strategic connectors, supporters, and influencers of local entrepreneurs and their businesses. Whether leading entrepreneur networks, community business incubators, or regional economic development initiatives, they are practical champions of new ways of doing business and organizing economies that work for all.
After 4 years at the helm of SBC, Genevieve decided to combine her passion for teaching children with her expertise in the principles of sustainability with the opening of Origins Education in 2011. By supporting families in fostering a solid intellectual, emotional, social and physical foundation, Genevieve believes that we develop a love for life-long learning. She created a eco-literacy and mindfulness curriculum that is both play-based and place-based and is honored to teach young children about the earth, it’s fascinating cycles and how to respect and care for it and all of its inhabitants.
In 2022, Origins Curriculum was launched to the world and is now its own company offering award winning curriculum to the K12 space. Origins won the international Greening Education Solutions Provider Award which was presented during UN Climate week at Cornell University. Origins Curriculum provides year-round, nature-based and mindfulness infused curriculum for the globally for both classroom educators and homeschool families.
Genevieve is passionate about the environment, organic food, gardening, photography, mindfulness and music. When not watching over the magic happening at Origins she is spending time with her family enjoying all the beauty that western Montana offers.
Toni
Campus Manager Toni grew up on the Rocky Boy Reservation, where she met the love of her life, Anthony. Together, they have two beautiful children, Aariah and AJ. They were also blessed to raise three of her nephews, Randall, Tyler, and Braiton, quickly becoming a family of seven.
Toni has been working in the Early Childhood field for over a decade, specializing in the care and development of children ages 0–5 years. She has experience in both group and center-based childcare settings and has completed many trainings in early childhood, including becoming a Nurturing Parenting Facilitator. She is passionate about creating a positive, safe, and engaging environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive.
In her spare time, you can catch Toni on the sidelines cheering her children on at their sporting events, attending a cycling class, or simply relaxing on the couch with their dog Bella. Email Ashley
SeQuoia
Assistant Director and Nutrition & Supply Manager SeQuoia grew up in a preschool setting and has been working with young children her entire life. SeQuoia brings her passion for music, art and creative play to Origins with her unique and effective teaching style.
SeQuoia has her STARS Preschool Teacher certification and has many years of experience with both infants & Toddlers as well as preschool-aged children. She worked as a teachers aide for 2 years at Advantage Academic Academy Preschool previously and has been with Origins since 2011.
When not working with children, SeQuoia enjoys cooking, horseback riding and spending her time outside in her garden, camping and hiking with her family. She creates high-end custom hula hoops and organic bath and body products for clients around the world.
Teaching Staff:
Ashley
Sr Preschool Teacher Ashley was raised in Columbia Falls MT, and moved to missoula after high school to attend the University of Montana.
Ashley has many years of experience in childcare, working in early education facilities since starting college. She got her Preschool Teacher certificate, and is a STARS certified teacher.
Ashley brings a hands on play based atmosphere into the classroom. In her free time she enjoys being outdoors like most Missoulians, hiking, skiing, and mountain biking.
Emily
Early Learners & Jr Preschool Co Teacher bio coming soon
Ashley
Early Learners & Jr Preschool Float Ashley bio coming soon
Aria
Infant Toddler Teacher Aria brings a grounded presence and a creative heart to her work at Origins. Born and raised in Helena, MT, she has experience in both licensed childcare centers and rehabilitation facilities, giving her a deep appreciation and empathy for the emotional and developmental needs of both young children and adults.
Now recently moved into her new home in Missoula and pursuing a degree at the University of Montana, Aria is excited to grow roots in a new community. She values the small, everyday rituals of early childhood and loves helping children explore their world with curiosity and confidence that will last a lifetime.
In her free time, Aria is a passionate singer, bassist, and artist. She believes music is a powerful tool for expression and connection, and enjoys sharing song, rhythm, and creativity with the world around her—and the classroom!
Emma
Jr Preschool Float & Substitute Teacher Emma is a born and raised Missoulian who is currently going into her 3rd year at the University of Montana. She is pursuing degrees in Music Education and Flute Performance.
After she graduates, she hopes to work with K-4th grade students and help develop their love for the arts. Emma loves working with children and can’t wait to be a positive impact on the many students who pass through her classroom.
When she isn’t at work, she can be found frolicking outside with friends, gardening, or playing one of her many instruments.
Adrienne
Origins Preschool Assistant & Float Adrienne bio coming soon
Malorie
Early Learners and Jr Preschool Co Teacher Malorie graduated from the University of Montana in 2021 with a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has many years of experience working with children through preschool teaching and nannying, as well as experience in healthcare.
Malorie is a strong believer in play-based learning and feels that children learn best through hands-on experiences, exploration, and time spent outdoors. She is also passionate about social-emotional learning and believes that helping children develop confidence, empathy, self-regulation, and positive relationships is just as important as supporting their academic growth.
In her free time, Malorie enjoys spending time outdoors backpacking, camping, and traveling with her husband. She also loves finding creative outlets both in and out of the classroom. Some of her favorite hobbies include drawing, painting, and creating earrings with polymer clay.
Support Staff
Isabella
All Classroom Assistant Isabella was born in Michigan but grew up in Kalispell, MT. She moved to Missoula and is currently a Senior at the University of Montana obtaining a degree in Social Work and will continue on working in the field of children’s mental health as a licensed therapist.
In her free time Isabella enjoys hanging out with her friends, creating art, and movie nights. She loves spending time outdoors and working with children.. it has been her passion since she was in elementary school.
Substitute Teachers:
Amber
Substitute Teacher Amber has just completed her twelfth year working with both early childhood learners and elementary aged students. She’s been both an early literacy para educator and a special education paraeducator while working for Missoula County Public Schools. This past year, she’s had the opportunity to substitute in various programs across the district and she also substitutes at another Missoula
preschool. From 2013-2018, Amber provided five years of mental health and behavioral support to students at Franklin Elementary School while working for Western Montana Mental Health Center.
Amber loves teaching young children about self-advocacy, emotional regulation, and how to problem solve with their peers. She believes the best way to learn is through experience and lots and lots of play!
Outside of work, Amber loves being at home snuggled up with her kitty, Henry. She also loves thrifting, going on walks, cross stitching, attending shows along the Blackfoot or at The Wilma, reading, and a long nap. She and her partner enjoy getting away to Bigfork throughout the year to enjoy time with friends and family.
Natalie
Substitute Teacher Natalie is a licensed elementary school teacher from Utah. She has taught both 1st and 2nd grade. She thrives working with young children and watching them grow to reach their goals.
Natalie has also taught piano lessons for 5 years, and loves to incorporate music into teaching whenever possible.
Natalie and her husband are the parents of 2 sweet boys, and 1 sweet dog. They love to take their family hiking, out to try new restaurants, and when possible, spend time in Disneyland!
Isha
Isha grew up in Lewistown, MT, and moved to Missoula to pursue a degree in Music Education at the University of Montana, where she is currently a Sophomore. She has always loved working with kids of all ages, and has become very passionate about education as a result.
Isha believes the importance of quality educators in a child’s life cannot be stressed enough. She is excited to graduate and go on to become a positive impact on the lives of future generations.
In her free time, Isha can be found exploring somewhere outside, practicing one of the various instruments she has picked up over time, or having fun with her friends.
Mr Jay
Mr Jay is a multi-faceted--and super silly--educator who has done creative stints including assistant camp director, afterschool curriculum coordinator, children’s museum lead teacher, special ed inclusion provider, nanny, and preschool teacher. He is grateful to currently roll around in the dirt and grass at the Origins yard in Missoula several times a week.
Additionally, he is an acoustic alternative songwriter and occasional oddball poet/short form writer. His work dips between semi-psychedelic lyricism, folk album review, flash fiction, and outdoor-centered travel writing. He lives and plays in Montana with his wonderful, also-educator wife when not on the road or other enjoyable woods.