Faculty & Staff

Faculty & Staff

We have a wonderful record of longevity among the faculty & staff at our school as we have had very little turnover over the years.  The Montessori credentialed teaching staff is extensively trained per the requirements of the American Montessori Society and receive ongoing training and mentoring from our veteran Education Consultants.  The Montessori School of Bowling Green was the first Montessori school in Ohio to be accredited by the American Montessori Society and our faculty and staff are a credit to this.

Alaina Webb

Childcare Worker

Alaina Webb is a Childcare worker in the Extended Care program. She is from Eaton, Ohio, and is studying Early Childhood Education at BGSU. Alaina is an athlete and a musician. She comes from a family of educators and has experience as a lifeguard and Sunday school teacher at her church. We are happy to have her as a part of our MSBG team!

Ally Keegan

Childcare Worker

Ally is a Child Care worker in our extended care program. She is from Kings Mills, Ohio, and a sophomore at BGSU studying AYA Integrated Language Arts. She has been a volunteer mentor at Fostoria Elementary School, the Perrysburg Community Center, and the YMCA Child Care Center. In addition, Ally has a history of babysitting and retail work. She is looking forward to teaching adolescents in the future as well. We are happy to have her as a part of our MSBG team!

Amy Paluch

Speech Pathologist

I am originally from Mentor, OH. I joined MSBG in August 2004. I have been here for 15 years because of the warm and positive environment and staff members. I have worked in numerous environments with a wide variety of people and MSBG is a place that I am truly grateful to be a part of. My first employer was Chuck E. Cheese and I love listening to Christian music. When I was 10 I wanted to be a teacher because I absolutely loved my second grade teacher Mrs. Brinker!

Aurora Schramko

Childcare Worker

Aurora is from Wayne, Ohio, and is an Elmwood graduate. She has worked most recently as a special education aide for a school in Holland, Ohio, and previously has worked as a caregiver for adults with autism. Aurora is currently studying Occupational Therapy.

Ayla Halbeisen

Childcare Worker

Ayla is originally from Cincinnati, Ohio, and is currently a Sophomore at BGSU studying Early Childhood Education. She has experience with babysitting and childcare as well as in retail

Brenda Ferguson

Teacher, Early Childhood

I grew up on a small family farm in Pioneer, Ohio. When I was little I wanted to be a veterinarian and help take care of all kinds of animals. Now my husband and I together have five children (3 girls and 2 boys). Our youngest son is a student at MSBG and our older children are alums. I started at MSBG in 2004 as an aide in the West Classroom and never left. I fell in love with everything about Montessori. From the multiage classrooms to the hands-on way of learning and everything in between. I completed my training and received my AMS Certification 2009. I also hold a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education and Care. In my spare time I love spending time with my family and dogs doing things outdoors or curled up on the couch reading a good book.

Brooke Richardson

Childcare Worker

Brooke is from Delphos, Ohio, studying Human Development and Family Services as a senior at BGSU.  She has previous experience working with children as an elementary tutor, an assistant teacher at an early learning center in her hometown, and an in-home nanny for three young children. Brooke is also a CPR-certified Lifeguard.

Camden Courtney

Childcare Worker

Camden is from Findlay and will graduate this spring with a degree in Studio Art. Camden is the oldest of seven siblings and has been babysitting for many years. She has also been a full-time in-home nanny, and Sunday School teacher, and has held retail positions. upon graduation, Camden homes to explore working with non-profits and/or teaching art.

Danielle Wallace

Childcare Worker

Danielle is joining us as a Child Care worker in our extended care program. She is from the Cleveland area and is in her junior year at BGSU studying Speech/Language pathology. She holds an Associates of Arts degree from Lakeland Community college. She has had various work experiences in the service industry, including child daycare, the TEACH program, and serving as a camp counselor.

Deb Reddin

Teacher, Upper Elementary

Deb was born in Van Nuys, California and moved to Ohio at age 9. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education from Bowling Green State University and has accumulated many post-graduate hours in language arts and science. She taught 5th and 6th grade in North Baltimore until she decided to be a stay-at-home mom while her son was enrolled in the Montessori Early Childhood program. She was very involved with the school as a mom, and then as a substitute teacher. She became a full-time teacher when the Upper Elementary class expanded in 2001. She completed her 9-12 year old Montessori Certification in 2003. Deb states, “My favorite Montessori material is the large fraction skittles used to teach division of fractions. I love this material because it very clearly demonstrates why we use the reciprocal and multiply to get the answer to a division problem.”

Heidi Croy

Building Substitute

Heidi is a current parent. She is a graduate of Roanoke College, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree in Art/Art History. She has continued her education at BGSU and the University of Findlay, earning a multi-age visual arts education license. She has studied Art History and Italian studies abroad. She has held teaching positions at the upper elementary and middle school level as well as various substituting roles. She has experience with grant writing, secretarial work, leading Godly Play classes and leading a local MOPS group – she has also worked in sales. Heid is passionate about Montessori education and has evidenced this through her “at home” homeschool Montessori classroom she designed for her own two children prior to joining MSBG.

Jakki Kleinhans

Education Consultant

Jakki will be starting a new position with MSBG as a consultant. Jakki will be working part time and remotely, and will be assisting MSBG with several things related to student learning, such as student assessment to measure learning loss and/or progress, helping to design interventions to address these losses, parent development, professional development and general support for the school.

Jasmine Streeter

Childcare Worker

Jasmine is originally from Bryan, however, now lives in Bowling Green where she and her husband are serving as foster parents. She is the youngest of seven children and has been taking care of her nieces and nephews for many years! She has served as a nursing assistant for seven years in geriatric care and is described as reliable and patient and the kindest person you’ll ever meet!

Jennifer Blakeman

Teacher, Music/Band

I grew up in Norwalk, OH. I joined MSBG in August 2015. I fell in love with Montessori because it makes sense – trust the child and his/her natural pace of development. Society screams race and compete, but that’s so unnecessary. I never had a broken bone until I was 36! I always wanted to be a teacher. I picked music because learning to play all the instruments sounded super fun!

Jennifer Sigurdson

Teacher, Lower Elementary

I am from Bowling Green, OH. I have been at MSBG since 2007. I fell in love with the way I saw the Early Childhood children learn in the classroom. I knew that I wanted my daughter to be in there as soon as possible. I am a grandmother! I have always wanted to be a teacher.

Jeremy Rober

Teacher, Middle School

I am from Dennison, OH. I joined MSBG in August 2016. Montessori suited the needs of my own child, and I fell in love with the philosophy. I have an MBA in Human Resource Management and am currently completing my Montessori Secondary I-II Credentials through CMStep. I am an Eagle Scout. When I was 10, I wanted to be a basketball player.

Kate Balusik

Teacher, Early Childhood

I am from Bowling Green, Ohio and hold a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology and Psychology from Bowling Green State University. I have been part of the MSBG community since 2008 as a parent alum of three. After being a parent volunteer for several years, I began as a classroom aide in 2015 and began teaching in 2018. I earned my American Montessori Society credential for 3-6 year olds in the Spring of 2020. The educational philosophy comes naturally to me and I appreciate that the Montessori method aims to educate the whole child. I think 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. I love that our lessons are hands-on and our curriculum allows the children to work at their own pace. In my spare time I enjoy being outside, practicing yoga and gardening. When I was 10, I wanted to be a marine biologist in Florida and work with turtles.

Kayla Commings

Childcare Worker

Kayla is currently a senior at BGSU studying Applied Health Science. She plans to pursue a graduate degree as a physician’s assistant in pediatrics. Kayla is from New Middletown, Ohio. She is an academic scholarship recipient who is active on campus with her sorority and other philanthropic service activities. She has experience working with children of all ages, as with people with Alzheimer’s. We are excited to welcome her to the MSBG family!

Kelsey Steinman

Teacher, Lower Elementary

I am from Jerry City, OH. I joined MSBG in August of 2019. I chose Montessori because I wanted to join a community where I could learn new things and broaden my knowledge on the Montessori way of teaching children. Montessori is special because within the community you always feel welcomed and supported. Also, children are inspired to learn through this amazing method of teaching. I love traveling to different places. When I was 10, I wanted to be a teacher.

Kristine Habelmann

Teacher, Upper Elementary

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 Graham

Childcare Worker

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.

Liz Resler

Teacher, Lower Elementary

I am from Port Clinton, OH. I joined MSBG in August of 1993. The fact that each child works at their own pace is a special thing about Montessori. To see our students focused and on task with activities they choose is a “good thing”. I come from a family of 8 children. I had 4 younger siblings that I would watch, play, and care for while my parents worked, perhaps preparing me for my future! When I was 10, I wanted to be a hairdresser!

Marin Zoretich

Childcare Worker

Marin is originally from Chagrin Falls, Ohio, and is currently a Junior at BGSU studying social work. She has worked as a babysitter for the last several years and is active on campus with the Catholic Falcon Core Team, providing student engagement and service opportunities. Marin is service oriented and has worked at a family service domestic violence center. She was also awarded a community service award after graduating high school.

Megan Prybylski

Teacher, Lower Elementary

I am from Van Wert, OH. I joined MSBG in August 2003. Montessori is special because of the multi-age groupings, and the nurturing environment where students can work, develop, and learn at their own pace using the Montessori materials. I have always been a dog person and have rescued many over the years, but recently we rescued a kitten and named him Flea! When I was 10, I wanted to be a teacher.

Natasha Sharma

Teacher, Upper Elementary

Natasha joined MSBG in 2021 and is a graduate of George Mason University with Doctoral work in Cultural Studies. Her Masters and Bachelors degrees are in English Literature Minoring in Creative Writing and Poetry. She has worked as a graduate teaching assistant and a researcher along with teaching children of all ages at the Sylvan Learning Center and providing individual tutoring for children. Natasha is also a Montessori child, having spent her elementary years through 6th grade in a Montessori classroom!

Paige Bulkeley

Building Substitute

Paige is our building substitute teacher and has been with MSBG since 2007 and she is an alum parent of four. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Landscape Architecture from Iowa State University. She has been the Bowling Green High School golf coach since 2009. Paige is also an Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist and is an avid golfer, volleyball player, outdoor enthusiast, loves music and yoga and encourages going barefoot. When asked what she likes best about the Montessori School she says, “I adore working with every child in the school on all different academic levels and what I learn from them. I enjoy getting to know all of the families and watching their children grow from Toddler through Middle School.”

Pam Sattler

Teacher, Toddler

I am from Elmore, OH. I 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 I was 10 I wanted to be an interior decorator and design furniture, all while raising horses on a large farm!

Renee Gross

Teacher, Early Childhood

I am from Wayne, OH. I joined MSBG in August 2014. Montessori advocates for teaching the whole child and has a deep respect for individual needs, ideas, and differences. Children develop a love of learning that is authentic and life-long. I love to go antiquing! When I was 10, I wanted to be a teacher.

Samantha Brigode

Teacher, Art

I am from Perrysburg, OH. I joined MSBG in the Summer of 2016. I love the Montessori philosophy! After teaching in a non-Montessori school for a few years prior, I have seen the difference this philosophy makes in educating the kids. I now practice this same philosophy as a parent. When I was 10, I wanted to be a teacher.

Sarah Current

Teacher, Early Childhood

I am from Medina, OH. My journey at MSBG started in 2008 when I was a junior in college. I joined MSBG in July 2011. I fell in love with Montessori as soon as I walked into the classroom. The philosophy educates and nurtures the whole child. The environment, teachers, and beautiful materials all provide a uniquely-designed, hands-on, individualized learning approach that supports natural development. Children thrive at their own pace, and foster their own life-long love of learning, which enables them to develop into happy. contributing members of a greater society. I love to play board and card games. I have been skydiving, and I enjoy oil painting. When I was 10, I wanted to be an artist, veterinarian, or professional Riverdance tap dancer!

Sarah Sutherland

Childcare Worker

Sarah is from Bay Village, Ohio. She is a sohomore at BGSU studying Early Childhood Inclusive Education. Sarah is an athlete and a scholar, earning a varsity letter in Cross Country and membership in the National Honor Society. Sarah’s experience with children ranges from babysitting to lifeguarding as well as several philanthropic service roles. She even owns her own baking business!

Sue DiBiasio

Educational Consultant

I am from East Liverpool, OH. I moved to BG when I was 12. I joined MSBG in August 1981. Montessori is the best method of education for children and adults. It’s emphasis on life-long learning, appreciation for each individual, and at the same time the community and world, is deeply meaningful for today’s world. My mom is the oldest of 9 children, and I am the oldest grandchild. I have 27 first cousins on that side of the family! When I was 10, I wanted to be a teacher.

Susan Gold

Custodian

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

Child Care Worker

Sydney Westfall 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.

Tina Steinman

Childcare Worker

Tina joined our team in 2022 and supports our early childhood east students. Tina is from Jerry City Ohio and retired after 35 faithful years as a dietary aide and cook for a local health care facility. She loves children, is easy-going and hard-working, and wants to continue working and learning new things.