The Owner

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From Montessori Classrooms and Administration to Roaming Charcuterie and Dessert Carts: How My Preschool Experience Shapes Boards And Bites

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Hi!  I'm Shannon, married with three beautiful daughters and living my dream in my home state of Montana!  I have been a business owner for more than 20 years and before I created Boards And Bites Roaming Eatery, I spent years in the Montessori preschool world. At first glance, early childhood education and luxury charcuterie and dessert bars might seem worlds apart. But so much of what I learned in the classroom is exactly what guides how I design every Boards And Bites experience.

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In a Montessori classroom, everything has a purpose. The environment is thoughtfully prepared, materials are beautiful and inviting, and each detail is arranged at just the right height for little hands to explore. Children are encouraged to follow their curiosity, make choices, and engage with each activity in a way that feels natural and joyful.

That same philosophy is at the heart of Boards And Bites.

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When I design a mobile charcuterie or dessert bar, I’m not just putting food on a board or table for your guests to serve themselves.  I’m creating an environment your guests can interact with—an experience that feels intuitive, welcoming, and a little bit magical.

 

Just like in the classroom, I think about:

- **Flow:** How will people move around the cart? Where will their eyes go first? What feels inviting instead of overwhelming?  
- **Choice:** Are there options for different tastes, preferences, and dietary needs so everyone feels seen and included?  
- **Beauty & Order:** Does the setup feel calm, intentional, and elevated—not cluttered or chaotic?  

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Working with preschoolers also taught me patience, flexibility, and the importance of reading the room. At events, this translates into quietly anticipating what your guests need before they ever have to ask. It means refilling a favorite bite at just the right time, straightening a display so it still looks picture-perfect halfway through the night, and making sure the experience feels seamless for you as the host.

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Montessori education is built on respect—respect for the child, their pace, and their individuality. Boards And Bites is built on that same respect, but now it’s for you, your story, and your celebration. I see each event as a unique environment to be prepared with care: the colors, textures, flavors, and little details all working together to reflect who you are and what you’re celebrating.

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In short, I didn’t leave my Montessori roots behind—I brought them with me.

They show up in how I communicate with clients, how I plan each cart, how I pay attention to the tiny details that most people don’t notice but everyone feels. Boards And Bites is more than just beautiful food; it’s a thoughtfully prepared experience, designed with the same intention and heart that once went into preparing a classroom for curious little learners.

If you’re looking for a catering experience that’s both elevated and deeply considered—one that’s as organized and calm behind the scenes as it is stunning in photos—then my Montessori background is a big part of why Boards And Bites is the perfect fit for your event.