FACULTY & STAFF


ADMINISTRATION

  • David Lee

    Head of School

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in Political Economics,
    Williams College, Williamstown, MA

    โ€ข Masterโ€™s Degree in Independent School Leadership, Columbia University, Klingenstein Center, New York City, NY

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Bike, golf, ski and cook, swim in the Michigan lakes with my boys, and read in a hammock

  • Bree Arvai

    Advancement Director

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology,
    University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    โ€ข Master of Arts, Wellness Management,
    Ball State University, Muncie, IN

    โ€ข Certificate in Fundraising Management (CFRM)
    IUPUI - Fundraising School of Philanthropy

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Spend time with my family and friends, watch my four children compete in sports that bring them JOY, "play" outdoors, walk, run, ski and beach

  • Caitlyn Cassedy

    Office Manager

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Science in Special Education, Moderate to Intensive, Ohio University, Athens, OH

    โ€ข RYT 200 Certified Yoga Instructor

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Camping & hiking, traveling, playing with my kids, baking, reading fiction, and gardening

  • Katie Cosmi

    Early Childhood Director

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

    โ€ข Infant/Toddler Montessori Certification, Seton Montessori Institute, Clarendon Hills, IL

    โ€ข Early Childhood Montessori Certification, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute, Adrian, MI

    โ€ข Lower Elementary Montessori Certification, North American Montessori Center

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Spend time with my family, and read

  • Lisa Edmondson

    Admissions Director

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI

    โ€ข Montessori Early Childhood Credential, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute, Adrian, MI

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Biking, walking, weight training, nature, sports and reading.

  • Paula Leigh-Doyle

    Elementary Director

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    Bachelor of Arts - Education, Goddard College, Plainfield, VT

    Montessori Diploma (3-6) - Association Montessori Internationale, Sion Hill College, Ireland

    Certification in Movement-Based Learning, Educational Kinesiology Foundation, Ventura, CA

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Meditation, kayaking, trail riding, being in nature with friends, time with family in Ireland, and enjoying music from classical to Indie.

  • Michele McGrath

    Director of Auxiliary Programs

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an Endorsement in Gifted and Talented Students, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL

    โ€ข Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities, Madonna University, Livonia, MI

    โ€ข Montessori Lower Elementary Training

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Spend time with family and friends, camp with family in our 5th wheel at our property up north, swim with my kids and grandkids in our pool

  • Greg Palkowski

    Director of Business and Finance

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelors of Business Administration, Accounting and Finance, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Spending time with family, cooking, and golf

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM

  • Padma Anupindi

    Primary Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Science Home Economics, Kolkata, India

    โ€ข Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics, Kolkata, India

    โ€ข Montessori Early Childhood Credential, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Training Institute, Adrian, MI

    โ€ข Montessori Lower Elementary Credential, North American Montessori Center, Vancouver, Canada

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Travel and spend time with family and close friends. I love to read and enjoy cooking.


  • Alejandra Benitez

    Primary Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Medical Student, Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay

    โ€ข Montessori Early Childhood Credential, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute, Adrian, MI

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Go camping with family, swim with my children, and spend time with friends

  • Jena Chavez

    Early Childhood Support Staff

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ขCurrently enrolled in Washtenaw Community College, pursuing pediatrics certifications in first aid, CPR, AED, and lifeguarding.

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Swimming, kayaking, cooking, skating, drawing, and spending time with my friends.

  • Terri Fisher

    Primary Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Speech Communications, Siena Heights University, Adrian, MI

    โ€ข Montessori Early Childhood Credential, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Training Institute, Adrian, MI

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Spend time at the lake, gardening and cooking, and travel with family

  • Karolina Formella

    Early Childhood Support Staff

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in Education, University of Gdansk, Poland

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in English, City University of New York

    โ€ข Masters of Arts in Education and TESOL, City University of New York

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Playing with my family, yoga, reading, traveling, hiking, and exploring far and near on my road bike.

  • Kavita Gupta

    Primary Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Masters in Technology, The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)

    โ€ข Montessori Primary Certification, Collin College, Dallas, TX

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Running a 5K, cooking, and playing outdoor games with my children

  • Kara Hohenberger

    Primary Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    I enjoy walking, hiking, drawing portraits of people and pets, listening to music, and spending time with friends and family.

  • Castiel (Cassie) Henriquez

    Toddler Aftercare

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Certified Nurseโ€™s Aide (CNA), Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, MI

    โ€ข Nursing, Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, MI

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    I enjoy classic literature and hiking in nature.

  • Rachel Higgins

    Primary Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Adrian College, Adrian, MI

    โ€ข Master's of Education with a Montessori Focus, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH (currently enrolled)

    โ€ข Early Childhood Montessori Certification, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute, Adrian, MI

    โ€ข Early Childhood Reading Certification, American Montessori Society

    โ€ข American Montessori Society Montessori Credential

    โ€ข Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist Certificate

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Read, Read, Read!, garden, and practice yoga

  • Lena Karesh

    Toddler Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Science in psychology and family science, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    I enjoy watching television with my friends, reading working out and listening to music.

  • Hayoung Lee

    Toddler Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Science in Physics, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Spending time in nature, reading, playing tennis, and cooking new recipes

  • Rachel Montgomery

    Toddler Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design, Grand Valley University, Allendale, MI

    โ€ข Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Eastern Michigan University ,Ypsilanti, MI

    โ€ข American Montessori Society Credential โ€” Infant/Toddler

    โ€ข Seton Montessori Institute, Clarendon Hills, IL

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Painting, drawing, running and baking pies, being in the garden and taking care of my chickens, and DIY house projects

  • Maddy Probst

    Early Childhood Support Staff

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in History, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    I enjoy traveling, playing board games, reading, and playing with my cat.

  • Sonia Scherer

    Primary Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Computer Programming and Database Certification, Chihuahua, Mexico

    โ€ข C & S Technical Translations, Translator and Editor, San Diego, CA

    โ€ข Early Childhood Montessori Education Certification, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Spend time with family and friends, travel to new places, take long walks by the ocean, dancing, cooking and entertaining

  • Heather Stropp

    Toddler Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Associate in Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education, Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, MI

    โ€ข Associate and Advanced Associate Degree in Child Development, Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, MI

    โ€ข Montessori Certification in Early Childhood

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Spending time with family, kayaking and anything in nature, Pilates and yoga

  • Bekkah Tripp

    Toddler Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Early Childhood Montessori Certification, ADMTEI, Adrian, MI

    โ€ข Foundations In Infant and Toddler Care, Southeast Great Start Regional Resource Center

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    I love sports, especially if my boys are playing. Listening to music and being outdoors and spending time with family.

  • Braelynn Wing

    Toddler Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Early Childhood Education, Penn Foster, Scottsdale, AZ (currently enrolled)

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    I love to be outdoors in nature, making crafts, and spending time with friends and family

  • Dana Woodley

    Primary Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Salisbury University, Wicomico County, MD

    โ€ข AMS Early Childhood Reading Certification, American Montessori Society

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Avid reader who loves to cook, swim & do water aerobics, go disc golfing with my partner and dog

ELEMENTARY PROGRAM

  • Emma Boley

    Learning Specialist

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    โ€ข Master's in Educational Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Reading fiction, getting out and about in Ann Arbor, and Michigan sports!

  • Jane Broglio

    Grades 1 -2 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in Communications, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC

    โ€ข Master of Arts in Elementary Education, Piedmont College, Athens, GA

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Run and work out, read, thrift, and spend time with my family and daughter

  • Niki Buchanan

    Grades 3-4 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI

    โ€ข Master of Education Degree, Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI

    โ€ข Michigan Professional K-8 Teaching Certificate with Social Studies Endorsement

    โ€ข American Montessori Elementary 1 Credential

    โ€ข Montessori Model United Nations, Certified Advisor

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Spend time with my family, read, and think of new project ideas for my students

  • Brittany Hall-Findling

    Grades 3-4 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts - English, University of Portland, Portland, OR

    โ€ข Masters in Instruction and Curriculum, Bay Area Teacher Training Institute/University of the Pacific

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Explore life with my husband, daughters and dog, play lots of sports - especially soccer, create art - draw, paint, sculpt, and build

  • Bill Joyce

    Grades 3-4 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration with a Minor in Business & Administration, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI

    โ€ข Masters in Healthcare Business Administration, Cleary University, Howell, MI

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Game programming, playing hockey, and teaching human dissection

  • Kathryn Marek

    Grades 3-4 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Science in Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    โ€ข Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering with a Minor in Art History, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    โ€ข Montessori Certification 6 โ€“ 12, Michigan Montessori Teacher Education Center and Center for Montessori Teacher Education, New York

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Reading, gardening, artwork, and organizing

  • Aislinn McDonald

    Grades 1-2 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH

    โ€ข Master of Education, Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD

    โ€ข AMI Elementary Montessori Certification, Montessori Institute of Milwaukee, WI

    โ€ข Yoga Teaching Certification, Tiny Buddha Yoga, Ann Arbor, MI

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Practice yoga, cook and bake, attend live music and theater productions

  • Amy Morrell

    Grades 5-6 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI

    โ€ข Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, Adams State University, Alamosa, CO

    โ€ข STEM Certification, NASA/Columbia College, NY

    โ€ข Environmental Educator Certification, Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education

    โ€ข Michigan Professional Certified Teacher with a Biology and Spanish Endorsements

    โ€ข American Montessori Society โ€” Elementary 1 Certification

    โ€ข Montessori Model United Nations, Certified Advisor

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Spend time with my family and dogs, work in my garden, watch movies, and spend time with my grandkids

  • Megan Nicholson

    Grades 1-2 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies - Teacher Preparation Program, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX

    โ€ข M.A.T. in Education - Montessori, Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, TX

    โ€ข AMS Montessori Elementary I Training, Dallas Baptist UniversityShelton Montessori Training Center, Dallas, TX

     โ€ข AMS Montessori Secondary I & II Training, Houston Montessori Center, Houston, TX

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Gardening, hanging out with my dog and chickens, making miniatures, crafting with my kids, reading, and scrapbooking

  • Tabithah Ringe

    Building Substitute Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Montessori Early Childhood Credential, ADMTEI, Adrian, MI

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    I enjoy watching my three daughters compete in sports, spending time with our family, baking sourdough bread, and caring for our chickens.

  • Debbie Sarafian

    Aftercare Support Staff

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Science, K-12 Music Education, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    I play the viola, enjoy vegetable gardening, reading historical fiction, and cooking for my family.

  • Chris Swinko

    Grades 5-6 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, Oakland University, Rochester, MI

    โ€ข Master of Arts, Elementary Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    โ€ข State of Michigan Elementary Provisional Certificate (K-5) Endorsements: Language Arts and Integrated Science (6-8)

    IN MY FREE TIME...
    Capoeira, reading, music, cooking and time in nature with my family

  • Jamie Todd

    Aftercare Support Staff

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in International Studies with a minor in French, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    I enjoy traveling, playing tennis, being outdoors, baking and spending time with friends, family, and my pets.

  • Jeanine Wright

    Grades 1-2 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Science Degree, Elementary Education and Child Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

    โ€ข Social Studies and Early Childhood Endorsements

    โ€ข Michigan 18-Hour Continuing K-8 Teaching Certificate

    โ€ข American Montessori Elementary 1 Credential

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Downhill skiing, reading, traveling with my husband, visiting my daughters, and playing with my dogs.

CO-CURRICULARS

  • Bonnie Dingman

    Physical Education Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health, Bellevue University, Bellevue, NE

    โ€ข Teaching Certification, Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, IA

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Work in my garden, read, and spend time at the lake

  • Karen Donato

    Music Education Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA

    โ€ข Master of Music in Violin Performance, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    โ€ข State of Michigan Teaching Certification with Elementary Music Education endorsement

    โ€ข Suzuki Association of Americas: Certified Violin and Viola Teacher

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Spend time with family and our cat, read books, and play music

  • Suzanne Higgins

    Art Education Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, Meredith College, Raleigh, NC

    โ€ข Master of Arts in Art Therapy, The George Washington University, Washington D.C.

    โ€ข Montessori Lower Elementary Training

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Create nature-inspired art, playing fetch and walking with my pooch, spending time on the lake with friends and family

  • Teresa Lizarraga Urrea

    Spanish Education Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Instituto Tecnolรณgico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey CEM, Tecnolรณgico de Monterrey, Mรฉxico

    โ€ข Early Education and Care Certification, Boston, MA

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Spend time with my family and friends, work out, ride my bike, cook, and be with my dogs.

  • Lissa Main

    Media Specialistโ€“Librarian

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    โ€ข Bachelor of Arts in English and Economics, Wellesley College,Wellesley, MA

    โ€ข Juris Doctor, University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, MI

    IN MY FREE TIMEโ€ฆ
    Sewing and knitting, reading a great book, and sharing a meal with family or close friends

We are always looking for fantastic teachers or substitutes!

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