Staff Stories

Mary Anne Duffus

What is your role at Brooksfield School?
Founder and Executive Director

What motivated you to start Brooksfield School?
Early on in my teaching, I realized schools were strong in their curriculum structure, but were not innovative with their styles of teaching. Kids thrive when the atmosphere is warm, loving, and fun. Teachers enjoy teaching when they are respected and know there is room for advancement. Schools are more dynamic when there is a strong sense of community and everyone in the community respects the wonder and magic of children.

What sets Brooksfield apart from other Montessori schools?
Brooksfield is innovative and always seeking the best in education for its students and teachers. We value compassion, community, and creativity. We explore many ways to tap into our community through service projects, and improve our natural outdoor environment. Our students connect with their thoughts through our creative arts classes, connect to the earth through our organic gardening, and to themselves through mindful meditation.

What do you want your students to gain from having come to Brooksfield?
The pre-school and toddler ages are so important for laying the foundation for social emotional, physical, intellectual and spiritual qualities of the child. We hope they leave us with established freindships, a strong love of learning and a solid sense of who they are. We hope they have a connection to our earth and its treasures, and share their respect and knowledge with others.