our CREW

MEET THE CASCO CREW

Educators at heart, world travelers by trade

CASCO was born from a decision by education pioneers who were bold enough to dream and brave enough to try.

Maria J. Casco, Founder & Lead Educator

Hark the sound! A die hard Tar Heel, Maria holds her Master's degree in Education as well as her Association of Montessori International (AMI) Diploma in Primary Education. She received her dual Bachelor's degrees in International Studies and Linguistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

Maria has been an educator since 2015. Her biggest joy in this world is working with children and sparking in them the same love she feels for exploring our world. An avid scuba diver, cycling enthusiast, and animal lover, Maria holds steadfast in her belief that life is a collection of memories and you can bet that she is on a perpetual quest for more!

Maria was born and raised in Mexico, lived in France, and has now spent the majority of her life in the United States.

Above all else, she is a passionate advocate of change; a representative of a multicultural upbringing committed to spreading the inspiration of what it means to belong everywhere.

She is happily settled in Saint Louis with her incredible spouse, Ali, and their annoyingly lovable rescue pups, Chandler & Joey.

WE ARE on a quest for knowledge, culture, and adventure.

Jenna Hill, Co-Founder & Lead Educator

Jenna Hill has been a Montessori educator since 2009. Along with her Association of Montessori International (AMI) Diploma in Elementary Education, a Master's Degree in Montessori Studies, and her Montessori Orientation to Adolescent Studies Diploma, Jenna also holds a Bachelor's Degree of Science in Business.

Jenna has taught in upper and lower Elementary classrooms and helped launch the first Montessori Adolescent Program in Saint Louis, Missouri, as the director and founding guide. She is a certified Parent Coach whose mission is to share peaceful parenting methods with families to help children feel safe, loved, and understood.

She is happy to be working side by side with Maria as a renewed educator who stands by the work and mission of CASCO Learning.

Jenna is married to a wonderful, intelligent man (also an educator), and together they are raising two daughters with a spirit of exploration, adventure, and discovery. They often find themselves connecting with nature in the wild places they encounter on their many journeys.

connecting with people and places through curiosity and intention.

Mike Hill, Lead Educator

Mike Hill has been an educator in a Montessori middle school and at the high school level since 2013. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Fish Biology from Colorado State University. Before he found his home in education, he worked as a biologist for state and federal agencies in Florida, Colorado, Alaska, and the Pacific Northwest. He dabbles in light construction, beekeeping, and native plants.

Mike brings his passion for science and mathematics to the classroom and beyond while working with learners of all ages. He is thrilled to be working in a community that values learning through experience and connection to the world in which we live.

Mike is married to Jenna Hill, Casco's first mate :)

creating meaningful experiences together with our families.

Kelly Sim, Assistant Educator

Kelly entered the Montessori classroom as an assistant in 2012 and began teaching in 2016 after receiving her Association of Montessori International (AMI) Diploma in Primary Education. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in in English and Business from Saint Louis University, along with a Master’s Degree in Education.

Previous to joining the world of education, Kelly spent ten years as an Irish musician— teaching, traveling, and performing nationally and internationally. She continues to play and teach Irish accordion and concertina on a weekly basis at St. Louis Irish Arts.

Kelly and her spouse Jason, love to spend family time with their two children exploring the outdoors.

Camping and hiking are family favorites!

and re-defining what it means to be an educator.

Jenni Prost, Assistant Educator

Jenni holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from Loyola University in Chicago and a Master’s Degree in Reading Education from Fontbonne University in St. Louis. She also holds certifications in Early Childhood, Elementary Art, and Middle School Language Arts. After teaching in traditional schools from 2006-2015, Jenni took a career break to stay home with her children.

It was then that she learned more about Montessori, self-directed learning, and respectful parenting through books, online courses, and practicing with her children. Yearning for a similar local community for her family, Jenni found it at CASCO in 2022 and looks forward to connecting with other families in the years ahead.

Jenni can often be found exploring trails and creeks with family and friends, learning how to garden, playing with art supplies, and planning her family’s next road trip!

Gabriel R. Paredes, Resident Educator (Argentina)

“The old man” or whatever other fun nickname the children come up with, Gabriel stands out for his imagination and the way in which he connects with children through the power of laughter.

With three years of a biotechnology major under his belt, Gabriel decided to immerse himself in education (like his parents before him) in pursuit of the fulfilling feeling that comes with teaching. First in Argentina, for his friends and family, and now as a part of the CASCO community.

Born in Peru and raised in Argentina, Gabriel is a skilled basketball player, a BIG fan of Star Wars, and a lover of video games. While he is still waiting to see what the future holds for him, he is enjoying every moment until then!

He now lives in St. Louis with his brother Joaquin, his father Ricardo, and the new family that awaited him here, Jessica, Marcia, and John. With a crew of six plus Melody and Waylon (the dogs!), the Paredes-Tapia family only comes on big size.