FACULTY & STAFF
ADMINISTRATION
-
David Lee
Head of School
DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Bachelor of Arts in Political Economics,
Williams College, Williamstown, MA• 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
• Bachelor of Science, Kinesiology,
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI• Master of Arts, Wellness Management,
Ball State University, Muncie, IN• Certificate in Fundraising Management (CFRM)
IUPUI - Fundraising School of PhilanthropyIN 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
• Bachelor of Science in Special Education, Moderate to Intensive, Ohio University, Athens, OH
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
• Infant/Toddler Montessori Certification, Seton Montessori Institute, Clarendon Hills, IL
• Early Childhood Montessori Certification, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute, Adrian, MI
• 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
• Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education with an Endorsement in Gifted and Talented Students, Augustana College, Rock Island, IL
• Master of Arts in Learning Disabilities, Madonna University, Livonia, MI
• 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
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts in Child Development, Tufts University, Medford, MA
• Master of Science in Elementary Education, Northwestern University, Evanston, IL
• 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
• Bachelor of Science Home Economics, Kolkata, India
• Post Graduate Diploma in Dietetics, Kolkata, India
• Montessori Early Childhood Credential, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Training Institute, Adrian, MI
• 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
• Medical Student, Universidad de la Republica, Uruguay
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts in Theatre & Speech Communications, Siena Heights University, Adrian, MI
• 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
• Masters in Technology, The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Adrian College, Adrian, MI
• Master's of Education with a Montessori Focus, Xavier University, Cincinnati, OH (currently enrolled)
• Early Childhood Montessori Certification, Adrian Dominican Montessori Teacher Education Institute, Adrian, MI
• Early Childhood Reading Certification, American Montessori Society
• American Montessori Society Montessori Credential
• Anti-Bias, Anti-Racist Certificate
IN MY FREE TIME…
Read, Read, Read!, garden, and practice yoga -
Brianna Keller-Fields
Toddler Teacher
DEGREES AND CERTIFICATIONS
• Bachelor of Science, Psychology of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN
• Masters of Science, Psychology of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN (currently enrolled - completion April, 2025)
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration, Madras University, India
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design, Grand Valley University, Allendale, MI
• Master of Arts in Early Childhood Education, Eastern Michigan University ,Ypsilanti, MI
• American Montessori Society Credential — Infant/Toddler
• 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
• Bachelor of Science in Art Education, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI
• 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
• Computer Programming and Database Certification, Chihuahua, Mexico
• C & S Technical Translations, Translator and Editor, San Diego, CA
• 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
• Associate in Arts Degree in Early Childhood Education, Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, MI
• Associate and Advanced Associate Degree in Child Development, Washtenaw Community College, Ann Arbor, MI
• 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
• 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
• 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
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts in Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts in Communications, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Chapel Hill, NC
• 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
• Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti, MI
• Master of Education Degree, Chaminade University, Honolulu, HI
• Michigan Professional K-8 Teaching Certificate with Social Studies Endorsement
• American Montessori Elementary 1 Credential
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts - English, University of Portland, Portland, OR
• 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
• Bachelor of Science in Aviation Administration with a Minor in Business & Administration, Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI
• 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
• Bachelor of Science in Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• Bachelor of Science in Environmental Engineering with a Minor in Art History, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Kenyon College, Gambier, OH
• Master of Education, Loyola University Maryland, Baltimore, MD
• AMI Elementary Montessori Certification, Montessori Institute of Milwaukee, WI
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts, Hillsdale College, Hillsdale, MI
• Masters in Curriculum and Instruction, Adams State University, Alamosa, CO
• STEM Certification, NASA/Columbia College, NY
• Environmental Educator Certification, Michigan Alliance for Environmental and Outdoor Education
• Michigan Professional Certified Teacher with a Biology and Spanish Endorsements
• American Montessori Society — Elementary 1 Certification
• 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• Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies - Teacher Preparation Program, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
• M.A.T. in Education - Montessori, Dallas Baptist University, Dallas, TX
• AMS Montessori Elementary I Training, Dallas Baptist UniversityShelton Montessori Training Center, Dallas, TX
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts, Philosophy, Oakland University, Rochester, MI
• Master of Arts, Elementary Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• 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
• Bachelor of Science Degree, Elementary Education and Child Development, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI
• Social Studies and Early Childhood Endorsements
• Michigan 18-Hour Continuing K-8 Teaching Certificate
• 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
• Bachelor of Science in Physical Education and Health, Bellevue University, Bellevue, NE
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts in Urban Planning, Bryn Mawr College, Bryn Mawr, PA
• Master of Music in Violin Performance, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI
• State of Michigan Teaching Certification with Elementary Music Education endorsement
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, Meredith College, Raleigh, NC
• Master of Arts in Art Therapy, The George Washington University, Washington D.C.
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts in Communications, Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey CEM, Tecnológico de Monterrey, México
• 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
• Bachelor of Arts in English and Economics, Wellesley College,Wellesley, MA
• 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