Hello, I’m Ashley Voigt, and I come to Milestone with over 23 years of experience as a Montessori Guide and Director. I hold an Infant/Toddler credential from the American Montessori Society and a degree in Child Development. I am also an Instructor and Field Consultant at the Houston Montessori Center. Supporting teachers in creating warm, engaging, and developmentally aligned environments for young children is one of my greatest joys. In my spare time, I enjoy running, cooking, and hanging out with my nieces & nephews. I am a foodie, and love trying new restaurants both in Houston and when traveling.
Our Team
Ashley Voigt
Director
Nayab Ali
Administrator
Hi! I’m Nayab Ali, and I am an Administrator here at Milestone. I was born and raised in Houston, where I was introduced to the Montessori philosophy as a child in a Montessori school. I have the fondest memories of my childhood there, alongside my two sisters – working with the materials, participating in rich cultural experiences, and celebrating through community events. I graduated from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor’s and Master’s in Accounting and completed my CPA certification shortly thereafter. When I’m not at the school, I’m spending time with friends and family, binging a show on Netflix, drawing, and enjoying tasty food! I’m excited to be part of your family’s journey at Milestone!
Christian Perez
Lead Guide
Hello, I’m Christian Perez. I have been working in Montessori education for 14 years and hold a degree in Human Development and Family Studies. I am a Field Consultant at the Houston Montessori Center, where I enjoy supporting teachers as they grow in their Montessori practice. Working alongside both children and adults on their learning journeys is something I deeply value. Outside of work, I enjoy reading, listening to audiobooks, learning to quilt, and going to concerts.
Cassie Simeon
Lead Guide
Hello, I’m Cassie Simeon, the Upper Infant Lead Guide. I am a native Houstonian. I received my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Hendrix College and my Infant and Toddler credential from the American Montessori Society. I have worked with children for over 16 years, 13 of which as a Montessori-trained teacher. I am passionate about Montessori philosophy, child development, and social/emotional learning. In my spare time, I enjoy reading, cooking, embroidery, archery, stargazing, spending time with my nieces and nephews, playing with my pets, and going to Astros games with my husband.
Jade Hegger
Lead Guide
Hello, I’m Jade Hegger, Toddler Lead Guide. I received my Bachelor of Science in Human Development and Family Studies from Texas Tech University. This is my fourth year as a Lead Guide in a Montessori classroom and my fifth year in a Montessori environment. I earned my Infant/Toddler certification through an American Montessori Society-accredited center, where I deepened my understanding of early childhood education and learned how to individualize the Montessori curriculum to meet each child’s unique needs. I am passionate about the Montessori philosophy and guiding children to become their best selves. I’m excited to meet your families and provide a safe, nurturing environment where every child can thrive!
Alyssa Brown
Co-Lead Primary Guide
Hi! I’m Ms. Alyssa. My Montessori journey began as a child, attending Montessori school throughout my elementary years, which sparked my lifelong appreciation for the philosophy and inspired me to become a guide. I hold a B.S. in Biology from the University of Houston, a Master of Education from the Institute of Educational Studies, and an AMS Early Childhood Credential. I am in my eighth year of Montessori education and have more than 10 years of experience working with children as an art teacher, tutor, assistant guide, after-school art and science teacher, summer camp coordinator, and lead guide. Outside of work, I enjoy creating art, exploring nature, reading, writing, and photography. I love bringing these interests into the classroom and encouraging children to explore, create, and develop a sense of wonder. I am excited to continue building meaningful relationships with my students and their families while creating a peaceful, joyful environment where each child can grow in independence, confidence, curiosity, and a lifelong love of learning.
Kensie Reuss
Co-Lead Primary Guide
Hello, I am Mckensie Reuss. I’m joining the Milestone community with 12 years of experience in a variety of Montessori settings. I am AMS-credentialed at the Primary Level and hold a bachelor’s degree in Montessori Early Childhood Education. I have a deep appreciation and reverence for the Montessori method and all the joyful learning experiences it brings, and I feel honored to be able to be a part of those learning experiences in the classroom each day. I love studying the neuroscience of language development and love to watch children’s journey from early language through to reading and writing. When I’m not in the classroom, I can be found enjoying time in nature with my family or trying my hand at a new crafting hobby.
Claisalia Tirado
Support Guide
Hello! My name is Claisalia, but you can call me Clai. I was born and raised in Mexico, and I recently completed my Infant-Toddler Montessori credential at West Side Montessori School. I graduated from Universidad Panamericana in Mexico City with a Bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. My Montessori journey began with my three-year-old daughter, whose growth and development deeply inspired me. I became fascinated with Montessori’s hands-on materials and child-centered approach. My husband, who has fond memories of his own Montessori education, was the first to introduce me to the method. I’m excited to support children in developing independence and confidence through meaningful experiences at Milestone.
Racheal Gonzalez
Support Guide
My name is Racheal Gonzalez, and I have 14 years of experience working with children. I fell in love with the Montessori approach, which has not only shaped my work but also taught me valuable lessons as an adult. Outside of my passion for education, I enjoy working out, spending time outdoors, traveling, and being with my family.
Amber Williams
Support Guide
Hello, my name is Amber Williams! I was introduced to Montessori in 2019 while living in New York City, where I had the opportunity to teach art to preschoolers in an enrichment program. I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and have over five years of experience in early childhood and elementary education. I look forward to continuing to grow by obtaining my Infant/Toddler Montessori credential. My latest hobby is cycling, and I appreciate nature, beauty, and exploring different cultures through food and the arts. I am excited to cultivate a meaningful connection with your child and your family!
Emily Reyna
Support Guide
Hi, I’m Ms Emily. I’ve worked with children throughout my life through babysitting, tutoring, piano lessons, and swimming classes. I graduated from the University of Houston with a Bachelor’s in Psychology. I have always loved working with children because of what they teach you about emotions, nurturing, and human psychology. I hope to learn more about emotional development and help counsel others in the future. I love working in Montessori environments, especially because of the way it teaches you to step inside the child’s mind and truly guide.
Angel Riggins
Support Guide
Howdy! I am Ms. Angel, and I am a Support Guide here at Milestone, with seven years of experience in early childhood settings. I am currently pursuing a degree in Elementary Education with the goal of becoming an elementary school teacher. I am passionate about creating a warm, supportive environment where children feel safe, valued, and excited to learn. Supporting their growth in confidence and curiosity is one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Some of my favorite things include calming earth tones, Italian cuisine, the film Beauty and the Beast, cows, and the cozy fall season. Family is very important to me; we enjoy cooking, baking, and sharing meals. In my free time, I also enjoy trying new recipes and sharing them with others. I look forward to continuing to grow in my role, learning alongside children, and building strong relationships with families in our community.
Sarah Perkins
Support Guide
Hi all, my name is Sarah Perkins, and I’m grateful to be part of the Milestone team! I have a decade of childcare experience, with the last nine years in a Montessori environment. I truly enjoy supporting young minds and encouraging children to explore their natural talents, creativity, and inspiration to succeed. I am an art lover and express that passion in and outside of the classroom – painting abstract and impressionistic pieces, making funky jewelry, or working on musical projects. I briefly studied fashion design and marketing, so you might occasionally see me in an avant-garde yet comfortable look. I also love cooking with friends, family, or my partner. I have a cat and a cockatiel for pets – and hope to add a few more to my family! If you see me around, feel free to share a delicious recipe, a favorite art piece, or a picture of your pets!