Alumni Voices

For Catharine, being part of Ridgeline Montessori’s first-ever class in 2001 was more than just an early education—it was the foundation for a lifetime of curiosity, independence, and compassion. Now an attorney in Washington specializing in healthcare law, Catherine credits Ridgeline with shaping the person she is today, from her passion for history to her ability to navigate the challenges of modern work environments.

Catharine’s Montessori experience started even before Ridgeline, attending Eugene Montessori for kindergarten. However, after spending a brief period in a traditional public school, she realized something was missing.

"Going back to Ridgeline was great," she reflected. "At the time, Eugene didn’t offer anything above first grade in Montessori. Ridgeline filled that gap, and it made all the difference."

That difference, she believes, is the unique balance of independence and collaboration that Montessori instills.

"In my work today, I see that the people who do best in a hybrid or remote work environment are those who can work independently but also collaborate effectively. That’s what Montessori teaches," she said. "Without that foundation, I don’t think I’d be a very successful lawyer."

While Catharine’s Montessori years set her up for success, the transition to a more conventional school setting was an adjustment. However, she was fortunate to find a program that shared Montessori values.

"When I moved on to International High School (IHS), it really helped with the transition because it had a cohort model and an interdisciplinary approach, much like Montessori," she explained. "I know some of my Ridgeline classmates who went straight into public high school struggled more with the shift. But those of us who went into IHS were able to continue learning in a way that felt familiar—curiosity-driven and interconnected."

Her middle school teacher, Jennifer Wilde, was thrilled when a group of Ridgeline students chose IHS, knowing that their love of inquiry and exploration would thrive there.

That love of inquiry played a major role in Catharine’s academic and career path. "History was always my thing at Ridgeline, and I ended up getting my bachelor's degree in history," she shared. "I almost went into a PhD program, but UO’s law school offered me a great scholarship, so I took it."

Even in law, her historian’s mindset remains central to her work. "I’ve been diving into the history of healthcare laws around the world—going back thousands of years," she said. "I want to understand the cultural and legal traditions that shape our healthcare system today. That curiosity, that drive to dig deeper, all comes from Montessori."

One of Catharine’s most enduring memories from Ridgeline was the creation of the school’s library—an effort that started because she saw a problem and wanted to solve it.

"I had a classmate who couldn’t check out books from the bookmobile because he was an out-of-district student," she recalled. "I told my teacher, Janelle, and she said, ‘What do you want to do about it?’"

That simple question sparked action. Catharine’s family and other parents rallied to secure grants, donations, and community support to establish the Ridgeline library—a resource that continues to serve students today.

"That experience taught me how to take initiative, to turn an idea into reality," she said. "Now, in my work, I encourage my supervisees to do the same—see a need, take ownership, and make it happen."

When asked what advice she would give her younger self at Ridgeline, Catharine’s response was simple: "Savor it. Enjoy every moment. It was gone too soon." She also wishes more people understood the value of compassion—a lesson she learned deeply at Ridgeline.

Catharine has a simple but powerful mantra: "You have to get curious. Dig in. Keep asking questions."

It’s a mindset she developed at Ridgeline—and one that continues to guide her every step of the way.

As we celebrate 25 years of Ridgeline Montessori, stories like Catharine’s highlight the profound and lasting impact of a Montessori education. It’s a legacy rooted in curiosity, initiative, and a deep commitment to lifelong learning.