​Meet Our Teachers

Angela Austin - Head of School/Administration

Angela Austin is the founder and Head of School at Gallatin Montessori School in beautiful Belgrade, Montana. She began her Montessori journey in 2013 with the opening of Gallatin Montessori School.  Angela graduated from Medicine Lake High School in 1996 and attended MSU-Bozeman for Theater Arts.  She is a certified Montessori Teacher for 3-6 year olds through the North American Montessori Center and has completed continuing education through the Montessori Foundation. In addition to a teaching certification, she holds an associates degree in Business Management. 

​Kristina Barnes McKinney-Head Teacher

Kristina was born and raised in Sheridan, Wyoming. She is a MSU-Bozeman 2002 Graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Psychology and English Literature. She also attended the University of Edinburgh in 2004-2005 to obtain a Master's degree in linguistics. Kristina received her Montessori certification for primary 3-6 at the Center for Guided Montessori Studies, and worked at Harbor Montessori in the Seattle area as a head teacher and music teacher.  She attended The Pacific Northwest Montessori Educational Institute to receive her Montessori Infant/Toddler Certification in 2017.  Kristina moved to Belgrade in 2018 and joined Gallatin Montessori School Spring 2019. 

Natalie Heimbuch- Assistant Teacher

Natalie was born in and raised in Belgrade, MT.  She is a 2016 graduate of Belgrade High School and has spent many years working in early childhood.  Natalie owned and operated her own early childhood program before joining Gallatin Montessori School in 2020.  Natalie also holds a Childhood Development Associate (CDA) credential. 

The greatest sign of success for a teacher... is to be able to say, ’The children are now working as if I did not exist.’ - Maria Montessori