Academics

Our Faculty

Spotlight on our Faculty

Becky Roberts, English
BA, Bates College
MA, Middlebury College
MA, Character Education, University of Birmingham (UK) 

“In our middle school, we focus on good habits of mind, character and heart, like empathy, compassion and hope, to help the girls develop strong, enduring relationships. At this age, they are ripe for good coaching and open to good conversations; we want to engage them in ways that will help them grow.”

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  • Photo of Ellen Baker
    Ellen Baker
    6th Grade Dean, Religion Faculty
    508.359.2423 x319
    University of Dallas - BA
    Harvard University Extension School - MA
    Bio
     
    Why are you passionate about your subject?
    I love seeing when students start making connections between what we are learning and how life works. It's hard not to be passionate about one's faith, and I love sharing my enthusiasm and helping students see and understand why a creed and faith are important to live a full life.

    What are the benefits of an all girls education? 
    Girls can be themselves. Whether it's asking a question in class, leading a club or playing musical chairs at Common Homeroom, it's still cool to be smart and play hard at Montrose!  
     
    What’s a book that has influenced you?
    Elephant Company by Vicki Croke, about Burmese elephants that were instrumental in getting women and children out of the jungle during World War II. This true story both intrigued and inspired me. I had no idea elephants were so intuitive, and I was awed to learn about how this creature has has a rhythm and purpose to its life. 
     
    Who is someone past or present you would love to have dinner with and why?
    Jesus: I'd love to see his eyes, ask a few questions and learn how he converses with people.

    What are some of your passions, hobbies or skills outside the classroom?
    I love reading, horses, paddle boarding and being outside.
  • Photo of Monica Baker
    Monica Baker
    Math teacher, Science teacher, Science Dept Coordinator
    Worcester Polytechnic Institute - BS
    University of Michigan - MBA
    Bio
     
    What do you love about teaching?
    I love helping students understand new concepts. There is nothing better than when you see the lightbulb go off over a student's head when a concept clicks.

    Why are you passionate about your subjects?
    Math and science have always been fun for me because they help make sense of the world. I especially want to help girls learn to love these subjects because they have traditionally been discouraged from them.

    What are the benefits of an all girls education?
    I believe an all girls education is extremely powerful. In co-ed classrooms, often boys speak up more in class and end up dominating the class discussions. An all girls school builds girls’ self-confidence in a way that they don't get in a mixed gender education. 

    What is your favorite Montrose tradition?
    I particularly like the welcome handshake line on the first day of school, because it helps create a community from day one and makes new students and teachers feel welcome. I also like the annual day of service because it teaches the girls to give back.

    Is there a quote or motto that inspires you?
    “Attitude is a choice. Happiness is a choice. Optimism is a choice. Kindness is a choice. Giving is a choice. Respect is a choice. Whatever choice you make makes you. Choose wisely.” - Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

    What are some of your passions, hobbies or skills outside the classroom?
    I love to read, hike and crochet.
  • Photo of Michelle Barrette
    Michelle Barrette
    Associate Director of Admission
    508-359-2423 x 387
    Georgetown University - BA
  • Photo of Patti Bettinelli
    Patti Bettinelli
    Physical Education teacher, Coach Varsity Field Hockey, J.V. Basketball, Asst. Varsity Lacrosse
    University of New Hampshire - BS
    Bio
     
    What do you love about teaching?  
    I really enjoy teaching the girls new sports and games that they may have never played before. I love teaching them how important exercise is and having them try new things and succeed at them. They enjoy trying new sports in PE and it has sparked many to go on to play these sports at Montrose.

    What are the benefits of an all girls education?
    The way the girls thrive and grow in confidence. From the very start in 6th grade, they are given assignments where they have to speak or defend topics to the class. They learn to have confidence in what they say and to be fearless in their defense of their opinions and beliefs. The girls have friendships with boys after school or on the weekends, but in the academic setting they can focus on their schoolwork.

    What is your favorite Montrose tradition?
    I love all of our Christmas traditions, from Secret Santa, to decorating poles in the cafeteria, to our Christmas Lessons & Carols concert. It makes it feel like a family here.

    What’s a book that has influenced you?
    My favorite book is Putting Down Roots by Fr. Joseph Muzquiz. It is about how Opus Dei began in the United States with Fr. Sal, and Servant of God Fr. Joseph. They started with nothing and came with their faith. It is such an inspiration for me. I especially love it because it mentions our own chaplain emeritus, Rev. Richard Rieman (“Fr. Dick”), who was one of the first members.

    Is there a quote or motto that inspires you?
    "Your life is not about you. It’s about God and God’s purpose for you. Orient your life to God." - Bishop Robert Barron

    What are some of your passions, hobbies or skills outside the classroom?
    I love to watch and play many sports, most recently tennis. I have also played in a competitive field hockey leagues for more than 16 years. I love to hike, kayak and travel, and to spend time with my husband and our six awesome kids.
  • Photo of Jennifer Bowman
    Jennifer Bowman
    Art, Religion
    Fitchburg State College - BS
    University of Birmingham (UK) - MA
    Bio
     
    What do you love about teaching? 
    Art is a unique view into a girl's learning habits. Because the process is slow, it allows me to coach each student on what she does well and how she can tweak her work and improve her skills. I see the process evolve and can encourage them to be intellectually courageous and learn from their mistakes. And it's fun to see the girls exercise the other side of the brain and shift into a different pace - I love watching it unfold.

    Why are you passionate about your subject?
    In art, we are teaching about beauty, human connection and the human experience in different times and different cultures. 

    What is a favorite project you do with students?
    • I do a drawing project where I teach the girls how to give feedback in a way that is clear, concise and constructive. At first they are self-conscious and worry about hurting feelings, but with practice they gain the vocabulary to give constructive feedback that helps others improve their work.
    • The linear perspective project in Studio Renaissance Art is lots of fun. Students study a building in Florance, then on paper they work out the perspective lines and vanishing points. As they work, they discover how the architect designed the building in the 1400s. It's like a treasure hunt.
    What is special about working at Montrose?
    Everyone here truly cares about every student, every colleague and everyone who comes through the door. The faculty and staff are truly interested in helping every girl become the best version of herself -  intellectually, spiritually, in every way.  It is a very authentic place. I am always inspired by what my colleagues are doing in the classroom.

    What is your favorite Montrose tradition?
    The Baccalaureate Mass and Senior Dinner, when faculty, staff and parents celebrate graduating seniors. It's a beautiful evening when we can reflect on the journey that each of the students has been on. 

    What’s a book that has influenced you?
    John Adams by David McCullough. I am awed by the character of these individuals who were stretched beyond what they ever considered under great adversity and great ideals. They started under such odds.

    What is something that students would be surprised to learn about you? 
    I have drive across the country twice; I'm a big fan of the underdog; and I learned to fly a plane from my dad who was a pilot. 
  • Catherine Buttner

Dedicated to a Unique Mission

Our faculty are teachers and scholars. They are well read, well traveled, lifelong learners with a wide range of interests. They teach, write and present for audiences outside Montrose School.

Their most important qualification, however, is that they understand and appreciate young women. They remain advisors and mentors to our girls long after they graduate. 

Montrose faculty are...

  • Committed to collaborating with parents to help each student achieve her personal best and discover the joy of learning.
  • Passionate about their subjects, their students and the adventure of learning and teaching.
  • Mentors who create a culture of academic seriousness, intellectual freedom and moral integrity where students can grow in confidence and self-knowledge.
  • Caring adults who notice, take an interest in, and come to love and appreciate each student as an individual.
  • Professional educators who take their own intellectual lives seriously and engage in ongoing study and professional development.

Academic News

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DR. AMY BALTZELL, SPORTS AND COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST, PROFESSOR OF EDUCATION, BOSTON UNIVERSITY

Montrose School's focus on educating the whole person holds true for its faculty as well.
These teachers have the passion and caring to transform lives.
There is something amazing going on here.
An independent school for girls in grades 6-12 guided by the teachings of the Catholic Church.

Montrose School

P: 508-359-2423