The Team
Who We Are
Tricia Owens
Owner/Director
I am the owner and director of Mountain Peak Preschool. I can honestly say that I have been working with children since I was a child myself. The daycare I started in was a close family friend. I started helping out there during my school vacations and summers. I then helped run the nursery at my grandfather's bowling alley. I graduated with a degree in Elementary Education from the University of Montana and a Masters Degree in Elementary Reading and Math Instruction from Walden University. I have been a public educator for Missoula County Public Schools in grades 1st-3rd for the last 15 years. I have too many trainings to list but some of the most important include Science of Reading, ACES, Trauma Informed Practices, Social Emotional Learning, Leader in Me, and Universal Design Learning.
I was born and raised in Missoula. I grew up in the Target Range area and my parents and grandparents still live in the neighborhood today. My husband, David, and I were married in 2000 and have raised our daughters Rylee and Ashlee in Missoula. Both are attending the University of Montana. David is the Director of Player Development at the Missoula Country Club. Everyone in the family has been very supportive of this new journey and we are all excited to create the best preschool in Missoula.
Ashlee Owens
Lead Teacher
I am a Lead Teacher at Mountain Peak Preschool. I recently graduated from the Health Sciences Academy at Big Sky High School. I will be attending the University of Montana majoring in Early Childhood Education Fall 2023. I am also taking many classes through Child Care Resources to gain more experience and knowledge related to early childhood development. I was a constant shadow to my mom while she was teaching. I did my fair share of babysitting and began teaching at daycare in July 2022.
My mom is Tricia, the director, and I am excited to be starting this adventure with her and the support of our family. I look forward to learning and growing with the preschool and being a part of this opportunity.
Kelsey Johnson
Lead Teacher
My name is Kelsey Johnson and I am a Lead Teacher at Mountain Peak Preschool. Similar to Tricia, I have been working with children for most of my life. As the oldest of 3 siblings, I started watching my brother and sister at a young age. That led to all of my parents' friends wanting me to watch their kids, and my love for children blossomed from there. I have worked with kids in many different capacities: from daycares, preschools, nannying, elementary schools, and summer programs I have found that it is the most fulfilling career for me. I have an Associate's Degree and am currently pursuing a Bachelor's Degree in Early Childhood Education from Western Governor’s University.
I live in the Bitterroot Valley with my husband, Michael, and our 3 dogs. My husband and I have been together since 2012 and got married in 2017. Michael owns his own HVAC business, M&L Heating and Cooling, and we love to spend our weekends in our garden, hiking with our dogs, and seeing our friends and family. I am looking forward to working at Mountain Peak Preschool and making it the best preschool in Missoula!