Staff

Debbie Montante (contact)

I am the owner and director of Smiling Faces Academy. I graduated Suma Cum Laude from Regis University. My degree is in Business with a minor in computer information. I used that degree for the 12 years while I was a Safeway Store Manager. During that time I also attained my Real Estate Broker’s License.

When my twin girls were born 18 years ago, I left Safeway and continued doing the accounting for my husband’s medical practice. A principal at St. John the Baptist Catholic School talked me into doing some teaching and I fell in love with it. I went back to school for my next career. I went through the alternative teacher licensure program and took the classes to become an early childhood director. I taught in St. Vrain, St. John’s and Imagine Charter School before accomplishing my real passion of having my own school. I fell in love with the Core Knowledge Curriculum and continued that into our school.

My twins have just graduated from Skyline High School. They played soccer, volleyball, and basketball and I loved to watch them. I have been married for 24 years. I have two big dogs. I love to travel, read, go camping and do things with my family.

My original plan was never teaching or being with young children; however, it is definitely what I was meant to do. I have such a passion for what I do and there is nothing more rewarding than to make a difference in a child’s life. I am very happy to be involved in your child’s learning, growing and care.

Marie Montante (Co-Director)

Larissa Hofmann (Lead Pre-K Teacher)

Hi! My name is Larissa Hofmann and I am a teaching aide at Smiling Faces. I have always loved working with children and am so happy that I get to be here. I truly love witnessing the excitement and energy that the kids have and I am so excited that I get to be involved.

Now I will tell you a little bit about myself; I was born in Germany, but moved to Longmont, Colorado when I was 3. Once we moved here, my sister was born and we have loved playing games and exploring ever since. I have been babysitting since I was young and find it very fun and rewarding. I graduated high school from Holy Family and am attending Regis University in Denver. At Regis, I am considering becoming a teacher and continuing my work with children.

I love working with the students and am so blessed to be part of such a special school. I hope you will love being here as much as I do.

Peggy Biggs (Lead Toddler Teacher)

Catherine Stygar (Lead School Age Teacher)

Ivy Brown (Lead Preschool Teacher)

Camyrn Singleton (Assistant Teacher)

Maddie Thorne (Assistant Teacher)

Victoria Thorne (Classroom Aide)