Today we’d like to introduce you to Jaimee Roush.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I have always known that I wanted to work with children in some capacity. As a mother of six and an early childhood educator for over 20 years, caring for and guiding young children has been both my profession and my life’s work.
I began my career in early childhood education working in a two’s preschool classroom, where I quickly fell in love with the curiosity, honesty, and endless potential of young children. That experience shaped the foundation of my career. By the age of 21, I stepped into my first leadership role as a Director for a child care center, and I have remained in the field ever since.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work across a wide range of early childhood programs, including play-based, developmental, Montessori and Christian school environments. Each experience taught me something valuable, but it was Montessori education that truly aligned with my philosophy and passion. For the past decade, Montessori has been the heart of my work.
What I love most about the Montessori method is its intentionality—calm, orderly classrooms rooted in grace and courtesy, where children are respected as capable, independent individuals. I admire the dedication required of Montessori Guides and believe their training is what makes the approach so powerful and transformative. Montessori education is not only beautiful to observe; it is purposeful, thoughtful, and impactful.
My journey has been shaped by both my professional experiences and my role as a parent, and I feel incredibly grateful to continue leading and advocating for high-quality, child-centered education every day.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has not always been a smooth road. Like many careers built on passion and purpose, my journey has included challenges, setbacks, and moments that required resilience and perseverance.
Early childhood education is so rewarding, but it is also demanding and often thankless work. I have navigated long hours, high expectations, staffing challenges, and the constant responsibility that comes with caring for children and supporting families. Stepping into leadership roles at a young age meant learning quickly—sometimes through difficult experiences—how to lead teams, make hard decisions, and advocate for quality in environments that didn’t always prioritize it.
Balancing a career in early childhood education while raising my children has also come with its own set of challenges. There were times of exhaustion and sacrifice, but those experiences strengthened my empathy and reinforced why this work matters so much.
More recently, leading through times of change—whether shifts in organizations, evolving regulations, or the broader challenges facing the field—has required adaptability and courage. Each obstacle has shaped my leadership style, grounded me in my values, and strengthened my commitment to creating strong, supportive environments for both children and educators.
Looking back, I wouldn’t change the challenges. They have made me a more thoughtful leader, a stronger advocate, and a more compassionate guide for the communities I serve.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Today, I am Head of School at Guidepost Montessori at Timber Ridge in Frisco, TX. My work centers on leading and strengthening high-quality Montessori programs with a strong focus on program excellence, team development, and building community trust. I specialize in building calm, orderly, and intentional learning environments where children, educators, and families feel supported and valued.
I am known for my hands-on leadership style and my commitment to both educational integrity and operational excellence. I work closely with Guides to support strong classroom practices, meaningful observation, and ongoing professional growth. I also partner intentionally with families, believing that transparent communication and mutual respect are essential to a child’s success.
What I am most proud of is the culture I help create—classrooms rooted in grace and courtesy, teams that feel empowered and supported, and children who are confident, capable, and joyful in their learning. I take great pride in mentoring educators, especially those early in their careers, and helping them grow into confident, reflective Montessori professionals.
What sets me apart is the combination of my lived experience as a mother and my decades-long career in early childhood education. I understand the realities families face because I live them, and I understand the complexities of leading schools because I have navigated them firsthand. This perspective allows me to lead with empathy, clarity, and purpose, while maintaining high standards for quality and care.
Above all, I am proud to be part of a field that shapes the foundation of a child’s life. Supporting children during their most formative years—and empowering the educators who guide them—is work I consider both a responsibility and a privilege.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
The most important lesson I’ve learned is the power of humility and trust. Humility allows me to remain open—to learning, reflection, and continued growth—while trust creates the foundation for meaningful relationships with children, families, and educators.
Montessori education has reinforced this lesson. It teaches us to observe rather than control, to respect the process, and to trust the child. I have also had the opportunity to learn under some incredible mentors who modeled what it looks like to lead with integrity, patience, and purpose. Their guidance has shaped not only my leadership style, but also my commitment to continuous growth.
When humility and trust guide leadership, people feel supported, capable, and confident—and that is where true learning and transformation begin.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://guidepostmontessori.com/schools/timber-ridge-frisco-tx
- Instagram: timberridge_montessori
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TimberRidgeMontessori/
