Sharlie began her teaching career in early childhood classrooms in 2008. Since then, she has spent the past seventeen years guiding children of all abilities between the ages of 0 - 13. She earned her undergraduate degree in Child Psychology & Development and a diploma in neurodiversities support before discovering the Montessori approach to education in 2012. Trained in both the first and second planes of development, Sharlie has taught respectively in the 3-6, 6-9 and 9-12 Montessori blended-age environments. It was here that she discovered the benefits of multi-age, child-led learning and being a guide vs a teacher. 

In 2019, Sharlie launched a one-to-one “Montessori Mentorship” program to support the learning of homeschooling parents and new graduates of Montessori Education. She devotes time each week to meet with her mentees around the globe to help deepen their Montessori knowledge, collaborate on observations and help make sense of the spiraling curriculum and child psychology.

In 2022, Sharlie made the decision to leave the formal classroom following a lifetime of being either the student or the guide in this formal setting. After years of watching learners struggle in the school system, including herself, Sharlie designed a program specifically for families with diverse learners - SEADPod is a first of its kind in our local area. With a devoted focus on nervous system safety and connection before direction, Sharlie’s program helps learners to experience the benefits of multi-age peer-learning without the typical pressures, demands, and sensory overload of the classroom. She spends her days guiding a small pod of elementary homeschooling students through academic, social, emotional/character and enrichment activities following the principles of the Montessori Method.

Sharlie is a passionate artist, storyteller, and nature lover. She enjoys infusing these passions into her work with children & adults.  As a neurodivergent educator, Sharlie knows the importance of finding your passions and living your most authentic life.