Meet the Team

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.

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.

Guide CH1

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!

Guide, CH2

I have over 10 years of experience working in Montessori environments. In 2015, I obtained my B.A. from the University of Minnesota in Gender and Women's Studies. I then went on to obtain my AMI Primary Diploma from the Montessori Center of Minnesota in 2021. In my freetime, I enjoy dancing, singing, and traveling. I am so grateful to be a part of MVMS because it is such a warm, loving community! Everyone here is kind and eager to help one another.

Assistant Teacher, CH2

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.

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.

Guide Trained Assistant Teacher, CH2

Working with children has always been a passion of mine. After raising three children of my own as a stay-at-home mom, I started working at MVMS. In 2017, I earned my Assistant Teacher Certification at the Montessori Center of MN. I continued my education, earning an Associate of Science degree with an educational foundation. In 2023, I graduated from the Montessori Center of MN with a degree as a primary 3–6-year trained Guide.

Working at Mississippi Valley Montessori brings me so much joy. Both the staff and the children who attend hold a special place in my heart. Every day presents new opportunities to foster children’s love of learning. Being a special part of their growth and independence through the Montessori Method never disappoints.

In my free time, I enjoy cooking, gardening, traveling, attending baseball games, and spending time with my amazing and beautiful family.

Thank you for sharing your children with us at MVMS. It truly fills my heart!

Support Staff

As a language teacher with 15 years of experience and an ESL Education degree, I'm thrilled to support students at MVMS. My dedication to student well-being is deepened by trauma-informed teaching and sensory tool training, including a podcast feature on supporting my child's sensory needs. I love being part of the MVMS community, witnessing my kids' Montessori journey, and connecting with families. I also work as an educational consultant for Sealaska, developing Tlingit language assessments. I love exploring the diverse neighborhood cultures and practicing my Spanish language skills.

Assistant Teacher, CH1

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.

Assistant Teacher (bathroom & hallway support)

I have dedicated my career to supporting the growth and development of young learners in early childhood education. I earned a two-year college certificate in Early Childhood Education and continued my education at Inver Hills Community College. I truly love working with the children at MVMS and feel grateful to be part of such a supportive and dedicated team. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my son, husband, grandkids, and friends, as well as playing with my dogs.

Extended Day Teacher

As a Mendota Heights native, I began my career in law enforcement after earning an Associate's in Law Enforcement from Normandale and a Bachelor's in Sociology and Criminal Justice, serving with the Saint Paul Police Department.  I’ve always loved working with kids. For the past 14 years, I've dedicated myself to early learning in Montessori environments, completing my AMI Assistant Training at the Montessori Center of Minnesota. I love working at MVMS, especially supporting children's creativity through crafts. In my free time, I enjoy gardening, flea marketing, restoring antiques, and walking my puppies.

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.