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 & Business Manager
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, spent her summers living 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 settled in Raleigh, North Carolina with her spouse and son and travels back to Saint Louis regularly to visit her CASCO family!
Jenna Hill, Co-Founder & Executive Director
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.
Kelly Sim, Lead 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!
creating meaningful experiences together with our families.
JoAnna Daniels, Lead Educator
JoAnna began teaching in 2011 after finishing her Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education. She went on to earn her Master’s in Special Education and holds teaching certifications in Early Childhood, Elementary, and Special Education. She has worked in special education and general education settings with students from first grade through high school.
In 2017 JoAnna put her teaching career on pause to raise her children. She began exploring homeschool options and immersed herself and children in nature-based playgroups. She joined CASCO with her children as a hybrid-schooling family and she could not be more excited to be on CASCO’s team of educators.
In her free time, JoAnna enjoys reading, sewing, and exploring with her children and spouse.
and re-defining what it means to be an educator.
Jenni Prost, Lead Educator
Jenni has been a certified educator since 2006 with students from preschool through middle school. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education and a Master’s Degree in Reading Education, plus additional credentials in Art, Early Childhood, and Language Arts.
After stepping away from the classroom in 2015 to spend more time with her children, Jenni developed a deep appreciation for respectful parenting approaches such as RIE, Montessori, and nature-inspired programs. She immediately connected with their philosophies and immersed herself in books, online resources, and local communities with shared values.
Jenni is proud to be part of the Casco educator team and is dedicated to creating a safe space where children can grow in confidence, independence, and a love of learning. She believes curiosity is at the heart of meaningful experiences in and beyond the classroom, encouraging growth and discovery at every age.
Outside the classroom, Jenni is a self-published author and illustrator who enjoys a balance of adventures and slow days at home with her family.
want to join our team?
reach out!
Phone
(314) 246-0194
Location
2324 Marconi Saint Louis, MO 63110