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In 2021, Sandie and Makenzie Schwehr, a mother-daughter pair here in Hollister, began operating a small homeschool co-op that offers authentic Montessori pedagogy. In January 2024 they received 501c3 nonprofit status and became Tree Community- A Wildflower Montessori School. The main goal of the school is to provide inclusive, quality, authentic Montessori education to families across all income backgrounds.

To be in a position to treat all families equally, the school relies heavily on grants, in- kind donations and fundraising. Fundraising can only be successful with the support of the amazing Hollister Community and the wonderful families the school serves. The Little Tree Staff feel blessed that the people they serve become more like an extended family and it is common for previous students to frequently return to participate in various activities. Thanks to the Montessori approach all students become confident, enthusiastic, self-directed learners who are able to think critically, work collaboratively, and act boldly. One student in particular sets herself apart.

Alianna Orta is a strong, kind and thoughtful 8-year-old. She likes playing sports, she is an excellent student and she loves helping people in need.

Alianna lives in Hollister with parents and younger brother, Jackson. By the age of 5, Alianna had participated in outreach events like providing clothes/gifts for families in need, collecting food for the San Benito County Food bank, she has helped raise money to send children in St. Lucia school supplies and toiletries, just to name a few.

While Alianna has moved on, she continues to help raise awareness for Little Tree Community- A Wildflower Montessori School. Recently she requested that family and friends donate money to the school’s fundraiser instead of giving her birthday presents. Her sacrifice raised over $500 dollars to help provide quality education to more children!

2/29/2024 Hollister, CA Local 8 year old sacrifices birthday gifts to help nonprofit. Photo courtesy of Sandie Schwehr.
2/29/2024 Hollister, CA Local 8 year old sacrifices birthday gifts to help nonprofit. Photo courtesy of Sandie Schwehr.

Ms. Sandie, Miss Makenzie and the entire staff at Little Tree Community want to recognize and sincerely thank Alianna Orta for showing an outpouring of love for the children in our community by supporting the school. Ms. Sandie said “witnessing Alianna’a generosity gives me hope for the future. Alianna is making the world a better place and it’s an honor to be in her life”.

Dr. Maria Montessori said, “If help and salvation are to come, they can only come from the children, for they are the makers of man.’

To learn more about Little Tree Community- A Wildflower Montessori School: https://www.littletreecommunity.org/

For more information on the Wildflower Foundation: https://www.wildflowerschools.org/northern-california