Faculty & Staff

Miss Amy has been the Speech-Language Pathologist at MSBG for 21 years, supporting students in developing communication skills through individualized, hands-on learning. You’ll see her in the classroom helping kids in different ways. She helps students say sounds that are tricky or maybe learn new vocabulary words. Originally, Amy joined MSBG to assist one student, and she quickly fell in love with the welcoming community and collaborative atmosphere. Amy holds a Master’s Degree in Communication Disorders from BGSU. She brings 26 years of experience working with all ages, including roles in hospitals, clinics, and as a supervisor for graduate students at BGSU.

Brenda grew up on a small family farm in Pioneer, Ohio. When she was little she wanted to be a veterinarian and help take care of all kinds of animals. She has four children (3 girls and 1 boy). Her youngest son is a student at MSBG and her older children are alums. She started at MSBG in 2004 as an aide in the Early Childhood West Classroom and has never left. Brenda fell in love with everything about Montessori. From the multi-age classrooms to the hands-on way of learning and everything in between. She completed her training and received her AMS Certification in 2009. She also holds a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Care. In her spare time she loves spending time with her family and dogs doing things outdoors or curled up on the couch reading a good book.

Bridgette is a Springfield graduate and lives in Bowling Green with her family. She has housekeeping and retail experience and enjoys working and getting things done.

Brittany is a Childcare worker here at MSBG. She has been a part of the MSBG community as a parent for the last 8 years, and worked with the Home Shopping Network for 7. Brittany joined MSBG because of the philosophy and the community surrounding the school.  We are grateful for her support and excited to have her as a member of our MSBG team! 

Cecil is from Cygnet and has a wealth of experience. He currently is a maintenance manager for two apartment complexes in Bowling Green and has served in this capacity for over 20 years. We couldn’t be more excited to have someone of Cecil’s abilities on our team!

Christina is a graduate of BGSU and is excited to be one of our valued Child Care Workers. She believes that communities thrive when we all lend a hand where possible, and she looks forward to seeing everyone in Extended Care. When she is not here you can find Christina at Club Pilates in Perrysburg as a manager and teacher. We are grateful for her support and excited to have her as a member of our MSBG team! 

Clementina is from Panama, a very small country in Central America. All of her siblings still live there. She obtained her Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations while in Panama. Clementina currently lives in Temperance, Michigan, with her husband, son, and puppy. She also has an older daughter. Clementina loves teaching Spanish as it is her native language, and in Montessori, she can develop different programs adapted to each level she teaches. We are happy to have her on our MSBG team! 

Emma Fifer is from Napoleon, Ohio and is a sophomore at Bowling Green State University pursuing a degree in Middle Childhood Education. Emma has worked for the last couple of years at West Side Montessori during their summer camp and as a substitute teacher. She has also subbed in her hometown and has enjoyed being a Sunday School teacher for several years.

Gabi and her family reside in Perrysburg, and she is originally from Brazil. She received her Bachelor’s degree in psychology from Faculdade Anhanguera and did her postgraduate work at Araraquara University in nutritional psychology, both in Brazil. Gabi is bilingual in English and Portuguese and is also a trained and experienced Au Pair. For the last few years, she has been working as a child development coach and parent educator as a self-employed professional. She is passionate about and committed to Montessori principles and excited about working in a child-centered learning environment.

Hannah has had some wonderful experiences serving others including working as a dental assistant in high school and within a senior assisted living facility for the last several years. She is an accomplished scholar, volunteer, and leader, heading up her 4-H club and mentoring youth with disabilities.

Miss Jennifer has been MSBG’s music teacher for 10 years. She teaches students of all ages elemental music and movement. One of her favorite moments each year is welcoming parents into music class to experience the joy of making music together. As a parent of three children raised with Montessori, she values how the philosophy applies inside and outside the classroom. Jennifer holds a Bachelors of Music in Music Education and Orff Schulwerk Level 1 and 2 certifications. An active member of the American Orff-Schulwerk Association, she has presented at local, state, and national conferences and has been published in the Orff Echo journal.

Jennifer has been at MSBG for 17 years, beginning in the Early Childhood classroom as a Para and in Upper Elementary. She now serves as an Lower Elementary teachers, where she loves guiding students through three years of learning and growth. Jennifer believes in Montessori education and feels blessed to be a part of it. As a wife, mother of three daughters, bonus mom to another daughter, and grandmother to two granddaughters, family is at the heart of everything she does—including in the classroom. Every day, she is grateful for the experiences, challenges, and joys that Montessori education brings. Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s degree in Science of Education from BGSU, along with an EC Montessori Credential from Adrian, Michigan, and an LE Credential from Waterford, Michigan.

Miss Jennifer serves as our Intervention Specialist and has been with MSBG for almost 2 years. She finds watching children accomplish things that they or others may not have thought possible very rewarding. Even on the days that may be more challenging for children, they are still growing and becoming their own person. Jennifer’s hope is for every child to have the freedom to make mistakes, learn the impossible, and become who they inspire to be. She works to support students in building skills for greater independence. Jennifer holds a Bachelor’s in Biology and a Master’s in Special Education from BGSU and has been working with students of all abilities since 2005. She looks forward to deepening her knowledge of the Montessori curriculum to further support MSBG students and staff.

Mr. Jeremy has been guiding middle school students at MSBG for nearly 10 years. He loves that each student brings something unique to the classroom environment and enjoys helping them find their passion. The middle school classroom can be vibrant and chaotic, and Jeremy enjoys using every ounce of his mental agility and creative academics to keep things fresh and inviting. He first came to MSBG through his and quickly fell in love with the philosophy, particularly the practice of following the student. Jeremy has a background in Telecommunications (BA), an MBA in Human Resources, and Montessori Secondary I & II Credentials from CMStep. Outside the classroom, he is an avid trivia player and previously spent nearly a decade as a touring rock musician.

Jordan is from the area and graduated from Bowling Green High School and subsequently from Kent State University with a Bachelor’s degree in Human Development and Family Studies. She has been teaching for the last 10 years at Head Start and previously taught behaviorally challenged youth at the Children’s Resource Center.

Josh Poca has joined the Montessori Middle School Team as an Associate Teacher. He is a proud BGSU graduate who has spent time as an Ironworker, a Copywriter, a Substitute Teacher, and, most importantly, a dedicated stay-at-home dad. His children attended MSBG, and he is familiar with the wonderful community here. Josh is excited to embrace the challenge of teaching middle school and is eager to learn and grow alongside his students.

Kaitlyn is from DeGraff, Ohio, and is studying exercise science/pre-physical therapy at BGSU. She has childcare, retail, and factory experience as well as working in a marina near her hometown. Kaitlyn is a small-town, family person and was very active in 4-H, taking care of animals on her family farm as well as participating in basketball and softball.

Kate has taught at MSBG for 7 years. One of her favorite parts of teaching in a Montessori classroom is watching children become independent and develop their concentration, coordination, and confidence. She loves teaching in the Early Childhood classroom because children have an inherent need to learn through movement and manipulation. The educational philosophy and sense of order comes naturally to her and she appreciates that the classroom aims to educate the whole child. Kate believes it is important that children have an understanding of their place and importance in the world and are taught how to be kind, empathetic, curious, and intrinsically motivated students.  Kate has a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Psychology form BGSU and has her American Montessori Society credential for 3-6 year olds.

Kayla has worked with us since 2016 as a childcare worker and recently as a substitute. She serves as a childcare worker in the early childhood west classroom.

Miss Kelsey has been a dedicated Lower Elementary educator at MSBG for 6 years. What she loves most about Montessori is being able to share with children and families every day the philosophy of teaching that allows children to learn through being hands-on, and watching them grow at their own pace, both academically and socially. Kelsey has grown to love Montessori education and having the ability to truly follow the child with its unique hands-on approach. She holds a Montessori Lower Elementary Credential, earned in 2022, and is dedicated to fostering hands-on, individualized learning. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time with family and friends and is always eager to keep learning and growing as an educator.

Kristina is a Bowling Green HS and Owens graduate and lives in Bowling Green. She has held service and management positions including managing her family’s pizza shop. She has worked with special needs children during summer day camps and studied early childhood education and child psychology while in college. Kristina has an infectious personality and a smile to share with everyone.

Prior to moving to Ohio from Colorado, Kristine spent eight years as an upper and middle teacher at the Montessori School of Evergreen. She completed her bachelor’s degree at UCLA in English & Anthropology and her master’s degree at UNM in education graduating Summa Cum Laude. Additionally, Kristine holds her Montessori secondary credential from CMSTEP and her Elementary I and II credentials from the Montessori Education Center of the Rockies.

Kristine has a wealth of experience and knowledge along with a true passion for children and Montessori methodology. She has a zeal for supporting children in their development of independence and purpose in the world!

Lindsey is from Sylvania and is currently attending BGSU studying middle childhood education. She has experience working with children and also in a retail setting working with customers.

Miss Liz has been a dedicated Lower Elementary teacher at MSBG for 32 years and has come to enjoy and love MSBG. It is a place where everyone works together with a love of learning. Originally introduced to Montessori through a job listing, she quickly discovered a passion for the materials and teaching approach, especially the way math concepts come to life through concrete learning tools. Liz enjoys having another teacher in the classroom to collaborate, teach, and learn with. She has also mentored student teachers in collaboration with BGSU and helped optimize the Before/Aftercare program. She holds a BS in Education from BGSU and completed her Lower Elementary Montessori training through COMET. Outside the classroom, Liz enjoys spending time with family and friends, reading, caring for plants, and birdwatching.

McKenna Kalman is a dedicated and enthusiastic team member at MSBG, currently working in the before-care program while pursuing her degree in Early Childhood Education at BGSU. She has worked with children in before-care, after-care, and summer camps since she was 16, gaining valuable experience with students of all ages. Introduced to MSBG through a friend, she quickly fell in love with the creativity of the students and the welcoming environment. She looks forward to becoming a teacher in the near future. Outside of work and school, McKenna enjoys spending time with children and preparing for her future career in early childhood education.

Miss Megan has been a dedicated educator at MSBG for 22 years. She has a passion for education and a commitment to children’s success. Ms. Megan is here to guide, support, and inspire your child every step of he way. Drawn to MSBG through a professor at BGSU, she values the Montessori approach for fostering independence, hands-on exploration, and individualized learning, while providing children the opportunity to learn and grow at their own pace. Ms. Megan founded MSBG’s first organized sport, cross country, in 2007 and organized the school’s first cross country invitational in 2010. She holds a degree in Human Development and Family Studies from BGSU, along with a 6-9 Montessori Credential from Omaha, Nebraska, and a 9-12 Montessori Credential from St. Joseph’s Montessori in Columbus. Outside the classroom, she enjoys spending time in nature, playing board games, and being with family.

Morgan Ashbaugh is a dedicated student in her final semester at BGSU, where she is studying psychology with a minor in child life. Next year, she will continue her education in graduate school for school counseling. With years of experience as a babysitter and gymnastics coach, Morgan is passionate about working with children and fostering their growth. She loves the hands-on, child-centered approach of Montessori, which encourages creativity, autonomy, and exploration. Outside of MSBG, Morgan is a Thompson Scholar, actively volunteering in the community, and has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her college career.

Miss Paige has been part of the MSBG community for 18 years, first as a Montessori parent and now as a building substitute. She witnessed firsthand how Montessori helped her four children grow into independent, confident, and intelligent adults, and believes that Montessori gave them the foundation of a successful, happy, strong life with good heads on their shoulders. Paige loves watching children progress through the classrooms, developing maturity and a love for learning. She is passionate about providing the same foundation for other students and admires the individualized learning, compassion, and commitment of the dedicated teachers in Montessori. Originally from Red Oak, Iowa, she graduated from Iowa State University with a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture, and is an Ohio Certified VOlunteer Naturalist.

Pam is from Elmore, OH, and joined MSBG in August 2018. Montessori is special because it follows the child. Many education philosophies claim they do, but the Montessori Method of teaching was built around this concept. When she was 10 she wanted to be an interior decorator and design furniture, all while raising horses on a large farm!

Renee has taught at MSBG for 11 years. She loves being a Montessori teacher and cherishes the opportunity to witness each child’s individual growth within a supportive classroom community. With a deep appreciation for Montessori’s foundation in child development and respect for the whole child, Renee finds joy in guiding students through their unique learning journeys. She has a Master’s in Education, and a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education from BGSU along with her Early Childhood Montessori Credential from Mid-America Montessori Teacher Training Institute.

Samantha is from Perrysburg, OH, and joined MSBG in the Summer of 2016. She loves the Montessori philosophy! After teaching in a non-Montessori school for a few years prior, she has seen the difference this philosophy makes in educating kids. Samantha now practices this same philosophy as a parent. When she was 10, she wanted to be a teacher.

Sarah has taught at MSBG for 13 years and is passionate about nurturing children’s natural love of learning. She first discovered Montessori while student teaching at MSBG in 2009 and immediately fell in love with the philosophy, setting her on a lifelong professional journey in Montessori education. Sarah especially appreciates the beautifully designed materials, unique child-centered education, and nurturing the natural love of learning in all children. As a parent of two children who attend MSBG, she loves watching the children embrace this methodology through their own natural desire to learn. From the enticing materials, peaceful community, and following the child’s whole self, the foundation of who they are and what they will become is an incredible journey to be a part of. Sarah has a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education, her American Montessori Society (AMS) 3-6 and North American Montessori Center (NAMC) 3-6 credentials.

Susan is a Bowling Green native and has experience cleaning offices and residences in the area. Susan is described as friendly, meticulous and dependable by those that know her. She also attended MSBG as a child!

Sydney Westfall is an Education Aide in our Toddler room and will also be helping with coverage in our extended care programs. Sydney currently works at the Cookie Jar in BG and has volunteered in a local day care program as well as been an in-home babysitter for several years. She is from Pioneer Ohio and a graduate of Bowling Green High School.

Tessa is from Hilliard Ohio and is attending BGSU studying Early Childhood Education. During high school, she was always involved with children as a student worker, observing and working in her local elementary school with children of all ages. Tessa has also worked in the before and after school program in her hometown as well as nannying and babysitting for the last several years. She works in her church’s Sunday School program and volunteers with her hometown’s baseball league for children with special needs.

Tina has been at MSBG for 3 years and loves being part of the school community. She enjoys working with young children and watching them grow, finding joy in supporting their learning and development. Tina appreciates the welcoming and supportive staff at MSBG, making it a wonderful place to work. She is especially proud to share this experience with her daughter, who also teaches at the school. With a warm and caring approach, Tina strives to be a helpful and positive presence in the classroom.