Meet the Team

At Mississippi Valley Montessori School, our staff believes in nurturing your child’s love of learning. From the Guides who help in our classrooms to the support staff who make our programs run smoothly, we all come together to provide an authentic Montessori environment where your child can thrive.

Leading with care, respect, and kindness, our staff sets the tone for your child’s early education, helping them develop into leaders within their communities.

Scroll to learn more about each of our incredible MVMS staff!

  • Headshot of Shalene Jahn, Head of School at MVMS

    Shalene Jahn

    Head of School

    It's my pleasure to serve as the Head of School of Mississippi Valley Montessori School, a place that has been a significant part of my life since I was a child. I hold a BS degree in Health Care Administration & Business Administration, a certificate in Supervisory Management, and my AMI Montessori 3-6 Orientation Course Certification. My connection to MVMS runs deep; I was a student here myself, and both of my children also attended from ages 3-6. What I love most about MVMS is its unique ability to truly value the whole child, the whole teacher/staff person, and to provide a loving, nurturing community for everyone. Our school creates a profound sense of belonging, and anyone who has been part of our community always has a home here. When I'm not at MVMS, I enjoy cooking, gardening, building community, and spending time with friends and family.

  • Headshot of Ms. Bailey, Guide in CH1

    Ms. Bailey

    Assistant Head of School

    I'm a Pennsylvania native who first moved to the Twin Cities to attend Macalester College, where I studied Education and Sociology. I joined the staff of MVMS as a classroom assistant in 2015. Since that first experience in a Montessori environment, I've spent the past 10 years in the classroom, both in Oregon and Minnesota. 

    I returned to MVMS in 2019 after completing my AMI Primary Montessori diploma and Masters degree at Washington Montessori Institute and Loyola University Maryland. 

    In my free time, I love to be outside -- hiking, biking, camping, gardening, and paddling. I also love to quilt & bake! 

    I feel so lucky to be part of this school community, which is so beautifully full of deep connections. My favorite part of working at MVMS is how often alumni students & families come back to visit!

  • Headshot of Ms. Laurie, Admin Support and Float Teacher

    Ms. Laurie

    Admin Support and Float Teacher

    With two decades of experience in youth programming, including Sunday School-style activities and youth camps, alongside eleven years as a traditional preschool teacher, I deeply enjoy fostering children's learning and creativity—a passion ignited by my childhood on a North Dakota farm. My diverse educational background in cosmetology, landscape design, and business from Concordia College enriches my interactions with students. I particularly love the supportive environment at MVMS and cherish watching children grow and become independent, often while enjoying the school's beautiful outdoor spaces.

  • Ms. Isobel

    Guide, CH1

    I grew up in Washington state and attended the Evergreen State College and graduated with my B.A with a focus on Psychology and Business in 2020. After five years of working as a Montessori classroom assistant I was able to move to Minnesota and obtain my AMI Primary Montessori diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota in 2025. I had the pleasure to student teach here at MVMS and fell in love with the deep sense of community and connection at the school, I am excited to be able to join this caring community. In my free time I enjoy being in nature, spending time with my friends and family, and reading.

  • Headshot of Ms. Malorie, Assistant Teacher in CH2

    Ms. Malorie

    Assistant Teacher, CH1

    I've dedicated my career to early childhood education, studying both early childhood education and psychology. With 15 years of experience in the classroom, including 6 years in the Montessori philosophy, I bring a wealth of practical knowledge to my role. I joined the team at MVMS in 2021 and have since completed my Montessori assistant training. What I love most about MVMS is the incredible care that is offered by all the staff. My son is a current student, and it's a great feeling knowing he's always in such capable hands! When I'm not at school, I love spending time with my family and gardening.

  • Headshot of Ms. Rachel, Assistant Teacher in CH1

    Ms. Rachel

    Assistant Teacher, CH1

    I have worked in childcare, classroom settings, and as a special education paraprofessional for over eight years in a variety of schools across the metro area, gaining valuable experience in education and student support. I earned my Associate of Arts in Education from Century College in 2020 and went on to complete my Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at Metropolitan State University in 2022. Most recently, I completed the AMI Montessori 3–6 Orientation course through the Montessori Institute of North Texas.

    I grew up in Roseville and currently reside in Eagan. In my free time, I enjoy exploring the cities, trying new restaurants, spending time outdoors, and being with friends and family. 

    What I love most about MVMS is the welcoming, supportive community filled with wonderful families, students, and staff, and I’m grateful to be a part of it.

  • Headshot of Ms. Astreja, Assistant Teacher in CH1

    Ms. Astreja

    Support Staff

    I began my career as an Early Learning Tutor for Early Learning Corps. I received my Child Development Associate Credential (CDA) while working as an Assistant Teacher here at Mississippi Valley Montessori School. This will be my third year here at MVMS! As an assistant, I have completed my Montessori Orientation Training Certificate through the Montessori Center of Minnesota, earned my Early Childhood Education Certificate, and am currently pursuing an Associate of Arts degree in Child Development. Outside of school, I enjoy reading and spending time with my children in the West St. Paul community. I have enjoyed the family-like environment here at Mississippi Valley Montessori School and am excited to continue my work with children.

  • Headshot of Ms. Cassidy, Extended Day Assistant & Float Staff

    Ms. Cassidy

    Extended Day Assistant Teacher & Float Staff

    As a recent graduate of Concordia University, Saint Paul, I hold a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Psychology. While I'm currently figuring out my long-term career path, I truly enjoy my work at MVMS, where I have the opportunity to engage with children. In my free time, I enjoy immersive digital worlds, catching up on engaging unscripted shows, getting lost in a good book, and gathering with friends and family for strategy-filled board game nights.

Join the team

If you have a passion for Montessori and Early Childhood Education, please take a look at our open positions!

Montessori guide greeting a child in the classroom at MVMS
MVMS staff smiling together in a warm, welcoming classroom environment