Staff
owner, Director, co-lead teacher
Bridget Coffey
Hello! My name is Bridget. :) I love working in the Early Childhood Education field in many capacities. My interest in working with children began when I was a teenager, when I had the opportunity to teach Irish step dancing to children of all ages. My favorite students were always the little ones! I loved figuring out how to teach the younger students and found them the most entertaining.
After high school, I pursued a career in Early Childhood Education, completing my Montessori teaching certification, my State Director License, and a Realtionship-based Coaching certificate. Today, I continue to work directly with children while also coaching other ECE professionals and supporting new Montessori teachers as they begin their teaching careers.
I feel incredibly fortunate to work with such amazing families and to have the opportunity to partner with the City of Longmont. Building relationships with children, families, and educators is one of my favorite parts of what I do.
I am passionate about Early Childhood Education and Montessori principles. I have a knack for understanding children and engaging them meaningfully at their developmentally appropriate level. I believe children are capable, curious, and deserving of respect, and I strive to create environments where young children can grow with confidence, autonomy, and love.
co-lead teacher
My name is Samantha, and I am joining Chestnut this school year to continue pursuing my interest in early childhood education. Throughout my career endeavors, I have discovered that the combination of patience and attention to detail that I like to practice has molded me for working with children. Because of this discovery, I completed the Child Development Associate Certificate program in 2025 and am continuing my education and training in this field.
My philosophy is that there is a balance between structure and play that organically produces learning, and that is what I hope to bring with me to this program.
A few fun facts about me: I am a Colorado native, born in Boulder and raised in Longmont. I enjoy living in Longmont, although the traffic can be a little insane at times! I have two dogs who are advanced in age, and they are my motivation every day to keep moving forward. I love watching movies in theaters, spending time outdoors, and reading poetry. I also volunteer at my church as much as I can with the youth ministry and cleaning team.
You will come to know more about me with time, and I am excited to meet you all and get to know you as well!
Supporting staff/Sub
I’m Amanda, and I’m thrilled to get to work with the Chestnut Montessori community as a substitute teacher!
As a former Chestnut parent, I had the opportunity to volunteer in the classroom and have always been impressed by the respect and trust given to even the youngest learners to take ownership of their educational journey.
Before becoming a mom to my two daughters, I worked as a research scientist in psychology and genetics. I have always been fascinated by young children’s deeply curious nature and their experimental process of understanding the world around them. In my role, I hope to continue to facilitate and witness these explorations.
What Our Parents Say:
“Our son began his school years in the care of Bridget. The experience was everything we could have ever hoped for. I will always remember the warm feeling I felt as I watched her murmur encouragement into his tiny two-year-old ear on that first day of school. As the days and weeks turned into months, it remained apparent that she was the perfect person for the job.
His time with Gertie proved to be just as successful. Her gentle guidance led him to discover new joys in the classroom as a four-year-old. Those early years of school absolutely shored up his natural, innate love of learning, preparing him to move onto the years ahead when he will need to have that deep well to draw from. ”
Celebrating Gertie Coffey
We would like to thank Gertie Coffey for all her years of service, dedication, and care to the children of Colorado.
After raising four children of her own and teaching for 30 years—including teaching all of her grandchildren—Gertie is ready for a well-deserved retirement.
For three decades, she has cared for, taught, and supported so many children and families. Her love for children and dedication to teaching have made a lasting difference in the lives of those around her.
We are so grateful for everything Gertie has given to the children, families, and community she has served over the years.
Thank you, Gertie, and congratulations on your retirement!
