Head of School
Education:
- 1986 Elementary AMI Diploma: Dublin College of Montesssori
- 1981 Primary AMI Diploma: Dublin College of Montessori
- 1980 Bachelor of Arts in Spanish and Archeology: University College of Dublin
A native of Ireland, Adele moved to the U.S. at the age of 24 to become Head of School for the Kennebec Montessori School in Maine. With over 30 years of experience in the Montessori environment as a guide or administrator, Adele is highly dedicated to the Montessori approach to education. Adele has been with CMS since 2010 when she moved to Oregon, first as the Ginkgo Elementary Guide, advancing then to Head of School the following year in 2011. Adele received her primary AMI training at the Dublin College of Montessori in 1981, and returned to Ireland for training in elementary Montessori instruction in 1986. She also holds a degree in Spanish and Archeology (1980) from the University College of Dublin.
Adele has a busy family life, with one son and three step-children - all now in their 20’s - and two grandchildren. Two of her children were Montessori students, and both of her grandchildren currently attend a Montessori school in Seattle. In her free time, Adele enjoys golfing, and she is a talented musician. She takes great joy in bringing her love of music to our CMS students, leading weekly tin whistle lessons for the elementary children, and playing her harp and guitar for all to enjoy.
Breakfast With Adele
Our informational breakfast sessions provide parents at CMS an opportunity to discuss parents' ideas for improving our school as well as ask any questions about the direction of the school and/or the pedagogical approach of Montessori. Consult the schedule and let us know which day you can attend.
All Breakfasts with Adele take place on every 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month, from 9:00 to 10:00am. RSVP required.
Note: Schedules are subject to change. Please check the CMS calendar to confirm event date and time.
Upcoming Breakfasts with Adele
Board of Trustees
The Corvallis Montessori School currently has 9 board members who serve a two-years term. The board elects new members during the Spring. The board usually meets once per month and will also meet if an emergency issue arises. To view Board of Trustees meeting minutes, click here.
It is the Board's responsibility to take a long-term, strategic view and to conduct oversight. The board has committees which address fundraising, recruit new members, oversee the school's finances, and ensure our facilities are cared for.
If you are interested in becoming a board member, or have questions/concerns or other matters, please feel free to contact the board at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
2012-2013 CMS Board of Trustees
Prospective Families
The Corvallis Montessori School welcomes all families regardless of race, color, ethnic origin, religion, or lifestyle. We encourage prospective families to engage their interest in lifelong learning and welcome participation in classroom observation, our info breakfasts with the head of school, parent education meetings, and other events. Once you have applied for admission, you can also be added to our email lists and receive information on a wide range of community events. To welcome a new family to our community, a mentor will be assigned to a new family! A mentor is a current parent at our school and will help you get acquainted with other families.
We encourage families to make an appointment to visit our school and observe for themselves. Our unique offerings are best understood by observing the children in action. We also welcome all families to get to know our faculty, staff and current families. Be a guest at Community Gathering or join us in parent courses and workshops offered throughout the year.
Parent Association
What is the Parent Association?
At the lead of the Head of School this group was formed by a group of interested parents in 2008. The Parent Association’s mission is to support the general CMS mission by facilitating the growth and maintenance of the CMS community. This mission is accomplished by:
- Welcoming new parents;
- Encouraging and facilitating communication between parents and the CMS administration;
- Providing a safe environment for parents to discuss, problem solve and get support from other CMS community members;
- Promoting education of the philosophy, practices, and curriculum of Dr. Maria Montessori; and
- Encouraging participation in CMS social events and fundraisers.
How Can I Get Involved?
- Attend Regular Parent Association (PA) Meetings:
Parent Association meetings are held once a month, on the 1st Wednesday of the month (approximately 8:45 AM – 9:45 AM), in the Commons (for a rainy cold day) or in front of the school (for a sunny day).
- Get Involved with a PA Committee:
There are three PA committees: 1) parent support; 2) community building; and 3) fundraising (to complement efforts by the Auction Committee and the CMS Board Fundraising Committee). The committees will publicize specific meeting dates and times and other means of participating.
- Help as Specific Opportunities are Identified:
Throughout the year, the PA will highlight specific opportunities to help out. You are encouraged to lend a hand to fulfill these specific tasks when they are publicized. Watch for e-mails and postings at the School regarding future opportunities.
What If I Can’t Attend either Wednesday or Friday Morning PA Meetings?
We understand that not all of you may be able to attend either Wednesday or Friday morning PA meetings or regular committee meetings. It is not a requirement to attend regular meetings to be part of the PA or otherwise involved with the PA’s activities. One of the PA’s goals is to promote multiple ways for parents to get involved as their time and schedules allow.
For More Information:
Meeting announcements and other periodic updates about the PA’s activities will be posted on the bulletin board to the right of the entrance of the Commons. Updates also will be posted to the CMS list serv e-mail address. If you would like more information about CMS Parent Association, please This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. us.
Note: PA meeting schedules are subject to change. Please check the CMS calendar to confirm event date and time.
