FACULTY & STAFF


ADMINISTRATION

  • David Lee

    Head of School

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts in Political Economics,
    Williams College, Williamstown, MA

    β€’ Master’s Degree in Independent School Leadership, Columbia University, Klingenstein Center, New York City, NY

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    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

    β€’ Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology,
    University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    β€’ Master of Arts, Wellness Management,
    Ball State University, Muncie, IN

    β€’ Certificate in Fundraising Management (CFRM)
    IUPUI - Fundraising School of Philanthropy

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    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

    β€’ Bachelor of Science in Special Education, Moderate to Intensive, Ohio University, Athens, OH

    β€’ RYT 200 Certified Yoga Instructor

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Camping & hiking, traveling, playing with my kids, baking, reading fiction, and gardening

  • Katie Cosmi

    Early Childhood Director

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

    β€’ Infant/Toddler Montessori Certification, Seton Montessori Institute, Clarendon Hills, IL

    β€’ Early Childhood Montessori Certification, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute, Adrian, MI

    β€’ Lower Elementary Montessori Certification, North American Montessori Center

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Spend time with my family, and read

  • Lisa Edmondson

    Admissions Director

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI

    β€’ Montessori Early Childhood Credential, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute, Adrian, MI

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Biking, walking, weight training, nature, sports and reading.

  • Michele McGrath

    Director of Auxiliary Programs

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

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

    β€’ Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities, Madonna University, Livonia, MI

    β€’ Montessori Lower Elementary Training

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    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

    β€’ Bachelors of Business Administration, Accounting and Finance, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Spending time with family, cooking, and golf

  • Jeewon Wright-Kim

    Elementary Director

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts in Child Development, Tufts University, Medford, MA

    β€’ Master of Science in Elementary Education, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL

    β€’ Michigan Professional K-8 Teaching Certificate with English as a Second Language Endorsement

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Go to the theatre, travel with my family, relax by the nearest lake/river/ocean, and catch up on highbrow and lowbrow TV shows

EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM

  • Padma Anupindi

    Preschool Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Science Home Economics, Kolkata, India

    β€’ Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics, Kolkata, India

    β€’ Montessori Early Childhood Credential, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Training Institute, Adrian, MI

    β€’ Montessori Lower Elementary Credential, North American Montessori Center, Vancouver, Canada

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Travel and spend time with family and close friends. I love to read and enjoy cooking.


  • Alejandra Benitez

    Young 5 & Kindergarten Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Medical Student, Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay

    β€’ Montessori Early Childhood Credential, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute, Adrian, MI

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Go camping with family, swim with my children, and spend time with friends

  • Terri Fisher

    Preschool Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Speech Communications, Siena Heights University, Adrian, MI

    β€’ Montessori Early Childhood Credential, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Training Institute, Adrian, MI

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Spend time at the lake, gardening and cooking, and travel with family

  • Kavita Gupta

    Preschool Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Masters in Technology, The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)

    β€’ Montessori Primary Certification, Collin College, Dallas, TX

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Running a 5K, cooking, and playing outdoor games with my children

  • Rachel Higgins

    Young 5 & Kindergarten Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Adrian College, Adrian, MI

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

    β€’ Early Childhood Montessori Certification, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute, Adrian, MI

    β€’ Early Childhood Reading Certification, American Montessori Society

    β€’ American Montessori Society Montessori Credential

    β€’ Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist Certificate

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Read, Read, Read!, garden, and practice yoga

  • Brianna Keller-Fields

    Toddler Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Science, Psychology of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN

    β€’ Masters of Science, Psychology of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN (currently enrolled - completion April, 2025)

    β€’ Registered Behavior Technician (RBT)

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    I enjoy being outdoors - hiking or swimming, and spending time with family & friends

  • Arthi Krishnamoorthy

    Preschool Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Madras University, India

    β€’ American Montessori Society, Early Childhood

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Spend time with my family and travel to new places, read mystery fiction books, and solve crossword puzzles and other word games

  • Hayoung Lee

    Preschool Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Science in Physics, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Spending time in nature, reading, playing tennis, and cooking new recipes

  • Codi McHugh

    Support Staff

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Child Care Provider License

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Reading, writing screenplays, listening to all genres of music and walking my dog

  • Rachel Montgomery

    Toddler Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design, Grand Valley University, Allendale, MI

    β€’ Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Eastern Michigan University ,Ypsilanti, MI

    β€’ American Montessori Society Credential β€” Infant/Toddler

    β€’ Seton Montessori Institute, Clarendon Hills, IL

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

  • Jennifer Sadowski

    Toddler Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Science in Art Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI

    β€’ Infant/Toddler Lead Credential, The Center for Guided Montessori Studies, Tampa, FL

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Spend time with my three boys, make quilts and bags, and be outdoors

  • Sonia Scherer

    Preschool Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Computer Programming and Database Certification, Chihuahua, Mexico

    β€’ C & S Technical Translations, Translator and Editor, San Diego, CA

    β€’ Early Childhood Montessori Education Certification, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    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

    β€’ Associate in Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education, Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, MI

    β€’ Associate and Advanced Associate Degree in Child Development, Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, MI

    β€’ Montessori Certification in Early Childhood

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Spending time with family, kayaking and anything in nature, Pilates and yoga

  • Brooklyn Willett

    Toddler Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts in Biology with a focus in Environmental Studies, Kalamazoo College, Kalamazoo, MI

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Cook new recipes, go birdwatching, and painting

  • Braelynn Wing

    Toddler Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Early Childhood Education, Penn Foster, Scottsdale, AZ (currently enrolled)

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    I love to be outdoors in nature, making crafts, and spending time with friends and family

  • Dana Woodley

    Support Staff

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, Salisbury University, Wicomico County, MD

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    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

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts in Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    β€’ Master in Educational Studies, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Reading fiction, getting out and about in Ann Arbor, and Michigan sports!

  • Jane Broglio

    Grades 1 -2 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts in Communications, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC

    β€’ Master of Arts in Elementary Education, Piedmont College, Athens, GA

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Run and work out, read, thrift, and spend time with my family and daughter

  • Niki Buchanan

    Grades 3-4 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI

    β€’ Master of Education Degree, Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI

    β€’ Michigan Professional K-8 Teaching Certificate with Social Studies Endorsement

    β€’ American Montessori Elementary 1 Credential

    β€’ Montessori Model United Nations, Certified Advisor

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Spend time with my family, read, and think of new project ideas for my students

  • Ali DeLoof

    Grades 1-2 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    β€’ Masters of Arts in Educational Studies, University of Michigan School of Education, Ann Arbor, MI

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Spending time with my family and friends, cooking, baking, reading, and taking my dog, Bentley, to play fetch

  • Brittany Hall-Findling

    Grades 3-4 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts - English, University of Portland, Portland, OR

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

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    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

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

    β€’ Masters in Healthcare Business Administration, Cleary University, Howell, MI

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Game programming, playing hockey, and teaching human dissection

  • Kathryn Marek

    Grades 3-4 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Science in Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

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

    β€’ Montessori Certification 6 – 12, Michigan Montessori Teacher Education Center and Center for Montessori Teacher Education, New York

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Reading, gardening, artwork, and organizing

  • Aislinn McDonald

    Grades 1-2 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH

    β€’ Master of Education, Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD

    β€’ AMI Elementary Montessori Certification, Montessori Institute of Milwaukee, WI

    β€’ Yoga Teaching Certification, Tiny Buddha Yoga, Ann Arbor, MI

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Practice yoga, cook and bake, attend live music and theater productions

  • Amy Morrell

    Grades 5-6 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI

    β€’ Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, Adams State University, Alamosa, CO

    β€’ STEM Certification, NASA/Columbia College, NY

    β€’ Environmental Educator Certification, Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education

    β€’ Michigan Professional Certified Teacher with a Biology and Spanish Endorsements

    β€’ American Montessori Society β€” Elementary 1 Certification

    β€’ Montessori Model United Nations, Certified Advisor

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Spend time with my family and dogs, work in my garden, watch movies, and spend time with my grandkids

  • Megan Nicholson

    Support Staff

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

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

    β€’ M.A.T. in Education - Montessori, Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, TX

    β€’ AMS Montessori Elementary I Training, Dallas Baptist UniversityShelton Montessori Training Center, Dallas, TX

     β€’ AMS Montessori Secondary I & II Training, Houston Montessori Center, Houston, TX

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Gardening, hanging out with my dog and chickens, making miniatures, crafting with my kids, reading, and scrapbooking

  • Chris Swinko

    Grades 5-6 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, Oakland University, Rochester, MI

    β€’ Master of Arts, Elementary Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    β€’ 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

  • Jeanine Wright

    Grades 1-2 Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

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

    β€’ Social Studies and Early Childhood Endorsements

    β€’ Michigan 18-Hour Continuing K-8 Teaching Certificate

    β€’ American Montessori Elementary 1 Credential

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    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

    β€’ Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health, Bellevue University, Bellevue, NE

    β€’ Teaching Certification, Buena Vista University, Storm Lake, IA

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Work in my garden, read, and spend time at the lake

  • Karen Donato

    Music Education Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA

    β€’ Master of Music in Violin Performance, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI

    β€’ State of Michigan Teaching Certification with Elementary Music Education endorsement

    β€’ Suzuki Association of Americas: Certified Violin and Viola Teacher

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Spend time with family and our cat, read books, and play music

  • Suzanne Higgins

    Art Education Teacher

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, Meredith College, Raleigh, NC

    β€’ Master of Arts in Art Therapy, The George Washington University, Washington D.C.

    β€’ Montessori Lower Elementary Training

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    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

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Instituto TecnolΓ³gico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey CEM, TecnolΓ³gico de Monterrey, MΓ©xico

    β€’ Early Education and Care Certification, Boston, MA

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    Spend time with my family and friends, work out, ride my bike, cook, and be with my dogs.

  • Lissa Main

    Media Specialist–Librarian

    DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS

    β€’ Bachelor of Arts in English and Economics, Wellesley College,Wellesley, MA

    β€’ Juris Doctor, University of Michigan Law School, Ann Arbor, MI

    IN MY FREE TIME…
    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!