Amilyn Houghton

My own Montessori education began at two and a half in Pleasanton, California. Early exposure to the Montessori environment nurtured a lifelong foundation for me: love for the never-ending journey of learning, growing, and experiencing life’s adventures.

I was a student of Montessori through third grade.  I entered the sixth grade at a traditional middle school. Traditional school for a person who needs more time and has dyslexia is really challenging. Montessori gave me confidence in the way I learn. Most important I learned persistence and complete comfort in exploring and correcting my mistakes.

After completing my undergraduate work in Early Childhood Development, I was eager to return to my roots in Montessori. After working as a classroom assistant at Hyde Park Montessori, I knew I wanted to dedicate my career to this brilliant method. I completed my A.M.I (Association Montessori Internationale) certification in 2020. 

When we opened Lotus Montessori in 2018, I wanted to curate a unique environment, a flowing museum, that inspires and supports children to live in their own highest potential. As the children and I are on this path together, I too am growing, staying curious, seeing through the children’s eyes, and pushing the boundaries of my own dreams. Those dreams are forever to be teaching, learning, moving and growing in the world.

Nicholas Pippins

Nicholas Pippins is a long-time Montessori educator and Austinite with a passion for photography, handwork, music, and the outdoors. After attending Austin Montessori School up to the ninth grade, he graduated from the Liberal Arts and Science Academy at LBJ and went on to study Religion and Philosophy at Hendrix College. Soon after he began teaching Elementary Spanish at Episcopal Collegiate School in Little Rock Arkansas. Having decided to dive into the world of education he pursued his Montessori Elementary training in Bergamo, Italy. Since then, Nicholas has been an assistant, a Guide in an Upper Elementary Classroom (9-12 years old) for 8 years, has been trained at the Children’s House Level (3-6 years old), and has joined the Board of Directors at Austin Montessori School. Nicholas is excited to be stepping into the role of director and brings with him years of experience in Montessori classrooms and general education.