The Mara Montessori Family want to share the story of one of our most beloved team members, Elle Terbush—someone who truly embodies the heart of Mara Montessori.

For the past five years, Elle has been a constant, compassionate, and deeply dedicated presence in our school. Many of your children have felt their care—their calm, their patience, their love.

Elle began with us in Rochester and was among the very first to step forward when Sage needed support. They gave their time generously—days, evenings, and weekends—helping prepare the campus so it could be ready to welcome our community. They have rarely missed a day of work, and even on days off, they would quietly show up to help wherever they were needed.

Their work has touched every level of our school—toddlers, primary, elementary, and adolescents. Elle has served as an aide, an emotional anchor for children, an art teacher, and for the past three years, a nurturing assistant guide in the Nido, caring for our youngest children with extraordinary tenderness.

All of this, while navigating ongoing health challenges.

In recent months, Elle has been facing serious kidney complications. They have undergone two emergency surgeries and continue to experience significant, often debilitating pain. And still—whenever physically possible—they have shown up. When they could not be in the classroom, they remained present in other ways, supported by their team, determined not to let anyone down.

Now, Elle is facing another necessary surgery—and they need our help.

We are coming together as a community to raise $20,000 to help cover their medical expenses—both past and upcoming. This is a moment for us to give back to someone who has given so much of themselves to our children and our school.

If each family contributed $100, we would meet—and exceed—this goal.

Please give what you can. Every contribution matters.

Elle has always shown up for Mara. Now, we have the opportunity to show up for Elle.

Showing Up For Elle

Supporting Elle through their health journey