The Fallon Chamber of Commerce hangs the red ribbon to celebrate new member Mother Nature’s Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten. From left: Chamber board member Michelle Gabiola-Rogers, owner, director and teacher Lo’rijane Trigg-Edwards, assistant director Autumn Howe, assistant teacher Ashleigh Hernandez and Chamber board member Merlene Ward.
Sara Dowling | NNG
The Fallon Chamber of Commerce held a grand opening ribbon cutting ceremony on Oct. 7 for Mother Nature’s Montessori Preschool and Kindergarten at 110 N. Taylor St.
Owner, director and teacher Lo’rijane Trigg-Edwards moved to Fallon four years ago to marry her husband, Aaron. She and her daughter, assistant director Autumn Howe, had known for years they wanted to open a school together, but they waited until COVID ran its course.
“It’s been our dream, (Howe’s) dream especially, that we would have a school together and it just finally, finally came to fruition,” Trigg-Edwards said.
Howe said she chose her career path once she realized she was passionate about learning and giving kids the same opportunities her mom had given her.
“I'm really close with my mom,” Howe said. “One of the things that I've always really been grateful for about her is that she's instilled a love of education in me, a love of learning. She was really big on making sure that I had whatever I needed to succeed.”
The school’s curriculum is built on the Montessori Method in a hands-on, nature-based program. The students range in age from 2.5 to 6 years old, which allows one group to learn by watching and one group to learn by showing. Trigg-Edwards has taught the Montessori Method for over 30 years, both professionally and in raising her own three children.
Howe has over 10 years of experience in childcare. Most recently, she has been working in Fallon as a nanny and a substitute teacher at Logos Christian Academy and Veritas Preparatory School.
The mother and daughter both also have extensive experience with special needs. Trigg-Edwards said that she and her children are autistic and Howe has a background in ABA Therapy for autism.
“While we don't cater especially to autistic children … we're very welcoming of children with any neurodiversity special needs,” Trigg-Edwards said.
Assistant teacher Ashleigh Hernandez has five years of experience as a preschool teacher and spent several summers working at a camp for youth with special needs.
A variety of schedules are available for part-time and full-time instruction.
For information, email mothernaturesmontessori@gmail.com or visit https://mnmpreschool.wixsite.com/mnm-pre-and-kinder.